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How to Make Oil Pastels Not Spread

Oil pastels are composed of pigments, mineral oils and waxes, creating a greasy stick that is easy to blend. Oil pastels are a very versatile medium and can work well on almost any hard surface. Problems can arise, however, as oil pastels can be messy and difficult to control, especially for an amateur artist. Practice is the best method for an artist to learn to wield and master oil pastels, but there are also other methods to curb spreading.

Things You'll Need

  • Oil pastel stick
  • Paper (grained)
  • Pencil or charcoal
  • Cotton swabs
  • Paper towels
  • Acetone (optional)
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a paper of a greater thickness and grain; a fine- to medium-grained paper can be found at any art supply store. Anything thinner, such as printer paper, will not be as compatible with oil pastels, as the colors will not adhere to the paper.

    • 2

      Plan out your sketch. Lightly sketch out with pencil or charcoal what you will be drawing. Planning ahead and knowing which colors to use will lessen the likelihood of spreading and smudging your work, if you are careful.

    • 3

      Use cotton swabs to smooth and blend small, delicate areas. Paper towels are also helpful to sop up unruly marks on your work. Also, use a paper towel to wipe off the tip of the pastel itself, as other colors may contaminate the stick if you are using multiple colors.

    • 4

      Use acetone or paint thinner if the colors have spread in spite of your other measures, but only as a last resort. Use acetone and paint thinner with great caution, so you do not ruin your work. Use gloves as a safety precaution.

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