Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review 2026: Best Buy Guide

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review

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Finding The Right Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of colored pencils, you know how overwhelming it can be. With so many options, sizes, and color sets, picking the right Prismacolor Premier pencils can feel like a challenge. You want smooth color, rich pigments, and durable leads, but also to find the right count and price that fits your needs.

Choosing the right set often involves balancing color variety, pencil core softness, and budget. Some sets offer a vast range of colors, while others focus on specific palettes like landscapes or portraits. There are trade-offs in size, price, and intended use, which can make the decision less straightforward.

This article will help you understand what to consider when selecting Prismacolor Premier colored pencils. It aims to guide you toward the set that matches your art style and preferences without getting lost in technical details.

What Matters Most When Choosing Colored Pencils

For many artists and hobbyists, the feel of the pencil and the quality of the pigment are key. Soft cores make blending and shading easier. Rich, lightfast pigments ensure your work stays vibrant over time. Durability matters too—pencils that break easily can be frustrating.

Size and color count also play a role. Larger sets offer more options but come with a higher price and may include colors you rarely use. Smaller sets are more affordable and portable but might require additional purchases later.

Common Confusions When Picking A Set

It’s easy to get caught up comparing core softness, pigment quality, or the exact number of colors. Sometimes buyers assume more colors always mean better value, but that’s not always true. Understanding your own needs—whether for detailed portraits, landscapes, or casual coloring—can simplify the choice.

Also, some sets include specialty colors or are designed for specific styles. Knowing what you want to create helps avoid buying pencils that don’t fit your project.

In the sections ahead, you’ll find a selection of Prismacolor Premier sets grouped by size and purpose. Each is chosen to help different kinds of artists find their best match.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 150 Count

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights a vibrant 150-color set ideal for artists seeking smooth shading and rich pigments.

The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 150 Count set offers a broad range of colors designed for detailed drawing, sketching, and adult coloring projects. Their soft, thick cores make shading and creating shadows easier, giving artists more control over their work.

Using these pencils feels smooth and consistent, allowing colors to lay down evenly without effort. The strong leads reduce breakage, so you can focus on your art without interruptions or frequent sharpening.

Key Benefits for Artists

  • Extensive selection of 150 vibrant, assorted colors covers all creative needs.
  • Soft cores allow easy blending and smooth shading techniques.
  • Lightfast pigments ensure colors stay richly saturated over time.
  • Consistent color laydown helps achieve professional-looking results.
  • Durable leads resist cracking, minimizing pencil waste and downtime.
  • Ideal for adult coloring, drawing, and various arts & crafts projects.

Considerations Before Buying

  • Large 150-count set may be overwhelming for beginners or casual users.
  • Price point is higher than basic colored pencil sets due to premium quality.
  • Soft cores require careful handling to avoid premature wear during heavy use.

Who This Works Well For

This set is best suited for dedicated artists or hobbyists looking to expand their color palette and improve shading techniques. It eliminates guesswork around color intensity and durability, providing consistent performance with less frustration.

To get the best results, sharpen pencils gently and use layering to enhance color depth. The reliable quality offers peace of mind that your colors will stay vibrant and your pencils will last through many projects.

Best for Why
Adult coloring enthusiasts Wide range of colors and smooth application enrich coloring experience
Sketch artists Soft cores enable easy shading and shadow creation
Mixed media creators Durable leads and premium pigments hold up well in layered works
Gift buyers for art lovers Comprehensive set suitable for multiple creative uses

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 72 Count

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights a vibrant, durable set ideal for artists seeking smooth, rich color in their drawings and crafts.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils come in a set of 72 assorted colors designed for shading, drawing, and sketching. Their thick, soft cores deliver smooth, even color application that helps artists achieve rich and vivid results.

Using these pencils offers a reliable and enjoyable coloring experience thanks to their robust leads that resist cracking and chipping. This makes them a solid choice for adult coloring projects and detailed artwork where consistency matters.

Key Benefits for Artists

  • Thick cores provide excellent shading and shadow effects
  • Richly saturated, lightfast pigments maintain vibrant colors
  • Ultra-smooth laydown ensures even color coverage without streaks
  • Durable leads reduce breakage during use
  • Extensive 72-color assortment covers a broad spectrum

Considerations Before Buying

  • Higher price point may not suit casual or beginner users
  • Set size is large, which might be overwhelming for those needing fewer colors
  • Not specifically designed for children’s use due to soft cores

When to Choose This Set

This colored pencil set is best for serious hobbyists and professional artists who want dependable color quality and smooth blending. It removes the hassle of frequent lead breakage and uneven color application, helping you focus on creative work without interruptions.

To get the most out of this set, try layering colors to enhance depth and vibrancy in your sketches. The durable leads and rich pigments give peace of mind that your artwork will retain its look over time.

