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Wax vs. Oil-Based Pencils:
Which One is Right for You?

As a coloured pencil artist, you're likely no stranger to the world of vibrant colours and delicate details. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes some pencils exceptional, while others fall flat?

The answer lies in their composition and manufacturing process.

In this article, we'll explore the world of wax and oil-based coloured pencils, looking at the differences between them and how to choose the best brand for your artistic needs.

The Making of a Coloured Pencil

To understand the intricacies of coloured pencils, let's take a closer look at how they're made.

The manufacturing process and composition play a significant role in determining their characteristics and overall quality.

For instance, Pablo and Luminance pencils are made using a unique blend of pigments, gum binders, and fillers.

Pigments provide the colour, while binders (such as wax or oil) help the pigment adhere to the paper and glide smoothly. Additives, like clays and fillers, modify the colour and provide durability.

But what's the ideal balance of these ingredients?

A soft pencil core can be prone to shattering or breaking when sharpened, while a core that's too hard can make it difficult to lay down colour. The key is finding the perfect balance between softness and hardness.

Caran d'Ache gave us the following information about their Pablo brand ...

The process is what we call the non direct process. Leads are made of powders (pigments, of course, talcum and clay) and binders (always 2 kind of binders - gums). The leads are first extruded, dried for 8 hours and then soaked in molten waxes for 24 hours (like chips).

This is the non direct way to impregnate the leads with wax. In this case, the content of waxes is less than 10% of the total weight of the lead.

They went on to explain...

"The low level of wax in the final pencil means that there will be a medium hardness in the 'touch' as the pencil is applied to the paper. A further benefit is that this will be unlikely to produce a wax bloom in the final artwork."

On the other hand, they shared the following information about their Luminance pencils...

LUMINANCE is a mainly oil based and direct pencil. Leads are made of powders, waxes, and hydrogenated oil (solid, not liquid), and natural organic binder (gum). The leads are first extruded, then dried during 8 hours and then stay in stock during 2 months before being used to make the pencils.

Direct, in this case, mean that the waxes (and oil) are directly incorporate in the recipe. Leads are not soaked.

In this case, the content of waxes is less than 30% of the total weight of the lead

They told us that this means...

"The higher percentage of waxes and oils gives the softer feel to the pencils, the higher oil content gives the protection against blooming."

How Composition Affects Performance

We now know that the characteristics of a coloured pencil are a direct result of its composition.

Understanding these characteristics is crucial in choosing the right brand for your artistic needs. Here are a few ways composition affects performance:

  • A softer wax-based core may be better suited for blending and shading
  • Harder oil-based pencils may be more suitable for detailed work

Real-World Applications

While understanding the characteristics of coloured pencils is essential, it's equally important to consider how they perform in real-world applications.

The usage and performance of a pencil can make all the difference in achieving the desired results.

Some brands are better suited for specific tasks than others.

Ask yourself how you plan to use them:

  • Will you be using them for detailed work or for bold, expressive strokes?
  • Do you need a range of subtle colors or a few vibrant hues?
  • Are you looking for durability or ease of blending?

By targeting your specific needs, you can choose the right pencils to help you achieve your artistic goals. Also consider the following factors:

  • Pigment quality: Look for pencils with high-quality, lightfast pigments that will resist fading over time.
  • Binder type: Wax-based pencils are ideal for smooth, even coverage, while oil-based pencils are better suited for detailed work and layering.
  • Additives: Some pencils contain fillers that can affect the colour's vibrancy and durability. Look for pencils with minimal fillers for the best results.

The Science Behind Wax Bloom and Colour Separation

Wax bloom and colour separation are common issues that can affect the quality of your coloured pencil artwork.

But what causes them?

According to Caran d'Ache...

Blooming appears when you put down heavy layers or the artwork is sensitive to humidity, but it can also be a problem of "bad" formulation. If you mix vinegar and oil, you know what happens ? They can separate.

Archaeologists have found roman coins which were made (2000 years ago) with a mixture of silver and bronze, and when you analyse these coins, you find that these 2 metals are now separate. The heart of the coin is pure silver and external part is pure bronze.

This is to illustrate the fact that if you mix 2 synthetic waxes which are chemically not compatible, one of these waxes can migrate after weeks or months or years.

I don't know the recipes of all our competitors, but when they talk about oil based pencils, I think that most of the end users consider that they use liquid oils (as the one they use in the salad). There is a chemical process which produces a reaction between hydrogen and oil and you get what we call hydrogenated oil, which is solid and looks like a wax. It is this product we also use in LUMINANCE, and the reason why I say that it an oil based pencil.

What about other brands?

Coloured pencils from different manufacturers vary in their composition, and some are more prone to wax bloom than others.

Prismacolor Premier pencils, for instance, are often cited as a source of complaints about wax bloom, suggesting they have a high wax content.

Derwent Coloursoft pencils also likely contain a high level of waxes, although they seem to be less affected by blooming, possibly due to less frequent use in hot conditions.

In contrast, Derwent's Lightfast brand are oil-based pencils, which may indicate a trend towards oil-based formulations. Other European manufacturers often blend wax and oil in their pencils, which appears to minimize bloom issues.

The key factor in a coloured pencil's performance is not the type of ingredients used, but rather the ratio of oils to waxes.

Softer pencils with a higher oil content lay down colour more easily, but are used up faster and struggle to maintain a fine point.

Harder pencils, like those in Derwent's Artists and Studio ranges, contain more clay and retain a fine point, making them ideal for detailed work, such as botanical art.

We have a whole page about Derwent pencils here. 

When testing a new brand, you may find that lower-priced coloured pencils produce weaker colours due to a higher proportion of fillers compared to more expensive pigments.

Unfortunately, detailed information about pigments and formulations is scarce today, due to commercial security concerns.

In the meantime...

By understanding the composition of coloured pencils and the differences between wax and oil-based pencils, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your artwork to life.

Experiment with different pencils, techniques, and styles to find what works best for you, and don't be afraid to push the boundaries of what's possible with coloured pencils.

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