{"id":3386,"date":"2016-04-04T18:32:53","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T22:32:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=3386"},"modified":"2019-07-13T11:08:06","modified_gmt":"2019-07-13T15:08:06","slug":"oil-based-vs-wax-based-colored-pencils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/oil-based-vs-wax-based-colored-pencils","title":{"rendered":"Oil-Based VS. Wax-Based Colored Pencils"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Oil-based<\/div>\n
A few months ago I published a post that took a look at the world of \u201ccolored pencils\u201d<\/a>. In this post, I covered the different \u201ccolored\u201d pencils that artists frequently use. Many of these pencils aren\u2019t true colored pencils, well not in the traditional sense anyway. <\/p>\n

Watercolor pencils, Inktense pencils, colored graphite, and pastel pencils are all pencils that feature a colored medium enclosed in a wooden shaft, but technically none of them are true colored pencils.<\/p>\n

So what are \u201ctrue\u201d colored pencils and why does it matter? <\/p>\n

Colored pencils<\/a> feature a wax-based or oil-based binder. The binder, as its name implies, holds the pigment together and allows it to be spread on the drawing surface.<\/p>\n

Most commonly, the binder found within a colored pencil is wax-based. Oil-based colored pencils behave in a similar manner as wax-based pencils but the binder within the pencil is different.<\/p>\n

Now, while it\u2019s great that there are two options when it comes to the binder of the colored pencil, it can cause a bit of confusion. (And you thought the world of \u201ccolored pencils\u201d was confusing before.) <\/p>\n

It can be difficult to choose which type of colored pencil is best for your particular application. And while I have my favorite, the only way to know for sure which you prefer is to experiment. <\/p>\n

Experimentation can get quite costly, so I\u2019ll point a few of the key differences between the two binders and how they behave so that you can make a more educated decision before you buy every pencil available out there.<\/p>\n

What’s The Difference Between Oil-Based Colored Pencils and Wax-Based Colored Pencils?<\/h2>\n

We have established that it is the binder that differentiates a wax-based pencil from an oil-based one. Wax-based colored pencils utilize a waxy binder, while oil-based pencils utilize an oil-based binder. <\/p>\n

Wax-based pencils are far more prevalent and most brands that you find fall into this category.<\/p>\n

(Some of the following links are affiliate links which means we earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.)<\/p>\n

\"Wax-based<\/a>
Wax-based Prismacolor Premiere Colored Pencils<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wax-based pencils are generally easier to erase than oil-based pencils and are usually softer. (Harder core versions of wax-based pencils are also produced, such as Verithin by Prismacolor.) They layer nicely and reach a state where burnishing occurs relatively quickly, provided you are using a quality brand. When applied fully, wax-based pencils can produce an almost “buttery” surface that is conducive for blending, layering, and mixing.<\/p>\n

\"Waxed-based
In progress wax-based colored pencil drawing from Module 12 of “The Colored Pencil Course”<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, wax-based pencils are prone to wax bloom<\/a>, a process where the waxy binder slowly evaporates to the surface of the drawing over time. This produces a light, waxy film over the surface of the drawing. Wax bloom that develops on a drawing can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth, so many consider this to be a minor drawback.<\/p>\n

Since wax-based pencils are softer than oil-based pencils, the cores tend to break easily. The simple act of allowing a pencil to roll off of a table onto the floor may shatter the core, and thus ruin the pencil.<\/p>\n

\"Oil-based<\/a>
Oil-based Polychromos Pencils<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oil-based pencils are less prevalent and may be harder to find at your local art store. They are generally only produced as a premium line of pencil. As a result, oil-based pencils are a bit pricier than their waxy counterparts.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Colored Pencil Course<\/span>
\n Learn how to use colored pencils like a pro. Learn a variety of techniques and explore several different subjects through concise and \u201ceasy to digest\u201d modules.
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The core of oil-based colored pencils are a bit harder than wax-based pencils, making them less susceptible to breakage. For this same reason, the pencil keeps a sharper point for a longer period of time.<\/p>\n

\"Oil
In progress oil-based colored pencil drawing from Module 4 of “The Colored Pencil Course”<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although they can be layered with ease, they will seldom reach the same “buttery” consistency that can be achieved with wax-based pencils. Although this waxy build up is desired by many colored pencil artists, others prefer to apply controlled layers that never reach this consistency. <\/p>\n

It should come as no surprise that oil-based pencils do not produce wax-bloom, since the binder is not wax-based.<\/p>\n

Want to see what colored pencils I recommend? Check out the colored pencil comparison chart<\/a>.<\/div>\n

Similarities in Technique<\/h2>\n

A vast majority of beginning colored pencil artists do not use the medium to its fullest potential. The tendency of the beginner is to mark lightly and use the white of the paper to create lighter values. This is natural since most of us first use a darker medium when we learn to draw. In this case, we must rely on the \u201cwhite\u201d of the paper to create lighter values and mid tones. Colored pencils, however can be layered and applied with solid applications to create a look not dissimilar to a painting. We don\u2019t need to approach colored pencils in the same way that we would approach graphite drawing.<\/p>\n

Throughout the years, I have always presented to students five keys to using colored pencils most effectively. They are as follows:<\/p>\n