Oil Pastels vs Wax Crayons: Understanding the Key Differences for Artists and Students

When it comes to choosing colouring materials for school projects, artistic endeavors, or creative hobbies, many people wonder about the difference between oil pastels and wax crayons. While both are popular drawing and colouring mediums, they have distinct characteristics, applications, and results. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about oil pastels and wax crayons to help you make informed purchasing decisions for your artistic needs.

What Are Wax Crayons?

Wax crayons are one of the most recognizable and widely used art supplies in the world. Made primarily from paraffin wax mixed with colour pigments, these versatile tools have been a staple in classrooms and homes for generations.

Composition and Structure

Wax crayons consist of:

• Paraffin wax as the primary binder (typically 85-90%)
• Colour pigments for vibrant hues
• Additional additives for improved texture and durability

The high wax content gives crayons their characteristic firm texture and makes them easy to handle, especially for young children. Brands like Faber Castell, Crayola, and Staedtler (all available at Bienville Supplies) produce high-quality wax crayons designed for different age groups and skill levels.

Characteristics of Wax Crayons

Hardness and Texture: Wax crayons are relatively hard and firm, which makes them:

• Less likely to break during use
• Easy to grip and control
• Suitable for detailed line work
• Perfect for young learners developing fine motor skills

Colour Application:

• Produces lighter, more transparent colours
• Requires more pressure for vibrant results
• Builds up gradually through layering
• Less messy compared to other mediums

Durability:

• Highly resistant to breaking
• Long-lasting with proper care
• Maintains shape well over time
• Suitable for repeated use

What Are Oil Pastels?

Oil pastels, often called soft pastels or oil sticks, are a more sophisticated art medium that combines the intensity of oil paints with the convenience of a stick format.

Composition and Structure

Oil pastels are made from:

• Non-drying oils (mineral oil or linseed oil) as the binder
• High-quality pigments for rich, intense colours
• Wax in smaller amounts for body and stability
• Inert fillers for consistency

The oil-based composition gives pastels their creamy, buttery texture and enables smooth blending capabilities that wax crayons cannot achieve.

Characteristics of Oil Pastels

Softness and Texture: Oil pastels are notably softer and:

• Apply colour with minimal pressure
• Create thick, opaque layers
• Blend smoothly and easily
• Feel creamy and buttery to the touch

Colour Application:

• Delivers intense, vibrant colours immediately
• Provides rich, saturated coverage
• Allows for sophisticated blending techniques
• Creates painterly effects

Blendability:

• Excellent for creating gradients
• Enables smooth colour transitions
• Allows mixing directly on paper
• Supports advanced artistic techniques

Key Differences Between Oil Pastels and Wax Crayons

1. Binding Agent

Wax Crayons: Use paraffin wax as the primary binder, creating a harder, more stable stick.

Oil Pastels: Use non-drying oils as the binder, resulting in a softer, creamier consistency that never fully hardens.

2. Texture and Feel

Wax Crayons:

• Firm and hard to the touch
• Require pressure to apply colour
• Leave a slightly waxy residue
• Ideal for controlled, precise work

Oil Pastels:

• Soft and buttery consistency
• Apply colour with light touch
• Create smooth, creamy marks
• Better for expressive, loose techniques

3. Colour Intensity

Wax Crayons:

• Produce more subtle, transparent colours
• Build intensity through multiple layers
• Lighter coverage per stroke
• May appear slightly dull on dark papers

Oil Pastels:

• Deliver rich, vibrant colours immediately
• Provide opaque coverage in single strokes
• Maintain brilliance on various surfaces
• Excellent for bold, dramatic artwork

4. Blending Capabilities

Wax Crayons:

• Limited blending potential
• Colours remain relatively distinct
• Challenging to create smooth gradients
• Best for defined, separate colour areas

Oil Pastels:

• Superior blending properties
• Colours merge seamlessly
• Easy gradient creation
• Excellent for soft transitions and shading

5. Surface Adhesion

Wax Crayons:

