How to Care for Your Coloured Pencils So They Last

Coloured pencils are simple to look after, and a little care means fewer breakages and cleaner colour. Here is how to keep a set in good shape.

Handle breakages at the source

Most breakages come from drops — a knock can crack the core all the way down the pencil, so it crumbles every time you sharpen. Store pencils in a tin or case rather than loose in a bag.

Sharpen the right way

• Use a sharpener made for soft coloured cores; a blunt blade tears and snaps them.
• Sharpen gently in small turns rather than forcing it.
• For soft wax cores, a slightly duller point actually lasts longer for colouring.

Storage

• Keep them flat or upright in their case, out of direct sun and heat (heat softens wax cores).
• Avoid damp — it can swell the wood casing.
• Group by colour family so you find shades fast.

Keep colours clean

Wipe pencil tips if colours transfer, and keep a scrap sheet to test shades. Looked after well, a good set lasts for years. See our coloured pencil sets built to last.