7 best coloring pencils

Colored pencils are a popular artistic and creative medium used for drawing and coloring. They are versatile tools that offer precision and control, making them suitable for various art projects, coloring books, and other creative endeavors. Here's what you should know about coloring pencils:

  1. Composition: Colored pencils consist of a wooden barrel that encases a core made of pigments and binders. The core is what makes the marks on paper when you draw or color.

  2. Variety of Colors: Colored pencils come in a wide range of colors, allowing artists and enthusiasts to choose from an extensive palette to create vibrant and detailed artwork.

  3. Color Pencil Sets: Colored pencils are often sold in sets, ranging from a few basic colors to comprehensive collections with hundreds of shades. Sets are designed for different purposes, such as sketching, coloring, or specialized art projects.

  4. Wax-Based vs.Oil-Based: Colored pencils are categorized as either wax-based or oil-based. Wax-based pencils are softer and blend more easily, while oil-based pencils are firmer and offer smoother coverage. Artists choose between them based on their preferred working style.

  5. Blending and Layering: One of the key advantages of colored pencils is their ability to blend and layer colors. By applying multiple layers and blending with various techniques, artists can achieve subtle gradations and depth in their artwork.

  6. Paper Selection: The type of paper used with colored pencils is important. Smooth, heavy-weight, and acid-free paper is commonly preferred, as it can handle the layering and blending of colors without easily tearing or smudging.

  7. Sharpness: Keeping colored pencils sharp is essential for detailed work. Artists often use hand-held sharpeners or electric pencil sharpeners to maintain a fine point.

  8. Erasing: Colored pencil marks can usually be erased to some extent, but the effectiveness of erasing depends on the paper and the intensity of the coloring. Some artists use kneaded erasers or special colored pencil erasers for better results.

  9. Fixatives: To prevent smudging and preserve colored pencil artwork, artists may use fixatives or sealants. These products provide a protective layer over the artwork, preventing colors from being easily smudged or altered.

  10. Specialty Pencils: In addition to standard colored pencils, there are specialty colored pencils available, such as watercolor pencils that can be activated with water to create a watercolor effect, and pastel pencils that mimic the look of pastel chalks.

  11. Accessories: Artists often use various accessories with colored pencils, including blending stumps or tortillons for smoother blending, colorless blending pencils, and color charts to organize and identify colors in large sets.

  12. Ages and Skill Levels: Colored pencils are suitable for artists of all ages and skill levels, making them a popular choice for children's art projects, adult coloring books, and professional artwork.

Colored pencils are a versatile and accessible medium, making them a favorite among artists, illustrators, hobbyists, and children alike. Their ease of use, portability, and wide color range make them an excellent choice for creative expression and artistic exploration.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best coloring pencils on the market
  

Soucolor 180-Color Artist Colored Pencils Set for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Professional Numbered Art Drawing Pencils for Sketching Shading Blending Crafting, Gift Tin Box for Beginners Kids

Based on 166 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Soucolor 180-Color Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Art Coloring Drawing Pencils for Adult Coloring Book, Sketch,Crafting

  • WHAT YOU GET -- 180 Vibrant Colors Numbered colored pencils + 1 Gift Metal Tin Box. Convenient to storing and keeping the color all visible, without any trouble finding the colors. Great color pencils gift ideas for artist, beginners, kids, girls.
  • PREMIUM COLORED PENCILS-- 180-color professional art coloring pencils have soft leads, easy to sharpen, they won't breaking, cracking or crumbling.
  • MULTIPLE COLORS -- 180 Numbered individual vibrant colors, rich colors provide smooth coloring, easy blending and shading, colorful illustrations Perfect for drawing, sketching, adult coloring books.
  • METAL TIN BOX, SAFE To USE -- Odorless Materials. With safety certificate. Note: Choking Hazard: Small parts, not suitable for children under 3 years of age

User questions & answers

Question: Is this non toxic
Answer: Yes
Question: Does the colors include metallic and neon colors
Answer: No not that I have found.
Question: Does it come with diy color card
Answer: Yes it comes with blank swatch chart
Question: Does this have the same color pencils as the
Answer: I would assume so, that’s normally how sets work.

