Oil-based colored pencils offer a fantastic middle ground for artists seeking rich, blendable color without the commitment of traditional oils. Their smooth, creamy application and excellent layering capabilities make them ideal for detailed work, vibrant illustrations, and everything in between. For beginners and seasoned artists on a budget, finding a quality set that doesn’t break the bank is key to enjoying the creative process.
This roundup focuses on affordable oil-based pencil sets that deliver professional results. We have evaluated numerous options based on pigment quality, color selection, core durability, and overall value. Whether you are just starting your artistic journey or are a professional looking for a reliable secondary set, these selections provide the tools you need to bring your visions to life with brilliant, lasting color.
Top Affordable Oil Colored Pencils for Your Art
- Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors
- MyArtscape Oil Based Colored Pencils Set, 72 pcs
- Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils
- Art-n-Fly 48 Oil Pastel Pencils for Artists
- KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists
- Arteza Oil Based Colored Pencils, Set of 48
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Color Pencils, Set of 24
- Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 48 Count
Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors
This comprehensive 72-piece set is designed to meet the needs of artists at every skill level. The pencils allow for intricate blending, layering, and the creation of dramatic effects with ease. The oil-based cores provide a rich, vivid application that makes artwork stand out.
Thoughtful packaging ensures your investment is protected. The set comes in a sturdy cylindrical case, making it convenient to store and transport your art supplies. This makes it a practical choice not only for use at home but also for artists on the go.
MyArtscape Oil Based Colored Pencils Set, 72 pcs
MyArtscape offers a set of bold and vibrant oil-based pencils with break-resistant cores. The unique oil base allows for smooth blending and the creation of seamless gradients, making color layering a simple and effective process. These pencils are a reliable tool for achieving professional-looking results.
Presented in a beautiful tin box, the 72 coloring pencils are versatile and can be used on various surfaces including paper, canvas, and wood. Their formulation ensures they glide easily, providing a comfortable and efficient coloring experience for all types of projects.
Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils
The Ohuhu Halawa series features a durable 4mm oil-based soft lead that is both break-resistant and highly pigmented. This core delivers a creamy color laydown with a consistent flow of vibrant, rich color. The pencils are built for longevity, requiring less frequent sharpening during extended use.
With 72 vibrant shades, including two metallic options, this set provides a wide spectrum for bringing artwork to life. The pencils excel at seamless blending, shading, and layering without smudging. They also work exceptionally well alongside other mediums like alcohol markers and watercolors.
Art-n-Fly 48 Oil Pastel Pencils for Artists
Art-n-Fly’s pencils are known for their superior quality and rich pigment, which produces vibrant and long-lasting artworks. The oil-based core is sturdier than traditional wax pencils, allowing it to hold a finer point and avoid leaving a waxy film on the finished piece. This makes them a strong choice for detailed work.
An important feature of this set is its high lightfastness, meaning the colors are resistant to fading when exposed to light over time. This ensures that your creations maintain their original brilliance, making these pencils a dependable option for artwork you want to preserve.
KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists
For artists who need an extensive color palette, the KALOUR set of 180 colored pencils is an outstanding option. The silky smooth, velvety soft cores lay down vivid color with ease. The rich pigments and break-resistant cores are perfect for advanced techniques like blending and layering multiple colors.
Each pencil is made from high-quality basswood, which is easy to sharpen, and features a unique number and color name for simple identification. The set conforms to U.S. safety standards, making it a non-toxic and safe choice for artists of all ages.
Arteza Oil Based Colored Pencils, Set of 48
Arteza is a well-regarded brand known for providing quality art supplies at an accessible price point. Their set of 48 oil-based colored pencils is crafted to offer a smooth, creamy application that is ideal for coloring, drawing, and sketching. The pencils build up color beautifully, allowing for deep saturation and excellent blendability.
This set is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced artists looking for a reliable and affordable workhorse pencil. The pencils are designed to be durable and are well-suited for a variety of techniques and paper types.
Faber-Castell Polychromos Color Pencils, Set of 24
Faber-Castell’s Polychromos pencils are a premium artist-grade option known for their exceptional lightfastness and oil-based formulation. They feature highly concentrated pigments that provide brilliant, permanent color. The leads are break-resistant and can be sharpened to a fine point for meticulous detail work.
While this set has a higher per-pencil cost, its professional quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious artists. The excellent layering capabilities and smooth application are favored by illustrators and fine artists worldwide.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 48 Count
Prismacolor Premier is a legendary name in the world of colored pencils, celebrated for their exceptionally soft, wax-based cores that feel like butter on paper. While technically wax-based, they are often included in conversations about premium, blendable pencils and are a favorite for achieving painterly effects. The thick, soft cores allow for vibrant color saturation and effortless blending.