If you appreciate quality and a broad color selection, these pencils offer a satisfying coloring experience that supports detailed, expressive work.

Best for Why
Adult coloring enthusiasts Provides smooth, vibrant colors ideal for detailed coloring books
Artists focusing on shading techniques Thick cores allow effective blending and shadow creation
Sketching and drawing professionals Robust leads reduce interruptions from breakage during intense use
Craft projects needing a wide color range 72 assorted colors cover many creative needs without extra purchases

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12-pack

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights their soft cores and rich pigments ideal for smooth shading and vibrant adult coloring.

These colored pencils are designed with soft, thick cores that make shading and blending effortless. They feature richly saturated pigments that lay down color smoothly, ideal for artists who want vibrant and consistent results. The set includes 12 assorted colors suited for detailed and adult coloring projects.

Using these pencils feels reliable and pleasant thanks to their thick leads, which resist cracking and chipping. This durability reduces frustration and allows for more focus on creativity and less on frequent sharpening or breakage. The smooth color laydown also helps achieve professional-looking shading with less effort.

Key Benefits for Artists

  • Soft cores enable smooth shading and shadowing techniques
  • Rich, lightfast pigments maintain vibrant colors over time
  • Durable leads resist cracking and chipping during use
  • Includes a versatile selection of 12 essential colors
  • Consistent color application with ultra-smooth laydown

Considerations Before Buying

  • Set size limited to 12 colors, may require additional sets for full palettes
  • Not specifically designed for children’s use or rough handling
  • Relatively narrow width and length may affect grip comfort for some users

Ideal Use and Practical Insight

This colored pencil set is best for adult artists and hobbyists who focus on detailed coloring and shading work, especially in adult coloring books. It removes the hassle of frequent lead breakage, making coloring more enjoyable and less interrupted.

For improved results, sharpen the pencils carefully to maintain the thick core integrity, which enhances blending and layering. Buyers will appreciate the dependable quality and consistent pigments that reduce guesswork in color application. It’s a solid choice for those who value smooth performance and vibrant colors in their art supplies.

Best for Why
Adult coloring enthusiasts Soft cores and rich pigments support detailed shading and blending
Artists needing durable pencils Leads resist cracking and chipping during extended use
Coloring projects requiring vibrant colors Lightfast pigments ensure long-lasting, saturated results
Users seeking a balanced starter set Includes 12 essential colors for a variety of creative applications

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 36 Count

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights soft cores and vibrant colors ideal for adult coloring and detailed sketching.

These colored pencils come in a set of 36 assorted colors with soft, thick cores designed for smooth shading and shadows. They address common issues like lead breakage and uneven color application, making them suitable for detailed adult coloring and artistic projects.

Using these pencils provides a consistent, rich color laydown thanks to their ultra-smooth cores and lightfast pigments. The sturdy leads reduce frustration from frequent sharpening or chipping, allowing for a more enjoyable and focused creative experience.

Key Benefits for Artists

  • Soft cores ideal for smooth shading and blending
  • Richly saturated pigments maintain color vibrancy over time
  • Thick leads resist cracking and chipping during use
  • Includes a broad selection of 36 colors for versatile creativity
  • Consistent, even color laydown for professional results

Considerations Before Buying

  • Set weight and size may be bulky for small storage spaces
  • Not designed for beginner children due to soft core handling
  • Premium price may not suit casual or infrequent use

Best Use Insights

This set is perfect for adult artists focusing on coloring books, sketching, and arts & crafts where smooth shading and vibrant colors matter. It removes common hassles like lead breakage, enabling you to focus more on creativity and less on tool maintenance.

To get the best results, sharpen pencils carefully to preserve the thick core, which ensures less frequent sharpening and longer use per pencil. The durable leads and lightfast pigments provide peace of mind that your artwork will stay vivid and intact over time.

Best forWhy
Adult coloring enthusiastsSoft cores and vibrant colors enhance detailed shading
Sketch artistsDurable leads reduce interruptions from breakage
Mixed media projectsWide assortment of colors supports varied artistic needs
Gift for creative individualsHigh-quality set with premium pigments and smooth application

Prismacolor Premier Landscape Pencils

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights a set designed to bring landscape art to life with rich, blendable colors.

The Prismacolor Premier Landscape Pencils are a set of 12 artist-quality colored pencils made for enhancing landscape artwork. They feature soft, thick cores that allow smooth color laydown and blending, ideal for adult coloring books or detailed sketches.

Using these pencils offers a comfortable and consistent drawing experience, with high-quality pigments that deliver vibrant saturation. The selected colors are tailored to replicate natural landscapes, making shading and blending straightforward and enjoyable.