• Stick well to most papers
• Less prone to smudging once applied
• More resistant to environmental factors
• Easier to preserve over time

Oil Pastels:

• May smudge or transfer if not fixed
• Require fixative for permanent artwork
• Can remain workable for extended periods
• More susceptible to heat and pressure

6. Cleanup and Maintenance

Wax Crayons:

• Minimal mess during use
• Easy to clean from hands and surfaces
• Don’t require fixatives
• Stain-resistant and child-friendly

Oil Pastels:

• Can be messy during application
• May stain hands and clothing
• Leave oily residue on surfaces
• Require careful handling and storage

7. Price Point

Wax Crayons:

• Generally more affordable
• Available at entry-level prices
• Cost-effective for bulk purchases
• Excellent value for basic colouring needs

At Bienville Supplies, quality wax crayons are available starting from:

• Faber Castell Crayons (12 pieces) – KSh 200
• Staedtler Wax Crayons (12 pack) – KSh 220
• Crayola Crayons (12s) – KSh 415

Oil Pastels:

• Higher price point overall
• Investment in professional-grade tools
• Worth the cost for serious artists
• Price reflects quality and versatility

Applications and Best Uses

When to Choose Wax Crayons

Pre-Primary and Primary Education (PP1-Grade 3): Wax crayons are ideal for young learners because they:

• Support fine motor skill development
• Are safe and non-toxic
• Withstand enthusiastic handling
• Produce consistent results
• Clean up easily

Everyday Colouring:

• Colouring books
• Simple drawings and sketches
• School assignments
• Craft projects
• Home activities

Detailed Work:

• Line drawings
• Precise outlines
• Text and lettering
• Intricate patterns
• Technical illustrations

Children’s Art:

• Safe for ages 3 and up
• Easy for small hands to grip
• Minimal supervision required
• Less mess for parents
• Affordable for group activities

When to Choose Oil Pastels

Advanced Art Classes (Upper Primary – Secondary): Oil pastels suit older students who:

• Understand blending techniques
• Can work more carefully
• Want to create sophisticated artwork
• Are developing artistic skills
• Need professional-quality results

Professional and Fine Art:

• Gallery-quality pieces
• Expressive artwork
• Landscape and portrait work
• Mixed media compositions
• Exhibition pieces

Artistic Techniques:

• Blending and shading
• Colour mixing
• Layering effects
• Sgraffito (scratching through layers)
• Impasto (thick application)

Creative Expression:

• Abstract art
• Contemporary pieces
• Experimental work
• Illustrative projects
• Personal artistic development

Comparison Chart: Oil Pastels vs Wax Crayons

Feature	Wax Crayons	Oil Pastels
Primary Binder	Paraffin wax	Non-drying oils
Texture	Hard and firm	Soft and creamy
Colour Intensity	Moderate, transparent	Rich, opaque
Blending	Limited	Excellent
Messiness	Low	Moderate to High
Best for Ages	3+ years	8+ years
Price Range	Budget-friendly	Higher investment
Durability	Very durable	Requires fixative
Cleanup	Easy	More involved
Learning Curve	Minimal	Moderate
Professional Use	Limited	Extensive

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Wax Crayons If You:

• Have young children (Pre-Primary to Lower Primary)
• Need affordable, everyday colouring supplies
• Want mess-free, easy-to-use materials
• Require durable tools for heavy use
• Prefer simple cleanup
• Need materials for large groups
• Want safe, non-toxic options
• Are purchasing for CBC Pre-Primary or Lower Primary kits

Bienville Supplies offers excellent wax crayon options including Jumbo Crayons (12 colours) at KSh 350, specifically designed for young learners with larger, easier-to-grip sizes.

Choose Oil Pastels If You:

• Are working with older students or adults
• Want professional-quality artistic results
• Need superior blending capabilities
• Create artwork for display or sale
• Have experience with art materials
• Can invest in higher-quality supplies
• Work in a controlled environment
• Are pursuing serious artistic development

Phoenix Soft Chalk Pastels (KSh 850) available at Bienville Supplies offer excellent quality for students and artists ready to explore more advanced techniques.

