Finding The Right Colored Pencil Can Be Tricky
If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf full of colored pencils, you know how overwhelming it can be. You want vibrant colors that last and pencils that feel good to use, but the choices and details aren’t always clear.
Choosing professional-grade colored pencils involves balancing color quality, durability, and price. Some pencils offer a wide range of colors but come at a premium, while others might be more affordable but lack certain features like lightfastness or water resistance. It’s not just about picking pretty colors—there are trade-offs in performance and longevity that can affect your art.
This article will help you understand the key factors to consider when looking at colored pencils in this category. It aims to guide you calmly through the options so you can find what fits your needs without confusion.
What Matters Most When Choosing Colored Pencils
When selecting colored pencils, think about how you plan to use them. Are you a student, hobbyist, or professional artist? Do you need colors that won’t fade over time or pencils that blend easily? Consider how important water resistance and smudge-proof qualities are for your work. Also, the number of colors available in a set can be a factor, as well as how much you want to spend.
Keep in mind that bigger sets offer more variety but come with a higher price tag. Individual pencils or smaller sets might be better if you only need specific colors or want to try the brand first. Understanding these priorities will help you narrow down the choices effectively.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid
Many buyers focus solely on price or color count, overlooking the quality of the pigment or the pencil’s durability. Some pencils may look similar but differ greatly in how they perform over time. Others might be prone to breaking or smudging, which can frustrate your creative process.
It’s also easy to get confused by technical terms or assume all colored pencils behave the same. Taking a moment to clarify what features truly affect your art will save you from regret later.
With this understanding, you’ll be better prepared to choose pencils that deliver the experience and results you want.
Next, we’ll look at a selection of colored pencils chosen for their quality and range of options. They address different needs and budgets, so you can find what suits your style and requirements.
Faber-castell Polychromos Black Pencil
This Faber-Castell Polychromos review highlights the pencil’s vibrant, lightfast colour laydown ideal for artists seeking quality and durability.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Black Pencil is a woodcase lead pencil designed for artists and hobbyists who want a reliable, vibrant black colour for drawing, sketching, and colouring. Its thick 3.8 mm lead offers smooth, consistent coverage that holds up well over time without fading.
Using this pencil feels natural and dependable, thanks to its water-resistant and smudge-proof qualities. It provides excellent break resistance, so you can work with confidence without worrying about frequent lead breaks interrupting your flow.
Key Advantages for Artistic Use
- Rich, vibrant black colour with high-quality acid-free pigments
- Exceptional lightfastness that prevents fading over time
- Water-resistant and smudge-proof for clean, lasting artwork
- Strong lead with high break resistance for uninterrupted use
- Suitable for a wide range of applications from professional art to school projects
- Available individually or in large colour sets for versatility
Considerations Before Choosing
- Single pencil pack may not suit those needing multiple colours
- Premium quality means a slightly higher price point per pencil
- Woodcase format requires sharpening, unlike mechanical pencils
When This Pencil Makes the Most Sense
This pencil is ideal for artists and students who want dependable, fade-resistant colour that lasts. It removes the frustration of smudging and frequent lead breaks, helping you focus on your creative process without interruptions.
To get the best results, use a sharp point for detailed work and layer colours gradually for depth. Its consistent performance offers peace of mind knowing your artwork will maintain its integrity over time.
If you appreciate quality tools that support your artistic expression, this pencil fits naturally into your collection.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Professional artists | Need long-lasting, vibrant pigments with excellent lightfastness |
| Students and hobbyists | Require reliable, smudge-proof pencils for school and craft projects |
| Detail-oriented sketching | Thick, break-resistant lead supports fine lines and shading |
| Mixed-media art | Water-resistant qualities allow layering with other mediums |
Faber-castell Polychromos Colored Pencils 120
This Faber-Castell Polychromos Review highlights premium artist pencils with superb lightfastness for lasting color quality.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils set offers 120 assorted colors in a sturdy metal tin, designed for artists needing a wide range of vibrant shades. These pencils feature oil-based leads that blend easily, making them suitable for detailed layering and color mixing without fading quickly.
