Your guide to R&F Pigment oil sticks

What are Pigment Sticks®?

Pigment Sticks® are a high-quality oil paint with just enough wax to be shaped into a stick. They allow you to draw directly on a surface without brushes, palettes, paint tubes or solvents.

R&F uses only the basic traditional materials: natural wax (beeswax and plant wax), linseed oil and pigment. The result is an oil stick with a soft, lipstick-like consistency.

R&F Pigment Sticks® contain none of the additives, extenders, substitutes or aids commonly used in industrial production. Although the use of these adulterants can save time and reduce costs, they lower the quality of the paint.

To do without them, it is necessary to create a very precise balance of ingredients. R&F formulas are complex and their production is labor-intensive, handmade in small batches, carefully ground and shaped.

How can you use Pigment Sticks®?

Pigment Sticks® are excellent as standalone painting and drawing tools. They allow artists to loosen up, be spontaneous and gestural.

Unlike industrial production, Pigment Sticks® contain no additives, fillers or substitute ingredients that can impair quality. Achieving the right balance of ingredients requires precise formulas and a labor-intensive, handmade production process. Each batch is made in small quantities, ground thoroughly and molded with great care.

Pigment Sticks® work both as standalone painting and drawing tools and as a natural bridge between drawing and painting. They invite spontaneity, movement and a freer use of color. With a total of 91 shades, the palette offers a much wider creative scope than the classic, limited color gamut.

Can Pigment Sticks® be used with oil paints in tubes?

Yes, they can! R&F Pigment Sticks® can be combined directly with traditional oil paint in tubes and allow you to add color, texture and detail in an easy and creative way. Use them to build layers, create light and contrast or add visual textures.

Benefits of R&F Pigment Sticks®:

• Mixable with tube oil paints and oil paint mediums

• Easily diluted with turpentine or white spirit

• Use with oil, linseed oil, alkyd media or resin gels

• Ideal for layering effects, highlights and texture

• Can be applied with a brush, paint knife or directly on the surface

Base and primer for R&F Pigment Sticks:

Pigment Sticks® can be used on all surfaces that are suitable for traditional oil paint - such as canvas, panel or paper. Once the paint is dry, it can be varnished as an oil painting.

All canvas and paper surfaces should be glued with acrylic gesso, acrylic medium, PVA glue, resin glue or shellac. Suitable substrates include stretched canvas, paper, wood panels, metal, glass and plexiglass.

Tips & Tricks for R&F Pigment Sticks®

R&F Pigment Sticks® is a unique tool that combines the depth of oil paint with the freedom of drawing tools. Here are some ideas and techniques to help you get the most out of your Pigment Sticks®.

Start with a base

• Use an acrylic gesso, oil paint primer or a clay-coated paper to get an even surface.

• A slightly rough surface helps the color to bond better and gives a nice grip.

Draw directly on the canvas

• Use the pen to make quick sketches or bold lines without a brush.

• Perfect for gestural strokes and spontaneity.

Blend and create transitions

• Use fingers, rags or a paint knife to blend colors directly on the surface.

• For softer transitions, work with a mixing medium or lightly dissolve the color with turpentine.

Combine with tube oil paint

• Lay down base colors with traditional oil paint and build details and texture on top with Pigment Sticks®.

• Use media like stand oil or alkyd to change transparency and drying time.

Create texture

• Use a paint knife to apply thick layers for a tactile, three-dimensional effect.

• Press the pencil hard for heavy color-saturated strokes or lightly for transparent layers.

Experiment with surfaces

• Pigment Sticks® work on canvas, paper, wood, metal, glass and more.

• Test different surfaces to discover new expressions.

Finish with varnish

• Once the paint is completely dry, the piece can be varnished like a traditional oil painting to protect and enhance the colors.