Watercolor pencils combine the precision of colored pencils with the fluidity of watercolors, making them an essential tool for both beginners and experienced artists. If you're looking for the best watercolor pencils, you're in the right place. This guide will cover everything you need to know to choose the perfect set for your creative projects.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current art supplies, we’ll walk you through the top options on the market, as well as tips for using them effectively.
Quick Links
● What Are Watercolor Pencils and How Do They Work?
● Top 10 Best Watercolor Pencils You Can Buy in 2025
1. Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle
2. Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer
3. Prismacolor Scholar Watercolor Pencils
4. Derwent Inktense
5. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pencils
6. Arteza Watercolor Pencils
7. Altenew Woodless Watercolor Pencils
8. SYLOON Watercolor Pencils
9. Crayola Watercolor Pencils
10. Staedtler Ergosoft Aquarell Watercolour Pencils
● Key Features to Look for in the Best Watercolor Pencils
● How to Use Watercolor Pencils Like a Pro
● Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Watercolor Pencils
● FAQs
What Are Watercolor Pencils and How Do They Work?
Watercolor pencils are a unique type of pencil that can be used both as a regular colored pencil and as a watercolor tool. Unlike traditional colored pencils, watercolor pencils are designed to dissolve in water. This allows artists to create watercolor-like effects by adding water after applying color to paper.
Here’s how they work:
● Dry Use: When used dry, watercolor pencils behave like regular colored pencils, allowing for precise lines and details. Artists can layer different colors to create depth and shading.
● Wet Use: Once you add water, the pigment in the pencil dissolves, blending smoothly and creating a watercolor effect. The more water you use, the more fluid the color becomes, similar to using regular watercolors.
What sets watercolor pencils apart is their ability to offer the best of both worlds. You get the fine control of a pencil, combined with the soft, flowing effects of watercolors.
Top 10 Best Watercolor Pencils You Can Buy in 2025
Choosing the right watercolor pencil can be a challenge with so many options on the market. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a more detailed look at the top 5 watercolor pencils in 2025. These brands are known for their excellent performance, pigment quality, and ability to blend well with water.
1. Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle
Caran d'Ache is a Swiss brand synonymous with luxury and professional-grade art supplies. Their Museum Aquarelle pencils are among the finest watercolor pencils available, offering unmatched quality and performance for serious artists.
Pros:
● Unparalleled Pigment Quality: These pencils boast highly concentrated pigments, delivering rich, vibrant colors that dissolve flawlessly with water.
● Exceptional Lightfastness: Designed for professional use, these pencils maintain their brilliance over time, even under exposure to light.
● Versatility: Perfect for both fine details and large, sweeping washes, thanks to their smooth application and blendability.
● Durable and Comfortable: The pencils feature a strong, break-resistant core encased in high-quality wood for a premium feel.
Cons:
● High Price Point: Museum Aquarelle pencils are one of the most expensive watercolor pencil sets on the market, which may deter hobbyists or beginners.
● Overkill for Casual Use: These pencils are designed with professionals in mind, so they may exceed the needs of casual users.
Best For: Professionals or artists who want high-quality, long-lasting pencils for detailed, vibrant artwork.
Why Choose Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle? These pencils are perfect for artists looking for superior performance, with a rich palette of colors that blend easily and provide intense watercolor effects.
Official Website: Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle
2. Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer
Faber-Castell is a trusted and renowned name in the art world, known for creating high-quality art supplies that meet the needs of both professionals and beginners. Their watercolor pencils are no exception, offering vibrant pigments and smooth blending.
Pros:
● Rich Pigment Quality: Faber-Castell watercolor pencils deliver rich, vibrant colors that blend effortlessly when activated with water.
● Versatility: Suitable for detailed drawing, shading, and creating soft washes.
● Durable and Break-Resistant: The pencils are sturdy, with high-quality wood casing and a break-resistant lead core.
● Lightfastness: These pencils have excellent lightfastness, ensuring the colors remain vibrant over time.
Cons:
● Price: Faber-Castell watercolor pencils are generally more expensive than other brands.
● Limited range of colors in basic sets: Although the colors are vibrant, basic sets might not have a wide variety of tones for advanced users.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced artists who require a reliable set of watercolor pencils for detailed work and vibrant washes.
Why Choose Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer? These pencils are perfect for fine details and layering techniques. They are durable, blend easily, and deliver consistent, vibrant results, making them a great choice for serious artists.
