A Beginner’s Guide to Coloured Pencils: Spotlight on Polychromos
- debbielouart1
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
When it comes to creating beautiful artwork with coloured pencils, the variety available can be overwhelming. From soft and creamy to firm and precise, not all coloured pencils are made equal. In this series, we’re diving into the different types of coloured pencils available to help you understand their unique properties, benefits, and how they can enhance your art practice.
In this first post, we’re starting with one of the most popular professional-grade pencil brands: Faber-Castell Polychromos.
What Are Polychromos Pencils?
Polychromos are oil-based coloured pencils made by Faber-Castell, a trusted German brand with over 250 years of experience in creating high-quality art materials. Known for their vibrant pigments and exceptional lightfastness, Polychromos pencils are a favourite among professional artists and serious hobbyists alike.
Unlike wax-based pencils, Polychromos don’t contain a waxy binder, which means they’re less prone to wax bloom (that cloudy, dull film that can appear on drawings over time). Instead, their oil-based core allows for incredibly smooth, precise layers and rich colour application.
What Makes Them Special?
Highly Pigmented - Polychromos pencils are packed with pigment, which means the colours are bold, vibrant, and consistent. A little goes a long way!
Oil-Based Core - This gives them a slightly firmer feel compared to wax-based pencils. They’re great for fine details, sharp lines, and controlled layering.
Excellent Lightfastness - Most of the colours in the Polychromos range are rated very highly for lightfastness, meaning your artwork will stay vibrant for years to come without fading.
Blends Beautifully - While they’re firmer than some other pencils, Polychromos still blend well—especially when layered gradually. You can create smooth gradients and natural-looking transitions with ease.
Sharpen to a Fine Point - Their strength means they can hold a sharp point without crumbling, making them perfect for detailed animal fur, feathers, and textures.
Who Are They Best For?
Polychromos are ideal for artists who:
Love working in layers
Want sharp, clean details
Prefer a firmer pencil that resists breakage
Care about archival quality and longevity
Enjoy blending but don't want overly soft pencils
They’re especially popular with coloured pencil artists who draw wildlife, portraits, and botanical subjects where precision is key.
Final Thoughts
Polychromos pencils are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for rich colour, precision, and professional-quality results. Their oil-based formula makes them a joy to work with—especially if you enjoy layering, blending, and adding fine details to your artwork.
Whether you're just beginning your coloured pencil journey or looking to upgrade your tools, Polychromos offer both reliability and performance. While they may be more of an investment than student-grade pencils, many artists find they’re well worth it for the quality they bring to each piece; and best of all, you can buy them individually which is great if you're on a tight budget.
We’ll be exploring more types of coloured pencils in upcoming posts, so you can discover which ones suit your style, budget, and creative needs.
Have you tried Polychromos pencils before?I’d love to hear what you think! Share your thoughts, tips, or favourite colours in the comments below—let’s chat coloured pencils!