Oil paint bars are surprisingly easy to make yourself. While there are some excellent commercial products (R&F, Shiva), they are relatively expensive. Also, when you make them yourself, it’s possible to mix them in any color combination, control the amount of pigment, and also the “firmness” of the paint bar. You’ll need to make some aluminum foil molds to hold the paint mix, a fat “Sharpie” to use as a mold shaper, some throwaway containers to heat it (melt the wax, basically), an electric cooking element, an old pot with some water, measuring spoon (1TBL.), and stir sticks. You will need something to keep the molds upright while you pour the paint mix and it sets up (a plastic cup will hold two). Since you will be using low heat, you will be able to pick up the can and pour the mix without a pot holder. You are basically melting the wax and ingredients until you have a smooth, liquid mixture that you can pour into the molds. This recipe will make 2 sticks of the same color (2 inches long).
The recipe and ingredients: 2 level Tablespoons of bees wax pellets (Stakich is a great online store), 2 Tablespoons of artist quality linseed oil, 1 Tablespoon of oil paint or oil paint color mix, 1/4 teaspoon, plus or minus, of marble dust (whiting, chalk) This last ingredient is a filler or binder. Use tubed oil paint and mash it into the tablespoon to measure it.
Put all of the ingredients in a “soft” metal can with the top cut off (see photo) I used scissors and you could wear garden gloves but it is pretty easy to cut. Use a different can for each color. Stir and place the can in a pot with water level with the paint. Heat this on a low setting until it stirs smooth and all of the wax is melted. Take the can (should not be hot) and pour the mix into 2 molds. Make the molds by wrapping foil tightly around the fat sharpie, forming a tube. Again, you will need to have the molds remain upright until the paint sets up. This happens pretty fast and you can speed it up by placing them in a freezer or refrigerator. Note: When these set up, the mixture will sink a bit and create a dimple (see photo). You can reserve a small amount of the paint mix, melted, and fill that up.. this isn’t essential.
When these are completely set up, remove the foil. I cut strips from butcher paper and wrap/tape a band around the bar (so you can hold them – they are messy). These will need to be wrapped in plastic so they don’t dry out. Just like the commercial product, you will have to scrape back the dry part sometimes. I place similar colors in a plastic bag as well. Remember, this is oil paint and on your canvas, etc. they will take longer to dry – just like oils.