12 best watercolor pencil sets

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Man has always drawn, as evidenced by the ancient rock paintings. Love for this creativity is inherent in us from birth. No wonder that drawing is the most interesting activity for a child. The most popular means for creating images are pencils. They were invented in the 20s of the XIX century, and today they are used by professional artists, children, and simply amateurs to transfer their emotions to paper.

Watercolor pencils do not differ in appearance from ordinary pencils. They are made of wood, sharpened with a sharpener, erased with an eraser. The difference lies in the different compositions of the lead. In conventional pencils, it is made from a fatty base, a coloring pigment and a binder. For watercolors, they are made of compressed powder and a binder. Due to the special production technology, the lead is very durable, it does not break or crumble, and the drawing looks like it was created with paints. To obtain such an image, you just need to moisten the lead with water and draw clear or blurred lines, overflows or streaks, or use a brush for this.

The experts of our magazine have compiled a rating in which the best sets of watercolor pencils were selected both in the opinion of professional artists and in the reviews of ordinary drawing lovers.

Rating of the best watercolor pencils

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best watercolor pencils	1	Artistic set with watercolor pencils ALBRECHT DURER, 120 pcs.	RUB 24 600
	2	DERWENT INKTENSE 72 COLORS 2301843	RUB 6,290
	3	FABER-CASTELL GOLDFABER AQUA 48 COLORS	RUB 3,229
	4	Lyra Aquacolor Wax Watercolor Pencils 24 Colors	RUB 2,237
	5	STABILO WOODY 3 IN 1 10 COLORS + SHARPENER	RUB 2 889
	6	GIOTTO SCAT METALLO 36 PCS	RUB 1,919
	7	STAEDTLER NORIS CLUB WITH BRUSH 36 COLORS	859 r
	8	STAEDTLER ERGOSOFT 24 COLORS	RUB 1 659
	9	MONDELUZ, 36 CV	828 RUB
	10	Artberry jumbo	450 RUB
	11	MILAN 431, 24 COLORS	RUB 517
	12	ERICH KRAUSE 24 PCS	323 r

Artistic set with watercolor pencils ALBRECHT DURER, 120 pcs.

Rating: 4.9

The first place is occupied by a professional set, which will become a luxurious gift and will allow you to create various images in dry or wet painting technique. Watercolor pencils bear the name of the famous German artist Albrecht Durer, and according to users, they deserve it. They are made from premium materials: vibrant pigments, binder and durable wood casing.

The palette is represented by 120 colors. More than half of the pencils have the highest degree of light fastness, which means that images can last for over 100 years. Lead size 3.8 mm. It does not break, does not crumble, sharpens well. The increased amount of color pigments allows you to achieve expressive shades. The cabinet is made of the highest quality stained wood.

According to buyers, this is one of the best sets on the market today, which contains a large number of pencils for creating paintings in various techniques. The special binder prevents crumbling and splitting in the event of a fall. The hexagonal shape of the pencils is comfortable to work with. The elegant packaging is not only easy to store, but also aesthetically pleasing.

Advantages

• premium materials;
• unique bonding component;
• wide palette of shades;
• high level of lightfastness;
• exclusive packaging.

disadvantages

• high price – about 30,000 rubles.

Derwent Inktense 72 colors 2301843

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the rating is taken by a set of watercolor pencils of a famous brand from the UK. It consists of 72 colors from the Derwent Inktense Pencils series. Pencils can be used both as regular and watercolor pencils. A feature of this set is that when using the wet painting technique, after the drawing has dried, it will not be possible to blur it again. The image becomes resistant to moisture and abrasion, so pencils are often used for painting various fabrics.

Lead diameter 4 mm. The special component binds the coloring pigments tightly, so it does not crumble or break when hitting a hard surface. Each pencil is marked with a color number and name, as well as a visual designation on the bottom of the body.

They are packed in a metal box that protects them from external influences, so the set is convenient not only to store, but also to transport without fear of damaging the contents, and it can also be a wonderful gift for an adult or child for amateur or professional drawing. Many noted that Derwent Inktense is an example of the optimal combination of price and quality and gave it the highest rating.

Advantages

• wide color palette;
• ink effect;
• image stability;
• used on silk, cotton and other fabrics;
• convenient storage.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua 48 colors

Rating: 4.8

The third place in the rating goes to German-made watercolor pencils. They are suitable for both amateurs and professionals. In a set of 48 colors. The increased content of coloring pigment allows you to create various patterns in both dry and blurred painting techniques. The main difference between pencils is a 3.3 mm soft lead, which makes it possible to experiment with mixing shades. It does not scratch paper, lays down evenly, and is easy to shade.

Pencils have the highest level of durability, so images will not fade in the sun or under indoor lighting. The hexagonal body is made of premium wood. The color is rendered thanks to the applied layer of paint that matches the tone of the pencil. The metal box is tightly closed, preventing accidental opening during storage or transportation.

