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Whether you're a seasoned artist, an illustrator, or simply a coloring enthusiast, choosing the right materials is a crucial step. Often held up as the benchmark, Faber-Castell's Polychromos colored pencils are the gold standard in the professional world. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to navigate the choices and understand what truly justifies their reputation. This guide is here to break down the essentials and help you make an informed decision, avoiding the most common pitfalls.
Investing in high-end materials requires a certain level of diligence. Here are the most common traps to avoid so you don't regret your purchase or throw your money away.
To choose oil-based artist pencils that truly live up to their name, three technical characteristics must be examined closely.
The heart of a Polychromos pencil is its 3.8?mm core, packed with high-quality pigments and encased in an oil-based binder. Unlike wax-based binders, this unique formula provides a texture that is both smooth and firm.
Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils boast excellent lightfastness, which is documented for each shade. This rating is indicated directly on the pencil barrel (or on the brand's color chart) using a star system:
For works intended for exhibition or sale, you should exclusively aim for pencils rated with two or three stars.
Nothing is more frustrating (and costly) than a pencil whose lead constantly breaks. Faber-Castell uses a patented bonding process, SV (Secural) Bonding, which secures the lead to the wood casing along its entire length. This technique makes the lead incredibly break-resistant, whether from being dropped or during sharpening. It may seem like a minor detail, but it's a game-changer in practice and ensures the longevity of your drawing supplies.
Why this choice? This is the perfect entry point to discover Polychromos quality. This selection of 12 fundamental colors allows you to practice blending and layering without immediately investing in a pricey set. Ideal for drawing, illustration, or art-level coloring.
This set embodies the principle of quality over quantity. Each pencil is so pigment-rich that it allows you to create an infinite number of shades through simple blending—something impossible with a large, low-end set.
It features the famous smooth and ultra-durable oil-based core (SV bonding) in a compact and affordable format. The metal tin is a bonus for protecting your pencils on the go.
Why this choice? For the artist whose craft is color. This set offers an extensive color range, essential for complex works like portraiture, botanical illustration, or realistic landscapes. The superb wooden case is not just for aesthetics: it ensures perfect organization and protection for your supplies in the studio.
Here, the focus is on longevity. The vast majority of the 72 colors have the highest possible lightfastness rating, a non-negotiable criterion for works intended for sale or exhibition.
A complete and coherent color palette, where every pencil shares the same exceptional oil-based core. The guarantee of a professional and consistent result.
Why this choice? For artists who like to compare and don't swear by a single brand. Bruynzeel Expression pencils are an excellent alternative, known for their robust 3.3 mm core and good pigmentation. This 24-color set offers a versatile palette to explore a different philosophy of professional colored pencils.
This set gets straight to the point: a solid core and great color laydown. A pragmatic choice that ensures very reliable performance for illustration and coloring, with no frills.
Excellent value for money. The thick 3.3 mm core is built to last, and the color deposit is consistent, making it a remarkably effective work tool.
We have curated a complete range of drawing supplies that meet our demanding selection criteria.
It's all in the binder. Polychromos colored pencils have an oil-based core, which makes them permanent and water-resistant once applied. Watercolor pencils (like the Albrecht Dürer line from the same brand) have a water-soluble binder. The latter can be used dry like a classic pencil, but a simple pass with a wet brush allows you to dilute the pigments to achieve watercolor effects.
Yes, and that's one of the major advantages of this professional range. You can replace just your favorite colors or expand your palette over time without having to buy a whole new set.
Given their thick core (3.8?mm) and price, it's crucial to use a high-quality sharpener with a flawless blade. Ideally, choose a model with a long, gentle sharpening angle: it will create a fine, precise point without putting stress on the lead or the wood. Desktop (crank) sharpeners or pocket models designed for art pencils are excellent investments.