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10 Best Coloring Pencils

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Faber-Castell Limited Edition Dark Satin Cassette, Multicoloured, Wooden Case Of 396, , For Art, Craft, Drawing, Sketching, Home, School, University, Colouring

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Brand Reputation
Brand Reputation
Faber-Castell supplies are simply the best, making the purchase worthwhile.

The Faber-Castell Limited Edition Dark Satin Cassette is an impressive collection for both professional artists and serious hobbyists. This wooden case contains a total of 396 items, including a wide range of pencils and pens—120 Polychromos colored pencils, 120 Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils, and various other tools. Each type of pencil offers different uses, from standard coloring to watercolors and graphite art, making it highly versatile for many art projects.

The sheer number of colors and types available will cater to almost any artistic need, from sketching to detailed drawings and paintings. Additionally, the pencils are blendable, adding to their versatility in creating smooth gradients and intricate details. The product is quite heavy at 16.6 kg, indicating a substantial and possibly cumbersome size, which might not be ideal for portable use but is great for a dedicated art studio. Customers have given it high ratings, which speaks to its quality and the brand's strong reputation in the art community.

The limited-edition nature and the unique wood grain of the case add a touch of exclusivity and elegance. However, the significant weight and size may be a drawback for some users. The cost might also be high, reflecting the premium materials and extensive range included. This product is best suited for serious artists or art lovers who have a dedicated space for their work and value high-quality, versatile art supplies.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Brand Reputation
Brand Reputation
Faber-Castell supplies are simply the best, making the purchase worthwhile.
#2

H & B 122Pack Coloured Pencils Drawing Pencil Set Oil Based Artist Pencils Professional Colouring Pencils for Adults Beginners Art Supplies with Eraser In Zipper Case

Rating
8.8
Color Range
Ergonomics
Color Range
The set offers an impressive variety of vivid colors that inspire creativity and allow for detailed shading and blending.
Ergonomics
The sturdy, zippered canvas case keeps pencils organized and makes them highly portable.

The H & B 120pcs Colored Pencils set offers a very wide color range with 120 vivid and named colors, which is excellent for artists and hobbyists who want lots of options for blending, shading, and layering. These pencils are oil-based with a soft 3mm core that makes coloring smooth and allows easy color mixing. They come pre-sharpened and are housed in a convenient zippered canvas case, which is handy for organizing and portability.

The pencils have a fine point with a hardness marked as 'H,' meaning they are slightly firm but still good for detailed work; however, they may not be as soft as some other artist-grade pencils that offer more creamy blending. The brand H & B is known for providing quality art supplies at affordable prices, and with a high customer rating (4.7 out of 5), it shows that many users are satisfied with the performance. Ergonomically, the pencils are made of wood with a comfortable size, but they lack any special grip design, which might be a consideration for long drawing sessions.

This set is well-suited for both beginners and more experienced artists who want a comprehensive and portable coloring kit without a high price tag. These pencils balance quality and quantity well but may fall short in professional-level durability and lightfastness.

Rating
8.8
Color Range
Ergonomics
Color Range
The set offers an impressive variety of vivid colors that inspire creativity and allow for detailed shading and blending.
Ergonomics
The sturdy, zippered canvas case keeps pencils organized and makes them highly portable.
#3

Derwent Academy Trend Colour Wooden Gift Box, 27 Piece Art Set with Colouring Pencils, Pastels & Accessories, Ideal Collection for Drawing, Sketching & Crafts, Premium Hobbyist Quality Kit, 2305950

Rating
8.2
Ergonomics
Brand Reputation
Type of Pencils
Ergonomics
The wooden box is sturdy and lightweight, making it easy to carry and even usable as a drawing support.
Brand Reputation
This set offers excellent value, especially when purchased at a special offer price, making it a no-brainer for beginners or outdoor artists.
Type of Pencils
The variety of pencils and included project guide make it ideal for beginners to experiment with blending and different colouring techniques.

