How to Preserve Oil Pastels

Oil Pastel Painting by Alina Bradford

Oil pastels can be expensive, so you'll want to protect your collection from damage. This can easily be done with a few simple techniques and methods. Here is how to keep your pastels like new and ready for painting.

Things You'll Need

• Oil pastels
• Ridged storage boxes
• Soft piece of fabric or batting
• Dry cloth

Instructions

1. Find a place in your home or studio to keep your pastels that doesn't get too warm. Heat can ruin the shape, feel and pigment of an oil pastel. It can also make colors blend if the pastels are touching.

2. Separate each pastel, if possible. Believe it or not, oil pastels can contaminate each other, making the color less pure. Try storing your pastels in boxes with ridges that hold each stick in place.

3. Try to keep your pastels from being bumped around when you are traveling, to avoid breakage. Add a soft piece of fabric or batting to their box to cushion any jarring movements.

4. Wipe each pastel lightly with a dry cloth after using it. This will remove any color contamination from blending.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not leave your pastels in the sun or near a heat source. They will melt!