How to choose the right colored pencil set
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For 2026, the best colored pencil set depends on your skill level and application. Student-grade sets like Prismacolor Scholar offer good value for learning, while artist-grade sets like Faber-Castell Polychromos or Caran d’Ache Luminance provide superior lightfastness and blendability for professionals. Focus on wax versus oil binder, number of colors, and whether you need water-soluble pencils.
What type of binder should you choose: wax or oil?
The binder is the substance that holds the pigment together in a colored pencil, and it largely determines how the pencil feels and behaves. Wax-based pencils, like Prismacolor Premier, are soft, lay down lots of color quickly, and are easy to blend with a simple burnishing technique. The trade-off is that they can break more easily and may develop a waxy bloom, a hazy film, over time, though this is easily wiped off. Oil-based pencils, such as Faber-Castell Polychromos or Derwent Coloursoft, are harder and hold a sharp point longer. They blend beautifully with solvents like odorless mineral spirits and resist breakage better. They don’t bloom as wax pencils do, making them a favorite for detailed, layered work. There’s no right or wrong here: try a few single pencils from both types to feel the difference before committing to a large set.
How many colors do you really need in a set?
It’s tempting to reach for the largest box you can afford, but a focused set often serves you better. For a beginner or casual doodler, a set of 24 or 36 carefully chosen colors gives you a solid warm/cool spectrum plus earthy tones and a few neutrals, enough to mix and layer without overwhelming your storage. For serious artists working on portraits or landscapes, sets of 48 to 72 colors offer subtle hue variations that save time on mixing. However, even a 12-color artist-grade set can produce a vast range through layering and pressure control. A smart strategy: start with a mid-size set from a reputable brand and then buy open-stock individual pencils to fill gaps in your palette.
Are water-soluble pencils worth considering?
Water-soluble, or watercolor, pencils like Derwent Inktense or Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle give you two tools in one. You can draw dry for a traditional colored pencil look, then brush over the strokes with water to dissolve the binder and create washes that resemble watercolor paint. This makes them versatile for mixed-media work, urban sketching, and adding broad backgrounds. Keep in mind that not all water-soluble pencils behave the same after drying: some are permanent (Inktense becomes waterproof once dry), while others remain reactivatable. If you enjoy blending crisp lines with soft washes, a set of water-soluble pencils is a worthwhile addition, but they aren’t a replacement for standard colored pencils if you need precise, dry control.
What makes a pencil set “artist grade” versus “student grade”?
Artist-grade pencils, such as Prismacolor Premier, Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Caran d’Ache Luminance, use a higher concentration of finely ground, lightfast pigments. This means richer color payoff, better blending without waxy buildup, and artwork that resists fading for decades under museum lighting. They also have more consistent hardness across colors and thicker, more durable cores. Student-grade sets, like Prismacolor Scholar or Faber-Castell Goldfaber, use more filler and less pigment. They’re less expensive, which is great for learning and for projects where archival quality isn’t critical. The color range is narrower, and some hues may be less opaque. But they’re perfectly fine for color studies, practice sketches, or coloring books. The best approach is to match the grade to your project: use student grade for exploration, artist grade for finished work.
How does paper choice affect your colored pencil experience?
The paper you use can make or break your colored pencil drawing. Smooth, hot-pressed papers (often labeled as Bristol or marker paper) are ideal for fine detail and layering with hard pencils like Polychromos. The tooth is minimal, so you can achieve crisp edges and a polished finish. For softer pencils like Prismacolor Premier, a medium-tooth paper, something in the 90–110 lb range with a slight grain, gives the pigment something to grip. Heavy tooth textures can devour your pencils quickly and make fine detail hard, but they shine for layered, painterly effects. Avoid standard copy paper; it’s too slick and thin. Look for colored pencil-specific pads or mixed-media paper with a weight that won’t buckle under solvent blending.
What about pencil sets for specific uses: illustration, portraiture, or adult coloring?
For illustrators needing fine linework and tight registration, oil-based pencils like Polychromos or Derwent Drawing Pencils hold a sharp point and layer cleanly without smudging. Portraiture benefits from a set heavy in earth tones, pinks, and purples; brands like Prismacolor Premier offer excellent flesh-tone sets that simplify blending realistic skin. For adult coloring books, wax-based pencils are popular because they cover large areas quickly and blend softly, but the wax bloom can be an issue. Many coloring enthusiasts prefer a soft touch and a blender pencil. Some brands now offer thematic sets (e.g., nature, pastels, metallics) that are perfect for hobbyists. Just remember that the paper in coloring books varies wildly, test a small swatch first to see if the pencil behavior suits the page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils?
Wax-based pencils are softer, lay down more pigment per stroke, and blend easily with heat or pressure, but they can break more often and develop a waxy haze called bloom. Oil-based pencils are harder, hold a point longer, blend well with solvents, and resist bloom. Both can produce beautiful results; the best choice depends on your technique and personal feel.
Can you blend different brands of colored pencils?
Yes, you can mix brands in a single drawing. However, because different brands use different binder formulas and hardness, you may notice variations in opacity and layering behavior. It’s often safest to pair wax-based with wax-based and oil-based with oil-based for consistent results. Experiment on scrap paper first.
Are expensive colored pencils worth it for beginners?
Not necessarily. A well-reviewed student-grade set from a reputable brand will let you learn layering and blending without a large investment. Once you understand those basics, you’ll know what qualities matter most to you, softness, lightfastness, or color range, and can selectively upgrade to artist-grade pencils.
How should I store my colored pencils to prevent breakage?
Store them horizontally in a sturdy pencil case or a dedicated tin with slots that cushion the tips. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or direct sunlight, as heat softens the core and increases breakage. A padded roll-up case is great for travel. Never drop the case, impact is the number one cause of internal breakage.
Do I need a fixative for colored pencil drawings?
Fixative is optional but can be helpful for reducing wax bloom on wax-based pencils and preventing smudging on finished work. Use a workable fixative between layers if you plan to add more pencil on top. A final archival fixative can protect against dust and UV damage. Test on a scrap before applying to your finished piece.
What is lightfastness and why does it matter?
Lightfastness measures a pigment’s resistance to fading when exposed to light over time. Artist-grade pencils typically display a lightfastness rating (often on a scale of I to III) on the label or packaging. If you plan to display, sell, or archive your work, choose pencils rated I (excellent lightfastness) to ensure colors stay vibrant for decades.