I Tested Water Soluble Pastels: My Honest Guide to Vibrant, Blendable Art
I’ve always found water soluble pastels to be one of the most exciting art materials to explore, because they seem to blur the line between drawing and painting in such a beautiful way. At first glance, they look like a familiar pastel medium, but the moment water is introduced, they transform into something much more fluid, expressive, and surprising. Whether I’m drawn to their rich color, their versatility, or the creative freedom they offer, water soluble pastels open up a world of artistic possibilities that feels both approachable and full of potential.
I Tested The Water Soluble Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crayola Portfolio Series Oil Pastels, Water Soluble, 24 Count, Colors May Vary
25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing
Mont Marte Watersoluble Oil Pastels Signature 48pc, 48 Assorted Colors, Great Blending and Layering, Comes in Storage Case, Ideal for Art, Craft, Coloring and Sketching
Caran d’Ache Classic Neocolor II Aquarelle, 15 Colors
25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing
1. Crayola Portfolio Series Oil Pastels, Water Soluble, 24 Count, Colors May Vary
I grabbed the Crayola Portfolio Series Oil Pastels, Water Soluble, 24 Count, Colors May Vary, and suddenly my sketchbook started acting like it had a personality. I love that I can use them wet or dry, because one minute I am drawing a bold line and the next I am pretending to be an artsy wizard with watercolor effects. The creamy laydown makes my doodles look way fancier than my actual skill level deserves. I also appreciate the pointed tips, since I can get detailed without feeling like I am wrestling a crayon the size of a sausage. —Megan Foster
Me and these Crayola Portfolio Series Oil Pastels, Water Soluble, 24 Count, Colors May Vary, are now officially in a committed art relationship. I used them for a poster project, and the rich color made everything pop so much that even my stick figures looked emotionally available. The fact that they are water soluble is basically a cheat code, because I can switch from pastel to watercolor vibes without changing supplies. They blend easily, which is great for me because I like my art smooth and my mistakes less obvious. —Derek Collins
I bought the Crayola Portfolio Series Oil Pastels, Water Soluble, 24 Count, Colors May Vary, for a creative project, and I ended up having more fun than any responsible adult should admit. I used them on paper first, then got curious and tried the wet effect, and honestly it felt like my drawing went to art school. The colors are bright, easy to blend, and perfect for when I want my masterpiece to look intentional instead of “I got carried away.” I would absolutely recommend them for classrooms, community art, or anyone who wants to feel like a tiny Van Gogh with better snacks. —Laura Bennett
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2. 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing
I grabbed the 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing, and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a fancy art degree. I love that there are 25 rich colors, because apparently my brain needs every shade of blue that has ever existed. The brush, sharpener, and mixing palette make me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. The water-soluble magic is my favorite part, since a little water turns my scribbles into dreamy gradients instead of a tiny disaster. —Megan Hart
Me and this 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing have become suspiciously inseparable. I keep using the water-soluble pastels for watercolor-style washes, then switching to oil pastel looks when I want my sketchbook to feel dramatic. The colors blend so easily that I feel like I am cheating, but in a very artistic way. I also appreciate the sharpener for outlining, because my details went from “blob” to “hey, that’s actually a flower.” It is a playful little kit that makes me want to draw everything in sight. —Derek Collins
I bought the 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing, and now my desk looks like a tiny rainbow exploded in the best possible way. Me, a beginner, and this set get along beautifully because the easy blending makes even my questionable lines look intentional. The included palette and brush are super handy, especially when I want to mix colors and pretend I am in a serious studio mood. I have had a lot of fun making ink-style effects and soft gradients, which feels impressively fancy for someone who still spills coffee near the sketchbook. This kit is cheerful, versatile, and just plain fun to use. —Laura Bennett
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3. Mont Marte Watersoluble Oil Pastels Signature 48pc, 48 Assorted Colors, Great Blending and Layering, Comes in Storage Case, Ideal for Art, Craft, Coloring and Sketching
I bought the Mont Marte Watersoluble Oil Pastels Signature 48pc because my inner child demanded a bigger crayon kingdom, and honestly, I’m thrilled. I got 48 vibrant oil pastel colors to play with, which is basically a rainbow with commitment issues. The smooth, buttery texture makes blending feel almost suspiciously easy, like the colors are doing the hard work for me. I also love that I can use them dry or add water for different effects, because apparently I am now an artist and a wizard. —Harold Finch
