How to revive old hardened oil pastels?

Question

Hi, i ve recently started to use oil pastels again but my old set has already hardened. Is there any way to revive the oil pastels? Btw, i m using pentel oil pastels. Pls help :)

Answer 1

If you know what solvent or driers were present in the paint you can add it back in. Without this knowledge all you can do is experiment with small amounts. Start with white spirit (not turpentine) as this is a constituent of domestic oil paint. Maybe boiled linseed oil too. My bet is that the white spirit is likely to work.

Answer 2

I usually find warming them slightly helps, I've had mine for years and they're fine. Roll them in your hands to warm them, don't use artificial heat sources or you could melt them.