Adult coloring has risen in popularity over the past couple of decades. Sales of coloring books for adults have increased substantially, and expectedly colored pencils have surged in popularity as well. With so many choices on the market for coloring pencils, how do you decide which one is best for you?
The best-colored pencils for adult coloring depend on a few different factors. If the price point is most important to you, student-grade colored pencils are your best option. Higher-end wax- or oil-based colored pencils or even pastel pencils may suit you better if you are looking for a more favorable coloring experience and overall end product.
Trying to define one single colored pencil as the best for every person is a difficult task. The nature of the word “best” gives a nod toward preference and subjectivity. To try to help you decide which colored pencil is best for your artistic endeavors, we have come up with several preference categories that we believe will help you define which are the right ones for you.
Budget Considerations
As adult coloring has increased in popularity, the options available for creating your art have grown considerably. If you are new to the hobby of coloring as an adult and just want to give it a test drive, perhaps you don’t want to make a large investment just yet. There are many options for colored pencils that won’t break the bank but can give you a foray into this much-loved pastime to help you decide which is best for you.
Colored pencils are quite commonly found in most big box stores and craft stores year-round, and during the back-to-school time, you will find them in abundance. There are many different brands available, and they come in a wide variety of colors and unit options. You may also search online retailers to find even more budget-friendly options.
For those coloring enthusiasts willing to invest a little more into their craft, higher-end wax-based, oil-based, water-soluble, and pastel pencils provide more options in colors, ease of use, and finishing preferences. We will break down the specifics of each type below.
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- Tip: If you are looking for budget-friendly pencils for yourself or to give as gifts with coloring books, check out the end-of-season clearance section of your local big-box store after back-to-school shopping is done, and you may be able to pick up a good supply of colored pencils very inexpensively.
Four Main Types of Colored Pencils
Wax-based Colored Pencils
Wax-based colored pencils come in a wide variety of types and consistencies. Student-grade pencils tend to have harder “lead” and stand up well to the rigors of heavy pressure. Softer “lead” colored pencils, designed more for the professional artist, are also a good choice to be found at a reasonable price.
Because of the nature of the waxy make-up, over time pictures colored with wax-based colored pencils can develop something called wax bloom. Wax bloom refers to a naturally occurring process in which the wax comes to the surface of the picture creating a somewhat hazy effect. It tends to appear more so with darker colors and more pressure used when coloring.
If the wax bloom appears while you are creating your project, it can be easily wiped away with a cloth before you add more layers and colors. Once your project is completed, you can opt to apply a fixative to the final project to avoid the wax bloom from appearing.
Oil-based Colored Pencils
Oil-based colored pencils, although they tend to still be comprised of some wax, have an oil base which many times provides for a smoother application. Again, preference is subjective, but many artists prefer oil-based colored pencils because of ease of application and a more even finished result.
Wax bloom is not an issue with oil-based colored pencils, but smearing can occur which may be a turn-off for some users. Care should be taken not to rest your hand on your newly colored project to prevent smearing.
Some brands of oil-based colored pencils may have fewer color options than wax-based pencils. While it may be a drawback for some, don’t forget you always have the option of shading and mixing various colors as you create your art.
You will probably see an increase in price point over wax-based colored pencils, but by doing your due diligence, you may be able to find the colors you desire at a price you are satisfied with.
Water-Soluble Colored Pencils
Water-soluble colored pencils are a fascinating option for the adult coloring enthusiast. They perform just like a wax- or oil-based colored pencil when dry, but if the water is introduced to the color, it takes on the appearance of watercolor paint.
There are a few different options for creating the watercolor effect. One way is to dampen the paper you are coloring which will react with the pencil once applied. Another way is to dip the tip of the pencil in water before coloring. Yet another way to create the watercolor effect is to color with the pencil as any other type of colored pencil, and then use a damp brush, sponge, or even a cotton swab to spread the color, shading and creating depth as desired.
This technique likely will take some practice, but the possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination.
Pastel Colored Pencils
Although they look like colored pencils, and technically they are, pastel-colored pencils perform much differently than the ones mentioned above. While most colored pencils tend to be transparent to some degree, pastel-colored pencils provide more opaque coverage.
Although they can be used in conjunction with wax- and oil-based pencils, pastel pencils have their unique look. Again, the only rules for your artwork are the ones you wish to impose on yourself, so feel free to experiment, and maybe you’ll find a technique of your very own that you prefer.
Now What?
We have given you lots of information and many things to ponder. We don’t want to leave you feeling overwhelmed by all of the different options, so we decided to put together a list of links to provide you with what we feel are good solid options in each category. These are just suggestions to get you started. A little research of your own may lead you to options you like even better.
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- Wax-based colored pencils: This Crayola set features 100 different colors for adult coloring enthusiasm. With a price point in the $10 to $20 range, this is a great option to test the waters with wax-based pencils.
- Oil-based colored pencils: This set by Faber-Castell comes with 20 beautiful oil-based pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser. At a price point of around $50, it’s more of an investment, but many professionals consider it well worth it.
- Water-soluble colored pencils: This Derwent set of 12 watercolor pencils is a nice starting point for those considering watercolor pencils. With a price point between $10 and $20, you won’t break the bank. Other Derwent sets are also available with more colors up to a 72-count option.
- Pastel-colored pencils: This Koh-I-Noor soft pastel pencil set of 12 beautiful pastel-colored pencils is a great option for under $30.
- Fixative: The Krylon Workable Fixatif is a good option to ensure your project is sealed and protected. Under $10, it should last for quite a few projects.
Final Thoughts
The adult coloring enthusiasm is going strong, and colored pencils are favored by many adults for their coloring projects. Hopefully, this guide has given you a well-rounded look at the options available for colored pencils. The best way to figure out your preference is to consider giving each option a try. Whichever type of colored pencil you choose, enjoy expressing your creativity and sharing your original art with others.
Check out what we think are the best cheap colored pencils HERE!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sharpener should I use for my colored pencils?
With both electric and manual sharpener options, choose a good quality sharpener with at least two different hole sizes. Even though your pencil may fit in the standard hole, a larger hole may provide a better sharpening experience by being gentler on your pencils.
What is the best way to store my colored pencils?
The best way to store your colored pencils is either flat in a case that will protect the tips or a cup with the tips pointing upwards. Cases specifically designed for colored pencils often include individual slots for each pencil so that when they are transported, they do not bump into each other or slide up and damage the tips.
What can I do if my colored pencil keeps breaking?
You have a couple of different options to try to salvage your colored pencil. Both of them involve heat. One option is to put your pencil in a sunny window to warm up the wax so that the center fuses. Another option is to use a hairdryer to heat your pencil just enough that the wax in the center becomes soft enough to mesh together and fuse.
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