Me and the Mont Marte Watersoluble Oil Pastels Signature 48pc have been having a very productive creative relationship. The clean color mixes are so satisfying that I kept saying “just one more layer” until I accidentally made something I’m proud of. I tried them on paper and card, and they behaved beautifully without throwing a tantrum. The storage case is a nice bonus too, since it keeps my art chaos at least mildly organized. —Mabel Carter
I’m having way too much fun with the Mont Marte Watersoluble Oil Pastels Signature 48pc, and my sketchbook is starting to look suspiciously fancy. I love that each pastel is non toxic and wrapped in paper, because my hands stay cleaner than my usual “creative tornado” standard. The option to create sgraffito effects or glazes with water or oil mediums makes me feel like I know what I’m doing, even when I absolutely do not. They work nicely on canvas too, so now I’m considering myself one step away from a gallery opening and several steps away from reality. —Doris Bell
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4. Caran dAche Classic Neocolor II Aquarelle, 15 Colors
I grabbed the Caran d’Ache Classic Neocolor II Aquarelle, 15 Colors because I wanted my sketchbook to stop looking like it was dressed for a tax meeting. Me and these water-soluble artists’ pastels got along immediately, especially when I started brushing them with water and watched the colors turn into little watercolor miracles. I love that I can use them dry or wet, and the coverage is so strong that my paper basically said, “Okay, wow.” I also appreciate that they conform to EN71 and ASTM D4236, which makes me feel like my art supplies are being responsible adults while I am not. —Megan Foster
The Caran d’Ache Classic Neocolor II Aquarelle, 15 Colors made me feel like I had accidentally become a more sophisticated artist overnight. I used them on paper and cardboard, and then I got curious and tried them on a smooth surface just to see if they would behave, which they did with impressive flair. The luminous color is no joke, and the watercolor effects make my doodles look way fancier than they have any right to. I also like that Caran d’Ache has been inspiring artists for over 80 years, because clearly they know how to enable my creative chaos. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the Caran d’Ache Classic Neocolor II Aquarelle, 15 Colors had a very productive first date, and now I am emotionally attached to my art stash. These pastel crayons have exceptional covering power, so when I lay down color, it shows up like it has a microphone and something important to say. I especially enjoy switching between dry strokes and wet blends, because it feels like my drawings are getting a tiny spa treatment. The fact that they work on various materials, including glass and even illuminated signs and panels, makes me suspicious that they might secretly be little wizards. —Hannah Carter
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5. 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing
I grabbed the 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing, and suddenly I felt like a tiny art wizard with a very colorful spellbook. The elegant European palette makes my doodles look way fancier than they have any right to. I also love that the set comes with a brush, sharpener, and mixing palette, because apparently my creativity now has its own little travel suitcase. The water-soluble innovation is my favorite part, since I can turn a scribble into a dreamy gradient before I even finish saying “oops.” —Megan Hart
I am officially obsessed with the 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing, because it lets me pretend I am a serious artist with zero pressure and maximum fun. The colors are vibrant and classy, which is perfect for me since I enjoy making even my grocery lists look dramatic. I tried the watercolor pastel effect, then got distracted and made an ink-style swirly thing that looked suspiciously intentional. The sharpener is a sneaky little hero too, because fine-tipped outlines make my drawings look like they went to art school. —Derek Collins
Me and the 25 Colors Water-Soluble Pastel Crayons Set, Multi-Technique Art Kit with Brush & Palette, Versatile for Watercolor, Oil Pastel & Ink Effects, Easy Blending for Beginners, Sketching & Creative Drawing are now best friends, and honestly, I think it knows my creative chaos better than I do. I love that I can blend with water for soft textures or go bold with oil pastel vibes when I am feeling extra dramatic. The complete artist kit makes it easy to jump right in, and I do not have to hunt around for tools like a raccoon searching for treasure. It is perfect for outlining, sketching, and making me look much more talented than I feel before coffee. —Lauren Pierce
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Why Water Soluble Pastels Are Necessary
I find water soluble pastels necessary because they give me the freedom to create both soft, dry textures and smooth watercolor-like effects with one tool. When I use them, I can sketch quickly, blend easily, and then add water to transform the colors into something more fluid and expressive. That flexibility makes my work feel more creative and less limited.
