Prismacolor Premier
Faber-Castell Polychromos
Caran d'Ache Luminance
If you want to make stunning art with vibrant colors that pop out of the page, then you should know that choosing the right colored pencils is a crucial part of the process. In this guide, you’ll learn about the best colored pencils for artists, the various brands of colored pencils, and some helpful tips on how to choose the best colored pencils. From understanding the differences between wax-based and oil-based pencils to evaluating factors like pigment quality, lightfastness, and price. We’ll also present you with a carefully curated list of the best colored pencil brands in the market today and the best sets for all budgets and needs. By the end of this article you’ll be able to make an informed decision to get the most out of budget and the best colored pencils you can. Let’s get started!
Types of Colored Pencils
There are two main types of colored pencils, wax-based colored pencils and oil-based colored pencils, let’s see the difference between them:
Wax Based Colored Pencils
Wax-based colored pencils have a core made of pigment mixed with wax with other additives and clay that then is heated until melted and then shaped into long thin rods which will become the core of the pencil. These pencils are a delight to work with.
The wax makes the pencil extremely easy to apply, the colors blend smoothly and layer easily, and given the high pigment concentration they are very bright and vibrant too.
On the downside, wax is not the greatest binder, which makes the cores more fragile and prone to breaking, plus the pencils wear down faster. Additionally the pieces made with wax based colored pencils might develop a “wax bloom” over time, which is a thin cloudy white film product of the wax quality, time and other environmental factors.
Oil Based Colored Pencils
Oil based colored pencils have a core made of pigment and a binder made of clay and drying oils, this mix is also heated up until melted and then made into the cores of the pencils which are then encased into wood.
These pencils have a firmer consistency and apply smoothly on the paper, but are better for techniques like layering as they don’t blend as well as wax-based pencils. Their firmness makes them great for working on fine details as they can keep a sharp point for longer and are more resistant to wear and tear.
They are also not as fragile and prone to breaking, but still should be treated carefully and not make them fall. High-quality oil based pencils have a high pigment concentration and are great for professional use, however low quality oil based pencils are the norm as they are more resistant and better for children and school use.
Artist Grade vs Student Grade Colored Pencils
Artist grade colored pencils, be it wax or oil-based are overall higher quality, made with better pigments, with a higher pigment load, better wax and oil binders and lower amount of fillers and additives. The wood is also better, making it easier to sharpen and less prone to breaking. Artist grade pencils come in a broader range of colors, have a high light fastness grade but are also much more expensive than normal pencils.
Student grade pencils are higher quality than the average colored pencil, they have a higher pigment load and are engineered to have a well balanced pigment-binder-fillers mix. They are made for students who can’t afford professional grade pencils but still want to practice and improve their skills and technique.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Colored Pencils
Quality of Pigment
The quality of the pigment in colored pencils is very important as they provide richer and more vibrant colors. The depth and intensity of color that high-quality pigments offer cannot be matched by lower-grade alternatives. They also blend a layer better, without becoming muddy or dull in the process, and also ensure a consistent application ensuring no irregularities which is crucial for professional work. Their lightfastness ratings are also superior, which means they’ll retain their original colors through time.
Pencil Type
The type of pencil you get is also important, as it will define the type of work and experience you have when working with your pencils. If you’re looking for coloring pencils for those stunning realistic drawings you often see on the internet or to work on nice, easy gradients for you favorite coloring books, then wax based pencils are the way to go, if you’re looking for coloring pencils for portrait art, architectural and technical work and advanced techniques, then oil based pencils would be better for you.
Be careful when you check the products as stores often don’t include this information on their listings so you have to research it beforehand.
Color Range
The color range refers to the variety and number of colors included in a set or produced by a brand. Some sets include 24, 36 or 72 colors, while others have sets of 120 or more colors. While blending and achieving multiple shades is possible, some hues are only possible to obtain with the exact pigment. Vibrant purples, pinks, teals and light greens are difficult to mix and only possible to obtain if they are in the brand’s color range.
That doesn’t mean of course that you should buy every existing color or the most complete sets as they are quite expensive, instead learn proper color mixing with a limited set and get the individual color pencils of the hues you can’t mix later on, or more complete sets if you can afford them, of course.
Lightfastness
Lightfastness refers to the ability of a pigment to resist fading when exposed to light through an extended period of time. Most pigments have a certain ability to resist fading over time, however usually higher quality pigments have high lightfastness ratings. This is very important for work that is made to last, be it you want to sell, exhibit or preserve your art, using colored pencils with good lightfastness will make a big difference in the quality and longevity of your work.
Look for lightfastness ratings charts, which should be provided by brands and companies on the product brochures or available online.
Price
Price is an important factor when buying colored pencils because it often correlates with quality, performance, lightfastness, range of colors, consistency, reliability, and user experience. Investing in good-quality pencils can enhance the artistic process and ensure long-lasting, vibrant artwork, however, while higher-priced pencils generally offer superior characteristics that benefit professional artists, it’s important for all users to consider their specific needs and budget to make an informed choice.
Sets with limited color range but that offer good quality are a good option for beginners as they can try high quality products and learn to mix colors with them, however a reasonably priced set of 36 colors can be more than enough for both beginners and experienced artists that are working on a budget.
Best Colored Pencils for Artists
- Best Colored Pencil Set Overall — Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
- Best Professional Colored Pencils — Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils
- Best Premium Colored Pencils — Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils
- Best Colored Pencils for Hobbyists — Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils
- Best Budget Colored Pencils — Arteza Colored Pencils
#1. Best Colored Pencil Set Overall — Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Selection Criteria
- Presentation: Metal tin, set of 48.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Pencil Type: Wax Based.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Color Range: 150 Colors.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Lightfastness: High Pigmentation, High lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $52.64
- Our Score – 8/10
About Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Premier is one of the most popular (if not the most popular) brands in the coloring pencil world, widely known for their amazingly bright colors that blend beautifully, almost like magic and produce the most stunning works on the right hands.
