How to choose the right colored pencil set
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
Choosing a colored pencil set depends on your goals: student-grade sets are perfect for beginners and casual coloring, while artist-grade pencils offer higher pigment load, lightfastness, and blendability for serious artwork. Pay attention to the core type (wax vs. oil), color range, and reputation of the brand rather than just the price tag.
What to look for in a colored pencil set
Start by considering the kind of work you’ll do. For sketching, adult coloring books, or hobby projects, a mid-range set from a reputable brand gives you reliable color payoff without breaking the bank. If you plan to create finished pieces for display or sale, you should prioritize lightfastness, pigment concentration, and a durable core. Look at the pencil’s core consistency. Softer cores lay down more color quickly and blend smoothly, but they sharpen less cleanly and are prone to breakage. Harder cores hold a fine point longer and are better for detail work, but they may require more layers to reach full opacity. The best way to judge is through owner feedback and published comparisons, not from retail descriptions alone.
Student-grade vs artist-grade pencils: which is right for you?
Student-grade pencils are designed with a lower pigment concentration and more filler, which keeps the price manageable. They work well for practice, sketching, and projects where archival quality isn’t essential. Many budding artists start here and are very happy with the results until they hit the limits of layering and lightfastness. Artist-grade pencils, by contrast, use higher-quality pigments and less binder. They produce richer, more resistant color that fades less over time. The difference is most noticeable when you need to layer heavily or mix colors on the page. If you can afford the jump, the investment pays off in control and longevity. But it’s not always necessary to buy the most expensive set right away.
How many colors do you really need?
A 12 to 24 pencil set is surprisingly capable. With basic primary, secondary, and earth tones, you can mix an enormous range of hues through layering and blending. Many professional illustrators own large sets, but they routinely admit they rely on a core 24 or so. Sets of 36, 48, or 72 pencils offer convenience: pre-mixed shades save you time and give you subtle variations out of the box. The danger is buying a huge set when you’re still learning to blend, because it can be overwhelming. A solid 36 or 48 from a top brand will serve most hobbyists for years. Reserve the enormous sets for when you have a refined palette and a dedicated workspace.
Wax-based vs oil-based cores: what's the difference?
Wax-based pencils are the most common. They have a soft, creamy feel and blend beautifully with a colorless blender or even baby oil. The trade-off is wax bloom: a hazy white film that can appear on finished work unless you seal it. They’re best for artists who love smooth, velvety laydown and don’t mind a final fixative step. Oil-based pencils use a different binder that produces a slightly harder core. They sharpen to a fine needle point without crumbling, resist wax bloom entirely, and stand up well to layering without getting waxy. They tend to have slightly less immediate opacity than wax pencils, but many artists prefer their control for detail and photorealistic work. There’s no “better†overall – it depends on your technique and the look you want.
Lightfastness and archival quality: should you care?
If you’re making art that will be framed, displayed in sunlight, or sold, lightfastness matters a lot. Cheap student pencils often use fugitive pigments that fade noticeably within months or a few years. Artist-grade pencils typically have a lightfast rating printed on the barrel or available from the manufacturer. For coloring books, sketchbooks kept closed, or digital reproduction, lightfastness is less critical. You can still use lower-cost sets without worry. But if longevity is important, check the ASTM or Blue Wool ratings of the specific colors you use most. No set is uniformly lightfast across the entire range, but premium lines generally perform better overall.
Top colored pencil brands and what they’re known for
Faber-Castell Polychromos are the benchmark for oil-based pencils: hard enough for fine detail, blendable with solvents, and loved by artists who work in layers. Prismacolor Premier, a wax-based favorite, is famous for its soft, buttery laydown and vivid saturation, though recent quality control has drawn mixed owner reviews. Caran d’Ache Luminance offers exceptional lightfastness and the creamiest wax core on the market at a higher price point. On the budget side, Arteza EverBlend and Crayola’s larger sets are popular among hobbyists. Derwent’s line covers every niche – from the wax-based Coloursoft to the ink-infused Inktense. The best brand for you depends on your priority: colour payoff, durability, or value. Read comparisons from multiple sources before buying a full set; you can always start with a small open-stock selection to test feel.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best colored pencil set for a beginner?
A 24- or 36-piece student set from a reputable brand like Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, or Arteza gives you enough variety without overwhelming choice. Look for a set that includes a colorless blender pencil, which helps with basic blending and mixing.
Do I need a special blender pencil or solvent?
A colorless blender pencil or a small bottle of odorless mineral spirits can greatly extend your blending range, especially with wax-based pencils. They are optional but very helpful if you want smoother gradients or softer transitions between colors.
Are expensive colored pencils worth the extra money?
For serious, finished artwork the price jump improves pigment load, lightfastness, and core consistency. For casual coloring or practice, a budget-friendly set often performs well enough. It’s worth buying one or two premium pencils to test before committing to a large set.
Can I mix different brands of colored pencils in one drawing?
Yes, absolutely. Many artists mix brands to get the exact texture and color they want. Just be aware that wax and oil cores behave differently, so you may need to adjust layering order or technique when combining them.
How should I store colored pencils to keep them in good shape?
Store them horizontally in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Foam-lined cases or roll-up fabric wraps prevent rattling and point damage. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or near a heater, because wax cores can soften and break.
What paper works best with colored pencils?
A medium-tooth paper designed for colored pencil or pastel gives the cores enough grit to deposit pigment evenly. Heavyweight sketch paper (around 80 lb) is fine for practice, but for heavy layering or solvent blending, use a 100 lb or heavier paper to prevent buckling.