Official Website: Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer
3. Prismacolor Scholar Watercolor Pencils
Prismacolor is another well-known brand that offers premium-quality art supplies. Their watercolor pencils are designed for artists looking for smooth, blendable colors that work well for detailed drawing or large washes.
Pros:
● Soft, Smooth Texture: Prismacolor pencils are known for their soft, smooth application, making blending and layering easy.
● Wide Color Range: With a large selection of colors, you can create a variety of effects, from fine details to large areas of color.
● Blendability: These pencils blend easily when activated with water, offering smooth transitions and gradients.
Cons:
● Soft Core: While the softness is great for blending, it also makes the pencils prone to breakage.
● Price: As with Faber-Castell, Prismacolor is a higher-end brand, making it less budget-friendly.
Best For: Beginners or artists on a budget who want to try watercolor pencils without spending too much money.
Why Choose Prismacolor Scholar Watercolor Pencils? If you're just starting out or experimenting with watercolor pencils, this set provides an affordable way to get the experience you need without breaking the bank.
Official Website: Prismacolor
4. Derwent Inktense
Derwent is a British brand that is highly respected among professional and amateur artists. Their watercolor pencils are known for their strong pigment content and smooth application, making them a versatile choice for various artistic techniques.
Pros:
● Strong Pigment: Derwent’s watercolor pencils are highly pigmented, allowing for bold colors and excellent coverage.
● Wide Color Range: Available in a variety of sets, Derwent offers both traditional and contemporary shades, perfect for detailed work.
● High Quality: The pencils are well-made, with break-resistant leads that can withstand heavy use.
Cons:
● Price: Derwent products are on the higher end of the price spectrum.
● Firm Lead: While this makes the pencils less prone to breakage, it can also make them a bit harder to blend compared to softer pencils.
Why Choose Derwent Inktense? These pencils offer a bold, intense color with the ability to dry permanently, making them ideal for artists seeking an alternative to traditional watercolor pencils for a more graphic, ink-like effect.
Official Website: Derwent Inktense
5. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pencils
Winsor & Newton is a legendary name in the art supply industry, known for its high-quality watercolor paints. Their Cotman Watercolor Pencils offer a more portable and accessible way to achieve the same vibrant effects as traditional watercolors.
Pros:
● Smooth Application: These pencils glide effortlessly on paper and dissolve completely when water is added, creating smooth washes and blends.
● Vibrant Colors: The pigments are rich and bright, delivering professional-quality results suitable for both beginners and experienced artists.
● Reliable Performance: The pencils are designed to work well for fine details, large washes, and layering techniques.
Cons:
● Requires Pressure: Some users find the pencils slightly harder, requiring more pressure to achieve intense colors when used dry.
● Price: While more affordable than Caran d'Ache, Cotman pencils are still priced higher than many beginner brands.
Best For: Artists who want reliable, high-quality watercolor pencils for traditional watercolor effects and techniques.
Why Choose Winsor & Newton Cotman? If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality option from a trusted brand, these pencils are a solid choice. They are great for smooth blending and producing classic watercolor effects.
Official Website: Winsor & Newton Cotman
6. Arteza Watercolor Pencils
Arteza is a brand that combines quality with affordability. Their watercolor pencils are designed to offer vibrant, blendable colors at a price point that’s accessible for both beginners and experienced artists.
Pros:
● Affordable: Arteza offers excellent value for money, making it a great choice for students and beginner artists.
● Vibrant Colors: The pencils are highly pigmented and offer rich, intense colors that blend smoothly when water is applied.
● Durable: Arteza pencils are break-resistant and designed for long-lasting use.
Cons:
● Lightfastness: While the pencils offer great colors, they may not have the same lightfastness as higher-end brands.
● Limited Set Options: Some users might find the sets a bit restrictive in terms of color variety.
Best For: Artists of all levels, especially beginners and hobbyists looking for a reliable and budget-friendly option.
Why Choose Arteza Watercolor Pencils? Arteza offers a versatile range of watercolor pencils that cater to various needs, from ergonomic designs to high-pigment woodless options. These pencils are perfect for anyone seeking quality tools without overspending.
Official Website: Arteza
7. Altenew Woodless Watercolor Pencils
Altenew offers a unique line of woodless watercolor pencils, which are popular for their sleek design and vibrant colors. These pencils are well-suited for artists who prefer a mess-free, compact option for their watercolor artwork.
Pros:
● Woodless Design: Altenew's woodless pencils provide more pigment and a longer lasting product since there’s no wood to wear down.