The Derwent Academy Trend Colour Wooden Gift Box is a versatile set designed for aspiring artists and hobbyists, offering 24 colouring pencils including pastel, metallic, and neon shades. This variety allows users to experiment with different artistic effects like blending and layering, which can be great for exploring creativity. The pencils have a bold point type and are made with wood, providing a comfortable hexagonal grip that helps prevent slipping during use.

The set also includes useful accessories such as a sharpener, eraser, and a 12-sheet sketch pad, all housed in a sturdy wooden box for easy storage and portability. Derwent is a well-regarded brand known for quality art supplies, a fact reflected in the mostly positive customer reviews praising the smooth application and vibrant colours. The range of colours is suitable for a beginner or hobbyist kit but may not satisfy professionals looking for a broader spectrum or more nuanced shades.

The core hardness appears to be balanced for easy colour transfer and detail work, but those needing ultra-fine precision might find the bold points less suitable. This set is well suited for adults or students starting out with colouring and sketching, offering a fun and quality introduction to various colouring techniques, though it may not meet the demands of advanced artists requiring archival-grade pencils.

Rating
8.2
Ergonomics
Brand Reputation
Type of Pencils
Ergonomics
The wooden box is sturdy and lightweight, making it easy to carry and even usable as a drawing support.
Brand Reputation
This set offers excellent value, especially when purchased at a special offer price, making it a no-brainer for beginners or outdoor artists.
Type of Pencils
The variety of pencils and included project guide make it ideal for beginners to experiment with blending and different colouring techniques.

Buying Guide for the Best Coloring Pencils

Choosing the right coloring pencils can greatly enhance your artistic experience, whether you're a beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional artist. The right set of pencils can make a significant difference in the quality of your work, the ease of use, and your overall satisfaction. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting coloring pencils, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Type of PencilsColoring pencils come in various types, including wax-based, oil-based, and watercolor pencils. Wax-based pencils are the most common and are known for their smooth application and vibrant colors. Oil-based pencils are harder and can produce finer details, making them ideal for detailed work. Watercolor pencils can be used dry or with water to create a watercolor effect. Choose the type based on your preferred technique and the effects you want to achieve in your artwork.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the number of different colors available in a set. Basic sets may have 12 to 24 colors, while more extensive sets can have 72 or more. A larger color range provides more options for shading, blending, and creating depth in your artwork. If you're just starting, a smaller set may be sufficient, but as you progress, you might want to invest in a larger set to expand your creative possibilities.
LightfastnessLightfastness is a measure of how resistant the pencil colors are to fading when exposed to light over time. This is particularly important for artists who want their work to last. Pencils with high lightfastness ratings will maintain their color integrity longer. If you plan to display your artwork or sell it, choosing pencils with good lightfastness is crucial. Look for pencils that have been tested and rated for lightfastness by reputable standards.
Core HardnessThe hardness of the pencil core affects how the pencil feels when you draw and how it interacts with the paper. Softer cores are easier to blend and produce more vibrant colors, but they may wear down faster and require more frequent sharpening. Harder cores are better for fine details and precise lines but may not blend as easily. Consider your drawing style and the type of artwork you create when choosing the core hardness that suits you best.
Brand ReputationThe reputation of the brand can be an indicator of the quality and consistency of the pencils. Established brands with positive reviews are more likely to offer reliable products that meet your expectations. Researching and reading reviews from other artists can help you identify brands that are known for their quality. While brand reputation is not the only factor to consider, it can provide some assurance of the product's performance.
ErgonomicsErgonomics refers to how comfortable the pencils are to hold and use for extended periods. Pencils with a triangular or hexagonal shape can provide a better grip and reduce hand fatigue. Some pencils also have a soft coating or ergonomic design to enhance comfort. If you plan to spend a lot of time drawing, choosing pencils with good ergonomics can make your experience more enjoyable and less tiring.