Mr. Pen- Colored Pencils, 36 Pack, Color Pencil Set, Color Pencils, Map Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adults, Colored Pencils for Kids, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Coloring Pencils for Adults

Mr. Pen

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: Mr. Pen Coloring Pencils Is Premium Quality, 36 Pack Assorted Colors, Lead Size 3.3 mm thick. Mr. Pen Colored Pencils create brilliant color shades, tints, and color mixtures.
  • LONG LASTING: These pre-sharpened wood-cased pencils are long-lasting and stand the test of time.
  • FADE RESISTANT: Colors are long-lasting and fade-resistant that stand the test of time.
  • IDEAL USE: Ideal for drawing, illustrations, designs, sketches, posters, murals, portraits, and caricatures.
  • SUPERIOR BLENDING: Smooth color laydown for superior blending, shading, and coloring.

FUNLAVIE Colored Pencils 24 Coloring Pencils Premium Art Drawing Pencil for Adults Coloring Book

FUNLAVIE

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • Please confirm your order is sold by Fun Lavie, we will provide FIRST CLASS customer and after-sales service for you.Our oil based colored pencils are made of high quality pencil lead which have strong tips,they don't break easily.Vibrant color goes on smooth and it blends easily,durable for your art creation.
  • PREMIUM WOOD- beautifully crafted with soild beech, which can well protected the lead than others. They also sharpen easily, it is not splintering and breaking the tip where you would have to sharpen it again.
  • SAFETY GUARANTEE - Environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Can be used for all ages except for people under 3 years of age.
  • A IDEAL CHOOSE for Adult Coloring Painting Books such as Secret Garden, Enchanted Forest, and Lost Ocean Coloring Book,or any sketching writing and drawing.Pencils arrived in a compact tube with a lid,easy for you to take for outdoor art project.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED-To ensure you're completely satisfied with this product, we offer a 30 DAYS MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.If our product damaged when you recieve, we'll send you a new one at no cost.

User questions & answers

Question: Do they fully erase
Answer: Yes, my 5-year-old and my 9-year-old daughters like to use these pencils. They don't have any problems with them.
Question: Can they use in adult color books
Answer: Hi, thanks for your query. This 24 colored pencils include dark blues. :)
Question: Are this pencils good for children
Answer: They are made in Germany, in Stein. Not sure what you mean by Hayatt, as far as I know there is no place called that in Germany.
Question: Does it have darker blues
Answer: I can’t answer that. I wanted to buy the pilychromos and they had the best price. I’m very happy about that.

Product features

FUNLAVIE

FUNLAVIE Coloring Pencils with soft leads create a smooth color lay down for superior blending and shading, professional oil pencils. Thick, long-lasting color cores resist breakage and bring bold statements to life. We strictly control from material selection to production.We aim to provide customers with quality products and better service.

Premium wood

Beautifully crafted with soiled beech, which can well protected the lead than others.Vibrant color goes on smooth and it blends easily,durable for your art creation.

24 x Coloring Pencils

A wide range of vibrant colors to choose from makes it easy to find a soft spot for these colored pencils.Vivid and intense in one stroke and subtle and soft in the next, they are perfect artist coloring pencils for any project.These colored pencils can be used as a gift, such as Christmas Gift, Birthday gift,Holiday Gift, and more.

Coloring Books

Enjoy the fun of painting coloring books with colored pencils that nurture your creative side.Working with your family to give you an excellent experience on creating your art masterpieces.An art masterpiece is eagerly waiting for coming out!

Package

This coloring pencils set also comes a compact tube with a lid.There was a circle of foam between the pencils and the lid and the lid was sealed with tape.

Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set, Kids Indoor Activities at Home, 50 Count

Crayola

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stay sharp when you're getting creative with the Crayola Twistable Colored Pencils Coloring Set. This colored pencil set is ready whenever you are and never needs sharpening! When the tip starts to wear, just twist these colored pencils up and get back to coloring in no time. With 50 coloring tools, including 20 colors we've never featured before, there's a shade for every detail. Add these to your coloring supplies for kids, teens, or adults to get the most out of every design. These non-toxic art tools make a great gift for girls and boys ages 4 and up.