Using these pencils feels smooth and reliable thanks to their break-resistant leads, which handle pressure without snapping. The consistent color laydown helps maintain control and confidence during long creative sessions, ensuring your artwork stays vivid and precise.
Key Advantages for Artists
- Wide selection of 120 vibrant colors for extensive creative options
- Exceptional lightfastness keeps colors bright over time
- Oil-based leads allow smooth blending and layering
- Thick 3.8 mm leads resist breaking for durability
- Metal tin packaging protects pencils and keeps them organized
- Produced by a trusted art brand with a legacy since 1761
Considerations Before Buying
- Higher price point may not suit casual hobbyists
- Large set size requires ample storage space
- Not water-soluble, limiting some mixed-media techniques
Who This Works Well For
This set is ideal for professional artists or serious hobbyists seeking reliable, long-lasting colored pencils with a broad palette. It removes guesswork about color durability and blending quality, providing consistent results with less frustration. To get the best from these pencils, try layering colors gently to enhance depth and richness without overworking the paper.
With Faber-Castell’s reputation and the sturdy tin case, you gain peace of mind knowing your tools are protected and ready whenever creativity strikes. This set fits a methodical artist who values precision and durability in their drawing materials.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Professional artists | Requires high color fidelity and lightfast pigments for gallery-quality work |
| Art students | Offers a comprehensive color range to practice varied techniques |
| Mixed-media enthusiasts | Oil-based leads blend well with other dry media but are not water soluble |
| Long-term art projects | Break-resistant leads and durable packaging support extended use |
Faber-castell Polychromos Pencils 24-count
This Faber-Castell Polychromos Review highlights its premium quality and break-resistant design ideal for artists seeking reliable colored pencils.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists’ Color Pencils set includes 24 vibrant colors designed for professional and semi-professional use. These pencils feature thick oil pastel leads that resist smudging and water, making them well-suited for detailed artwork. Their break-resistant SV bonding ensures durability during sharpening and use.
Using these pencils feels consistent and dependable, allowing artists to focus on their creativity without worrying about lead breakage or color fading. The smooth application delivers confidence in layering and blending, making them a reliable choice for various artistic techniques.
Key Advantages for Artists
- Internationally respected quality suitable for professionals and hobbyists
- Durable, break-resistant leads thanks to SV bonding technology
- Smudge-proof and water-resistant oil-based cores
- Part of a unique color matching system for consistent hues
- Wide color selection in one convenient tin
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling and portability
Considerations Before Buying
- Higher price point compared to standard colored pencils
- Not ideal for watercolor techniques since leads are oil-based
- Limited to 24 colors in this set; larger palettes require additional purchases
Who Benefits Most from These Pencils
These pencils are best for artists who need durable, professional-grade colored pencils for detailed drawing and layering. They reduce the frustration of frequent lead breakage and smudging, letting you focus on your work. To get the best results, store the pencils in a cool, dry place to preserve lead quality.
Reliability and color consistency make these pencils a solid investment for serious hobbyists and professionals alike. They offer peace of mind knowing your tools will perform well session after session. For artists who enjoy layering and blending, these pencils deliver smooth, vibrant results with every stroke.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Professional artists | Require high-quality, durable pencils with consistent colors |
| Advanced hobbyists | Want reliable pencils that resist smudging and breakage |
| Colored pencil layering | Benefit from oil-based leads that blend smoothly without smudging |
| Artists needing color accuracy | Use Faber-Castell’s unique color matching system for uniform hues |
Faber-castell Polychromos Colour Pencils 36
This Faber-Castell Polychromos Review highlights a set of 36 rich, shatter-resistant colour pencils ideal for artists seeking lasting quality and variety.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos set is a collection of 36 woodcase colour pencils designed for artists who want vibrant, smooth colouring in a durable format. Each pencil features a 3.8 mm diameter lead that resists breaking, ensuring a consistent stroke throughout your work.
