Which Colored Pencils Are the Best
You’ll want artist-quality colored pencils like Caran d’Ache Luminance or Derwent Lightfast-they’re ASTM or Blue Wool certified, with 59 to 150 lightfast colors that won’t fade. These use rich pigments, blend smoothly on Strathmore 400 Series paper, and handle fine layering, especially on journals. Prismacolor Premier’s soft wax core works fast, but only 59 hues are top-tier lightfast. For lasting results, pros choose Polychromos or Pablo, both reliable, precise, and proven-let’s go deeper into what makes each stand out.
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Notable Insights
- Artist-quality colored pencils have independent lightfastness certifications like ASTM or Blue Wool ratings for lasting artwork.
- Caran d’Ache Luminance and Derwent Lightfast are top choices due to proven lightfastness and rich, blendable pigments.
- Prismacolor Premier offers vibrant, soft wax-based cores ideal for layering, though not independently lightfast-certified.
- Holbein and Koh-I-Noor Polycolor deliver strong performance with high pigment and smooth application across large color ranges.
- For best results, pair artist-grade pencils with archival paper like Strathmore Bristol and reliable blending tools.
What Makes a Colored Pencil Artist Quality?
While some brands claim their colored pencils are artist quality based on internal tests, true artist-grade pencils are backed by independent certification like ASTM or Blue Wool lightfast ratings, which measure how well pigments resist fading over time-so you can trust your artwork won’t dull after a few months in the light. Artist Quality isn’t just a label; it means verified lightfastness ratings, rich pigment concentration, and reliable performance. Pencils like Caran d’Ache Luminance, Derwent Lightfast, and Faber Castell Polychromos pencils pass Blue Wool lightfast testing, earning their place as top-tier Artist Grade Colored Pencils. Even Holbein Pencils and Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils claim artist quality, but rely on in-house data, not independent standards. For journaling, layering, and detailed work, proven lightfastness matters. These pencils blend smoothly, cover evenly, and maintain vibrancy-perfect for artists who want lasting results. Opt for open stock, full color ranges, and verified ratings when choosing your tools.
Does Lightfastness Really Matter for Artist-Quality Colored Pencils?
Why should you care if your colored pencils fade after a few months in the sun? Because lightfastness directly impacts whether your artwork stays vibrant or turns ghostly over time. If you’re creating pieces for display or sale, archival-quality matters. Many artist-grade pencils aren’t ASTM-certified, including Prismacolor Premier-only 59 of 150 colors have the highest lightfast rating, making them prone to fading. For dependable longevity, choose ASTM-certified options.
| Brand | Lightfast Certification | Core Type |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier | In-house | Wax-based |
| Caran d’Ache Pablo | ASTM-certified | Oil-based |
| Derwent Lightfast | ASTM-certified | Polymer-based |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | ASTM-certified | Oil-based |
These deliver professional results and resist UV damage. While non-lightfast pencils can still create beautiful work, long-term value grows with proven lightfast rating. Pick smart for lasting impact.
Top 5 Artist-Quality Colored Pencils Ranked for Performance
You want your colored pencil work to look fresh and professional, whether it’s a sketch in your journal, a finished illustration, or a gift-worthy portrait. For artist-quality performance, start with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils-they’re wax-based pencils with vibrant colors and soft opacity, ideal for character work, though lightfastness relies on in-house testing. Holbein ranks higher with 150-count sets, excellent coverage, and a three-star lightfastness system. Koh-I-Noor Polycolor pencils offer smooth shifts and sharp layering, now in 144-count sets for portraits and landscapes. Caran d’Ache Pablo leads with top-tier lightfastness ratings, a durable core, and precision for professional quality detail. Don’t overlook Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor: their 72-count set delivers vibrant laydown and effortless blending on premium papers, a smart choice for artists seeking reliable, smooth shifts with dependable performance.
Best Artist-Quality Colored Pencils for Blending and Layering
For seamless blending and rich layering, Caran d’Ache Luminance 6901 pencils are in a class of their own, scoring 5+ in independent tests thanks to their ultra-soft, wax-based core that glides like pastel under pressure, building smooth gradients without streaking. Your colored pencils should make blending effortless, and these deliver with high pigmentation and a creamy core that layers like butter. Prismacolor Premier wax-based pencils also shine, offering vibrant color saturation and a soft core ideal for quick layering. If you prefer oil-based pencils, Holbein Artists’ ones provide smooth texture and strong performance on dark paper, thanks to high pigmentation. Derwent Chromaflow’s 4mm soft core guarantees even coverage and professional blending, while Cretacolor Mega’s wax-oil hybrid core boosts color saturation without tackiness. All excel in layering, giving your art depth, richness, and a seamless finish you can count on.
Choosing Student vs. Professional Artist-Quality Pencils
Caran d’Ache Luminance and Prismacolor Premier both deliver smooth, blendable strokes, but the decision between them goes beyond feel-it comes down to quality tier. If you’re serious about colored pencil art, you’ll want professional artist-quality pencils with high pigment concentration, lightfast certification, and a wide color range. Artist-grade options like Pablo Colored Pencils and Holbein are ASTM-tested, ensuring archival quality, while student grade picks like Prismacolor Scholar lack independent lightfast certification and use more binder, dulling results. Even Prismacolor pencils, though smooth, rely on self-rated testing, not ASTM standards.
| Feature | Student Grade | Artist-Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment Concentration | Low (duller color) | High (rich, vibrant lays) |
| Lightfast Certification | In-house testing | ASTM/Blue Wool verified |
| Price per Pencil | $0.62 (Simply Art) | $3.75 (Luminance) |
Simple Tools That Upgrade Any Colored Pencil
Precision starts at the point-literally. A sharp point elevates your control, and a durable sharpener like the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener, with its two hole sizes and integrated shavings container, keeps you clean and mobile. Priced at just $6, it outperformed four others in 2018 testing. For even better results, pair it with Caran d’Ache Pablo pencils, which hold their sharp point longer thanks to high-quality core and wood. Use these on high-quality paper like Strathmore 400 Series Bristol (9×12 inches, 2-ply, smooth finish) to enable seamless layering and blending. Upgrade further with a blending pencil for dry techniques or apply odorless mineral spirits for rich, smooth finish effects. Whether you’re journaling, sketching, or practicing caligraphy, these tools make every stroke more precise, vibrant, and professional-no matter your pencil tier.
On a final note
You’ve got the facts, so trust your hand: Prismacolor Premiers glide smooth at 3.8mm core width, ideal for layering, while Caran d’Ache Luminances rank highest in lightfastness, lasting over 100 years unfiltered. Testers prefer Faber-Castell Polychromos for blending-oil-based, smudge-resistant, 110-color range. For journaling, pair Midori blank refills with a Tombow brush pen, 0.5mm rulings guide neat script. Student-grade? Staedtler Ergosoft work fine, but pro pencils deliver precision, pigmentation, and staying power, page after page.
