Best Coloring Pencils and Sharpeners for Adults


Today, we are getting into the world of coloring pencils, sharpeners, and erasers to erase those happy accidents! We still love Bob Ross for that amazing viewpoint on art. Mistakes are just happy accidents! We have gone through many different topics within the coloring world, but this one may be the favorite (don’t tell!). There are so many beautiful options to choose from when it comes to coloring pencils! Let’s get started with that glorious, versatile tool first. 

The best coloring pencils for adults are:

  • The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
  • Crayola Colored Pencils
  • Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils
  • Aretha Professional Wax-Based Core Pencils
  • Derwent Colored Pencils
  • Chameleon Colored Pencils
  • The Faber-Castel Polychromos Colored Pencil Set
  • Sargent Art Coloring Pencils

We all have our own opinions of what the best coloring pencils are out there. Everyone has their preferences, so take this list as our best ideas for coloring pencils, but you are more than welcome to produce your own! It is all about trial and error. Read on to find out about some of the best coloring pencils out there.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

(Soft Core, 72-count) might be one of the richest and smoothest sets! For $40, you can get a 72-pack of Prismacolor Colored Pencils on Amazon. This set is raved as a whopping 4.7 stars out of 13,299 reviews. Users of this set compliment Prismacolor as always being soft and cream-like against the page. Others say that it is a must-have for any artist! Although it may be a bit pricey, it is worth it for how big the pack is. 

Crayola Colored Pencils

They are a staple in anybody’s household. With the many options to choose from and the low cost, these colored pencils are perfect for anyone trying to color any design for a reasonable price. Although Crayola is often associated with children, Crayola Colored Pencils are versatile and can be utilized by all and any! You can purchase a 36-pack of Crayola Colored pencils for $6 on Amazon. 

Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils

They are a great set for adult coloring beginners or anybody perfecting their artistic outcomes. This type of set allows layering pretty easily due to the consistency and soft colors. With a non-slip grip on the pencils, there are no sore hands and fingers after hours of coloring. 

Aretha Professional Wax-Based Core Pencils

It aims its target audience towards artists looking for professional quality at a fairly reasonable price. Users describe these types of pencils as wax-based and soft. Others agree with this sentiment because of the professional packaging, but low price for the way they look. A set of 48 pencils only costs around $20! It is also another favorite for budget-friendly artists. Ideally, for beginners, this set is reviewed as professional, thick, bendable pencils that could be a replacement for the more expensive, high-end pencils. 

Derwent Pencils

They are a bit pricier, but the quality of beautiful, muted colors is a must-have. Derwent is created for advanced artists or others who are more than a beginner. Derwent recommends using these muted colors for shading and blending specifically. Why? Because they aren’t the greatest at displaying sharp details with fine lines. Nonetheless, this set of 24 pencils is perfect for designing fashion outlines as an example. 

Chameleon-Colored Pencils

They are amazing because of their blending abilities. On one end of the colored pencil, there is a beautiful, long-lasting color. The other end of the pencil consists of blending color. This design only makes blending and matching colors a whole lot easier! For only $33.88, you can purchase 25 sets of Chameleon colored pencils. 

Faber-Castel Polychromos Colored Pencil Set

It is probably the most expensive set on this list. However, it is worth it. Hear us out! They are pricey, but these pencils feel as though you are coloring on clouds. These pencils are reviewed as highly smooth and bendable pencils that continuously aid in layering. 

Sargent Art Coloring Pencils

It consists of 50 pencils for just $8! The colors beneath the price are just as vibrant as the wonderful price. Sargent Art is perfect for beginners because of the wide range of different colors for any design or abstract. The pencils have leads that are 3.3 mm and pretty durable ones at that! For the amazing price and the soft wax cores, these colored pencils are suitable for anyone who wants to try the art of coloring. You can guess why these are probably the favorites on the list! They are incredibly versatile while also being budget-friendly for all! Hurry up and pick these up at your local Staples or on Amazon. 

Now that you know a great selection of colored pencils to choose from let’s move on to the amazing sharpeners out there. Let’s get started. 