Key Advantages for Landscape Artists

  • Colors chosen specifically to enhance landscape art realism
  • Soft cores enable smooth shading and blending without harsh lines
  • Rich pigments provide vibrant, saturated color output
  • Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists
  • Compact 12-count set includes essential landscape tones
  • Lightweight and easy to handle for extended drawing sessions

Considerations Before Buying

  • Limited to 12 colors, which may require mixing for full palette needs
  • Designed mainly for landscapes, less suited for other artistic styles
  • No included sharpener or storage case with the set

Who This Works Well For

This set is ideal for artists focused on landscapes who want a curated range of colors that reduce guesswork in color selection. It removes the hassle of testing multiple pencils and helps achieve natural effects quickly.

For those new to colored pencils, the soft cores provide a forgiving and easy-to-blend medium, helping build confidence in layering and shading techniques. A simple tip is to layer light colors first and blend with the softer greens and blues to simulate natural scenery.

With reliable pigment quality and smooth application, this set offers peace of mind for consistent results, whether used for relaxation or serious art projects.

Best for Why
Landscape Sketching Colors curated to reflect natural scenery tones
Adult Coloring Books Soft cores allow easy blending and smooth coverage
Beginner Artists Simple 12-color set reduces complexity and choice overload
Gift for Art Enthusiasts Quality brand and packaging suitable for gifting

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 36ct

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights a versatile 36-color set ideal for artists seeking smooth, soft core pencils for detailed drawing and coloring.

These are soft core colored pencils designed for drawing and arts & crafts projects, offering a wide range of vibrant colors in a 36-count pack. The pencils are suitable for users looking to add detailed color and shading to their artwork with ease.

Using this set feels smooth and consistent, allowing artists to blend colors effectively. The pencils provide good control for both beginners and experienced users, making the coloring process more enjoyable and less frustrating.

Key Advantages for Artists

  • Soft cores enable smooth shading and blending
  • Wide assortment of 36 colors covers many artistic needs
  • Compact and lightweight, easy to carry and store
  • Affordable price with noticeable savings from original cost
  • Suitable for a variety of arts and crafts projects
  • Reliable brand recognized in drawing supplies

Considerations Before Buying

  • Not a prime-eligible product, which may affect shipping options
  • Limited to soft core pencils without specialty tips or tools
  • Average merchant rating may suggest varied customer experience

Where This Set Excels

This colored pencil set is best for artists who want a broad range of colors in a soft core pencil for blending and shading without needing specialty pencils. It reduces the hassle of mixing paints or buying multiple sets by providing many colors in one package.

To maximize results, keep pencils sharp and layer colors gently for smooth transitions. Buyers will appreciate the consistency and ease of use, which helps reduce guesswork and frustration during creative work.

For anyone who enjoys drawing or crafting with colored pencils, this set offers a reliable and versatile option. Its balance of quality and price makes it a practical choice for both hobbyists and students.

Best forWhy
Artists needing smooth color blendingSoft cores allow seamless shading and easy layering
Students and hobbyistsWide color selection supports varied projects without extra purchases
Compact art kitsLightweight and small dimensions fit easily in art bags or desks
Arts & crafts enthusiastsVersatile colors suitable for multiple craft applications

Prismacolor Premier Manga Colored Pencils

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights a set designed for manga artists needing soft core and verithin pencils for detailed and blended coloring.

The Prismacolor Premier Manga Colored Pencils set includes 23 colors specifically chosen to help artists create manga and comic art with ease. It features both soft core pencils for smooth blending and shading, and verithin pencils for crisp, fine details.

Using these pencils provides a comfortable and reliable drawing experience, allowing for consistent color application and easy layering. The high-quality pigments resist breaking, which helps maintain focus on creative work without interruptions.

Key Benefits for Manga Artists

  • Soft core pencils blend smoothly for shading and gradients
  • Verithin pencils deliver sharp, precise lines for intricate details
  • Colors selected specifically for manga and comic styles
  • High-quality pigments that are lightfast and durable
  • Leads resist breaking for longer-lasting use
  • Includes 18 soft core and 5 verithin pencils in one set

Considerations Before Buying

  • Limited to 23 colors, which might require additional sets for broader palettes
  • Designed mainly for manga and comics, less ideal for general coloring or fine art
  • Relatively small pack size may not suit large projects

Who This Works Best For

This set is ideal for manga artists and comic illustrators looking for a combination of soft blending and fine line work in one package. It removes the hassle of sourcing separate pencils for shading and details, streamlining the creative process.

To get the best results, try layering soft core pencils for smooth tones and switch to verithin pencils when adding fine features or outlines. This approach offers reliable control and fewer surprises in your artwork.

