Oil pastels??

[Shawn R. L.]

Just wanting to get opinions and experiences of those who have used oil pastels. I've been messing with alkyds lately and really like the results, control, and unbelievably smooth transitions. Seemed oil pastels may be similar but I didn't want to plunk down the cash without getting some feedback.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Use them in what context Shawn?
On models or on canvas/paper.

I've been bought a set of Oils Pastels myself, but since my pastel experience has been limited to the chalk versions, Model & Paper, I've no form of reference.

 

[Einion]

For minis? No, I wouldn't have thought so - think of them like grownup Crayolas.

Einion

 

[daemon boy]

I don't think that they would stick to minis. The pastel would also need to be carved to a point and they are very soft, so will break easily.

 

[Beelzebrush]

I use them on canvas quite a lot but can't imagine how you'd effectively use them on minis to be honest.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

I was thinking of them for mini's. Yes, they would be WAY to big to use in the 'raw' form they come in. I was thinking of using the powder, and the oil in it would presumably help them stick to the mini. Would this just be oil paints in another form? Is there something different in the actual makeup of oil pastels that would make them different than the alkyds I've been using. The alkyds are translucent and thus make for real good 'washes.'

 

[Dragonsreach]

I was thinking of using the powder, and the oil in it would presumably help them stick to the mini. Would this just be oil paints in another form?

Errrm. Had a look at the one's I've been bought and as Einion says they are like Crayolas, which means a wax base rather than an Oil.
You might be able to do something with them using ordourless solvent, BUT test it on something non critical first.

 

[Donga]

Errrm. Had a look at the one's I've been bought and as Einion says they are like Crayolas, which means a wax base rather than an Oil.

It's a 'stand oil' base, which is a very very thick version of linseed oil. They do mix with white spirits/turpentine/linseed oil the same as oils. The only issue you would have with them over tube type oils is the sheen will be virtually impossible to get rid of (stand oil has a natural sheen once dry). Tube oils have a much more instant working properties, you would have to mix and dilute oil bars with a solvent to work on minis. On most 'artist quality' ones they would have a good pigment content.

Like Beezlebrush I used them alot on paper and canvas while at Art College (probably the same art college as Beezlebrush). I do like them alot and they have great working properties but I wouldn't apply directly to a miniature.

 

[freakinacage]

For minis? No, I wouldn't have thought so - think of them like grownup Crayolas.

Einion

ahh, but they are for grownups then?!!

 

[aon14]

I used to use pastels for weathering my 1/35 scale tanks way back when mig pigments didn't exist.
They were dry, more like chalk than wax.
I shaved off some dust and then applied that with a dry brush.

If you like the long term blending of oils/alkyds but might prefer that in acrylics then check out atelier interactive. Google em. They work like oils and you can "reactivate" them with water for a while after they're touch dry. With the retarder their open time is up to a day or so. Plus there's an unlocker that allows you to work them even after completely dry.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

When you get down to the size of a mini, the grind of pigment can be much more noticeable. Do they lay on smooth or gritty?.............which could be used to one's benefit.

 

[DXM]

I used to use pastels for weathering my 1/35 scale tanks way back when mig pigments didn't exist.
They were dry, more like chalk than wax.
I shaved off some dust and then applied that with a dry brush.
.

What your talking about are Chalk Pastels, Oil pastels is exactly what was described above posts, oil based crayons.

 

[Dragonsreach]

It's a 'stand oil' base, which is a very very thick version of linseed oil.

Cheers for that explanation. Still feels like old schol crayons though.

ahh, but they are for grownups then?!!

As grownup as we ever get.

 

[Donga]

When you get down to the size of a mini, the grind of pigment can be much more noticeable. Do they lay on smooth or gritty?.............which could be used to one's benefit.

I think the name 'oil pastels' is slightly misleading, another name for them is 'oil bar.' Think of them like oils paints in solid form NOT pastels. They are not grainy at all, just like oil paints the pigment is very fine ground.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

I think the name 'oil pastels' is slightly misleading, another name for them is 'oil bar.' Think of them like oils paints in solid form NOT pastels. They are not grainy at all, just like oil paints the pigment is very fine ground.

That answers alot. That's why I was hesitant to buy them. I wondered if they were just, more or less, oil paints in a different form.

:clown:Thanks all for the input.:clown:

 

[Ghudra]

It sounds like you might want to look at using chalk pastels.

You can shave really fine dust off of the pastel with a hobby knife/razor and use that with Dorland's wax medium,acrylic medium, or with white spirits. You get the great color of the pastel and you can use it in multiple ways.

On the other hand, I could see possibly using oil pastels for some "wet" effects.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

It sounds like you might want to look at using chalk pastels.

You can shave really fine dust off of the pastel with a hobby knife/razor and use that with Dorland's wax medium,acrylic medium, or with white spirits. You get the great color of the pastel and you can use it in multiple ways.

On the other hand, I could see possibly using oil pastels for some "wet" effects.

How much, if any, do the chalk colors change when dull/clear coated?

 

[Einion]

You can shave really fine dust off of the pastel with a hobby knife/razor and use that with Dorland's wax medium,acrylic medium, or with white spirits.

Or used dry of course.

They tend to be a bit stubborn when it comes to adding plain water but with a bit of work they can be made into a paste, as with white spirit.

On the other hand, I could see possibly using oil pastels for some "wet" effects.

Wouldn't oil paint or alkds be simpler for this, with the assurance that they'll harden properly so less chance of them getting dust sticking to them? Come to that, acrylics + gloss medium would be my first choice for this!

How much, if any, do the chalk colors change when dull/clear coated?

Depends a bit, unfortunately it's something where you'd have to test to see. There have been comments posted where the effect almost vanished but other people report that it just takes it down a notch. So it might depend on which colours as well as how much was used.

The exact makeup of the pastel could be a factor too, although they would all be pretty similar in ingredients (pigment + filler + binder) the type of binder might make a difference, hard to know.

Einion

 

[Dragonsreach]

How much, if any, do the chalk colors change when dull/clear coated?

Very little, I've just found a slight toning down of the colour.
Having said that I applied them directly onto a thin line of VMC Matt Varnish.

It's a good way, If slightly messy, to get rust/corrosion effects.
Word of warning don't scrape the pastels while wearing a white shirt.....:laugh:

 

[Einion]

Word of warning don't scrape the pastels while wearing a white shirt.....:laugh:

Ah go on, tell us the story! :smile-big:

Einion