Traditional colored pencils, on the other hand, offer a more consistent color intensity, but with the ability to layer and blend for varied effects. Lightfastness refers to the ability of the color pigments to withstand light without fading. Colored pencils that are lightfast tend to produce artworks that last a long time without fading. Higher-end brands tend to be lightfast. Oil-based colored pencils will not develop this waxy bloom. How To Choose The Best Oil-Based Colored Pencils Not all colored pencils are created equal considering what qualifies a colored pencil for being oil or wax-based is determined by the amount of wax and oil infused into the pencil’s core. The amount of one will outweigh the other. For example, if the core has more oil than wax, it is classified as an oil base. Oil-based colored pencils consist of a core made from colored pigments, binding agents, and oil. Unlike their wax-based counterparts, the oil binder gives these pencils a different set of attributes that many artists find appealing.

The artist-grade Polychromos is one of the most popular colored pencil sets among artists of all levels. They’re oil-based, but they feel softer and smoother than other brands. I thought these would be the best budget pencil on this list but the fact of no lightfast rating prevented these from making the cut. The price suggests that these are not lightfast. You can read more about the differences between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils in this article I wrote.

The choice between colored and pastel pencils often depends on the desired artistic effect and the subject matter. Colored pencils, known for their precision and control, offer vibrant, intense colors. They're excellent for layering and blending, and their permanence allows artists to create lasting artworks. Use solvent. A solvent is a liquid that is applied to thin the colored pencil medium. You should always test your solvent on the paper and medium before applying it to your piece. It’s more commonly and effectively used with oil-colored pencils.

I own and enjoy numerous brands of colored pencils, but I’ve been using Prismacolors the longest: 25 years! I have the 132-pencil set and they are what I reach for most frequently when creating art with colored pencils. Being one of the most affordable sets and having the most pencils makes these pencils a good choice for a colorist on a budget. These are very comparable to the Magicfly 72 colored pencil set above, except there is no lightfast rating. I did not draw a green capsicum with the Prismacolor Verithin, but it is worth mentioning this range of pencils.Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle Pencils: These pencils are renowned for their superior solubility and high pigment concentration.

With buttery smooth color, the Polychromos pencils can be easily blended for layered effects, which allow for highlights and transitions. The oil-based technology lead offers smooth blending without the possibility of waxy bloom that results with other pencils. H&B oil-based colored pencils are top-quality pencils that meet the required standards for smoothness, pigment, hardness, and covering power. Whether you're an accomplished artist or a beginner, pastel pencils can add a new dimension to your art, allowing you to experiment with both detail and broad color sweeps. Oil-Based vs. Wax-Based Colored PencilsChoosing between oil-based and wax-based colored pencils often comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome.

The ease with which an oil-based pencil dispenses color and cover means that it does not require multiple rounds of layering or a fixative substance. That being said, the ease with which it dispenses color also means that one stroke dispenses a lot of that color, making them far less durable than a wax-based colored pencil. Wax-based pencils might be preferable for work that involves heavy layering and blending, while oil-based pencils could be ideal for intricate, detail-oriented work. These agents also help hold the pigment on the paper and are what allow for blending and layering. Paraffin, Beeswax, and Carnauba Wax are the 3 Types of Waxed Based Pencils In carrying out this exercise, I found that the wax-based pencils blended well with a wax-core blending pencil.Mineral Oil is a heartier blender than rubbing alcohol. It’s better to use a bristle or soft brush to blend, and normal pressure should suffice. There are oil, wax, and water based pencils, lightfast and non-lightfast pencils, and you want to find out which are the best coloured pencils to use and why. As an artist starting in the coloured pencil medium, you may be confused by the range of coloured pencils available. You have a limited budget, yet you want to learn with the best available tools.