Coloured Pencils Guide: How to Choose the Right Set

The world of coloured pencils can be overwhelming. From children's sets to professional-grade pencils for artists, countless options vary widely in price, quality, and application. Choosing the right product depends entirely on your specific needs, whether it's for a child's first colouring session, a school project, or sophisticated artwork.

This guide is designed to bring clarity to your decision. We'll outline objective criteria to help you find the perfect coloured pencils for your needs and showcase a curated selection of products with distinct features.

What to Look for When Buying Coloured Pencils?

To make an informed decision, it's essential to consider a few fundamental properties of drawing pencils. These characteristics determine how the pencil performs and which techniques it is best suited for.

The Core: Hardness and Pigmentation

The core is the heart of any coloured pencil. It consists of pigments mixed with a binder, which is typically wax-based or oil-based.

• Soft Core: Pencils with a soft core deliver rich colour laydown, creating vibrant, saturated areas and smooth transitions. They are excellent for blending and shading, making them a favourite among many artists. However, they wear down faster, and the tip is more prone to breaking.
• Hard Core: A harder core is more durable and allows for drawing fine, precise lines and details. The colour transfer is less intense, making them more economical to use. They are ideal for technical drawings, outlines, and detailed illustrations.

Pencil Shape and Wood Quality

The pencil's external shape and material affect its handling and longevity.

• Shape: The most common shapes are round, hexagonal, and triangular (ergonomic). Triangular pencils are often recommended as coloured pencils for children because they promote a proper grip and prevent hand fatigue. Hexagonal pencils also fit comfortably in the hand and won't roll off your desk.
• Wood: The quality of wooden pencils becomes apparent when sharpening. High-quality wood, such as cedar, sharpens easily and cleanly without splintering. This protects the core and extends the pencil's lifespan.

Colour Selection and Set Size

A large coloured pencil set isn't always the most practical option. For beginners or children, a basic selection of 12 to 24 colours is often sufficient. In contrast, coloured pencils for adults and advanced artists looking to create complex shading and gradients will benefit from a set of 48, 72, or even more colours.

Our Recommended Coloured Pencil Picks

Based on the criteria above, we've curated a selection of products to meet a variety of needs.

Lamy Coloured Pencils Plus - 56 Cobalt Turquoise Glaze

Why It Stands Out This pencil from Lamy is distinguished by its slim, triangular shape, which ensures a comfortable and secure grip for precise work. Its fine, break-resistant core is designed for detailed drawings and vibrant colour laydown.

Advantages

• Pencil Shape: Slim triangular shape for ergonomic drawing.
• Core:Break-resistant, fine tip for precise line work.
• Material: Made from certified cedar wood, indicating high quality and easy sharpening.
• Colour Laydown: Delivers an even and intense colour application.

Who It's For Ideal for students and hobby artists who value precision, ergonomic handling, and durable drawing pencils.

Pelikan Wooden Coloured Pencils 12-Piece Pastel Set

Why It Stands Out The Pelikan set offers a selection of delicate pastel colours that stand apart from classic palettes. The pencils are versatile and, according to the manufacturer, can be combined with other artistic techniques like paints or inks.

Advantages

• Colour Palette: A set of 12 curated pastel colours.
• Core:3 mm graphite core, suitable for drawing and colouring.
• Handling: The pencils come pre-sharpened and are ready to use right out of the box.
• Versatility: Suitable for creative DIY projects and can be mixed with other media.

Who It's For A great choice as coloured pencils for children of kindergarten and school age, as well as for adults looking to bring creative ideas to life with soft hues.

M&G Coloured Pencils, 48-Pack with Soft Core

Why It Stands Out This set from M&G offers a wide palette of 48 colours for diverse creative possibilities. The soft core provides a smooth colour laydown and is well-suited for techniques like blending and shading.

Advantages

• Colour Range: A comprehensive coloured pencil set with 48 different colours.
• Core:Soft core for an even, intense colour laydown with good layering performance.
• Pencil Shape: The classic hexagonal barrel prevents rolling and provides a stable grip.
• Material: Made from natural wood for easy sharpening.

Who It's For Recommended for beginners, students, and hobby artists looking for a comprehensive set for colouring, sketching, and basic illustrations.

Looking for More Options?

Didn't find the right product for you in this selection, or do you want to explore more brands and sets? The range of drawing pencils is vast, with the right solution for every need.

Discover our entire range of Sketch Coloured Pencils and find the perfect pencils for your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coloured Pencils

What is the difference between children's coloured pencils and artist-grade coloured pencils?

Coloured pencils for children are typically designed for durability, safety (non-toxic materials), and an affordable price. Their cores are often harder to prevent breakage. Artist-grade coloured pencils, on the other hand, are characterised by high pigment concentration, lightfastness, and a wider variety of colours. Their cores are often softer to enable professional techniques like blending and shading.

What is the best way to sharpen coloured pencils with a soft core?

A soft core breaks more easily, so the right sharpening technique is crucial. Use a sharp manual sharpener. Instead of turning the pencil in the sharpener, hold the pencil still and rotate the sharpener around it. This reduces lateral pressure on the core and minimises the risk of breakage. For very soft or brittle cores, a craft knife or a special artist's knife can also be a good alternative.

Can coloured pencils lose their quality over time?

When stored correctly, coloured pencils are extremely durable. The wood and the wax- or oil-based core are very stable materials. As long as they are kept in a dry place at moderate temperatures and protected from direct sunlight, they can maintain their quality for decades without drying out or becoming brittle.