Top Pastels Bulk Packs for Every Artist and Classroom
The top pick is the Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels 48 Count, which offers a wide color range and creamy texture for a reasonable price. It is ideal for artists who want quality without overspending. Its main limitation is the lack of individual wrapping, which can lead to smudging if not stored carefully.
Pastels are a versatile medium loved by artists of all levels. Whether you are a teacher stocking up for a class or a professional looking for a broad palette, buying in bulk saves money and ensures you have enough colors to work with.
This roundup highlights the best pastel bulk packs currently on Amazon. We compared each set for color selection, texture, and overall performance based on specifications and owner feedback.
What we recommend
Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels 48 Count
A 48-color set of soft oil pastels that are creamy and blendable. They are well-pigmented and offer a good range of hues. Users love their smooth application on various surfaces, though they can be a bit crumbly if pressed hard.
Pros
- Rich, vibrant colors
- Creamy texture blends well
- Great value for the number of colors
Cons
- Not individually wrapped, may smudge
- Some colors break easily
Pentel Arts Oil Pastels 50 Color Set
Pentel’s 50-color set is a staple for many artists. These oil pastels are known for their consistent quality and vibrant colors. They are less oily than some brands, which makes them easier to control for detailed work.
Pros
- Wide range of colors
- Durable and less breakage
- Trusted brand with consistent performance
Cons
- Colors may be less creamy than premium brands
- Box is not very sturdy
Sakura Cray-Pas Expressionist Oil Pastels 24 Count
Sakura Cray-Pas is a professional-grade pastel that offers exceptional color payoff and smoothness. This 24-color set is ideal for artists who need intense pigmentation and layering capabilities. It is pricier per stick, but the quality justifies the cost.
Pros
- Superior pigmentation
- Very smooth and blendable
- Professional quality
Cons
- Fewer colors than other sets
- Higher cost per pastel
Crayola Oil Pastels 28 Count
Crayola’s oil pastels are a classic choice for children and beginners. They are non-toxic and come in a sturdy box. The colors are bright and easy to use, making them perfect for school projects and home art time.
Pros
- Non-toxic and safe for kids
- Bright colors
- Easy to grip for small hands
Cons
- Less creamy and blendable
- Colors can be less vibrant than premium brands
Alphacolor Soft Pastels 144 Count
This massive 144-count set from Alphacolor provides a rainbow of chalk pastels at an unbeatable price per stick. They are perfect for classrooms and group projects where lots of pastels are needed. The colors are moderate in pigment but great for general art.
Pros
- Huge quantity for the price
- Great for sharing in classrooms
- Includes a variety of colors
Cons
- Chalky and dusty
- Colors may be less vivid
Sennelier Soft Pastel 80 Half Stick Assortment
Sennelier is a prestigious brand known for its exceptionally soft and highly pigmented pastels. This 80 half-stick set offers a vast range of colors. The half-stick size is convenient for detailed work and reduces waste. It is an investment for serious pastel artists.
Pros
- Exceptional color intensity
- Buttery smooth texture
- Wide color selection
Cons
- Very expensive
- Half sticks may be too small for large areas
Prismacolor Premier NuPastel 24 Count
Prismacolor NuPastels are firm pastels that are less crumbly and great for precise work. They work well with other media and can be sharpened. This 24-color set is ideal for artists who want the convenience of pastels with the control of pencils.
Pros
- Firm and less dusty
- Can be sharpened for fine lines
- Blend well with other media
Cons
- Not as creamy as soft pastels
- Limited color range in this set
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Color Count | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels 48 Count | 48 | Best Overall for Artists | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Pentel Arts Oil Pastels 50 Color Set | 50 | Best for Students and Hobbyists | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Sakura Cray-Pas Expressionist Oil Pastels 24 Count | 24 | Best for Professionals and Serious Artists | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Crayola Oil Pastels 28 Count | 28 | Best for Kids and Beginners | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Alphacolor Soft Pastels 144 Count | 144 | Best for Classroom Bulk Use | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | Sennelier Soft Pastel 80 Half Stick Assortment | 80 half sticks | Best for Fine Art Quality | 9.1 | Check price |
| 7 | Prismacolor Premier NuPastel 24 Count | 24 | Best for Detailed and Mixed Media Work | 8.9 | Check price |
How to choose
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between oil pastels and chalk pastels?
Oil pastels are made with a non-drying oil and wax binder, giving them a creamy, buttery texture that does not produce dust. Chalk pastels, or soft pastels, are made with pigment and a gum binder, resulting in a dry, powdery consistency that can be smudged and blended with fingers.
How many pastels do I need for a classroom?
For a classroom of 20 to 30 students, a bulk pack of 144 chalk pastels is often sufficient. This allows each student to have a variety of colors without constant sharing. Alternatively, you can purchase multiple smaller sets.
Are expensive pastels worth the money?
Expensive pastels, like those from Sennelier or Sakura Cray-Pas, offer higher pigment concentration and smoother application. For professional artists or those who prioritize quality, they are worth it. For beginners or casual use, budget-friendly options like Crayola or Pentel are sufficient.
Can I use pastels on different surfaces?
Yes, pastels work on paper, cardboard, canvas, and even wood. Heavier paper with a tooth or texture is best for pastels as it grips the pigment. You can also use pastel primers to prepare other surfaces.
How do I keep my pastels from breaking?
Store pastels in a sturdy box with dividers or in a tray with foam. Handle them gently and avoid dropping them. Some artists wrap each pastel in tissue paper to prevent them from rubbing together.
What is the shelf life of pastels?
Pastels do not expire, but they can dry out over time, especially soft pastels. Keeping them sealed in a container with a tight lid will help maintain their moisture. Oil pastels have a longer shelf life because the oil remains flexible.
Can I sharpen pastels?
Hard pastels and oil pastels can be sharpened with a sharpener or a knife. Soft pastels are too fragile and will crumble. For precision, some artists break pastels into smaller pieces or use pastel pencils.
Are pastels safe for children?
Many pastels are non-toxic and safe for children, but it is important to check for AP certification. Oil pastels are less dusty and easier for kids to handle, while chalk pastels can be messy and may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled.
How do I clean up after using pastels?
Chalk pastels create dust that can be wiped with a dry cloth or vacuum. Oil pastels do not create dust but can leave oily residue on hands, which can be washed with soap and water. Always wash hands after use to avoid smudging artwork.
The bottom line
For most artists and educators, the Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels 48 Count is the best bulk pack because it offers a great balance of quality and price. If you need a massive quantity for a classroom, go with the Alphacolor Soft Pastels 144 Count. For professional artists who demand top-tier pigmentation, the Sennelier Soft Pastel 80 Half Stick Assortment is the ultimate choice despite its high cost.