● Rich Colors: These pencils deliver bright, vivid colors that dissolve beautifully with water.
● Smooth Blending: The high-quality pigment blends effortlessly, making them great for both detailed and broad applications.
Cons:
● Limited to 24 Colors: The set includes only 24 colors, which might not be enough for artists who need a larger palette.
● Lack of Wooden Casing: Some users prefer traditional wood-cased pencils for a more familiar feel during use.
Best For: Artists who prefer a mess-free, portable alternative to traditional watercolors. These pencils are especially great for urban sketching, art journaling, and quick on-the-go projects.
Why Choose Altenew Woodless Watercolor Pencils? Altenew’s woodless design provides maximum pigment with minimal waste. These pencils are ideal for vibrant, detailed work and offer excellent value for artists who prioritize portability and convenience.
Official Website: Altenew Woodless
8. SYLOON Watercolor Pencils
SYLOON stands out in the art supply industry by blending artistic quality with trendy, fashion-forward designs. Their products are specifically tailored to different age groups, making them both functional and visually appealing.
Pros:
● Fashion-Forward Designs: SYLOON’s watercolor pencils feature contemporary and stylish aesthetics, making them fun and engaging for young users.
● Vibrant Colors: These pencils come in bright and lively shades, perfect for sparking creativity in children and teenagers.
● Tailored Collections: The "KIDS COLLECTION" focuses on playful designs and bold colors, while the "TEENAGER COLLECTION" includes trendy hues and graphics that align with teenage tastes.
● Quality Craftsmanship: Despite their emphasis on design, SYLOON ensures that their pencils meet artistic standards for smooth blending and reliable performance.
Cons:
● Minimum Order Quantities: For B2B customers, SYLOON products have a minimum order requirement, which might be a limitation for smaller businesses or those with specific inventory constraints.
Best For: Young artists, children, and teenagers who value creative tools with a modern and stylish touch.
Why Choose SYLOON Watercolor Pencils? SYLOON combines fashion and functionality, making their watercolor pencils a top choice for younger users who want to express their creativity in a fun and trendy way.
Official Website: SYLOON
9. Crayola Watercolor Pencils
Crayola is a trusted name in art supplies, and their watercolor pencils are designed to inspire creativity in both kids and adults. This 12-count set offers vibrant colors and eco-friendly craftsmanship, making it a reliable option for casual use and learning.
Pros:
● Versatile Use: These pencils can be used dry for drawing or activated with water to create soft, watercolor-like effects.
● Eco-Friendly Design: Made from reforested wood, these non-toxic pencils are a sustainable choice.
● Beginner-Friendly: Pre-sharpened pencils allow for immediate use, and their simple design is perfect for kids and beginners.
● Multiple Techniques: You can create washes, blend colors, or use the pencils directly on damp paper for a variety of effects.
Cons:
● Limited to 12 colors, which may not provide enough variety for more advanced artists.
● Pigment intensity is lower compared to professional-grade watercolor pencils.
Best For: Kids, students, and beginners looking for an affordable and easy-to-use introduction to watercolor pencils.
Why Choose Crayola Watercolor Pencils? These pencils are a great starting point for exploring watercolor techniques. With vibrant colors and eco-conscious production, Crayola combines fun, functionality, and sustainability in one package.
Official Website: Crayola
10. Staedtler Ergosoft Aquarell Watercolour Pencils
Staedtler’s Ergosoft Aquarell watercolor pencils are a blend of ergonomic design and excellent performance. With vibrant colors and durable construction, this set is ideal for artists who value comfort and quality.
Pros:
● Ergonomic Design: The triangular shape ensures a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during long drawing sessions.
● Durable and Break-Resistant: The pencils feature Staedtler’s A·B·S (Anti-Break System), which reinforces the lead core with a white protective coating, increasing durability.
● Versatile Application: Suitable for both wet and dry techniques, these pencils offer smooth blending and vibrant results when activated with water.
● Sustainable Materials: Made with FSC-certified wood, ensuring eco-friendly production.
● Practical Storage: Comes in a sturdy, award-winning box that doubles as a pencil holder.
Cons:
● Limited to 24 colors in the standard set, which may not provide enough variety for advanced artists.
● Pigments are softer but may require multiple layers to achieve deeper tones.
Best For: Artists and hobbyists who value comfort and durability, as well as those looking for a sustainable and beginner-friendly option.