Users noted that, despite its softness, the lead does not crumble, it is sharpened to a sharp tip. With the help of pencils, smooth transitions, blurred images and any other drawings in various painting techniques are good. The unequivocal assessment of experts and buyers is 'excellent'.

Advantages

• optimal selection of shades;
• soft lead for better application;
• high degree of lightfastness;
• convenient body shape;
• metal storage box.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Lyra Aquacolor Wax Watercolor Pencils 24 Colors

Rating: 4.8

In fourth place in the ranking are pencils from the German brand Lyra. Distinctive feature: they are made of high quality, environmentally friendly wax that is resistant to destruction, does not crumble, has a dense texture. The set will be a great gift for a young painter or an experienced artist. Crayons can be used like regular pencils, or you can create a drawing in watercolor technique by walking over the image with a wet brush. They fully meet the high professional requirements.

The set includes 24 shades. Lead with a thickness of 9.5 mm. It sharpens well, does not crumble. Pencil length 90 mm. The shape is round. They are packed in a metal case that snaps into place to prevent accidental opening and is easy to open. Its striking design is pleasing to the eye and aesthetic pleasure to the creative person.

According to reviews, wax crayons convey shades well; over time, they do not fade or fade. With their help, you can make a variety of patterns using several application technologies. Watercolor pencils fit comfortably in the hand.

Advantages

• environmentally friendly materials;
• water-soluble wax of the highest grade;
• well-chosen palette of shades;
• high degree of lightfastness;
• convenient packaging for storage and transportation.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Stabilo Woody 3 in 1, 10 colors

Rating: 4.7

The Stabilo kit will become a universal tool for amateurs and professionals, as it can be used to create images in several techniques. Woody 3 in 1 can be used as crayons, wax crayons or watercolors. Super thick lead allows you to cover a large surface area. Its diameter is 10 mm. It is made of durable water-soluble wax, which does not crumble, does not collapse when dropped, and sharpens perfectly.

The rich color pigmentation provides excellent results on all types of materials, including glass. On dark paper, images are intense and vibrant, and interesting and unusual effects can be achieved. The body is made of high quality wood. Its color matches the shade of the rod.

Many users have appreciated the set, its versatility, the included thick pencil sharpener. They fit comfortably in both an adult and a child's hand, ideal for coloring and performing pencil, wax or watercolor drawing techniques.

Advantages

• high quality, safe materials;
• 3 in 1: pencils, paints, crayons;
• high color rendering;
• for any smooth surfaces;
• convenient form;
• sharpener included.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Giotto Scat Metallo 36 pcs

Rating: 4.7

Further, the rating included a set in which colors are correctly selected. There are 36 of them in total. Watercolor pencils are created from highly concentrated coloring pigments and a unique binder in composition. The body is made from durable certified wood. Lead diameter 3.3 mm. It can be sharpened easily and economically, without breaking, and resistant to impacts on a hard surface.

Pencils are used in dry and watercolor techniques. Images are bright and will not fade over time in the sun or under artificial light. The packaging is a metal case that is securely fixed and quickly opened. It has special recesses that prevent the lead from breaking during transportation.

In addition to personalizing the color on the case, on the inside of the lid there is an image and numbers of the shades present in the set. According to reviews, pencils provide a soft drawing on the surface and perfect water blur. They are easy to use. The packaging has a bright and attractive design, so the set can be a good gift for both a young and a professional artist.

Advantages

• a palette of 24 shades;
• enhanced color rendering;
• convenient hexagonal shape;
• metal pencil case for comfortable storage;
• the color of the body matches the shade of the lead.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Staedtler Noris Club with 36 colors tassel

Rating: 4.7

A worthy line in the rating is occupied by a watercolor set intended for a children's audience. It is widely used for coloring in kindergartens and drawing in schools or art studios. Hexagonal pencils fit comfortably in a child's hand and help create images in both dry and watercolor techniques. The set is presented in 36 different shades, and also includes a brush for blurring the pattern with water.

The body is made of natural wood. Lead of extra strength. It is additionally protected by a white anti-breakage system layer. This completely eliminates the risk of collapse on impact on the floor, as well as crumbling, and contributes to economical sharpening.

Parents noted that although the set has a rather high cost (about 900 rubles), it is fully justified by the quality of the product. The palette contains the most popular colors, which, if desired, mix well with each other. You do not need to purchase a brush additionally, as it is already included in the package and equipped with a protective cap. Thanks to the rich pigments, the child enjoys creativity. Bright packaging is another plus for children's perception.

Advantages

• safe materials;
• wide range of colors;
• additional protection of the lead;
• brush set;
• comfortable shape for a child's hand.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Staedtler Ergosoft 24 colors

Rating: 4.6

The set from Germany has been appreciated by both amateurs and experienced artists. With 24 shades, you can achieve great dry results and can be washed out with water or applied in watercolor. The pencils have an unusual three-sided shape that creates a comfortable environment for creativity. The outer shell is made from natural wood.