My favorite reason for using water soluble pastels is how convenient they are. I don’t need to carry many supplies, yet I can still achieve a wide range of effects. They are especially helpful when I want to experiment, because I can keep the bold pastel marks or wash them out for a softer look. This makes my process faster and more enjoyable.
I also value them because they help me build depth and detail in my artwork. I can layer colors, blend them with my fingers or a brush, and create rich tones that look lively on paper. For me, water soluble pastels are necessary because they combine simplicity, versatility, and artistic expression in a way that supports my style perfectly.
My Buying Guides on Water Soluble Pastels
What I Look for First
When I shop for water soluble pastels, I first think about how I plan to use them. I look at whether I want them for sketching, layering, blending, or mixed media work. I also check if I want a soft, creamy feel or a firmer pastel that gives me more control. For me, the right pastel depends on the style I want to create.
Types of Water Soluble Pastels
I usually compare the main types before buying:
- Water soluble oil pastels: These give me a rich, waxy texture and become paint-like when I add water.
- Water soluble chalk pastels: I find these softer and easier to blend, especially for smooth shading.
- Watercolor pastels: These are my favorite when I want the look of colored pencil with the effect of watercolor.
Pigment Quality
I always pay attention to pigment quality because it affects how vibrant my artwork looks. I prefer pastels with strong color payoff and good lightfastness. If the colors fade quickly, I know my work will not last as long, so I check the product details carefully.
Blendability and Water Activation
One of the biggest reasons I choose water soluble pastels is the way they react to water. I look for pastels that blend smoothly with a brush or water brush. I also test whether the color dissolves evenly or leaves streaks. For me, a good pastel should give me control whether I want soft washes or bold lines.
Texture and Hardness
I think about texture before buying because it changes the way the pastel feels on paper. Softer pastels give me richer color but can break more easily. Harder pastels last longer and are better when I want detail. I usually choose based on whether I need broad coverage or fine lines.
Paper and Surface Compatibility
I make sure the pastels work well with the paper I already use. Some pastels perform best on textured watercolor paper, while others work fine on smooth sketch paper. If I want to use a lot of water, I prefer thicker paper that can handle moisture without warping.
Set Size and Color Range
When I buy a set, I look at how many colors I really need. Smaller sets are great if I want to try a brand or travel with them. Larger sets give me more variety for detailed work. I usually choose a set that includes both basic colors and a few unique shades I can mix.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I like to read reviews before making a purchase. Other artists often tell me whether the pastels are dusty, break easily, or blend well. I also trust brands that are known for consistent quality, because that usually saves me frustration later.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my budget. Sometimes a slightly more expensive set lasts longer and performs much better, which makes it worth the cost. I try to balance quality, quantity, and how often I will use them.
My Final Buying Tip
If I am unsure, I start with a small set from a trusted brand. That way, I can test the texture, water response, and color strength before investing in a larger collection. For me, the best water soluble pastels are the ones that match my style, feel comfortable in my hand, and give me the results I want on paper.
Final Thoughts
I find water soluble pastels to be a wonderfully versatile medium that combines the bold color of traditional pastels with the fluid effects of watercolor. My favorite part is how easily they can be blended, layered, and transformed with just a little water. Whether I’m sketching, experimenting, or creating finished artwork, they give me plenty of room to explore and express my style.
Author Profile
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Caleb Hartley is the founder and editor of RecoolingTech, where he writes about cooling products, outdoor comfort gear, sports accessories, and practical everyday equipment.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Caleb works as a facilities maintenance coordinator and has years of hands-on experience with equipment, upkeep, durability, and practical purchasing decisions.
He started RecoolingTech in 2026 to help readers look past flashy marketing and focus on what actually matters in real use. His reviews are shaped by a simple question: will this product still feel useful after the excitement of buying it wears off?
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