If you’re searching for a new way to express your imagination, this article is for you. I have checked and compared some of the best watercolor pencils to help you select the right set.
Watercolor pencils are the ideal combination for painting and drawing. They encourage painters to draw with a dry pencil or use water for a variety of watercolor effects.
I would like to share my top best watercolor pencils and how to purchase the right collection in this post. Turn into my writing to find for yourself a unique collection of watercolor pencils.
What Is Watercolor Pencil?
A watercolor pencil features a lead that consists of a pigment with a water-soluble core. Watercolor pencils come with a bit higher cost and have the portability that makes them better than conventional watercolor methods. They can be sharpened to become an excellent point, so details can easily be applied to your masterpieces.
With watercolor pencils, you can use dry or wet to create an effect with straight lines and precise details. Besides, you get different from colored pencils because watercolor can result in smoother edges and mixed colors.
By adding water to either the paper or pencils, watercolor pencils will bring perfect experiences for beginners and artists.
Watercolor Pencils vs. Watercolor Paints
The biggest difference between these two types of art is that watercolor pencils are one of three types of colored pencils, while watercolor paint is a medium for painting.
Watercolor pencils usually provide a solution to artists who want to produce aquarelle effects without cleaning up the trouble. These watercolor pencils can also be more compact, and when making artwork in the open air, these may not require setting up a painting station.
On the other hand, watercolor paint brings more brightness to the artwork. This medium is more visible and also has brush strokes, which create a more painterly effect.
Watercolor pencils are suitable and more accessible for people who love drawing; children can also use them. In comparison, watercolor paints are for professional artists only.
For more information about these art types, please watch this video:
Best Watercolor Pencils Brands
Last but not least, the brand from which you purchase will go with the reliability and longevity of watercolor pencils. That’s why I always recommend the top best brands for you.
Zenacolor
Zenacolor is among my favorite types of watercolor pencils. Products from Zenacolor are usually at a fair price, appropriate for all consumers.
Art Magic
Magic Art’s watercolor pencils are available in an eclectic range of 12-150 colors. They are suitable for both children and instructors, as well as anyone who wants to convey and bring their dream to the painting.
Crayola
Crayola watercolor pencils will be an ideal brand for your choice. All watercolor pencils are pre-sharpened and made from non-toxic materials so that the children can use them comfortably and safely.
What Are The Best Watercolor Pencils?
Every label has its advantages. But all of them are high-quality watercolor pencils. Here’s the list of top best watercolor pencils that I bring to you. It depends on you to determine which set of options works best!
- Best Overall: Zenacolor Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils
“Soft and strong 3.3 mm core. Come in a metal case. Back brush helps to create great effects. Pre-sharpened watercolor pencils.” - Best Budget: Art Magic Set of 48 Watercolor Pencils
“48 vibrant watercolor pencils. No-slip hexagonal shape. Allow comfortable working time. Not easy to break.” - Best for Beginners: Derwent Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
“Suitable for details drawing. Ideal for long-time use. Help to blend and layer easier. Can use pencils wet or dry. The pigments transfer quickly.” - Best for Professionals: Brite Crown Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
“24-pack of watercolor pencils. Convenient and easy to use. Ideal for professionals. Unique colors. Includes one bonus watercolor paintbrush.” - Best for Children: Crayola Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
“Strong and long-lasting core. 24 vivid colors. High-quality materials. Eco-friendly. Suitable to hold. Ideal for children to learn drawing.” - Best for Adults: ARTEZA Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils
“Smooth application. Thick and strong lead. Easy to sharpen. Color chart for convenience. Versatile watercolor pencils.” - Best for Doll Repaint: Loew-Cornell Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
“Simple for pigment distribution. 24 pre-sharpened watercolor pencils. Non-toxic, water-soluble core. Easy drawing.” - Best for Fabric: OOKU Set of 48 Watercolor Pencils
“Professional quality. Long watercolor pencils. Thick and softcore. Include pencil canvas wrap. Bonus sharpener. Lifetime warranty.” - Best for Coloring Books: Faber-Castell Set of 12 Watercolor Pencils
“Metal box for easy organization. Simple coloring. Best for students to draw. Soft-touch body. Easy to sharpen.” - Best for Portraits: JS Set of 48 Watercolor Pencils
“Pre-sharpened watercolor pencils. Colorful and vivid bright. Vibrant pigments and soft shadows. Ideal for school projects.” - Best for Bible Journaling: Castle Art Supplies Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils
“Traditional watercolor pencils. Brilliant selection of rich and vibrant colors. Ideal for improving the elegance. Give a maximum impact on the papers.” - Best for Faceups: Staedtler Set of 36 Watercolor Pencils
“Simple shading and layering. 36 rich colors. Ideal tool for creating artwork. Enhance comfort when coloring books.” - Best for Cardmaking: Wanshui Set of 150 Watercolor Pencil
“Great set for children and adults. Made from non-toxic materials. Water-soluble and crack-resistant cores. Easy and comfortable gripping.” - Best for Wood: Prismacolor Set of 36 Watercolor Pencils
“Made of high-quality basswood. Wide range of colors. Simple to combine colors. One of the best brands on the market. Suitable for all ages.” - Best Artist Quality: Faber-Castel Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
“Use for detail drawing. Metal tin for easy to keep organized. Water-soluble softcore. 3.8 mm lead. Lightfast.”