The lead contains highly concentrated pigments, which, even after shading, retain the intensity of the shade. It is very durable, sharpened without problems, resistant to impacts when dropped. A special feature of the kit is its convenient plastic packaging. It has transparent holes through which you can visualize the color of the pencil. When opened, it becomes a table stand.

According to reviews, the watercolor set is correctly assembled according to the color composition. Pencils are very comfortable, they glide well over the surface, they are soft on it. The storage box was appreciated by all users: both adults and children. The plastic case is shockproof, so pencils can be transported or carried in a school bag without risk of destruction.

Advantages

• large range of shades;
• high-quality harmless materials;
• bright intense colors;
• super durable lead;
• convenient packing stand.

disadvantages

• not detected.

MONDELUZ, 36 color

Rating: 4.6

The rating includes a set of the Czech brand Koh-i-Noor, consisting of 36 pencils with intensely pigmented colors, which make it possible to embody any fantasies on paper in dry or wet application technique. They fall softly, easily shade and blur. The body is made of natural cedar wood. It is very durable and resistant to any external influences. Coated with transparent varnish, the outer part is additionally protected from damage.

Lead thickness 3.8 mm, rod length 175 mm. The shape of the pencils contributes to a comfortable use even during long work. The lead is resistant to impacts, does not crumble, does not break when sharpening.

Users appreciated the quality of the product. They highlighted the rich shades of the pencils, their high lightfastness. Many people liked the look with gold embossed on the case. The mothers of the babies emphasized that the lead, even with numerous falls, does not collapse, the color softly lays on the paper, without requiring much effort. The pencils are made of non-toxic materials, so they are absolutely safe for the health of the child.

Advantages

• large range of colors;
• from quality raw materials;
• bright shades even after blurring;
• ergonomic shape;
• resistant to mechanical stress.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Artberry Jumbo 12 Jumbo colors with sharpener and brush

Rating: 4.5

We have included an excellent set for children's creativity in our rating of the best watercolor pencils. 12 rich shades allow you to color in images, create drawings in dry technique or blurred. The kit contains everything you need for comfortable use. It has both a blending brush and a pencil sharpener. The triangular shape is comfortable for a child's hand, so the child does not get tired and is happy to be creative.

The casing is made of certified wood, which is covered with several layers of varnish to ensure a perfectly smooth surface. The lead spreads gently on the paper, requiring no effort or tension. It does not crumble, does not break when dropped on a hard surface, sharpens without breakage, which increases the life of pencils.

The parents gave the highest score to the set, which fully meets the safety requirements. The composition contains an increased concentration of color pigments, which intensively apply a shade to the paper. Erich Krause pencils are affordable and therefore available to many buyers.

Advantages

• the optimal number of shades;
• good color rendering;
• ergonomic shape for a child's hand;
• brush and sharpener included;
• impact resistance.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Milan 431, 24 colors

Rating: 4.5

The set included in the rating is intended for children's creativity. It contains 24 pencils in bright shades that blend beautifully with each other for new, interesting tones. They are soft and easy to blend. Using the included brush, you can create paintings using the watercolor technique. The pencils are made of environmentally friendly materials and comply with European safety and hygiene standards.

The body is made of wood and covered with several layers of paint and clear varnish for smoothness. The shade applied to the surface exactly matches the tone of the lead. It sharpens economically, is drop-resistant, does not crumble. Inside the cardboard packaging there is a special plastic pencil tray, which adds convenience in use, storage and transportation.

According to reviews, the set is actively used in schools and art workshops. It consists of bright colors that are accurately reproduced on the paper. When applied to a wet surface, an interesting pattern is obtained. Many felt that the quality of the kit exactly matched its value.

Advantages

• good color matching;
• easy to sharpen;
• a brush with a protective cover included;
• damage-resistant lead;
• convenient box.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Erich Krause 24 pcs

Rating: 4.5

Another product of the well-known brand Erich Krause concludes the rating. It is designed for preschool children just starting out with the basics of drawing. The set contains 24 pencils of the most popular shades, when mixing them you can get even more interesting, saturated colors. For watercolor application, a brush is provided, which is closed with a protective cap after use.

The casing is made from environmentally friendly natural wood. The hexagonal shape provides a high level of comfort when working. The lead has a diameter of 3 mm. It does not collapse when dropped, does not break when sharpened. The standard length of the rod is 175 mm.

All parents and children are happy with the purchase. Pencils accurately reproduce color, do not require effort, are perfectly shaded and create a blur effect. The child does not get tired, but takes part in the creative process with pleasure. The packaging is made of thick cardboard, which is resistant to deformation. The pencils are arranged in two rows, so it is small and easy to carry in a bag or briefcase.

Advantages

• large range of shades;
• high color rendering;
• quality raw materials;
• materials safe for health;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• not detected.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.