A Guide to Choosing the Right Coloured Pencils

Whether you are stocking up on school art supplies, diving into the world of adult colouring books or refining your artistic skills, finding the right set of coloured pencils can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it is easy to get lost in technical terms and marketing claims. This guide is designed to help you understand the key features to look for, so you can choose a set that truly fits your needs and budget.

We will walk through what makes a good pencil, from the core to the casing and present some carefully selected options for different users.

How to Select the Right Set of Coloured Pencils

Before looking at specific products, it helps to know what features matter most. Focusing on these three areas will help you make a more informed decision.

1. Core Composition: Wax-Based vs. Oil-Based

The "lead" inside a coloured pencil is typically made from a mix of pigment and a binder. The binder is usually either wax or oil, and this affects how the pencil performs.

• Wax-Based Pencils: These are the most common type, known for being widely available and generally more affordable. They are great for layering colours and can produce a vibrant finish. However, with heavy application, they can sometimes create a "wax bloom," a faint white film that can be gently wiped away.
• Oil-Based Pencils: Often found in sets of professional drawing pencils, these have a slightly harder core that holds a fine point for longer. They offer exceptionally smooth application and blending capabilities without the risk of wax bloom. They are typically more durable and water-resistant.

2. Durability and Break Resistance

There is little more frustrating than a pencil lead that constantly snaps when you are sharpening it or applying pressure. Look for pencils described as having break-resistant pencils cores. Some manufacturers use special bonding processes that secure the lead to the wood casing along its entire length, significantly improving its strength. This is a particularly important feature for kids coloured pencils or for artists with a heavier hand.

3. Intended Use: Student, Hobbyist, or Artist

Pencils are generally categorised as either student or artist grade, which indicates their quality and intended purpose.

• Student Grade: These are made to be durable and affordable, making them ideal for classroom use, beginners and children. While the colour range and pigment concentration may be more limited, they are perfect for general drawing and school art supplies.
• Artist Grade: These artist colouring pencils contain a higher concentration of high-quality pigments, resulting in richer, more vibrant colours. A key feature is lightfastness—the ability of the pigment to resist fading when exposed to light. This is crucial for artists who intend to display or sell their work.

Top Coloured Pencil Recommendations

Based on their features, materials and suitability for different users, here are a few standout options to consider.

Faber-Castell Classic Colour Pencils, Tin of 24

Why It Stands Out: This set strikes an excellent balance between quality and practicality. The pencils feature a special secural bonding (SV) process, which makes the leads highly break-resistant. The wood is sourced from certified sustainable forestry, and the hexagonal shape provides a comfortable, secure grip for long drawing sessions.

Pros:

• Vivid, brilliant colours.
• Highest break-resistance due to the SV bonding process.
• Made from wood from certified sustainable forestry.
• Comes in a durable tin for easy storage and transport.

Who is it for? This is a versatile choice for students, hobbyists and families. Its durability makes it a reliable option for school projects, while the quality of the colours will satisfy those engaging in colouring pencils for adults as a pastime.

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Goldfaber Colour Pencil, Tin of 24

Why It Stands Out: The Goldfaber pencils are a step up for those taking their art more seriously. The 3.3 mm lead is highly pigmented, delivering outstanding colour brilliance with minimal pressure. The formulation also provides good lightfastness, helping to preserve artwork over time. They are both smudge-resistant and water-resistant, allowing for clean, precise work.

Pros:

• Highly pigmented lead for rich colour laydown.
• Excellent lightfastness for their category.
• Smudge-resistant and water-resistant.
• Suitable for a wide range of drawing techniques on most surfaces.

Who is it for? This set of coloured pencils is aimed at art students, amateur artists and dedicated hobbyists who require a higher level of performance for techniques like layering, blending and detailed illustration.

Crayola 36 Coloured Pencils Eco Pencil Set

Why It Stands Out: This set offers great value with a generous selection of 36 colours. A key feature is its commitment to sustainability, with the pencils made from reforested wood. The thick cores are designed to resist breaking under pressure, and the smooth-grained wood makes them easy to sharpen, making them a practical choice for younger users.

Pros:

• Large set of 36 colours.
• Made from reforested wood.
• Thick, break-resistant cores suitable for firm pressure.
• Pre-sharpened and ready to use.

Who is it for? An excellent choice for parents and teachers looking for reliable kids coloured pencils. It is also a great starter set for anyone on a budget who wants a wide palette of colours for casual drawing and colouring.

Looking for More Options?

If our recommendations are not quite what you are looking for or if you would like to explore a wider variety, there are many other sets available. From larger collections to specialised pencils, you can find something to suit every artistic endeavour.

Browse our full selection of beautiful colour pencil drawing supplies to find the ideal set for your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between artist and student grade coloured pencils?

The main differences are in the quality of materials. Artist grade pencils use a higher concentration of lightfast pigments, resulting in richer colours that resist fading. Their binders are often formulated for superior blending. Student grade pencils are designed for durability and affordability, making them ideal for practice and general use, but their colours may not be as vibrant or permanent.

How can I stop my coloured pencils from breaking?

First, choose pencils with break-resistant cores, often highlighted by manufacturers. Second, use a sharp, high-quality pencil sharpener designed for coloured pencils, as a dull blade can put stress on the wood and lead. Finally, try to avoid dropping your pencils, as the impact can fracture the core internally even if the wood casing remains intact.

Are oil-based or wax-based coloured pencils better?

Neither is definitively "better"—it depends on your artistic style and preference. Wax-based pencils are excellent for layering colours and are widely available. Oil-based pencils tend to be harder, hold a point better for detail and blend very smoothly without creating a wax bloom. Many artists enjoy using both for different effects.