Pentel Oil Pastel Set Review: Vibrant Value Verdict
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up best: “Rich colors for cheap — my daughter’s eyes lit up when she opened the case.” On the strength of consistent praise for vibrancy, blendability, and portability, the Pentel Oil Pastel Set with Carrying Case, 36-Color lands at a solid 8.5/10. While most users celebrate its value, beginners and classroom artists should note a few caveats on durability and scent.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Highly recommended for students, hobbyists, and casual artists; advanced pastel users may prefer higher-grade options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant, rich colors praised across platforms | Some sticks break easily under heavy pressure |
| Smooth blendability for shading/tints | Occasional reports of unpleasant chemical smell |
| Sturdy, portable case keeps pastels organized | Short stick length may frustrate professionals |
| Affordable with good global availability | Texture feels more like crayons to some users |
| Acid-free and humidity resistant | Product description errors on certain listings |
Claims vs Reality
Pentel markets this set as applying “smoothly” with “more vibrant color than chalk pastels” and an acid-free formula for longevity. Digging deeper into user reports, the vibrancy claim is widely affirmed. A Trustpilot reviewer stated: “Good quality pastels. Good price. Reasonable shipping time… really vivid colors for my granddaughter’s artwork.” The “more vivid than chalk” line holds true for casual artists and students, especially when compared to school-grade chalk pastels that can appear dusty and pale.
The smooth application claim also finds resonance. A Staples customer shared: “Good beginner set… easy to use and colors were great.” However, some experienced pastel users noted the texture sits between soft oil and crayon-like stiffness. Verified buyer feedback on Trustpilot pointed out: “It’s ok… more like crayons. For kids’ initial stages it’s ok… not much great.”
As for longevity, Amazon and eBay sellers highlight the acid-free, humidity-resistant composition. Trustpilot stories back this up indirectly, with parents mentioning artwork lasting without smudging — although no long-term fading issues were specifically documented. Notably, a minority raised concerns about breakage and handling. One eBay product note emphasized “strong resilient sticks to reduce breakage,” but Reddit’s artistic community cautioned that “creamy softness” can result in fragility during bold strokes.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A recurring pattern emerged around color range and aesthetic appeal. OfficeSupply reviewers described them as “rich, fade-resistant color” that works well on “board, paper, and canvas.” For hobbyists and students, this meant freedom of expression. In Bangladesh, the accessible price made them a hit among aspiring artists — a Reddit-based summary celebrated the “vibrant colors, sturdy case, and premium materials… an excellent choice for any artist.”
Portability also gained universal commendation. The carrying case drew acclaim as “stylish and practical,” keeping pastels “in excellent condition” for travel to art classes. Parents loved its durability for kids — “The kids like them very much. It’s easy to use,” one Trustpilot post noted.
Price-to-quality ratio stood out. On eBay, buyers repeatedly described the set as “great value for Pentel branded quality.” Affordable pricing in multiple currencies made it accessible internationally, from Singapore to the UK.
Common Complaints
Fragility has surfaced as the most consistent gripe. While most sticks hold up under normal use, heavy-handed application can cause breakage. A few Trustpilot voices expressed disappointment when pastels snapped mid-project.
The chemical odor issue is less frequent but impactful when encountered. A Trustpilot reviewer recalled: “Smelled like an auto garage… wasn’t able to use these. Gave them away.”
Size also frustrates some users. With each stick at about 2.38 inches, seasoned artists seeking large-scale coverage found them limiting. Comparisons to crayons further divide expectations — newcomers might enjoy the waxy familiarity; professional pastelists might miss the soft buttery laydown of high-end brands.
Description accuracy is another friction point. One Amazon reviewer warned: “Description completely inaccurate… doesn’t come with all items listed.” This suggests caution when buying from third-party sellers.
Divisive Features
The creamy texture is praised for blending ease, yet it’s also the source of breakage for the heavy-handed. For beginners, this softness is “perfect for smooth blending,” Reddit community summaries explained. For professionals, more structure might be preferred.
The case’s bright pink or blue styling appeals to younger users and hobbyists, but neutral-tone shoppers find it less compatible with professional studio setups.
Trust & Reliability
Ordering experiences vary dramatically depending on the seller. Staples and OfficeSupply customers enjoy “fast delivery” and “good value,” whereas others report delays and tracking failures — one frustrated buyer noting: “Took a month to get it, tracking failed.”
Long-term durability is promising in anecdotal form. Reddit sources emphasize their resistance to breaking “for both beginners and experienced artists” when handled with care. Humidity resistance is particularly appreciated in tropical climates where chalk pastels falter.
However, the product description inaccuracies, especially on Amazon, erode trust. While not a scam scenario, these mistakes can mislead buyers expecting bundled art tools.
Alternatives
Few direct competitors are mentioned in the data. Comparisons are mainly to chalk pastels, which these oil pastels surpass in vibrancy and humidity resistance. There’s an implied distinction between Pentel’s mid-grade positioning and premium professional brands, which may offer softer, larger pastels but at much higher cost.
Price & Value
Current market prices range from about $4.59 (Zoro bulk rates) to $14.00 (eBay international listings), illustrating wide spread depending on region and seller. Resale potential is modest, as these are positioned as consumable student-grade tools; unopened sets retain close to retail on eBay due to Pentel’s trusted brand.
Community buying tips include scanning for official Pentel distributors to avoid inaccurate listings. One Trustpilot poster recommended grabbing multiples when discounted: “Love the low price… must order another package before it runs out.”
FAQ
Q: Are these suitable for professional artwork?
A: They deliver vibrant, blendable colors, but professionals may find stick size and texture limiting. Many advanced pastelists prefer larger, softer formats for extensive work.
Q: Do they have a strong smell?
A: Most buyers don’t report odor, but occasional feedback mentions a chemical scent. If sensitive, test a small portion before committing to extended use.
Q: How portable is the set?
A: Highly portable. The sturdy plastic case keeps pastels secure, making it ideal for students, travel sketching, and classroom use.
Q: Can kids use them safely?
A: Yes, they’re ACMI AP non-toxic certified and safe for ages 5+, but they’re not suitable for children under 3 due to small parts.
Q: Do they work on surfaces beyond paper?
A: Yes, many users enjoy them on canvas and artboard. The texture and binding agents handle both porous and rigid surfaces effectively.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, hobbyist, or parent seeking an affordable, vibrant pastel set with solid portability. Avoid if you require large sticks for professional-scale projects or have strong sensitivity to art material odors. Pro tip from community: pick them up during back-to-school or bulk retailer sales and store in their case to extend usable life.