Tips for Using Wax Crayons Effectively

1. Layering Technique

Build colour intensity by applying multiple light layers rather than pressing hard with a single stroke.

2. Blending with Heat

Gently warm the crayon or use a heat tool to slightly soften wax for limited blending effects.

3. Resist Techniques

Combine wax crayons with watercolours for beautiful resist effects in mixed media projects.

4. Scratch Art

Apply thick layers of dark crayon over bright colours, then scratch patterns to reveal the colours beneath.

5. Melted Crayon Art

For advanced projects, carefully melt crayons to create abstract designs and flowing patterns.

Tips for Using Oil Pastels Effectively

1. Start Light

Begin with light colours and progress to darks, as it’s easier to darken than lighten oil pastel work.

2. Blending Tools

Use fingers, cotton swabs, blending stumps, or tissue paper to achieve smooth colour transitions.

3. Fixative Application

Apply workable or final fixative to preserve your artwork and prevent smudging.

4. Layering Strategy

Allow each layer to set slightly before applying the next for better colour depth.

5. Surface Selection

Choose textured papers or pastel papers for best adhesion and colour retention.

Storage and Preservation

Storing Wax Crayons

• Keep in cool, dry places
• Avoid direct sunlight and heat
• Store in original boxes or containers
• Separate by colour for easy access
• Keep away from soft surfaces they might mark

Storing Oil Pastels

• Store horizontally in protective boxes
• Keep away from heat sources
• Separate colours to prevent cross-contamination
• Wrap finished artwork in glassine paper
• Use fixative on completed pieces
• Store artwork flat, not rolled

CBC Curriculum Considerations

The Competency-Based Curriculum in Kenya emphasizes hands-on learning and creative expression across all grade levels. Understanding which medium suits each level helps parents and schools make appropriate choices.

Pre-Primary and Lower Primary (PP1-Grade 3)

Recommended: Wax crayons, particularly jumbo sizes

These levels focus on:

• Developing fine motor skills
• Basic colour recognition
• Simple creative expression
• Safe, supervised art activities

Bienville Supplies’ CBC School Kits include age-appropriate wax crayons for these levels.

Upper Primary (Grade 4-6)

Recommended: Quality wax crayons with introduction to basic pastels

Students at this level:

• Have better motor control
• Understand colour theory basics
• Can follow more complex instructions
• Begin experimenting with techniques

Junior Secondary (Grade 7-9)

Recommended: Both wax crayons and oil pastels for different applications

These learners:

• Create sophisticated artwork
• Work independently with materials
• Understand artistic concepts
• Prepare portfolio pieces

Safety Considerations

Wax Crayons Safety

• Non-toxic and safe for young children
• Food-grade pigments in quality brands
• No harmful fumes or vapours
• Safe if accidentally ingested (though discouraged)
• ASTM certified for safety standards

Oil Pastels Safety

• Generally non-toxic but require more supervision
• Not recommended for children under 8
• Should not be ingested
• May cause staining if not handled properly
• Require adult guidance for young users

Environmental Considerations

Wax Crayons

• Made from petroleum-based paraffin wax
• Some brands offer plant-based alternatives
• Long-lasting reduces replacement frequency
• Minimal packaging waste
• Can be recycled through specialized programs

Oil Pastels

• Oil-based formulations
• Require fixatives (aerosol or pump)
• Produce some chemical waste
• Higher quality means longer lifespan
• Professional grade reduces frequent replacement

Where to Buy Quality Pastels and Crayons in Kenya

Bienville Supplies Ltd is your trusted source for both wax crayons and oil pastels in Kenya. Located in Nairobi and serving customers nationwide, Bienville Supplies offers:

Product Range

Wax Crayons Available:

• Faber Castell Crayons Regular Wax (12 pieces, 75mm) – KSh 200
• Staedtler Wax Crayons (Pack of 12) – KSh 220
• Crayola Crayons (12s) – KSh 415
• Jumbo Crayons (12 colours) – KSh 350

