13 Best Colored Pencils For Coloring
Here are the best colored pencils for coloring. Finding the best colored pencils for coloring makes a huge difference in your experience and results. There are so many options out there, but some pencils really stand out for coloring books. Colored pencils for adults need to be smooth, blend well, and have rich colors.
I remember the first time I tried high quality colored pencils for adult coloring books, it felt like a whole new world opened up. The colors were brighter, and blending became so much easier, which made coloring way more fun and relaxing.
Using colored pencils is a great way to get started because they blend really easily and you can lay down colors to make your own custom blends too.
Ok, here is the list of some of the best colored pencil sets to use for your coloring ideas.
best colored pencils for coloring
1. prismacolor colored pencils
Prismacolor colored pencils are one of the best pencils for coloring books, especially if you love smooth blending. The soft cores make it easy to layer and shade without much pressure. Grab these for pages with lots of detail because the colors glide on like butter.
2. ohuhu colored pencils
Ohuhu isn’t just known for their alcohol markers, they also make some pretty great colored pencils for adults. These pencils have rich pigment and layer beautifully, making them a good pick for anyone who enjoys coloring books. If you already love their markers, you’ll probably enjoy how their pencils feel on the page too.
3. faber-castell Polychromos
Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils are a top choice if you want high end, oil based colored pencils that don’t smudge easily. They’re great for detailed work and hold a sharp point really well. Using them on smooth paper is fantastic because the colors stay crisp and vibrant.
4. kalour pro colored pencils
Kalour Pro colored pencils are a good pick if you’re looking for a budget friendly option with a wide color range. They have soft cores that blend well and come in large sets, like 180 or even 300 colors. They are great for adult coloring books. Just keep in mind that while the pigment is vibrant, some users have noted occasional issues with core breakage, so a good sharpener is a must.
5. shuttle art pencils
Shuttle Art colored pencils give you tons of shades without blowing your budget, so they’re a fun way to try new palettes in your coloring books. The cores feel soft enough to blend and layer, making them a handy pick when you’re hunting for the best pencils for coloring pages. They’re not as buttery as high end brands, but for practice and everyday coloring they do the job nicely.
6. hippie crafter
Hippie Crafter’s colored pencil set is a good choice if you’re looking for vibrant colors and smooth layering. The cores lay down color with a creamy texture, making blending and shading feel pretty easy. I’ve used many art supplies from this brand and they always bring the colors to life.
7. arrtx colored pencils
Arrtx colored pencils are a fantastic pick if you’re looking for vibrant colors and smooth blending without breaking the bank. The 126 sets have lots of shades, including rich earth tones and metallics. Plus, they sharpen easily and layer well, so you can build up depth and detail in your adult coloring books.
8. crayola colored pencils
Crayola colored pencils are a pick that still hold up for adult coloring books, especially if you’re just starting out. They lay down color quickly and are easy to sharpen. While they might not blend as smoothly as higher end brands, they’re a budget friendly choice for filling in pages with bold, solid color.
9. holbein Op945
Holbein OP945 colored pencils are a top tier choice for artists who need a rich, vibrant palette. With a soft 3.8mm core and a 7.8mm barrel, they have buttery application. The 150 color set includes pretty much any color you need including pastels and metallics. One day I’ll get in this set and get it on the YouTube channel and give you a real life look!
10. Arteza colored pencils
Arteza colored pencils have bright, rich colors that blend smoothly. They’re easy to sharpen and work well on adult coloring book pages and papers like watercolor or cardstock. If you like having lots of color options, their sets come in sizes from 48 up to 120 pencils.
11. castle art colored pencils
The Castle Art colored pencils have a smooth, rich feel and they are at a pretty good price. I’m using them in the video at the end of this post, so you can see how they work up close. These pencils layer beautifully and I find they work great on everything from plain printer paper to papers with a tooth.
12. derwent chromaflow
Derwent Chromaflow pencils are super smooth and really easy to blend. Their soft cores lay down bright color without needing much pressure, so your hand doesn’t get tired.
13. Caran d’Ache Luminance
Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils are top of the line with rich, creamy cores that promise vibrant colors and great lightfastness. I haven’t tried them yet, but they’ve been on my wishlist for a while because people rave about them. These pencils seem perfect for anyone looking to take their coloring to the next level.
Hope these tips help you find the best colored pencils for coloring books and make your coloring time even more enjoyable. Using good colored pencils for coloring books can really bring your pages to life.
More coloring ideas
coloring flowers with alcohol markers
coloring supplies for beginners
Favorite Coloring Supplies
Copic Alcohol Markers
Ohuhu Alcohol Markers
Prismacolor Premier
Gelly Roll Pens
Share this blog with your friends who love to color too. And join the DIY Coloring Artistry Facebook group, where you can share your art with other coloring fans!
If you want more ideas on how to color with colored pencils, join the DIY Coloring Artistry YouTube channel
