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Buying coloured pencils seems simple… until the lead breaks, the colours lack coverage, or the set isn’t suited to your intended use. Whether you’re a child, a student, a colouring enthusiast or a professional artist, the criteria for choosing will naturally differ.
Some marketing claims are also worth taking with a pinch of salt. A palette of 72 colours isn’t necessarily useful for a beginner, while a set of 12 pencils can be perfectly adequate for detailed work if the shades are well chosen.
A large set catches the eye, but it can often just multiply very similar shades that end up rarely used. For everyday drawing, school activities or colouring, a palette of 12 to 24 colours is usually sufficient. Larger sets really come into their own for gradients, portraits, landscapes and colour blending.
A fine lead allows you to work on details with precision, but it generally requires more care when sharpening. Conversely, jumbo pencils or those with a 4 mm lead cover large areas quickly and withstand pressure better. However, they do need a sharpener that matches their diameter.
Watercolour pencils can be used dry or with a damp brush. However, paper that is too thin is likely to buckle as soon as it gets wet. For washes and colour blending, it’s best to choose a support that is resistant to moisture. Also, let the pencils dry before putting them back in their case.
Standard pencils are suitable for colouring, illustration and coloured pencils for drawing. Wax-based or oil-based leads, however, offer different feels and possibilities:
For varying your techniques, artistic watercolour pencils offer more flexibility than a traditional set.
A hexagonal barrel stops the pencil from rolling off the table and offers a classic grip, as seen on the STAEDTLER Coloured Pencils 12 Pack ST146CM12. A triangular shape, sometimes with a non-slip zone, can help with finger positioning, particularly for children or during long colouring sessions.
Ergonomic coloured pencils for right-handed and left-handed users are not interchangeable. The STABILO EASYcolors models come in a version adapted to each handedness. So check for the “right hand” or “left hand” label before ordering.
A metal case protects the tips and slips easily into a bag. A lighter cardboard case can be sufficient for school or occasional use. When giving a set as a gift, presentation also matters: an illustrated or wooden case gives a more polished impression.
Also remember to check the accessories supplied: sharpener, brush, individual slots or storage compartment. These small details help prevent losses and save you from having to buy essential accessories separately.
Why this choice suits this profile: This set of 12 colours is ideal for first drawings, homework and everyday colouring, without accumulating shades that will just sit at the bottom of the box. The hexagonal barrel makes it easy to grip and store.
Its compact format prevents over-equipping, while its soft lead is suitable for colouring, sketching and simple gradients.
12 matching shades, hexagonal barrel, wood from certified forests and a cardboard case.
Why this choice suits this profile: For detailed work, this set focuses on an oil-based lead, a metal case and pigments that the manufacturer claims are lightfast.
The set prioritises a targeted selection of 12 colours rather than a large number of shades, with a lead that is claimed to be break-resistant.
Oil-based lead, metal case and application suitable for both illustrations and shading.
Why this choice suits this profile: This set is designed for those who alternate between dry drawing, layering and watercolour effects, whether in the studio, in class or during outdoor sketching sessions.
The product description mentions both dry and wet use, while the metal case protects the pencils during transport.
60 colours, 3.8 mm water-soluble lead and a metal case suitable for transport.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time updated selection of products that meet these demanding criteria and European safety standards.
A set of 12 colours with a strong lead and an easy-to-hold barrel is a good starting point. Ergonomic or jumbo models may suit children, while a hexagonal barrel adapts to many school and creative uses.
Yes. They can be used like standard coloured pencils. Water is only used to create blends, washes or softer transitions. Suitable paper is still recommended whenever you use the wet technique.
It all depends on how often you use them, the pressure you apply and how many times they are sharpened. A thick, strong lead can help reduce breakage, but all pencils will eventually wear down. Closed storage and a suitable sharpener help to minimise waste.