Are Polychromos better than Prismacolor?

They are different. Polychromos are firmer and oil-based, and hold a sharp point for detail. Prismacolor are softer and blend faster.

Do Polychromos smudge?

Oil-based leads smudge less and build less wax bloom than wax pencils.

Are Polychromos water-resistant?

Yes. The listing states the leads are break and water resistant.

Best oil-based pencils

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell Polychromos 120

Faber-Castell's professional oil-based colored pencils in a 120-color tin. The 3.8 mm SV-bonded leads resist breaking and water, and the pigments are highly lightfast.

Best for: Professional and serious hobby artists who want a huge, lightfast range

Colors: 120
Lead: 3.8 mm, oil-based
Lightfastness: High
Case: Metal tin

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What we like

120 colors in a metal tin
Thick 3.8 mm break-resistant leads
High lightfastness

Keep in mind

A large investment
Firmer than wax pencils, so heavy burnishing takes more layers

Key features

From the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

Premium Quality Colored Pencils: Contains 120 assorted colors in a metal tin for artists and art enthusiasts.
Unsurpassed Lightfastness: Features pigments that resist fading for vibrant, long-lasting colors.
Easy Blending: Buttery smooth color laydown with oil-based leads that can be easily blended for layered effects.
Break Resistant Leads: Thick 3.8 mm SV-bonded leads are break and water resistant for extended use.
Faber-Castell Quality Art Materials: Produced by a leading art supply brand since 1761 for professional quality art materials.

Frequently asked questions about the Faber-Castell Polychromos 120

Are Polychromos better than Prismacolor?: They are different. Polychromos are firmer and oil-based, and hold a sharp point for detail. Prismacolor are softer and blend faster.
Do Polychromos smudge?: Oil-based leads smudge less and build less wax bloom than wax pencils.
Are Polychromos water-resistant?: Yes. The listing states the leads are break and water resistant.