Best for Why
Manga and comic artists Colors and pencil types tailored to this style
Blending and shading techniques Soft core pencils provide smooth color transitions
Detail work and fine lines Verithin pencils enable crisp, precise drawing
Artists seeking durability Leads resist breaking for uninterrupted use

Prismacolor Portrait Colored Pencils

This Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Review highlights a portrait set designed to bring lifelike colors and smooth shading to adult coloring projects.

The Prismacolor Portrait Colored Pencils set includes 24 carefully chosen colors aimed at enhancing portrait drawings with natural tones. These pencils solve the common issue of blending and shading in adult coloring books by offering soft, thick cores that allow even color application.

Using these pencils feels smooth and consistent, making it easier to layer colors and create subtle shading effects. Their robust leads reduce breakage, so you can focus on your art without frequent interruptions.

Key Benefits for Portrait Artists

  • Colors specifically selected to enhance skin tones and facial features
  • Soft, ultra-smooth cores ideal for blending and shading
  • Lightfast pigments keep artwork vibrant over time
  • Strong leads resist cracking during use
  • Includes a broad range of portrait-appropriate shades

Considerations Before Buying

  • Set focuses on portrait colors, so it may lack broader color variety for other art styles
  • Priced higher than basic colored pencil sets
  • Primarily designed for adult coloring, less suited for rough or mixed media surfaces

Where This Set Excels

This set is best for artists focused on portrait coloring who want reliable, smooth pencils that simplify shading and layering. It removes guesswork in color selection by providing a curated palette tailored to skin and facial tones.

To get the best results, start with light pressure and build up layers gradually for seamless blends. The durability of the cores means fewer breaks and less hassle, offering peace of mind during long coloring sessions.

Best for Why
Portrait artists Colors are chosen to replicate natural skin tones and shading
Adult coloring enthusiasts Soft cores and strong leads make coloring smooth and break-resistant
Layering and blending techniques Ultra-smooth cores allow for even, rich color laydown
Long-lasting artwork Lightfast pigments maintain color vibrancy over time

Factors To Consider When Choosing Colored Pencils

Intended Use and Skill Level

Think about how you plan to use the colored pencils. For detailed artwork or professional-level coloring, pencils with soft, thick cores and rich pigments are preferable. For casual or beginner use, smaller sets or fewer colors might suffice.

Color Selection and Range

Consider if you want a broad color range or a specialized palette. Larger sets provide versatility, while themed sets like landscape or portrait colors focus on specific applications.

Durability and Core Quality

Look for pencils with strong, robust leads that resist cracking. This is important if you frequently sharpen or apply pressure in your work.

Price vs Quantity

Balance your budget with the number of pencils you need. Larger sets typically cost more upfront but offer more color options, while smaller sets can be more affordable.

Common Buyer Concerns And Clarifications

Are all Prismacolor Premier pencils suitable for professional use?

Most Prismacolor Premier pencils feature soft cores and high-quality pigments, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals. However, specialty sets like Manga or Portrait colors target specific artistic needs.

Do larger sets guarantee better quality?

The quality of the core and pigments is generally consistent across sets. Larger sets offer more colors but not necessarily better individual pencil quality.

Is it necessary to buy the largest count set?

Not necessarily. Choose a set that matches your typical projects and color preferences to avoid unused pencils.

How important is lightfastness?

Lightfastness affects how long colors retain their vibrancy when exposed to light. If your artwork will be displayed, opt for pencils with lightfast pigments.

Care And Maintenance Tips For Colored Pencils

Store pencils horizontally to prevent lead breakage. Use a sharpener designed for colored pencils to maintain point quality. Avoid dropping pencils to reduce core cracking. Clean your pencils occasionally to keep colors true and prevent mixing unwanted shades in your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these colored pencils on different paper types?

Yes, Prismacolor Premier pencils work well on various papers, including drawing and coloring paper. Texture and tooth of the paper will affect the final look.

Are these pencils suitable for blending and shading?

Yes, their soft cores and rich pigments make them excellent for smooth blending and shading techniques.

What is the difference between Soft Core and Verithin pencils?

Soft Core pencils are ideal for blending and shading, while Verithin pencils have harder leads that create fine, precise lines.

Do these pencils require special sharpening tools?

While standard sharpeners work, using a sharpener designed for colored pencils helps maintain lead integrity and prevents breakage.

How long do the colors last without fading?

Pencils with lightfast pigments retain color vibrancy for years, especially if artwork is kept away from direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts On Selecting Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

Choosing the right set depends on your artistic needs, budget, and preferred color range. Prismacolor Premier pencils are known for their smooth application and strong pigments, offering consistent quality across various set sizes and themes. Taking time to assess how you intend to use the pencils will help ensure satisfaction with your selection.

Picture of Ethan Cole
Ethan Cole

Ethan Cole is a seasoned artist and illustrator with over a decade of experience in various forms of drawing and visual arts.

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