This 48-count set offers a wide range of colors suitable for virtually any project. Their popularity among illustrators, designers, and coloring enthusiasts is a testament to their consistent performance and rich pigment quality.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Affordable Oil Colored Pencils
When I first started looking for a good set of oil colored pencils, I was overwhelmed by the options. The key is knowing what separates a decent budget set from a frustrating one. You want tools that help you create, not hold you back. For artists and beginners building their kit, focusing on a few key areas will help you find the best value.
First, let’s talk about the core difference: oil vs. wax-based pencils. I prefer oil-based cores for their firmness. They hold a sharp point longer, which is fantastic for fine details and cross-hatching. They’re also less prone to that waxy buildup called “wax bloom” that can create a hazy film on your artwork over time. If you like layered, detailed work, the firmness of an oil-based pencil is a significant advantage.
Pigment quality is everything, even in affordable sets. Look for terms like “lightfastness,” which tells you how resistant the pigment is to fading when exposed to light. A good student-grade set will have decent lightfastness ratings. The pigment concentration also determines how vibrant your colors will look on paper. A pencil with high pigment load will feel rich and opaque, while a cheap one will feel waxy and pale. You shouldn’t have to press down hard to get a solid color.
Blendability is where the fun begins. A good set of affordable oil colored pencils should layer and mix smoothly. I test this by seeing how well two colors merge into a new shade without the paper getting muddy or the layers sliding around. Some sets blend better with a colorless blender pencil, while others work well with solvents like odorless mineral spirits for a painterly effect. Check if the set you’re looking at includes a blender—it’s a nice bonus.
Finally, consider the practicalities. How many colors are in the set? A 24-pencil set is a great starting point for beginners, offering a wide range without being overwhelming. Also, look at the barrel. Is it hexagonal to prevent rolling? Is the pencil’s name and number printed clearly? These small details make a big difference during long drawing sessions. By focusing on core firmness, pigment quality, and blendability, you can confidently choose one of the best affordable oil colored pencils that will support your artistic journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between oil and wax-based colored pencils?
The main difference lies in the binder that holds the pigment together. Wax-based pencils use a wax binder, making them generally softer, creamier, and easier to blend directly on the paper. However, they can be prone to wax bloom. Oil-based pencils use an oil binder, resulting in a firmer core that holds a sharp point for finer details and is more resistant to blooming. Many of the best affordable oil colored pencils for artists and beginners offer this superior point retention, which is great for technical work.
Can I use oil colored pencils with solvents?
Yes, and this is one of their biggest strengths! You can use a small amount of odorless mineral spirits (OMS) with a brush or a blending stump to dissolve the oil binder. This technique allows you to create smooth, painterly effects, fill in large areas quickly, and achieve seamless blends that are difficult with dry blending alone. Always test your solvents on a scrap piece of paper first to see how the pigments react.
Are these pencils suitable for a complete beginner?
Absolutely. In fact, I often recommend them. Their firmer core is more forgiving than a very soft wax pencil, giving you more control over your lines and preventing you from laying down too much pigment too quickly. This control is helpful when you’re still practicing pressure control and learning basic techniques. Starting with a firm pencil can build good habits from the start.
What paper should I use with oil colored pencils?
You have a lot of flexibility. For detailed work, a medium-tooth paper (like a hot-pressed watercolor paper or dedicated drawing paper) works well as it grabs the pigment without wearing down the point too fast. For more layers and blending, a paper with more texture or “tooth” (like a cold-pressed watercolor paper or pastel paper) is excellent because it holds more pigment. Avoid very smooth papers, as the pigment may not adhere well.
How do I prevent my drawings from smudging?
While oil pencils smudge less than wax-based ones when layering, you still need to protect the finished artwork. The best method is to use a fixative spray. Look for a workable fixative if you plan to add more layers, or a final fixative to seal the piece completely. Always spray in a well-ventilated area and follow the can’s instructions carefully. Handling your drawing by the edges also helps minimize smudging.
Do I need to buy a huge set to start?
Not at all. A set of 24 or 36 colors is a perfect starting point. It provides a good spectrum to work with and allows you to learn color mixing and layering. With a limited palette, you can focus on technique rather than being overwhelmed by choice. You can always expand your collection with open-stock pencils (sold individually) of your most-used colors later on.