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Colored pencils are the most forgiving way to color: no bleed-through, easy to correct and gentle to learn on. The catch is that the range runs from a few dollars to artist-grade sets that cost far more, and it isn't obvious what you're paying for.
This guide explains the four main kinds of colored pencil, what separates cheap sets from expensive ones, and which type makes sense when you're just starting out.
Quick comparison
Comparison of the products recommended in this guide
Artist-grade pencils carry more pigment and use better binders, so colors look richer and layer more smoothly. Student-grade pencils cost far less and are perfectly fine for learning. A sensible path is to start with a student set, then upgrade the colors you use most.
Wax, oil or water-soluble cores
Wax cores are soft and creamy, oil cores are firmer and hold a point, and water-soluble cores dissolve with a wet brush. None is 'best'. Pick based on the look you want and how much detail you color.
How many colors?
A 24-48 color set is plenty to start, because you can blend and layer to make new shades. Very large sets mostly add near-duplicates.
Sharpener and paper
A good sharpener saves soft pencils from snapping. A sharpener with sharp blades and adjustable point length usually serves artist pencils best. Paper with a little tooth grips pigment and takes more layers. For printed pages, see our paper guide.
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