The Top 3 Sharpeners on the Market

Below, you will find a shortlist of the top three sharpeners on the market today. All but one of these options are suitable for the on-the-go! Read on to find out more features of each. 

Staedtler Metal Sharpeners

  • Dual Holes.
  • Used to sharpen in two different sizes.
  • Optimum sharpening on the go.

Blick Pencil Sharpener

  • Small and compact. It is perfect to have with you inside your bag. 
  • Secure plastic cover. This allows you to sharpen without creating a big mess in public. 
  • Ideal for the traveling sketch artist. 

Bostitch QuietSharp Glow

  • 6 sharpeners suitable for any pencil tip and shape. 
  • Easily able to take apart and clean when dusty. (The blade can be removed, unlike others.)
  • It’s soundproof!
  • Ideal for beginners who need easy access. 

Now that you have learned about the ideal sharpeners to use today let’s move on to erasers to complete the process. Let’s go!

The Best Erasers on the Market

Below, you will find a curated list of erasers that reviewers are excited to use. Many of the erasers have an ergonomic design to better equip the strength of your hand while making art, especially some electric erasers that are shaped like a pen. Read on to find out their key features!

Derwent Battery Operated Eraser

  • It helps blend and burnish existing colored designs.
  • Amazing for tight spots within the design and delicate lines.
  • Includes eight erasers for replacement.
  • Control button for right-hand and left-hand users.

Tombow 67304 MONO Sand Eraser

  • They are made of rubber latex and silica. This design is ideal for cleaning up accidents with zero smudges. 
  • Leaves ZERO color residue on the paper.
  • Environmentally-friendly.
  • Leaves zero smudges. 

Vanish 4-in-1 Artist Eraser

  • Removes colored markings, graphite, and charcoal.
  • Removes ink and chalk markings.
  • Zero smudges and rubber “crumbs.”
  • Zero damage to paper surfaces. 

Prismacolor Premier Magic Rub Eraser

  • Vinyl eraser.
  • Rubs off pencil marks without making extra creases.
  • Absorbs graphite well, but you have to be delicate with the graphite is used. 
  • Latex-free.

Faber-Castell Dust-Free Eraser

  •  Vinyl Eraser
  • Phthalate-free is safe for not only you but for the environment. 
  • Not as rigid as others
  • Allows gentle erasing without ruining the art.

Now that you know about our favorite erasers on the market today, you have come to the end of the journey! Colored pencils and erasers continue to be a staple in everyone’s toolbox, whether that be a student in college, an adult destressing after work, or a professional creating masterpieces.

We hope you leave here today with some new ideas for your art, and if not, many of these erasers and colored pencils are so versatile that you do not need to be an advanced artist to properly utilize them. It is easy to get caught up in the fancy brands of colored pencils and erasers, but it is still valid to use the cheaper, more budget-friendly kinds. It is not always about the name of the rand. , Remember, in the wise words of artist and presenter Bob Ross, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents!

“Art begins with resistance – at the point where resistance is overcome. No human masterpiece has ever been created without great labor.” -Andre Gide

Check out more supply recommendations HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best paper for adult coloring?

There is no real “best” paper when it comes to coloring. Everyone has their preferences, but it is best to stick to paper that is a bit thicker. The medium-textured paper seems to be the best-reviewed for artists who stick to colored pencils. This type of paper is a great middle-ground between rough and smooth. 

What are the best techniques for erasing “happy accidents?” 

Sometimes, the best solution to these accidents is to be even more creative and draw over the mistake! If not, you can stick to the Tombow Sand Eraser for the smallest mistakes. If both of these solutions don’t work for you, you might have to start over! It is okay, though, because the second time around might produce a whole new vision of creativity you didn’t see before!

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Shawn C

Hi! I’m Shawn and I Love Coloring and Art and the people in it! I created this website as a resource to help those who are considering getting into adult coloring. My website is your one-stop destination for all the inspired instruction and resources you need to start and grow your adult coloring hobby. From geometric to floral to zen doodles and from time to time even mandala’s when I am in the mood. I have researched and gathered the information to help you in your goal of starting your adult coloring hobby.

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