How to Choose the Right Coloured Pencils

From cheap school packs to premium artist sets, coloured pencils vary a lot. Here is how to pick the right ones for you.

Match the pencil to the user

• Kids & school: pre-sharpened, break-resistant pencils — twistable ones need no sharpener at all.
• Hobby colouring: a soft wax-based set of 36–72 with bright, blendable colour.
• Artists: soft-core professional sets (72–300 colours) for smooth blending and rich pigment.

Wax vs oil-based

Wax-based pencils blend easily and feel smooth; oil-based hold a sharper point and resist crumbling. For fine detail, lean oil; for soft blending, lean wax.

Set size — how many colours?

• 12–24: everyday colouring and beginners.
• 36–72: the sweet spot for hobbyists.
• 100+: for artists who want ready-made shade ranges.

Little things that matter

Look for strong, well-glued cores (fewer breakages), lightfastness if your work will be displayed, and a tin or case that keeps pencils organised. See our range to find your set.