  • CRAYOLA TWISTABLES: One Crayola Twistable Colored Pencils Coloring Set with 50 Twistable Colored Pencils, exclusive to Amazon.
  • PRE-SHARPENED PENCILS: No sharpening or peeling required, just twist up these drawing pencils to keep them sharp.
  • STRONG & DURABLE: Sturdy plastic barrels provide protection to the color core of each pencil. Perfect art supplies for coloring, drawing, and creating on-the-go.
  • SAFE & NONTOXIC: This drawing set is ideal for ages 4 and older.

User questions & answers

Question: There are a few colors inceluded on the 18 color set thry are like "neon" colors. Are they included on this 50 color set
Answer: No, these are not erasable.
Question: What are the dimensions of the pencil cores in mm
Answer: Dear L. Mahlum, Thank you for your inquiry. I apologize for any inconvenience. These colored pencil come pre-sharpened. Thank you, Karen S/Blick Art Materials
Question: are there any larger quantity sets
Answer: I do not think the short ones do, I have longer ones and they do have names
Question: Are these erasable
Answer: Out of the box they measure 3.5 inches long. I could barely hold them to use them but my 2.5 year old son can color with them perfectly.

Product features

Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils

Forget the hassle of sharpening dull colored pencils! Crayola Twistables conveniently twist up to provide more color, eliminating the need to sharpen broken tips. Kids will love having a sharp point to work with every time they color!

Durable Coloring Supplies

These sturdy colored pencils feature strong, plastic barrels that resist cracking and breaking. Plus, the clear body not only protects the core, it also allows you to see how much color is left! Convenience and durability make these art supplies perfect for budding artists!

Bold Crayola Colors

Great for use at home, school, or on-the-go, Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils add vibrant color to drawings and other creations. Like classic Crayola Colored Pencils, they are perfect for coloring, doodling, blending, shading, and more!

Mr. Pen- Colored Pencils, 36 Pack, Soft Core, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Coloring Pencils, Color Pencils for Kids, Color Pencil Set, Coloring Pencil, Map Pencils, Wooden Colored Pencils

Based on 115 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Extensive Range Of 36 Unique Long Pre-Sharpened Color Pencils
  • These Long-Lasting Color Pencils Are Great For Art Projects, School Assignments, And Coloring Books
  • The Color Selection And Quality Of These Mr. Pen Colored Pencils Make Them Great Art Supplies For Adults And Children
  • High-Quality, Lightfast Pigments And Leads That Resist Breaking
  • Pencils Made From High-Quality Wood For Clean, Easy Sharpening.

  • Extensive Range Of 36 Unique Long Pre-Sharpened Color Pencils
  • These Long-Lasting Color Pencils Are Great For Art Projects, School Assignments, And Coloring Books
  • The Color Selection And Quality Of These Mr. Pen Colored Pencils Make Them Great Art Supplies For Adults And Children
  • High-Quality, Lightfast Pigments And Leads That Resist Breaking
  • Pencils Made From High-Quality Wood For Clean, Easy Sharpening.

User questions & answers

Question: Are there color names on each pencil
Answer: Nope
Question: Are these pencils Oil or Waxed based
Answer: I think they are wax based. I can’t see any oil involved. Nice but I wish they came with a case.

72 Colored Pencils Zip-Up Set, Artist Pencils Set for Coloring Books, Smooth Color Cores and Coloring Pencils in a Strong Travel Case, Perfect for Adults, Artists & Students

COOL BANK

Based on 55 reviews Check latest price
  • New and improved: Come with 72 artist quality and vibrant colored pencils in a strong travel bag. Each pencil is labeled & numbered for easy color identification, 72 shades give you limitless creative freedom.
  • Blending and layering qualities artists can truly rely on! We know you need colored pencils that allow you to add depth through layering, create beautiful blended effects such as gradients or to achieve the perfect shade. The creamy consistency of our coloured cores is such that you can achieve both with very little effort, making them easy to work with and creating results you will be proud and excited to share.
  • Quality pencil in zip up nylon case: Each coloring pencils is made of durable basswood with a strong core, neatly packaged in a stunning presentation travel bag that's ideal for storing and transporting them. Give this high-quality pencil set as a gift to your favorite artist.
  • Our colored pencils for kids, teens, and adults conform to safety standards. A non toxic formula makes them safe for kids who can enjoy arts without being exposed to harmful chemicals. Long-lasting quality makes them great for every level of expertise.
  • Our gorgeous colors and design tools are neatly organized and arranged in a nylon bag, so you can create art wherever you go.