Using these pencils feels reliable and effortless, allowing you to layer and blend colours smoothly. The variety of shades provides flexibility, making it easy to achieve detailed and vivid artwork without worrying about frequent lead breakage or colour dullness.
Key Qualities for Colour Pencil Artists
- Shatter-resistant leads reduce interruptions from breakage.
- Soft, colour-rich strokes deliver vibrant results.
- Comes in a set of 36 diverse shades for versatility.
- Long pencil length (176 mm) allows for extended use.
- Includes a broad palette covering primary and subtle tones.
- Lightweight and portable for easy handling and transport.
Considerations for Buyers
- Higher price point may not suit casual or beginner users.
- Not suited for non-woodcase pencil preferences.
- Limited to pencil medium; no markers or paints included.
Where This Set Excels
This set is best for serious hobbyists and professional artists who want dependable colour pencils without frequent lead breakage. It removes the hassle of constantly sharpening or dealing with fragile leads, allowing you to focus on your art.
To get the best results, try layering colours gently to take advantage of the soft pigment. Its reliability gives peace of mind for long projects or detailed colouring.
For those who appreciate quality tools that perform consistently, this set is a solid choice to keep in your art supplies.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Artists needing durable pencils | Shatter-resistant leads minimize breakage disruptions |
| Colour layering and blending | Soft, rich pigments enable smooth colour transitions |
| Wide colour variety users | 36 pencils cover a broad spectrum of hues |
| Long drawing sessions | Extended pencil length offers longer usability before sharpening |
Faber-castell Polychromos Colour Pencils 12
This Faber-Castell Polychromos review highlights vibrant, lightfast colour pencils ideal for artists seeking lasting, smudge-proof results.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Colour Pencils come in a tin of 12 vibrant colours designed for art, craft, and drawing projects. Their thick 3.8 mm lead lays down soft, bright pigment that is water resistant and smudge-proof, helping artists create durable works without fading. These pencils serve well for both beginners and professionals in various settings.
Using these pencils feels smooth and consistent, thanks to their high-quality acid-free pigments and break-resistant bonding. The colours maintain their intensity over time, giving you confidence that your artwork will stay vibrant without worrying about smudging or fading during use.
Key Advantages for Artists
- Bright, acid-free pigments for rich, lasting colour
- High lightfastness prevents fading over time
- Water resistant and smudge proof for clean results
- Strong lead with break resistance reduces interruptions
- Suitable for a variety of uses: home, school, professional art
- Compact tin set ideal for portability and storage
Considerations Before Buying
- Limited to 12 colours in this set; larger sets available separately
- Premium quality comes at a higher price point
- Not designed for heavy watercolour blending despite water resistance
Who This Suits and How to Use It
This set is best for artists and students wanting dependable, vibrant pencils for sketching and colouring that last over time. It removes the worry of colour fading or smudging, allowing you to focus on creativity without hassle. To get the best results, layer colours gradually to build depth and richness.
You’ll appreciate the consistent feel and durability during extended use, making it a reliable choice whether working at home, school, or on professional projects. If you value quality and longevity in your coloured pencils, this is a solid pick.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Professional artists | High lightfastness and vibrant pigments ensure archival-quality artwork |
| Art students | Durable, smudge-proof pencils suitable for learning and practice |
| Hobbyists and crafters | Versatile colours and water resistance for various creative projects |
| Gift buyers | Attractive tin packaging and trusted brand appeal to art lovers |
Polychromos 36 Pencil Metal Tin Set
This Faber-Castell Polychromos Review highlights the set’s unsurpassed lightfast pigments ideal for artists seeking lasting color quality.
