What Is the Difference Between H&B Oil Pastels and Regular Crayons?
H&B oil pastels deliver richer, creamier, blendable color with higher opacity than wax-based crayons, and work on paper, canvas, wood and mixed media.
Oil Pastel vs Crayon: Composition and Performance
Regular crayons are primarily wax with a small pigment load, which makes them firm and durable but limited in coverage and blending. H&B oil pastels bind concentrated pigment with non-drying oil and wax, producing a softer, creamier stick that lays down smooth, saturated color. The result is stronger opacity, smoother layering and true blending capability that wax crayons cannot match.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Composition: oil + wax binder vs pure wax, giving a creamier texture
- Color payoff: higher pigment concentration and saturation
- Blending: layers and mixes smoothly for shading techniques
- Surfaces: performs on paper, canvas, cardboard and wood
- Kids-safe options: washable formulas available, EN71 and ASTM D-4236 compliant