Faber-Castell Black Edition Coloured Pencils: A Buying Guide

Artists and colouring enthusiasts know it all too well: finding pencils with truly intense pigmentation, especially on dark paper, can be a real challenge. The Faber-Castell Black Edition coloured pencils range was designed precisely to tackle this, promising brilliant colours and an unparalleled glide.

In this guide, we'll break down this collection for you, help you find the ideal set for your projects, and share our top picks to ensure you make the right choice.

Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Faber-Castell Black Edition Pencil Set

To find the Faber-Castell coloured pencil set that perfectly matches your creative ambitions, here are the key points to consider before you check out.

1. Pigmentation and Performance on Dark Paper

The secret to the Black Edition collection? Its SuperSoft lead. This soft lead was specially developed to release an impressive amount of pigment, allowing for colours that pop, even on black or tinted paper. If your goal is to find pencils for dark paper, the richness of this range is the number one criterion. Their very smooth application also makes blending and layering colours easy, without ever oversaturating or damaging the paper.

2. Set Size and Colour Palette

Faber-Castell Black Edition sets are available in several sizes, ranging from 12 to 100 pencils.

• Small Sets (12 or 24): Perfect for getting started with the range or for on-the-go projects. They are an excellent starting point and are easier on the wallet.
• Large Sets (72 or more): These sets are clearly intended for artists and illustrators who need a true arsenal of shades for their most complex works. Some extra-large sets even include neon or metallic colours to push the boundaries of creativity.

Your choice will therefore depend on your budget, your artistic practice, and, most importantly, the breadth of the palette you need.

3. Ergonomics and Materials

Design isn't just for looks. With their triangular barrel, the black wood coloured pencils from the Black Edition collection ensure a natural and comfortable grip, ideal for preventing hand fatigue during long creative sessions. Another plus for the planet? the wood used comes from sustainably managed forests, a compelling factor for a growing number of users.

Recommended Faber-Castell Black Edition Sets

To help make things clearer, here is a selection of three sets from the Black Edition range, each catering to different needs.

Faber-Castell Colour Pencils Black Edition, 12 Pieces in Tin Case

Why it stands out: This set is an excellent gateway into the Black Edition universe. It contains an essential selection of 12 vivid colours, all housed in a sturdy metal tin that protects the pencils and makes them easy to transport.

Advantages:

• Intense pigments for bright and expressive colours.
• Smooth application that allows for superb blending.
• Break-resistant lead for better durability.
• Reusable metal tin for clean and secure storage.

Who is it for? Ideal for students, colouring fans, or anyone curious to test the quality of the range without breaking the bank.

Faber-Castell Black Edition Colored Pencil Set 72 with Pencil Roll

Why it stands out: This set of 72 Faber-Castell pencils is aimed at discerning creators. It offers an extremely wide colour palette, including 6 neon and 6 metallic shades for unique visual effects. The roll-up case is a real bonus for organisation and transport.

Advantages:

• Comprehensive range of 72 colours, including neon and metallic shades.
• SuperSoft lead for exceptional brilliance on light, coloured, or dark paper.
• Ergonomic triangular shape for optimal comfort.
• Ultra-practical roll-up case to protect and organise pencils, perfect for on the go.

Who is it for? For established artists, illustrators, and enthusiasts who want the ultimate collection of professional coloured pencils to never run out of inspiration (or colours?!).

Faber-Castell Colour Pencils Black Edition 24x

Why it stands out: This 24-pencil set strikes the perfect balance between a varied colour palette and a compact format. It offers enough shades for detailed projects while remaining easy to store and carry.

Advantages:

• Set of 24 rich and intense colours.
• Smooth application and excellent blendability for layering and shading.
• Break-resistant lead, designed for regular use in drawing and illustration.
• Great versatility for artists, students, and hobbyists.

Who is it for? This is the Swiss Army knife of the range? a highly versatile choice suitable for advanced amateurs as well as artists looking for a quality set for their daily work.

Looking for other types of drawing supplies?

The Faber-Castell Black Edition range goes all-in on pigmentation and contrast. If that's not your priority, or if you simply want to take a look at other types of pencils, markers, or pastels, there's no shortage of options.

To explore a wider array of creative tools, take a tour of our dedicated category.

? Explore our complete collection of drawing supplies

Frequently Asked Questions about Faber-Castell Black Edition Coloured Pencils

1. Are Faber-Castell Black Edition pencils suitable for beginners?

Yes, absolutely. Although they are highly regarded by professionals, their ease of use makes them perfect for beginners. Thanks to the soft lead that doesn't require heavy pressure, they are immediately intuitive to use. A set of 12 or 24 pencils is an excellent starting point.

2. What is special about the "SuperSoft" lead?

The "SuperSoft"?lead is Faber-Castell's code name for this range's secret formula. Its special feature? An extremely soft texture that allows you to lay down a rich, opaque layer of colour without forcing it. This is why the colours stand out so well on dark paper, where conventional leads would struggle to show up.

3. Can these pencils be used on regular white paper?

Of course?! While their performance on dark paper is their key strength, the Black Edition pencils are just as vibrant and intense on white or light-coloured paper. Their perfect glide and blendability make them highly versatile tools, regardless of the paper medium.