The Polychromos 36 Pencil Metal Tin Set by Faber-Castell offers a professional-grade collection of colored pencils designed for artists and illustrators. It solves the problem of fading artwork with its unsurpassed lightfast pigments, ensuring colors stay vivid over time. The pencils feature break-resistant tips, making them durable for detailed work.
Using this set feels reliable and consistent, as the pencils are waterproof and non-smudge, allowing smooth layering and blending without mess. The color matching with other Faber-Castell lines means you can expand your collection seamlessly. Overall, it provides confidence in every stroke and helps save time by reducing the need for corrections.
Key Benefits for Artists
- Exceptional lightfast pigments preserve artwork color over time
- Durable, break-resistant pencil tips reduce interruptions
- Waterproof and non-smudge for clean, lasting results
- Colors match other Faber-Castell lines for easy palette expansion
- Compact metal tin keeps pencils organized and protected
Considerations Before Buying
- Higher price point may not suit beginners on a tight budget
- Set size limited to 36 colors, which might restrict very detailed palettes
- Metal tin is slim but not designed for travel protection against heavy impacts
Who This Serves Best
This set is ideal for serious hobbyists and professional artists who want reliable colorfastness and pencil durability. It removes the worry about colors fading or smudging, helping you focus fully on your creative process. To get the most out of these pencils, layer colors gently and use light blending techniques to enhance vibrancy without damaging the tips.
Choosing this set means investing in consistent quality with fewer surprises during application. It’s a dependable tool that fits well in a dedicated artist’s studio or workspace. For anyone who values precision and longevity in colored pencils, this set offers a balanced, high-quality experience.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Artists needing long-lasting color | Unsurpassed lightfast pigments ensure artwork remains vibrant |
| Those requiring durable pencils | Break-resistant tips reduce frequent sharpening and breakage |
| Users wanting clean, precise work | Waterproof and non-smudge properties keep drawings neat |
| Collectors of Faber-Castell products | Color matching allows smooth integration with other lines |
Faber-castell Polychromos Black Pencils
This Faber-Castell Polychromos Review highlights the artist-grade quality and lightfastness ideal for detailed drawing in black.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Black Pencils come in a pack of 12 and are designed for artists needing vibrant, consistent color with excellent durability. Each pencil features a thick 3.8 mm lead that lays down soft, rich black color without smudging or fading over time.
Using these pencils feels reliable and smooth thanks to their high break resistance and water-resistant pigment. They allow precise control and clean results, making shading and detailing easier and more enjoyable for drawing professionals and hobbyists alike.
Key Drawing Benefits
- Rich, vibrant black color with unsurpassed lightfastness
- Thick, soft lead that resists breaking under pressure
- Water-resistant and smudgeproof for lasting artwork
- High-quality acid-free pigments safe for archival work
- Available as individual pencils or in sets for flexibility
- Pack includes 12 pencils, ideal for extended projects
Considerations for Use
- Pack only includes black color, so additional colors must be purchased separately
- Price point may be higher than basic colored pencils
- Larger pencil size may require a compatible sharpener
Who This Works For
These pencils are best suited for artists and illustrators who focus on detailed black-and-white work or want a reliable black pencil for blending and shading. They remove guesswork around pigment quality and durability, helping creators maintain consistent results without frequent breakage.
For best outcomes, use a sharpener designed for thick leads and layer colors gently to maximize their vibrancy and lightfastness. The consistent quality offers peace of mind for long-term projects where color stability matters.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Professional artists | Need high-quality, lightfast black pigment for archival drawing |
| Detailed shading | Soft thick lead allows smooth gradations without smudging |
| Water-resistant artwork | Pigments hold up well to moisture and handling |
| Long projects | Pack of 12 pencils reduces interruptions for replacements |
Faber-castell Polychromos Colored Pencils 60pc
This Faber-Castell Polychromos Review highlights the set’s vibrant color laydown and durable design for artists seeking reliable drawing pencils.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencil Set offers 60 vibrant colors housed in a metal tin, designed for detailed drawing and coloring projects. These pencils are acid free and imported, ensuring quality materials that preserve your artwork over time.
Using these pencils feels smooth and consistent, allowing for delicate or strong strokes that bring drawings to life with rich, soft color laydown. The high break resistance means fewer interruptions, so artists can focus on creativity without worry.
Key Benefits for Drawing Artists
- Vibrant colors that respond well to both light and strong strokes
- Soft color laydown for smooth blending and layering
- High break resistance thanks to a secure bonding process
- Acid-free materials protect artwork from degradation
- Comes in a sturdy metal tin for easy storage and portability
Considerations Before Buying
- Set includes 60 colors, which may be more than needed for casual use
- Premium quality comes with a higher price point compared to basic sets
- Weight and size are designed for professional use, which might be less convenient for travel
Who This Pencil Set Works For
This set suits artists serious about color richness and durability, such as illustrators and hobbyists who want consistent performance over time. It removes the guesswork of selecting pencils that fade or break easily, offering peace of mind during detailed work.
To get the best results, try layering colors to take advantage of the soft yet vibrant pigments. The sturdy metal tin also keeps your pencils organized and protected, fitting well in a studio or on-the-go kit.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Professional artists | Need durable, vibrant pencils for detailed, lasting artwork |
| Art students | Require a wide range of colors to experiment and learn blending |
| Gift buyers | Looking for a quality art set with a premium presentation |
| Studio hobbyists | Value soft color laydown and break resistance for regular use |
Faber-castell Polychromos Chrome Oxide Green
This Faber-Castell Polychromos review highlights a single artist pencil known for vibrant color and strong lightfastness.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Chrome Oxide Green is a single wooden colored pencil designed for artists who seek consistent, vibrant color application. Its thick 3.8 mm lead allows smooth coverage, reducing the need for repeated strokes and blending effort. This pencil uses high-quality acid-free pigments that resist fading over time, making it ideal for artwork meant to last.
Using this pencil feels reliable and smooth, with a water-resistant and smudgeproof formula that maintains the look of your work even during handling. The break-resistant lead ensures fewer interruptions, so you can focus on your creative flow without worrying about constant sharpening or snapping.
Key Benefits for Artists
- Rich, vibrant color with thick lead for smooth coverage
- Excellent lightfastness due to high-quality pigments
- Water-resistant and smudgeproof for lasting artwork
- Lead bonded for high break resistance during use
- Available individually for precise color selection
Considerations Before Buying
- Single pencil purchase may be costly compared to sets
- Not suitable for casual or non-artist coloring needs
- Requires proper sharpening tools for best results
When This Pencil Excels
This pencil is perfect for artists working on detailed colored pencil projects who need dependable pigment and durability. It removes the hassle of frequent lead breaks and fading colors, allowing you to focus on your technique. To get the best results, use a quality sharpener to maintain the thick lead’s shape and enjoy consistent strokes.
With its proven lightfastness and water-resistant properties, you gain peace of mind knowing your artwork will stay vibrant and intact over time. This pencil suits those who appreciate reliability and precision in their tools.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Professional colored pencil artists | For vibrant colors that last and smooth application |
| Artwork requiring water-resistance | Maintains color integrity even when exposed to moisture |
| Artists seeking break-resistant leads | Secural bonding process reduces lead snapping |
| Selective color buyers | Available as individual pencils to pick specific shades |
Faber-castell Polychromos Bistre Pencil
This Faber-Castell Polychromos review highlights a vibrant, durable pencil ideal for artists seeking reliable colour quality.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Bistre Pencil is a single artist pencil designed for vibrant colour application and long-lasting use. It features a thick 3.8 mm lead that lays down soft, rich colours that are water-resistant and smudgeproof. This pencil is an excellent choice for detailed colouring and blending tasks.
