All coloured pencils put pigment on paper, but the core inside them changes how they behave. Soft pencils lay down rich colour that blends easily. Harder pencils hold a sharp point for detail. Watercolour pencils can be washed out with a wet brush, and ink based pencils turn into vivid, permanent colour once wet and dry. Lightfast pencils use pigments chosen to resist fading in light.
For colouring books and relaxing colouring, a medium soft pencil in a set of 24 to 36 colours is plenty. For sketching outdoors, a small set of watercolour pencils and a water brush covers a lot. For artwork you plan to frame or sell, lightfast pencils are worth the extra cost.
The brand used for the examples below is Derwent, a British pencil maker whose history goes back to a pencil factory opened in the Keswick area of Cumbria in 1832, and which is now based in Workington.
The main types
| Type | Feel | Good for | Derwent examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft wax based | Creamy, rich colour | Blending, colouring books, portraits | Coloursoft |
| Medium | Balance of colour and detail | General drawing and sketching | Studio, Procolour |
| Watercolour | Dry like a pencil, washes with water | Sketching, mixed media, travel | Watercolour |
| Ink based | Very intense, permanent once dry | Bold colour, fabric, layering washes | Inktense |
| Lightfast | Pigments selected to resist fading | Artwork for display or sale | Lightfast |
| Graphite tinted | Graphite with a hint of colour | Moody sketches, landscapes | Graphitint |
The Derwent range on this site covers all of these, from small 12 pencil tins to 72 pencil sets.
Choosing by what you want to do
Colouring books
Most adult colouring books use fairly thin paper. Soft pencils give strong colour with light pressure, which avoids dents and tearing. Avoid water based pencils with a wet brush unless the paper is thick enough. The colouring books range and the Bookspeed range of gift books include colouring titles.
Children
Younger children do best with sturdy pencils that do not break when dropped and colours that are easy to sharpen. Kids’ stationery ranges such as TOPModel include pencil sets and colouring books with stickers. Check the age guidance on each product.
Sketching and travel
Watercolour or ink pencils with a water brush pen let you sketch in pencil and add washes without carrying paints. Choose a sketchbook with heavier paper if you plan to use water.
Finished artwork
If a piece will hang in daylight, lightfast pencils reduce the risk that colours fade. Derwent rates its Lightfast range for light resistance; check the product description for the rating.
How many colours do you need
- 12 colours: enough to learn blending and to sketch on the go.
- 24 colours: the most popular starting set for colouring and drawing.
- 36 to 48 colours: more subtle shades, fewer mixes needed.
- 72 colours: a full range for serious artists; useful if you dislike layering to mix colours.
You can always add single pencils later in the colours you use most.
Paper matters
Smooth paper gives fine detail; paper with more texture (tooth) holds more layers of pencil. For water based pencils, choose paper of at least around 150 gsm, or watercolour paper, so it does not buckle. Our guide to notebooks, journals and sketchbooks explains paper weights.
Tips for better results
- Sharpen with a good quality sharpener or a craft knife; soft cores break in cheap sharpeners.
- Build colour in light layers rather than pressing hard at once.
- Blend soft pencils with a colourless blender or by layering a lighter colour on top.
- Test water based pencils on scrap paper first.
- Store pencils flat in their tin; dropping them can break the core inside the wood.
Getting started with a new set
Swatch every colour on a sheet of the paper you will use and write the name or number beside it. Pencil colours often look different on paper from the paint on the barrel, and a swatch sheet saves guesswork when you are halfway through a picture. For water based pencils, swatch each colour dry and with a wet brush to see how much it changes.
Quick checklist
- Soft pencils for colouring books and blending.
- Watercolour or ink pencils for sketching with water.
- Lightfast pencils for work on display.
- 24 colours to start; add more later.
- Paper that suits the pencils, heavier for water.
- A good sharpener and careful storage.
Common questions
What is the difference between Inktense and watercolour pencils?
Both can be activated with water. Watercolour pencils can be rewetted and moved after they dry, while Inktense pencils dry to a permanent, ink-like finish, so you can layer washes on top without lifting the colour underneath.
Are expensive coloured pencils worth it for colouring books?
A mid range soft pencil gives noticeably richer colour than a cheap set and needs less pressure. Professional lightfast pencils are not necessary for colouring books unless you plan to frame the pages.
Why do my coloured pencils keep breaking?
Usually because they have been dropped, which cracks the core inside the wood, or because the sharpener blade is blunt. Store pencils in their tin and use a sharp, good quality sharpener.