Why Choose Staedtler Ergosoft Aquarell Pencils? These pencils combine ergonomic comfort with reliable performance, making them a great choice for artists who need long-lasting tools for detailed and vibrant watercolor work.
Official Website: Staedtler
Key Features to Look for in the Best Watercolor Pencils
When searching for the best watercolor pencils, it's important to consider several key features that can greatly impact your art. Below are the main factors to look for when choosing the right set for your needs.
1. Pigment Quality
The most important feature of any watercolor pencil is the pigment quality. High-quality pigments give your artwork vibrant, long-lasting color. Pencils with rich pigments allow for better blending and layering, and they tend to produce smoother washes when activated with water.
Look for pencils that offer high pigment concentration to ensure deep, intense colors. Brands like Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle and Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer are known for their premium pigments, which are essential for creating professional-grade artwork.
2. Blendability
A major advantage of watercolor pencils is their ability to blend smoothly with water. A good set of watercolor pencils should easily dissolve when water is added, creating a soft, watercolor effect. The ease with which the colors mix depends on the softness of the lead and the quality of the pigments.
Some pencils are softer, allowing for smoother blending, while others might be firmer, providing more control over the application. If you want vibrant, fluid washes, consider pencils that are specifically designed to offer excellent blendability, such as Prismacolor Scholar or Winsor & Newton Cotman.
3. Lightfastness
Lightfastness refers to how well the colors hold up over time when exposed to light. Some colors can fade after a few years, especially if the artwork is exposed to direct sunlight. When working on a piece you want to last, lightfastness is key.
Professional-grade pencils, like those from Faber-Castell and Caran d'Ache, often have higher lightfastness ratings. Look for brands that offer a high lightfastness rating if you're working on pieces you want to preserve for years.
4. Price
Price is an important factor, especially if you're just starting out. Watercolor pencils come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to expensive, professional-grade sets. While cheaper options might be suitable for beginners, investing in higher-quality pencils can give you better results and a more enjoyable experience.
Consider how much you're willing to spend. Brands like Prismacolor Scholar are more affordable for beginners, while Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle and Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer are designed for serious artists and come at a higher price point.
5. Packaging and Sets
Watercolor pencils come in a variety of sets, ranging from basic 12-color packs to larger sets with 36 or more colors. If you're just starting, a smaller set might be enough. However, if you're looking for versatility, larger sets with a wide range of hues can help you create more complex artworks.
Some brands offer convenient packaging with a sturdy case, which is useful for organizing your pencils and keeping them protected. Larger sets might also include a water brush or additional tools, making them ideal for artists who want everything in one package.
How to Use Watercolor Pencils Like a Pro
Using watercolor pencils effectively takes a bit of practice, but once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to create stunning watercolor-like effects with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use watercolor pencils for your artwork.
1. Dry Techniques: Using Watercolor Pencils Without Water
When using watercolor pencils dry, they behave like regular colored pencils. You can draw lines, shade areas, and add intricate details, just like with any other pencil.
Tips for dry techniques:
● Layer colors to create depth and intensity. Start with lighter colors and gradually build up darker shades.
● Use the pencil to create fine lines and details, especially for smaller, more intricate areas of your artwork.
● Combine different colors to create custom hues, and experiment with the color combinations to achieve your desired effect.
This method is great for more controlled, precise work like fine lines, shading, and detail drawing.
2. Wet Techniques: Creating Watercolor Effects
The magic happens when you add water. Once the pencil marks are made on your paper, you can activate the pigment by using a wet brush. This turns the pencil marks into smooth washes of color, giving you a soft, watercolor-like effect.
Steps for wet techniques:
Apply Color: Begin by using the watercolor pencil to lay down the base color.
Activate with Water: Using a clean, wet brush, go over the pencil marks. The color will dissolve into the water, blending seamlessly to create a watercolor wash. The more water you use, the lighter and more fluid the result.
Control the Intensity: You can control the intensity of the wash by adjusting the amount of water you add. For a more intense color, use less water; for a lighter wash, add more.
Tips for wet techniques:
● Work quickly, especially when using softer pencils, as they can dissolve faster.
● Avoid over-wetting the paper, as it can cause the colors to spread too much and lose sharpness.
● Try using a water brush for more control. Water brushes are filled with water, so you don’t have to keep dipping your brush in a water container.
This technique is perfect for creating smooth gradients, washes, and blending colors together to form a fluid, watercolor look.
