The 5 Different Types of Colored Pencils

It’s not secret of love coloring with colored pencils and a lot of people ask me which colored pencils I like the best, so today I wanted to talk about all the different kinds of colored pencils and explain the reasons for using the different ones.

Of course, there’s no “best” colored pencil, unless you count whatever kind you might have next to you! I am NOT a colored pencil snob or brand loyalist in any regard – there’s no shame using dollar store colored pencils!

At any rate – here’s the different kinds you’ll want to keep an eye out for and think about when you’re deciding which brands and types of colored pencils to get.

1. Wax-Based Colored Pencils:

Wax-based colored pencils are the most common type that you will usually find in almost nearly any store – even the grocery store!

These pencils are known as wax based because they are made by mixing pigments with a wax binder, which gives them their smooth and creamy texture.

These pencils are easy to blend and layer, making them ideal for creating vibrant and rich colors. They work well on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cardboard, and wood. You can even use them on fabric in some instances, though does require proper sealing.

Wax-based colored pencils are also most awesomely perfect for detailed work, shading, and creating realistic textures, that sort of thing – just make sure the colored pencil is sharp!

Some of my favorite wax-based colored pencil brands include: Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Derwent. These brands are known for their high-quality pigments and durable wax binders, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and do not fade over time. They also offer a wide range of colors, allowing artists to achieve a greater level of depth and complexity in their artwork.

All in all, great colored pencil.

2. Oil-Based Colored Pencils:

Oil-based colored pencils are less common but offer unique advantages. These pencils are made by combining pigments with an oil binder, resulting in a softer and smoother texture.

Oil-based pencils are known for their intense and rich colors that can be easily blended and layered. They work exceptionally well on textured surfaces like canvas or fabric.

Oil-based colored pencils are ideal for creating bold, expressive artwork, and they are also resistant to fading over time.

3. Watercolor Pencils:

I love watercolor pencils and they can instantly take a coloring book page to a whole new level!

Watercolor pencils are a unique type of colored pencil that can be used both dry and wet. These pencils are made by combining water-soluble pigments with a binder.

When used dry, they function like regular colored pencils, allowing you to create precise lines and details. However, when water is applied, the pigments dissolve, creating a watercolor effect.

This versatility makes watercolor pencils perfect for creating washes, blending colors, and achieving a translucent look. They work best on watercolor paper and are widely used for landscapes, portraits, and still-life paintings.

4. Pastel Pencils:

Pastel pencils are a great alternative for those who enjoy the soft and powdery effects of pastels but prefer a more controlled and precise application. These pencils are made by combining pigments with a minimal binder, resulting in a chalk-like texture.

Pastel pencils are perfect for creating vibrant and expressive artwork with a wide range of colors. They can be easily blended and layered, allowing for smooth transitions and subtle shading.

Pastel pencils work best on textured paper and are commonly used for portraits, landscapes, and still-life drawings.

5. Graphite and Charcoal Pencils

Graphite and charcoal pencils are the best kinds of colored pencils if you enjoy working in grayscale or shading and blending perfection.
They are made using a combination of graphite or charcoal and a binder, which gives them their unique properties. Graphite pencils are known for their smooth and precise lines, while charcoal pencils have a rich and dark tone.

When it comes to working in grayscale, these pencils offer a wide range of values, allowing you to create depth and dimension in your artwork. Whether you are sketching, drawing, or creating detailed portraits, graphite and charcoal pencils can help you achieve the desired effect.

One of the advantages of these pencils is their ability to blend easily. With the right technique, you can seamlessly blend different shades together, creating smooth transitions and gradients. This makes them perfect for achieving realistic textures and shading.

Additionally, graphite and charcoal pencils can be easily erased or smudged, giving you more control over your artwork. This flexibility allows you to make adjustments and corrections without damaging the paper or leaving unwanted marks.

While colored pencils are often associated with vibrant colors, graphite and charcoal pencils offer a unique and captivating alternative. They allow you to explore the beauty of grayscale and create stunning monochromatic artworks.

So, if you have a passion for shading, blending, and working in grayscale, graphite and charcoal pencils are the ideal tools for you. Their versatility, range of values, and ability to create realistic textures make them a must-have for any artist.

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Each different kinds of colored pencils are best for different results and effects – there is no wrong or right one either! So remember: experiment, play around and most of all – Have fun!!!