Crayola 100 Colored Pencils, Amazon Exclusive, Adult Coloring, Gift

Crayola

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Colored Pencil Collection includes 100 Crayola Colored Pencils and makes a wonderful gift idea for adult artists and crafters who want to expand their palette. Presharpened, these colored pencils are ready for use right out of the box, and add color variety to any artist's existing collections. Premium colored pencils, exclusive colors, and a massive color selection are enough to inspire the most colorful outcomes possible for crafts, coloring pages, and drawings. Pair them with adult coloring books as a great gift idea for the adult coloring enthusiast in your life, or refresh your own color pencil collection with some brand new shades and colorful classics.

  • CRAYOLA COLORED PENCILS: Great for adult coloring enthusiast, this 100 Ct colored pencil set offers a wide variety of brilliant colors.
  • INCLUDES AMAZON EXCLUSIVE COLORS: 100 pencils in 100 different vibrant colors.
  • PRESHARPENED COLORED PENCILS: These long-lasting colored pencils are ready to color right out of the box, with pre-sharpened tips.
  • PREMIUM COLORED PENCILS: Quality art supplies made from reforested wood.
  • SAFE AND NONTOXIC: Ideal color pencils for adult coloring enthusiasts and kids 12 & up.

User questions & answers

Question: Does the color shocking pink still exist in crayola colored pencils? i need another one
Answer: Just to clarify, there are two sets of 100. The 100 pack is actually 60 colors, with the add'l 40 repeats. The other is 100 Different Colors.
Question: Are these better for adult coloring books or will the 24 pack work as well
Answer: The unused pencil is 7" long from sharpened tip to opposite end. I consider these to be the long pencils. I honk the short ones by Crayola are only about 4" long.
Question: Are the color names on the pencils
Answer: That's a great question! The 120 ct. Colored Pencils pack includes the original 100 ct. Colored Pencil assortment with 20 additional colors. This includes favorites like: lobster red melon sun yellow atomic tangerine outrageous orange screamin’ green forest green asparagus sea green blue bell mantatee midnight blue pacific blue bluetiful dark blue periwinkle ultra violet dark mauve parrot pink burnt sienna Happy coloring!
Question: Are these pencils more vibrant than the original 50-count Crayola OR is the box just the only difference
Answer: Thanks for your question! You are correct; the 100 and 120ct. Colored Pencils do not include silver or gold. We will pass your suggestion to include these colors along to our Colored Pencil Team. In the meantime, please contact us at Crayola.com/support for further assistance. Have a colorful day!

Product features

100 Crayola Colored Pencils

This Colored Pencil Collection makes a colorful gift idea for adult artists and crafters. Premium colored pencils, exclusive colors, and a massive color selection are enough to inspire the most colorful outcomes possible for crafts, coloring pages, and drawings. Pair them with adult coloring books as a great gift idea for the adult coloring enthusiast in your life, or refresh your own color pencil collection with some brand new shades and colorful classics.

Crayola Colored Pencils

When it comes to colored pencils, Crayola has you covered! From erasable and washable formulas for the youngest students, to premium colored pencils for teens and adults, there's an option for every age and artist!

Vibrant Pencil Colors

Go bold or go home with Crayola Colored Pencils! No matter the size, every box of these coloring pencils features vibrant, creamy color that's easy to blend and layer. Choose from shocking neon shades, classic colors, and soft pastel hues to make your next work of art stand out from the rest.

Sustainable Art Supplies

Crayola Colored Pencils are produced with wood from well-managed forests and never from tropical rainforest or endangered species. It's all a part of our commitment sustainability, preserving resources, and developing creative solutions that promote greener tomorrows.

Latest Reviews

View all