Prismacolor Premier pencils are wax-based, have a high pigment load, and super high blendability. They are also very lightfast and designed to resist breakage during sharpening and use. Since they are wax based and are made to have a softer consistency, they are not great at preserving a sharp point, however they are much easier to use than other brands and also more affordable and are widely available in stores all over the world. All these are reasons why we’ve placed Prismacolor Premier colored pencils as our best overall pencil set.
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Smooth application
- Blend easily
Cons
- Breaks easily
- Wears quickly
2. Best Professional Colored Pencils — Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils
Selection Criteria
- Presentation: Metal tin, 120 pcs.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Pencil Type: Oil Based.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Color Range: 120 Colors.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Lightfastness: High Pigmentation, High lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $152.00
- Our Score – 7/10
About Faber-Castell Polychromos
It is a well known fact in the art world that the best colored pencils are made by Faber-Castell, in this case, their Polychromos line is the one that is the highest rated, most used and most recommended by professional artists, art teachers, and art enthusiasts. Made with a high-quality, oil-based core, these pencils offer a different texture and performance than your average wax-based pencil, however since this formulation is unique, they still blend nicely while still being able to layer well and keep a sharp point.
They are highly pigmented and also very lightfast, and given they’re not wax-based, the occurrence of a wax-bloom is nearly impossible, adding to the longevity and durability of your work.
These pencils are more expensive due to their craftsmanship, overall quality, and range which extends to 120 colors, they are not overpriced, and come in multiple presentations, from 12 to the full 120 collection.
Pros
- High durability
- Lightfast colors
- Oil-based
Cons
- Expensive
3. Best Premium Colored Pencils — Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils
Selection Criteria
- Presentation: Box, set of 40.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Pencil Type: Wax Based.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Color Range: 100 Colors.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Lightfastness: High Pigmentation, Very high Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $102.00
- Our Score – 8/10
About Caran d’Ache Luminance
Caran d’Ache is one of the most recognized art supplies brands in the world, not only for the outstanding quality of their products, or the interesting presentations and innovations they bring to the market, but for the high price tags in the majority of their products.
That makes them a premium brand, and while yes, their colored pencils are a delight to work with and offer a slightly better experience than other brands, and a broader range for skin tones, they are very expensive and not easily accessible as most brands.
They are recommended for professional work that requires longevity since not only are they super lightfast, but even though they are wax-based they don’t produce the common wax-bloom.
We couldn’t not include them in our list given they are some of the best professional colored pencils, but we recommend buying the individual units to not strain your bank account as they wear down easily due to their wax-based nature.
Pros
- Excellent lightfastness
- Rich pigmentation
- Smooth layering
Cons
- Very expensive
- Limited color range
4. Best Colored Pencils for Hobbyists — Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils
Selection Criteria
- Presentation: Metal tin, 36 pcs.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Pencil Type: Wax Based.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Color Range: 144 Colors.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Lightfastness: Normal Pigmentation, Normal Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $40.15
- Our Score – 8/10
About Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils
Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils are known for their ergonomic design, consistent and smooth color application, making them a favorite among students, hobbyists, and artists who appreciate comfort and quality. The standout feature of these colored pencils are their anti-break system, the pencils feature a white protective coating around the core, enhancing their durability and preventing the common lead breakage.
They are excellent for hobbyists, students and casual artists, and while their range is fairly limited, they are also very affordable, making them accessible to everyone despite their budget.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Break-resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Less vibrant
- Harder core
5. Best Budget Colored Pencils — Arteza Colored Pencils
Selection Criteria
- Presentation: Box, set of 72.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Pencil Type: Wax Based.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Color Range: 120 Colors.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Lightfastness: High Pigmentation, Normal Lightfastness.
- Our Score –8/10
- Price: $32.99
- Our Score – 9/10
About Arteza Colored Pencils
Artexa is one of the few brands that makes outstanding products for artists and students for a fair price, and while they are not as popular as other brands, even professional artists have been surprised by the performance and quality of these pencils.
Arteza Colored pencils have a soft, wax-based core that provides a smooth application, easy blending and good layering. While they are not the most lightfast pencils, they have a decent lightfastness rating as a whole, but make sure to swatch and test for fugitive pigments.
They are great for illustrators, mixed media artists and coloring book lovers, given their high pigment load, broad color range and very affordable price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Vibrant colors
- Smooth application
Cons
- Breaks easily
- Lightfastness issues
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to choose the best colored pencils for beginners?
Opt for student-grade pencils or easy-to-use, affordable artist-grade pencils with a soft core for smooth application and blending. Brands like Prismacolor, Faber-Castell Goldfaber, or Staedtler Ergosoft are good choices.
What are the most affordable artist-grade colored pencils?
Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Prismacolor Premier offer affordable artist-grade colored pencils, providing good quality and vibrant colors at a reasonable price.
How to test lightfastness of colored pencils at home?
Color a swatch, cut it in half, and place one half in direct sunlight for a few weeks while keeping the other half in the dark. Compare the two for fading in two weeks, two months and six months time to see best results..
What paper is best for colored pencil artwork?
Bristol board, smooth mixed media paper or hot-pressed watercolor paper are ideal for colored pencil artwork due to their smooth surfaces and ability to handle multiple layers.