Best Watercolor Pencils Comparison Chart
If you’re the one who wants to dive into the watercolor pencils or are well acquainted with them and are looking for some of the best brands on the market, then I have got the ideal list for you in this top best watercolor pencils comparison chart.
Top 15 Best Watercolor Pencils Reviews 2022
I trust these products at the top will be just what you want. Come with more details in my top best watercolor pencils reviews to make sure about your choice.
1. Zenacolor Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils
(Best Overall)
This set of watercolor pencils comes with a range of colors, which give you freedom in choosing colors for your paint. All the pencils are pre-sharpened to use quickly.
In addition, the set comes with a back brush that allows you to create impressive effects and color mixes. Moreover, every watercolor pencil in this set has a soft core that is made of durable basswood.
The number and name are also printed in the body, which gives you the rest of the finding colors. Besides, the packaging by a sturdy metal box will maintain the quality of your watercolor pencils.
Key Features:
- 72 different watercolor pencils
- 3mm soft yet strong lead
- Ergonomic and durable design
- Professional set
- Long-lasting pigments
Pros
- Come with a sturdy case for secure storage
- Include back brush for significant effects and make color
- Easy to blend with smooth lead
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Several pencils are a little scratchy
- Some pigments don’t layer very well
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Zenacolor |
| Packaging | Metal box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.3 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Round |
| Color | Multi-color |
| Warranty | 30 days |
Watch this video to hear the review from a customer about Zenacolor Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils:
2. Art Magic Set of 48 Watercolor Pencils
(Best Budget)
Magic Art watercolor pencils are available in an eclectic range of 48 vivid colors, which are best for children, instructors, and coloring book fans and anyone who wants to create an excellent canvas.
This set of watercolor pencils gives you many advantages because these pencils can be used in any difficult situation. Plus, this set will make for a smooth feel with a reasonably well smudging in hand so that you can make perfect effects with it.
Last but not least, the breakage-resistant technology applied in these watercolor pencils will amaze you, even under strain, you will have trouble breaking them.
Key Features:
- 48 vibrant colors
- Hexagonal shape watercolor pencils
- Non-slip
- Resist breakage
- Smooth movement on paper
Pros
- Includes eraser, sharpener, blending brush and water brush
- Comfortable to paint
- Give great experiences
- Unlimited color for many choices
- Good price for all users
Cons
- The vibrancy of colors and the application are a little lackluster
- The cardboard box is not ideal for storage
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Art magic |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.3 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
This video will bring you some tips to use watercolor pencils, watch now:
3. Derwent Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Beginners)
This set of Derwent watercolor pencils can be blended with water to produce specific flows of color and spectacular effects of the watercolor. The break-resistant makes this item suitable to be used for a long time.
In addition, you will achieve higher precision for precise drawings with the 3.4 mm water-soluble core. With this set, you can create a variety of results, ranging from bold, vivid colors.
Owing to the softer formulation, the pigment moves quickly on paper, making it easier to mix and coat colors. Plus, you can also customize colors only by adding a bit of water to produce a more subdued watercolor wash.
Key Features:
- Available with 24 watercolor colors
- Sturdy precision
- 4mm water-soluble core
- Unique blending and layering
Pros
- Easy to sharpen
- Ideal for beginners
- Long-lasting colors
- Simple to control the pencils
- Create a range of beautiful effects
Cons
- The tin can be dented when delivering
- The lead is soft and sometimes crack
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Derwent |
| Packaging | Metal tin |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
For more information about the set of Derwent 24 watercolor pencils, click this link:
4. Brite Crown Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Professionals)
Brite Crown watercolor pencils are built with 24 colors. This set will give you hours of artistic pleasure. You will enjoy your day when starting with this set of watercolor pencils.
Unique colors are included in this set with high-quality materials. Plus, one bonus watercolor paintbrush is ideal for blending and making effects. The package comes in a sturdy metal tin case for convenient transportation and storage.
This item can be an excellent gift for anyone who has a passion for art and wants to learn and improve painting skills. This collection of watercolor pencils is also the best way to learn art and can help with advanced design techniques to improve skills.
Key Features:
- Premium quality watercolor pencils
- Perfect gift for art lovers
- Superior quality watercolor pencils
- Vivid colors
- Non-toxic watercolor pencils
Pros
- Great for learning the art
- Convenient to use
- Come with a bonus paintbrush
- Easy to combine with painting styles
Cons
- The set doesn’t have black or gray
- The item includes only 24 colors
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Brite Crown |
| Packaging | Metal case |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
5. Crayola Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Children)
This collection of Crayola watercolor pencils has durable, break-resistant, and long-lasting cores. These elements are sure to give you unlimited artistic expression with 24 bright colors.
These watercolor pencils can provide you with a sense of ease while mixing and designing an individual piece of art. The watercolor pencils will add vivid, pure colors to your painting with the water-soluble core.
This set from Crayola follows children’s health standards and are made from non-toxic materials. All watercolor pencils in this set have the wooden body for comfortable feeling, perfect for children to learn drawing.
Key Features:
- Pre-sharpened watercolor pencils
- Eco-friendly artistry
- Set of 24 watercolor pencils
- Ergonomic and sturdy design
Pros
- Comfortable to hold and move
- Suitable for both children and adults
- Lightweight for easy-to-carry
Cons
- The packaging is not attractive
- The pencils are not sharpened well
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Crayola |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Round |
| Color | Multi-color |
What is the difference between watercolor pencils, markers, and sticks? Click here to know:
6. ARTEZA Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Adults)
With the water-soluble core, these watercolor pencils enable you to blend and layer to create beautiful in your drawing.
This set of watercolor pencils comes in a sturdy tin box, suitable for holding and transporting them. This item will give you the feeling when coloring with high-quality pencils.
These watercolor pencils are consistent with all health requirements for babies, teens, and adults. For an ergonomic fit, each pencil features a classic, 6-sided wooden case. Besides, 72 vibrant colors give you the freedom to choose colors.
Key Features:
- Set of 120 colored pencils, numbered
- Straightforward design
- Robust Metal box
- 6-sided wooden body
- Meet all safety standards
Pros
- The packaging is ideal for transporting and storing.
- 72 colors for the perfect drawing
- Comfortable grip
- The color chart is inside the box
Cons
- Some pencils are a bit streaky
- There isn’t a big difference in the watercolor pencils within the same color family
Product Specifications:
| Brand | ARTEZA |
| Packaging | Tin box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
If you want to learn how to draw with watercolor pencils, this video will give advice:
7. Loew-Cornell Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Doll Repaint)
If you want a package of watercolor pencils with high-quality pencils and a fair price, this collection of Loew-Cornell will be your perfect choice. This set provides a stunning shine on high-quality 24 watercolor pencils.
The watercolor pencils have thick lead, and the water-soluble core and pre-sharpening make it easy to blend and combine, or with watercolor pencils from other sets.
Additionally, you’ll get a pencil sharpener, an eraser as a bonus when you buy this set, which is so economical!
Key Features:
- Non-toxic and non-acid
- Colorful 24 watercolor pencils
- Excellent item for all drawing lovers
- Great price
Pros
- Work well on any kind of paper
- Thick core for long-lasting
- Ideal for blending and shading
- Easy to create effects
Cons
- The core is not very strong, so sometimes it may crack
- Limited colors
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Loew-Cornell |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.3 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
8. OOKU Set of 48 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Fabric)
This set is professionally made for artists, for daily usage with vivid pigments and soft shadows with intense coloring. The softcore helps to produce seamless textures, easy to mix, and incredibly smooth color laydown when wet or spread on wet surfaces.
You can use these watercolor pencils to draw dry or wet paint on dry or wet papers. Plus, OOKU watercolor pencils are also used for full-color tones and watercolor painting versatility.
This set is ideal for all types of water coloring or dry sketching techniques. Now, you can try to apply any type of water coloring techniques for a variety of ranges of colors and texture with this item.
Key Features:
- 48 well-made watercolor pencils
- Vibrant pigments
- Beautifully crafted and easy blending
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Can use wet or dry
- Ideal for water coloring
- Come with a pencil canvas wrap
Cons
- The canvas wrap is not ideal for storage
- The product is better for young children than artists
Product Specifications:
| Brand | OOKU |
| Packaging | Pencil wool canvas wrap |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
| The length of the pencil | 7 inches |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Let’s watch this video to get more knowledge about this set of watercolor pencils from OOKU:
9. Faber-Castell Set of 12 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Coloring Books)
These watercolor pencils set are a perfect new collection of high-quality items for students and artists. The water-soluble leads are easy to be adapted to the different drawing techniques and skill levels.
This set of Faber-Castle comes with a heavily pigmented 3.3 mm core brings a smooth, vivid laydown of color that also has excellent lightfastness.
These qualified watercolor pencils are contained in a sturdy tin case, which is durable enough to ensure that your pencil pack is well protected and comfortable to hold.
Key Features:
- Break-resistant lead
- Premium quality
- Made in Germany
- Long time popular brand
Pros
- Ideal for students with coloring books
- 3.3 mm thick core
- Vibrant color laydown
Cons
- The set only has 12 colors
- Not suitable for professionals
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Faber-Castell |
| Packaging | Tin case |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.3 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
This video brings you the review and comparison of two sets of watercolor pencils from Faber-Castle:
10. JS Set of 48 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Portraits)
During general use and sharpening, the sturdy and robust lead core of this JS watercolor pencil set is built to resist breakage so that you can confidently use them. Besides, all watercolor pencils are pre-sharpened for easy identification.
These watercolor pencils can dissolve in water and have a more vivid and vivid bright effect than standard oily colored pencils. And the soft yet strong core helps to build seamless textures, simple blending, and smooth laydown when used both wet and dry.
The collection includes 48 bright colors, and all are suitable for art creation. Plus, this set will be a great gift for art lovers with beautiful and unique packaging.
Key Features:
- Premium Watercolor Pencils
- Superior colors
- High-quality water-soluble core
- 6-inch watercolor pencils
Pros
- Ideal for school projects
- 48 classic colors for a wide range of art
- Pencil tube to keep the lead stand
- Perfect for dry and wet creations
Cons
- The lead sometimes is so hard
- The colors are a bit brighter
Product Specifications:
| Brand | JS |
| Packaging | Pencil tube |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
| Pencil length | 6.6 inches |
Which brand of the watercolor pencil is right for you? This video will give you the answer:
11. Castle Art Supplies Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Bible Journaling)
This collection of 72 watercolor pencils is the preference of art lovers for their artwork. The successful leads are stable and smooth to draw and blend on papers; you will not feel the effort when it comes to color.
The package of Castle Art watercolor pencils is suitable to improve the beauty of the design, ideal to become a gift for children. This series includes 72 distinct colors to start your coloring work.
The Crayola watercolor pencils feature pre-sharpened lead, offering long-lasting color to keep the original beauty of your artwork.
Key Features:
- 72 versatile watercolor pencils
- Smooth core
- Unique water-soluble binder
- Come with a luxurious pigment
Pros
- Can add subtle detail to the paintings
- Create a magical watercolor effect
- Help to create stunning watercolor artwork
- Bring a beautiful range of colors
Cons
- These watercolor pencils don’t include names or numbers on the body
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Castle Art Supplies |
| Packaging | Tin box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
12. Staedtler Set of 36 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Faceups)
These watercolor pencils of STAEDTLER suit any type of coloring book. The soft, water-soluble core will create straight, evenly drawn lines to make a perfect drawing.
The watercolor pencils feature the strong core that resists breakage when sharpened or squeezed. With this core, your watercolor pencils lead will remain smooth for an extended period.
You can create beautiful works of art anytime with this set of watercolor pencils. Moreover, this vibrant color set has a thick lead core that allows you to make lively drawings on any material.
Key Features:
- German manufactured
- Set of 36 brilliant colors
- Long watercolor pencils
- A wide range of colors
Pros
- Come with a bonus paintbrush
- Anti-breaking core
- Simple to sharpen
- Prevent lead from breakage
Cons
- No color name is printed on the pencils
- Limited colors
Product Specifications:
| Brand | STAEDTLER |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.3 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
How to choose the best watercolor pencils? Click here, and you will know:
13. Wanshui Set of 150 Watercolor Pencil
(Best for Cardmaking)
This set of watercolor pencils is made of water-soluble environmental lead that is friendly and makes your art stand out with pure originality.
One hundred fifty watercolor pencils are built to maintain their maximum strength, making them ideal for expressing any creative talent on sketches or aquarelle presentations with 150 select colors.
These premium pencils can be used with a wide variety of papers and crafts projects; and can also be used safely on wet or dry surfaces. Plus, adding water to these watercolor pencils on papers will give a completely new look that traditional colored pencils can’t do.
Key Features:
- 150 bright watercolor pencils
- Non-toxic
- Smooth grip surface
- Convenient PET box
Pros
- Each pencil has its color name and color number
- Lightweight pencils
- Suitable for dry coloring
- Good price for 150 watercolor pencils
Cons
- Some pencils break easily when sharpening
- Too many colors sometimes confuse when choosing colors
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Wanshui |
| Packaging | PET box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Round |
| Color | Multi-color |
14. Prismacolor Set of 36 Watercolor Pencils
(Best for Wood)
Within this set from Prismacolor, you can find 36 watercolor pencils with water-soluble leads. When combined with a brush, it brings glassy surfaces and impressive effects.
These water-soluble watercolor pencils feature unique quality pigments that can be used dry or wet to match the entire Prismacolor palette.
Prismacolor art pencils have the core of high quality, which will help you create your artwork. Let’s enjoy the drawing time with this set.
Key Features:
- Includes 36 vibrant watercolor pencils
- Famous brand
- Richly saturated colors
- Rich and intense pigments
Pros
- Help to create shimmering effects.
- Can be used both wet and dry
- Great for coloring books
Cons
- Each pencil body doesn’t come with color, which makes it tough to distinguish
- Not very bright colors
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Prismacolor |
| Packaging | Tin box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.4 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Round |
| Color | Multi-color |
15. Faber-Castel Set of 24 Watercolor Pencils
(Best Artist Quality)
Watercolor pencils from Faber-Castle have pigments of modern quality that are solid and soft to sharpen easily. The set has 24 pencils with 24 colors; you can move between secure forms and delicate blends simply.
The pencils are pre-shaped and have leads centered on 3.8 mm of the water-soluble base. The watercolor pencils feature a soft yet strong lead for mixing and shading effortlessly, suitable for both children and professionals.
These watercolor pencils are designed for grip efficiently and hold with the perfect dimensions; you will have the best inspiration in your coloring time.
Key Features:
- Fade and crack resistance
- Fully water-soluble cores
- Thick 3.8mm lead
- Sturdy design
Pros
- Hard to fade
- Produce watercolor effects and vibrancy
- Smooth color
- Long-lasting pigments
Cons
- The metal box is easy to be deformed
- The range of colors is not very wide
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Faber-Castle |
| Packaging | Tin box |
| Core type | Water-soluble core |
| Lead thickness | 3.8 millimeters |
| Pencil shape | Hexagon |
| Color | Multi-color |
This video is available for you to discover the advantages of Faber-Castle 24 watercolor pencils:
How to Buy the Best Set of Watercolor Pencil?
When choosing a set of watercolor pencils, there are many things that you should consider. Keep reading below to pick the best one for you!
Lead Thickness
The lead of watercolor pencils is usually ranged from 3.3mm to 4.0mm. The thinner leads are best for detailed work, while the thicker one can allow you to cover more ground quicker.
Pencil Shape
The following feature is the shape of the pencil: Watercolor pencils can come with a number of shapes, such as round, hexagonal or triangular. Choose the right shape is an effective way to add flexibility when moving and holding the watercolor pencils in your hand.
Core Type
Unlike colored pencils, watercolor pencils have only one type of core: water-soluble; you will not spend time choosing the core type anymore. Constructed with a water-soluble binder, this form can be used dry or wet to create fascinating effects in your painting.
The Size of Packaging
The number of pencils within the package is another factor that you should think about. If you are an artist and need as much as possible, the set includes, then, the set of 72-150 is ideal for you. Or are you planning to start drawing, the packaging of 24-36 is suitable for your need? And you want to buy a set for your child, the set of 12 colors is enough.
FAQs
You are looking for the right watercolor pencils, you enjoy painting and drawing, and want the best way to do them? Now, don’t ignore the following FAQs because you will know more information about this product.
My Top Pick
To me, each set has its attraction, but my favorite set of the watercolor pencils is Zenacolor Set of 72 Watercolor Pencils. The price is so reasonable, and I can draw, layer, or blend easily with 72 bright colors.
Hopefully, you may also have a better understanding of watercolor pencils through my writing. Let me know if the top best products help you to pick the right item. Join me on this website as I’ll be back with other articles. Thank you, and have a great buying!