Pastels and Related Supplies:

• Phoenix Soft Chalk Pastels – KSh 850
• Faber Castell Poster Colours (6 pieces) – KSh 450
• Watercolor Cakes (12 pieces) – KSh 330

Why Choose Bienville Supplies

Quality Assurance:

• Authentic branded products
• Non-toxic, safety-certified materials
• Age-appropriate options
• CBC-compliant supplies

Convenience:

• Complete school kits available
• Individual items for specific needs
• Online ordering platform
• Nationwide delivery

Affordability:

• Competitive pricing
• Bulk order discounts for schools
• Value-packed bundles
• Regular promotions and offers

Customer Support:

• Expert guidance on product selection
• Responsive customer service
• Order tracking capabilities
• Hassle-free returns and exchanges

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The decision between oil pastels and wax crayons ultimately depends on several factors:

Consider the User’s Age and Skill Level

For young children just beginning their artistic journey, wax crayons provide a perfect introduction. Their durability, ease of use, and safety make them ideal for ages 3-8.

As students mature and develop artistic skills (typically age 8 and beyond), oil pastels become appropriate for those interested in more advanced techniques and professional-quality results.

Evaluate the Project Requirements

Simple colouring projects, school assignments, and everyday activities work wonderfully with wax crayons. They deliver consistent results without requiring special techniques or extensive cleanup.

Artistic projects, portfolio pieces, and exhibition-quality work benefit from oil pastels’ superior blending capabilities and colour intensity.

Budget Considerations

For families and schools managing budgets, wax crayons offer exceptional value. Their lower price point and durability make them economical for regular use.

Oil pastels represent an investment in quality artistic tools. While more expensive initially, they deliver professional results that justify the cost for serious art students and enthusiasts.

Available Space and Storage

Wax crayons require minimal special storage and maintain their quality in various conditions, making them practical for classrooms and homes with limited space.

Oil pastels need careful storage away from heat and require proper preservation techniques for finished artwork, which may require additional supplies and space.

Conclusion

Both oil pastels and wax crayons have valuable places in art education and creative expression. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right medium for your specific needs.

Wax crayons excel as safe, affordable, durable tools for young learners, everyday colouring, and detailed work. Their firm texture and easy cleanup make them perfect for CBC Pre-Primary through Lower Primary students and anyone seeking reliable, mess-free colouring supplies.

Oil pastels shine when you need rich colours, sophisticated blending, and professional-quality results. They’re ideal for Upper Primary through Secondary students, serious art students, and anyone pursuing artistic development.

Whether you choose the time-tested reliability of wax crayons or the artistic sophistication of oil pastels, Bienville Supplies has everything you need to support creative expression at every level.

Shop Art Supplies at Bienville Supplies

Ready to equip yourself or your students with quality art materials? Visit www.bienvillesupplies.co.ke to explore the complete range of wax crayons, oil pastels, and comprehensive art supplies.

Contact Information

Bienville Supplies Ltd

• Website: www.bienvillesupplies.co.ke
• Phone: +254 111 292 000
• Email: info@bienvillesupplies.co.ke
• WhatsApp: +254 111 292 000
• Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Complete CBC School Kits Available

Save time and ensure your child has all necessary supplies with Bienville’s ready-made CBC School Kits:

• Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2) Kit – KSh 1,850
• Lower Primary (Grade 1-3) Kit – KSh 3,076
• Upper Primary (Grade 4-6) Kit – KSh 5,895
• Junior Secondary (Grade 7-9) Kit – KSh 5,662

Each kit includes appropriate colouring materials along with all other essential school supplies, bundled for convenience and value.

Order Today

Experience the convenience of shopping for quality art supplies from Kenya’s trusted educational materials supplier. With fast nationwide delivery, competitive prices, and expert customer support, Bienville Supplies makes it easy to get the right materials for every artistic need.

Invest in quality. Choose wisely. Create beautifully with Bienville Supplies.

---