It's not possible to make oil pastels fully "dry" in the way that acrylic or watercolor paints dry. Oil pastels remain somewhat soft and can smudge. However, you can achieve a dry feel on the surface of your finished oil pastel artwork.
Achieving a Dry Surface on Oil Pastels
The key is to apply a protective layer that creates a barrier between the oil pastel and the environment. This barrier doesn’t dry the pastel itself but makes it feel dry to the touch and prevents smudging.
Products for Creating a Dry Surface
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Acrylic Dispersions: The most common method involves using specialized acrylic dispersions. These are clear mediums specifically designed for use over oil pastels. Talens and Sennelier are two manufacturers known for offering such products. These products form a protective film over the oil pastel surface.
- How they work: These mediums are not drying agents for the pastels. Instead, they are clear acrylic solutions that, when applied, form a thin, non-sticky, protective layer. They act as a barrier.
- Barrier protection: This barrier is crucial in preventing smudging and keeping the pastel from picking up dust or fingerprints.
- Application: They are typically brushed or sprayed onto the finished artwork.
Understanding Why Oil Pastels Don't Truly Dry
Oil pastels are made with pigment, oil, and wax. Unlike water-based paints, the oil in oil pastels does not evaporate or dry. The wax is what causes the solid form but stays soft. This combination makes them permanently pliable and susceptible to smudging.
Table Summary of How to Create a Dry Surface on Oil Pastels
| Method | Function | Products | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Dispersion | Creates a protective barrier layer. | Products from brands like Talens and Sennelier. | Dry surface feel, prevents smudging, isolates oil pastel from the environment |
Alternative Methods (Less Effective)
While the acrylic dispersion method is the most effective, here are other less effective, but sometimes useful, ideas:
- Fixatives: Some fixatives for pastels can help to a small extent, but they are not specifically formulated to dry the surface of oil pastels like acrylic dispersions are. Fixatives typically contain a small amount of binder and might slightly affect the vibrancy of colors.
- Glassine paper: Placing glassine paper over the oil pastel can provide a physical barrier. This is useful for protection but does not alter the surface feel.
Key Takeaway
- Do not expect the oil pastel itself to dry. The goal is to seal the surface so that it feels dry and doesn’t smudge.
- Use specialized acrylic mediums to obtain a dry feeling surface.
