Faber-Castell Polychromos Coloured Pencils: Buying Guide

For any artist, illustrator, or drawing enthusiast, the choice of materials is a critical decision. The quality of your tools not only determines the final result but also the very pleasure of the creative process. Among the industry's benchmark products, Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils stand out as a widely acclaimed choice for their performance and longevity.

This guide breaks down the advantages of Polychromos pencils and helps you find the perfect artist's coloured pencil set to bring your projects to life.

Which Professional Coloured Pencil Set Is Right for You?

Before you set your heart on a specific box, let's review the criteria that define true professional-grade drawing materials.

1. Pigmentation and Lightfastness: The Winning Combination

The richness of the colours and their permanence are the cornerstones of an artwork designed to last for years. A professional-quality pencil is distinguished by its high concentration of pigments. Lightfastness is another key indicator, often marked on the pencil barrel or its packaging. It ensures that colours will not fade or shift over time when exposed to light. Polychromos pencils are renowned for their pigments, which, according to Faber-Castell, provide excellent lightfastness.

2. The Core of the Lead: Oil-Based or Wax-Based?

Coloured pencil leads are primarily made from either a wax or oil base.

• Wax-based leads: Generally softer, they allow you to cover large areas quickly. Their main drawback is that they can saturate the paper faster and sometimes create a light, waxy film (the infamous "wax bloom").
• Oil-based leads, like those in Polychromos pencils, are harder and denser. They allow for very fine lines, the layering of multiple colours without saturating the paper, and incredibly subtle blending. Another advantage is that they are water-resistant and smudge-proof.

3. Packaging: Studio Box or Portable Case?

The packaging for your pencils is very important. A wooden or metal box provides a durable and elegant storage solution for the studio. Conversely, a roll-up coloured pencil case is the perfect companion for artists on the go, students, or those who enjoy drawing outdoors. The choice will depend on your habits and need for mobility.

Our Top Drawing Supply Picks

Here is a selection of products that cater to various uses, from the most detailed colour drawings to preparatory sketches.

Faber-Castell Polychromos 33-Piece Coloured Pencil Roll

What sets it apart: This set is the ultimate portable solution. It doesn't just bring together 30 Polychromos coloured pencils; it also includes 3 graphite pencils and an eraser, all housed in a practical and elegant roll-up case. It's an excellent starting point for building a serious collection or for treating yourself to a high-performance travel kit.

Advantages:

• High-quality pigments: Formulated to be acid-free, Polychromos pigments are renowned for their brilliance and excellent lightfastness.
• Oil-based lead: Allows for fine lines, smooth colour laydown, and multiple layers without saturating the paper. It is water-resistant and smudge-proof.
• Versatile kit: The inclusion of graphite pencils is ideal for creating preparatory sketches before adding colour.
• Practicality: The roll-up coloured pencil case effectively protects the leads and makes transport easy.

Who is it for? This kit is particularly suitable for illustrators, art students, and artists who split their time between the studio and working outdoors. It also makes an excellent gift for any drawing enthusiast.

Sketching Essentials: Graphite Pencils

Sketching is a fundamental step before any colour work. Having reliable graphite pencils is therefore just as crucial.

M&G HB Graphite Pencils, 12-Pack

The key advantage: For sketches and preparatory drawings, consistency and reliability are key. This pack of HB pencils offers an excellent balance. The HB hardness is the most versatile: it produces a clean line that erases easily without leaving marks on the paper.

Advantages:

• Balanced HB lead: Neither too hard nor too soft, it's ideal for construction lines and initial drafts.
• Comfortable grip: The classic hexagonal barrel prevents the pencil from rolling off your work surface.
• Excellent value: A pack of 12 pencils provides a comfortable supply for daily use.

Who is it for? For students and artists who go through a lot of pencils for their sketches and are looking for a functional and economical solution for their preparatory work.

M&G 2B Graphite Pencils, 12-Pack

For richer blacks: Softer than HB, the 2B lead deposits more graphite onto the paper. It's perfect for more expressive sketches or for laying down initial shading. The triangular barrel of this model offers a different ergonomic feel, which many artists appreciate.

Advantages:

• Softer 2B lead: It allows you to achieve darker lines and work on values more easily.
• Triangular barrel: It promotes a natural finger position, which can reduce fatigue during long drawing sessions.
• Integrated eraser: Convenient for quick corrections without having to search for another tool.

Who is it for? For artists who prefer a softer lead for their sketches, or those who are particularly mindful of the ergonomics of their tools.

Explore Other Essential Tools

The quality of a drawing doesn't just depend on the pencils. The ability to correct, blend, or create highlights is just as crucial. A good eraser is an indispensable ally for any artist.

Whether you're looking for a malleable kneaded eraser or a precision eraser for the finest details, explore our complete selection.

? Discover our range of pencil erasers

Your Questions About Polychromos Pencils

What is the difference between Polychromos and other coloured pencils? The main difference lies in their oil-based binder. Unlike wax-based pencils, they allow you to layer numerous coats of colour without ever saturating the paper or creating a waxy film. Their denser lead allows for extremely fine detail and offers excellent break resistance.

Are Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils suitable for beginners? Although they are considered professional-grade drawing materials, their quality is a real asset for motivated beginners. The ease with which the colours blend and the strength of the lead make the learning process more enjoyable and the results more rewarding. However, they represent a more significant initial investment than standard student-grade pencils.

How do you sharpen Polychromos pencils without damaging them? To preserve the lead, it is recommended to use a high-quality manual sharpener with a perfectly sharp blade. Crank-operated sharpeners with a helical blade are often an excellent option. Some artists prefer to use a craft knife to sculpt the point to the desired length, a technique that offers total control but requires some practice.

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer