Introduction
Colored pencils have become a beloved tool for artists, students, and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator, a designer, or simply someone who loves to unwind with adult coloring books, choosing the right colored pencil set can elevate your art to the next level. But with so many options available—from budget sets to premium professional tools—it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a colored pencil set, including types, features, top brands, expert tips, and our curated recommendations for every skill level.
1. Understanding Colored Pencils: Wax vs. Oil-Based
Before choosing your perfect colored pencil set, it’s important to understand the two main types:
🖍️ Wax-Based Colored Pencils
- Most common type
- Creamy texture and easy to blend
- Softer cores allow for smooth application
- Prone to wax bloom (a whitish film that appears over time)
- Examples: Prismacolor Premier, Crayola
🛢️ Oil-Based Colored Pencils
- Harder core for detailed work and precision
- More durable and break-resistant
- Ideal for layering and realistic illustrations
- Less prone to smudging or wax bloom
- Examples: Faber-Castell Polychromos, Derwent Lightfast
2. Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Colored Pencil Set
When selecting a colored pencil set, keep the following key points in mind:
🎨 1. Color Range
- More colors = greater flexibility for shading and gradients.
- Beginner sets often start at 24-36 colors.
- Professional sets can go up to 150+ shades.
✍️ 2. Pigment Quality
- High pigment content = more vibrant colors.
- Cheap pencils often require more pressure and have dull tones.
🪵 3. Core Strength
- A soft core is better for blending.
- A hard core is better for crisp lines and fine details.
💡 4. Lightfastness
- Describes how resistant a color is to fading over time.
- Important for professional or archival work.
🔪 5. Sharpening and Break Resistance
- Quality pencils have centered, strong cores that don’t break easily.
- Always test a few before buying in bulk.
3. Top Colored Pencil Set Recommendations by Category
⭐ Best Overall Professional Set: Faber-Castell Polychromos
- Oil-based, smooth performance
- 120 vibrant colors
- High durability and excellent lightfastness
💎 Best Premium Set: Caran d’Ache Luminance
- Museum-quality lightfastness
- Buttery smooth application
- Ideal for portraits, fine art, and exhibitions
💰 Best Budget Pick: Arrtx 126 Colored Pencil Set
- Inexpensive yet surprisingly smooth
- Great for beginners and casual artists
- Large color variety
🖌️ Best for Blending: Prismacolor Premier Soft Core
- Soft wax-based core perfect for blending and shading
- Available in sets from 12 to 150 colors
🧒 Best for Kids: Crayola Colored Pencils
- Safe, non-toxic, and durable
- Perfect for schools and learning environments
Colored Pencil Set Comparison Table
| Brand | Type | Price Range | Lightfast | Color Count | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | Oil | $$$ | Yes | Up to 120 | Professional precision |
| Caran d’Ache Luminance | Wax | $$$$ | Yes (LFI) | Up to 100 | Archival artwork |
| Prismacolor Premier | Wax | $$ | Moderate | Up to 150 | Blending & shading |
| Derwent Lightfast | Oil | $$$ | Yes | 100 | Long-lasting art |
| Arrtx 126 | Wax | $ | No | 126 | Beginner value |
| Crayola | Wax | $ | No | 12–100 | Children & students |
5. Beginner vs. Professional: What’s the Difference?
Beginners Should Look For:
- Affordability
- Ease of use
- Smooth blending
- Mid-sized sets (36–72 colors)
Best Picks: Prismacolor Premier, Arrtx, Crayola
Professionals Should Look For:
- Lightfast ratings
- Layering capacity
- Open-stock availability
- Rich, nuanced pigments
Best Picks: Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, Derwent
6. How to Test a Colored Pencil Set Before Committing
✅ Test Checklist:
- Draw fine lines and large color fills
- Check blending (dry and with solvent)
- Compare color on different paper types
- Try sharpening to see breakage
- Evaluate core alignment inside the pencil barrel
7. Colored Pencil Accessories That Make a Difference
✨ Blending Tools
- Blending stumps
- Tortillons
- Solvents like Gamsol or baby oil
✨ Sharpeners
- Manual sharpeners for precision
- Electric sharpeners for speed (with caution)
✨ Paper Type
- Smooth Bristol board for detail
- Textured paper for layering
✨ Fixatives & Sealants
- Protect your artwork from smudging and fading
8. How to Maintain and Store Your Colored Pencil Set
- Store horizontally to prevent core breakage
- Keep in a dry, cool place
- Use wrap or case to avoid dropping
- Don’t leave in direct sunlight
9. Most Popular Colored Pencil Sets on Amazon (2025)
Here are the most searched and purchased colored pencil sets:
| Set | Avg Rating | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier 150 | ★★★★★ | Soft wax core, perfect for artists |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos 60 | ★★★★★ | Oil-based, sharp lines |
| Caran d’Ache Luminance 76 | ★★★★☆ | Lightfastness & creamy texture |
| Arrtx 126 Colors | ★★★★☆ | Budget friendly, huge color range |
| Castle Art Supplies 120 | ★★★★☆ | Beautiful packaging, affordable |
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