Using this pencil feels smooth and consistent, allowing for precise strokes without frequent breakage. Its high break resistance and lightfast pigments provide confidence in every stroke, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced artists who value reliability in their tools.
Key Advantages for Artists
- Soft, vibrant colour with thick 3.8 mm lead for easy coverage
- Unsurpassed lightfastness ensures artwork longevity
- Water-resistant and smudgeproof for clean results
- High break resistance thanks to Secural bonding process
- Available individually for targeted colour selection
Considerations Before Buying
- Single pencil purchase may be costly if building a large set
- Not ideal for those needing erasable or watercolor pencils
- Limited to one colour per pack
When This Pencil Stands Out
This pencil is perfect for artists who need a dependable, richly pigmented pencil in a specific colour without committing to a full set. It removes the hassle of dealing with smudging or frequent lead breaks, helping you focus on creating detailed artwork.
For best results, layer colours gently and blend with care to maximize the pencil’s soft texture and vivid output. The reliability of the Secural bonding process means fewer surprises and a smoother creative process.
If you enjoy precise, vibrant drawing with minimal fuss, this pencil fits right into your toolkit.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Artists needing durable, vibrant pencils | Strong lead and bright pigments hold up over time |
| Detail work and layering in coloured pencil art | Thick lead delivers smooth, consistent colour laydown |
| Individual colour replacement or testing | Available as single pencils for custom colour choice |
| Water-resistant artwork creation | Smudgeproof and water-resistant pigments protect your work |
Choosing The Right Faber-castell Polychromos Pencil Set
When selecting a set of Polychromos colored pencils, consider your typical use and how many colors you need. Smaller sets like 12 or 24 colors offer essential shades and are easier to carry, ideal for students or hobbyists. Larger sets, such as 36, 60, or 120 colors, provide a broad palette for professional artists who require fine color gradation and variety.
Think about whether you prefer individual pencils to customize your collection or pre-packaged tins for convenience and storage. Also, check if the set includes your favored color range or specialty shades.
Understanding Lightfastness And Durability
Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils are known for their high lightfastness, meaning colors resist fading over time. This is important if you want your artwork to maintain vibrancy for years.
The oil-based leads are water-resistant and smudge-proof, making them suitable for layering and mixed media techniques. The SV bonding process enhances break resistance, reducing lead breakage during sharpening or use.
Common Concerns When Using Polychromos Pencils
Are these pencils suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are suitable for beginners who want quality tools, but they come at a higher price point. Beginners should start with smaller sets before investing in larger collections.
Do these pencils require special care?
Keep them in a dry place and store them in their tin or a pencil case to protect leads from damage. Sharpen with a quality sharpener to avoid splintering.
Can these pencils be used on all paper types?
They work best on textured, heavyweight paper designed for colored pencils to maximize pigment adhesion and blending.
Tips For Using And Maintaining Polychromos Pencils
Use light, layered strokes to build color gradually and achieve smooth blending. Avoid pressing too hard to preserve pencil points and paper texture.
Regularly sharpen pencils with a sharpener designed for colored pencils. Clean the sharpener to prevent lead buildup and maintain smooth sharpening.
Store pencils horizontally in their original tins or a pencil holder to prevent warping or breakage.
Who Should Consider Other Options
If you require water-soluble pencils for watercolor effects, Polychromos pencils are not ideal since they are oil-based and water-resistant.
Artists on a strict budget might find these pencils costly; alternative brands offer more affordable options but may differ in quality and lightfastness.
Those needing quick drying or erasable mediums might prefer other types, as colored pencils generally need layering and blending time.
Final Thoughts On Faber-castell Polychromos Colored Pencils
Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils offer consistent quality, vibrant colors, and durability. They suit a range of users from serious hobbyists to professionals looking for reliable, long-lasting colored pencils. Understanding your needs and usage preferences will guide you in choosing the appropriate set size and colors. Proper care and technique will help you maximize the pencils’ performance and lifespan.
