Watercolour Pencils Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Set

A hybrid of drawing and painting, watercolour pencils are the ultimate versatile tool for creatives. Whether you're a seasoned artist, an illustrator, or just a hobbyist, the right equipment can make all the difference. But with an overwhelming number of options available, how do you make the right choice? This guide is here to shed some light and help you find the perfect watercolour pencil set for your creative needs and budget.

How to Choose the Right Watercolour Pencils

Before diving into our top picks, let's review the key criteria for making a smart purchase.

1. Pigments and Solubility: The Heart of the Matter

A good watercolour pencil must, above all, dissolve completely in water. This is the secret to achieving even washes and smooth gradients, without any unsightly pencil marks. The richness of the pigments, in turn, determines the intensity and vibrancy of your colours, both dry and when activated with water. For artwork that will stand the test of time, check the lightfastness rating of the pigments—a detail often provided by manufacturers on high-end fine art supplies.

2. The Colour Palette: Should You Go for the Complete Collection?

Watercolour pencil sets range from 12 to over 100 colours. Are you just starting out or do you enjoy sketching outdoors? There's no need to go overboard: a set of 24 to 36 colours offers a very versatile palette. Professional artists and illustrators working with pencils for complex illustrations will naturally prefer larger sets for a maximum range of shades. Good to know: some kits include accessories like a paintbrush, which is a real bonus for getting started right away.

3. The Tin: More Than Just Packaging

Don't underestimate the packaging! A sturdy metal tin isn't a luxury; it's the best way to protect your fragile pencil leads from damage, both in the studio and on the go. It also ensures your pencils stay organised for quick access to the right colour. For portable use or simply to protect your investment, a metal tin is a smart choice.

Our Watercolour Pencil Recommendations

We've selected three sets that truly impressed us. Each has its own strengths, catering to different needs, skill levels, and budgets.

BRUYNZEEL Expression, Metal Tin of 24 Watercolour Pencils

What sets it apart: This set from the Dutch brand Royal Talens is an excellent entry point into the world of watercolour. It offers a complete and balanced solution, combining the precision of drawing with the spontaneity of painting, all housed in a practical and protective metal tin.

The pros:

• Ready to use: 24 pencils and a paintbrush are included so you can start immediately.
• Impressive results: Quality pigments deliver beautiful colours and flawless blending.
• Durable lead: The 2.9 mm lead ensures good colour transfer and controlled wear.
• Versatile: Equally effective when used dry for details or wet for washes and gradients.

Who is it for? Perfect for students, hobbyists, and artists looking for a high-quality, complete, and affordable set to begin or advance their skills.

Faber-Castell, Metal Tin of 36 Watercolour Pencils

What sets it apart: Faber-Castell needs no introduction—it's a benchmark brand in fine arts. This 36-colour set embodies the brand's reliability and quality. The acid-free pigments ensure better preservation of your artwork over time, while the certified wood demonstrates an eco-friendly commitment.

The pros:

• Rich palette: 36 colours provide immense creative freedom.
• Vibrant colours: Bright pigments that blend beautifully when wet.
• Built to last: The acid-free pigment formulation guarantees excellent preservation of your work.
• Highly versatile: Ideal for both dry techniques (sketching, colouring) and wet techniques (washes, painting).

Who is it for? An excellent choice for art students, illustrators, and discerning hobbyists who want reliable and versatile supplies from a renowned brand.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer, Metal Tin of 60 Watercolour Pencils

What sets it apart: Now we're entering the professional league. The Albrecht Dürer range is the gold standard for Faber-Castell's watercolour pencils. This 60-colour set is designed for demanding artists, featuring pigments with maximum lightfastness and a thick, soft lead for unparalleled comfort and performance.

The pros:

• Professional quality: Exceptional, acid-free pigments with maximum lightfastness for artwork that endures.
• Expert palette: The 60-colour spectrum allows for incredibly nuanced chromatic work.
• High-end lead: The thick 3.8 mm lead is SV-bonded to resist breakage and glides smoothly across the paper.
• Perfect solubility: The pigments dissolve completely in water for an authentic watercolour effect.

Who is it for? For professional artists, illustrators, and discerning creatives who demand professional watercolour pencils with zero compromise on quality and performance.

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection doesn't cover every need, and choosing art supplies is a personal journey. If protecting your pencils is a top priority or if you're looking for different set sizes, feel free to explore our full range of metal pencil tins. There you'll find a wider variety of brands and sets to complete your toolkit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between classic coloured pencils and watercolour pencils? The entire difference lies in the binder used in the lead. A watercolour pencil's binder is water-soluble, allowing you to transform a drawing into a watercolour painting with a simple stroke of a wet brush. In contrast, classic coloured pencils do not dissolve and are intended for dry use only.

2. How do you use watercolour pencils? There are several possible approaches. The most common is to first draw on dry paper, then go over it with a wet brush to dissolve the pigments. You can also lift colour directly from the pencil tip with a wet brush, just like with a paint pan. Finally, drawing on already damp paper will create softer, more diffused effects.

3. Can you mix different brands of watercolour pencils? Absolutely. You can mix different brands without any issues. However, keep in mind that solubility, pigment intensity, and texture can vary. Our advice: always do a few tests on a scrap piece of paper to see how the colours interact before starting on your final piece.

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer