Choosing Faber-Castell Colored Pencils: A Practical Guide

Choosing the right colored pencils can be a daunting task, especially with a brand like Faber-Castell, renowned for its extensive range. From watercolor pencils to sets specially designed for dark paper, the options are numerous. This guide is designed to help you find the Faber-Castell colored pencils that suit your creative projects, whether you're a hobbyist, student, or (semi-)professional artist. We'll highlight some popular choices and provide practical tips to make your decision easier.

How to choose the right Faber-Castell colored pencil set

Before purchasing a set, it's helpful to consider a few key features. This will help you find a set that perfectly matches your needs.

1. Standard or Watercolor?

A crucial decision is the choice between standard (oil- or wax-based) and watercolor pencils. Standard pencils are ready to use out of the box and are ideal for drawing and coloring. Faber-Castell watercolor pencils, such as the Albrecht Dürer series, offer greater versatility. The pigments in these pencils are water-soluble. After applying the color, you can go over the drawing with a wet brush to create a watercolor effect, complete with smooth color transitions.

2. Important Pencil Properties

For those seeking professional colored pencils, a few technical specifications are important:

• Lightfastness: This indicates how well the colors resist fading when exposed to light. Faber-Castell often uses a star rating system (*** = very good) to denote lightfastness, particularly in its premium series.
• Break-resistance: Nothing is more frustrating than a pencil lead that constantly breaks. Faber-Castell applies a special SV bonding (Sekuralverfahren) process, where the lead is glued to the wood along its entire length. This makes the pencils significantly more resistant to breakage.
• Color Laydown: The softness and pigmentation of the lead determine how intense the color appears on paper. A soft lead provides rich color laydown, which is great for opaque layers, while a harder lead is better suited for fine details.

3. The Size of the Set

Faber-Castell offers sets in various sizes, from 12 to over 100 pencils. A 36-piece colored pencil set is often an excellent starting point. It provides a broad color palette without being overwhelming and is suitable for most projects. Larger sets are ideal for artists who require more nuances and specific shades for their work.

Recommended Faber-Castell Colored Pencil Sets

Based on product specifications and applications, we have compiled a list of compelling sets for you.

Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolour Pencils Set - 36 Pieces

Why It Stands Out The Albrecht Dürer pencils combine the properties of a colored pencil with those of watercolor paint. The pigments are fully water-soluble, enabling smooth transitions and blending possibilities you would normally only achieve with paint.

Advantages

• Thick lead: The lead has a 3.8 mm diameter and is rich in pigment.
• High lightfastness: The lightfastness rating is indicated for each color with a star system.
• Break-resistant: Thanks to the special SV bonding, the lead is well-protected against breakage.
• Versatile: Can be used dry as a standard pencil or with water for watercolor effects.

Who Is It For? This set is a popular choice among (semi-)professional artists and serious hobbyists who enjoy experimenting with watercolor techniques. It's an excellent option for those looking for drawing pencils for adults that offer both precision and painterly effects.

Faber-Castell Black Edition Colored Pencils Set - 36 Pieces

Why It Stands Out The Faber-Castell Black Edition is specially developed for high color intensity, even on dark or colored paper. The super-soft lead ensures a smooth and opaque color laydown.

Advantages

• Super-soft lead: Provides bright, vibrant colors on various surfaces.
• Ergonomic: The triangular shape fits comfortably in the hand and prevents the pencils from rolling off the table.
• Stylish design: The pencils are made from black wood, giving them a modern look.
• Sustainability: According to Faber-Castell, the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests, and the production is CO2-neutral.

Who Is It For? This set is ideal for students, hobbyists, and creatives who love to make striking artwork. If you often work on black or colored paper and are looking for pencils with powerful coverage, the Black Edition is an interesting choice.

Faber-Castell Colored Pencils - Hexagonal, Cardboard Case, 60 Pieces

Why It Stands Out This is a classic and comprehensive colored pencil set that offers a broad palette of 60 colors. The pencils have a traditional hexagonal shape and are a reliable choice for all kinds of drawing projects.

Advantages

• Large color palette: With 60 different colors, you have plenty of options for detailed work.
• Break-resistant lead: These pencils also feature SV bonding to minimize breakage.
• Good pigmentation: The 3.3 mm thick lead ensures vibrant colors.
• Eco-friendly varnish: The varnish on the pencils is water-based.

Who Is It For? This set is an excellent all-rounder. It's suitable for beginners who want to get off to a good start, as well as for advanced artists looking to expand their color palette. It is a practical and versatile set for everyday use.

Looking for more watercolor options?

The Albrecht Dürer pencils are a popular choice for watercolor techniques. Curious about other brands or sets that offer similar properties? Check out our full range of watercolor pencils for more options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Faber-Castell Pencils

What is the difference between Faber-Castell Polychromos and Albrecht Dürer pencils? The main difference lies in the lead's base. Polychromos pencils are oil-based. They are permanent, water-resistant, and ideal for layering and blending colors. The Albrecht Dürer pencils are Faber-Castell watercolor pencils with a water-based lead. The color can be activated with water, allowing you to create painterly effects.

Are Faber-Castell pencils suitable for beginners? Absolutely. Faber-Castell offers series for every skill level. The classic hexagonal colored pencils (often in a red box) are very accessible and offer good quality for a reasonable price. They are a great starting point before potentially investing in professional colored pencils like the Polychromos or Albrecht Dürer series.

What is the best way to maintain my drawing pencils for adults? To extend the lifespan of your pencils, it is advisable to use a sharp, high-quality sharpener. A dull sharpener can splinter the wood and break the lead. Store the pencils in a dry place, preferably in the supplied tin or case, to protect them.