3. Best Paper for Watercolor Pencils
The type of paper you use can make a big difference in your results. Watercolor paper, which has a thicker texture and higher absorbency, is ideal for watercolor pencils. It allows the pigment to dissolve and blend more effectively.
If you’re using wet techniques, a good watercolor paper will help you control the spread of water and pigment. If you’re using dry techniques, a smoother, lighter paper might work better to achieve finer details.
Recommended papers for watercolor pencils:
● Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper: Offers a textured surface, perfect for creating texture with your pencil marks.
● Hot-Pressed Watercolor Paper: Smooth and ideal for fine details.
● Watercolor Sketchbooks: Convenient for quick sketches, but make sure they’re designed for use with watercolors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Watercolor Pencils
Using watercolor pencils can be a fun and rewarding experience, but like any art technique, there are a few common mistakes that beginners (and even some experienced artists) often make. Here are some of the most frequent errors to avoid:
1. Over-Wetting the Paper
One of the biggest mistakes is using too much water, which can cause the paper to buckle and the colors to spread too much. While water is essential to activate watercolor pencils, it’s important to control the amount you use.
How to avoid over-wetting:
Start with a small amount of water and build up if needed.
Use a damp (not soaking wet) brush to activate the pigment.
If the paper starts to look too wet or starts curling, let it dry for a few minutes before adding more water.
2. Using the Wrong Paper
Not all paper is suitable for watercolor pencils. Using regular sketching or printing paper can lead to poor results because these types of paper aren’t designed to hold up to water. The pigments may not blend as well, and the paper could tear or warp under the moisture.
How to choose the right paper:
Use watercolor paper designed specifically for wet techniques.
If you're just using dry techniques, you can use any good quality sketchbook paper, but for wet blending, watercolor paper is best.
Cold-pressed paper is great for texture and blending, while hot-pressed paper works better for fine details.
3. Ignoring Lightfastness
Lightfastness is the ability of a pigment to resist fading when exposed to light. Some watercolor pencils, especially cheaper brands, may not be as lightfast as others, causing your artwork to lose its vibrancy over time.
How to avoid this mistake:
Check the lightfastness rating of the watercolor pencils before purchasing. Brands like Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer and Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle offer high lightfastness, making them better for artwork you want to last.
If you're working on a piece for a gallery or a long-term display, prioritize pencils with a high lightfastness rating.
4. Using Too Much Pressure When Drawing
Watercolor pencils are designed to be used lightly. Pressing down too hard on the pencil can make it difficult to blend the colors later, and it can also break the pencil tip or damage the paper.
How to avoid this mistake:
Use light pressure when drawing and layering colors.
Focus on building up color gradually rather than forcing it onto the page.
If you need more color, layer additional light strokes rather than pressing too hard.
5. Not Allowing Layers to Dry
When blending watercolor pencils with water, it’s important to let each layer dry before applying more pigment or water. If you add wet pigment on top of another wet area, it can lead to muddied colors and lack of control.
How to avoid this mistake:
Let each layer dry completely before adding more pigment or water.
If you’re working on detailed areas, consider using a hair dryer to speed up the drying process if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular colored pencils as watercolor pencils?
No, regular colored pencils don't dissolve in water like watercolor pencils. You won’t get the same watercolor effect with regular pencils.
Q2: What’s the difference between watercolor pencils and watercolor paint?
Watercolor pencils are solid pigments you apply with a pencil, while watercolor paint is liquid and used with a brush. Pencils are better for detailed work, and paint is better for larger washes.
Q3: Are watercolor pencils good for beginners?
Yes, watercolor pencils are great for beginners. They offer more control than traditional watercolor paints and are easier to use for smaller, more detailed work.
Q4: Can I use watercolor pencils on canvas?
You can, but it works best on specially primed canvas. The results may not be as smooth as with watercolor paper, and you'll need to use more water.
Q5: How do I clean my watercolor pencils?
Simply wipe the pencil leads with a dry cloth. If they get too dirty, a damp cloth can be used, but avoid getting the wood part too wet.
Q6: Can I mix different brands of watercolor pencils?
Yes, you can mix brands, but be aware that some may blend differently due to variations in pigment quality.
Q7: Why choose SYLOON watercolor pencils for your product lineup?
At SYLOON, we offer a unique blend of quality, design, and vibrant colors. Our products are ideal for businesses looking to offer art supplies that not only perform well but also appeal to a younger, trend-conscious audience. Our "KIDS COLLECTION" and "TEENAGER COLLECTION" are specifically designed to attract younger consumers, offering high-quality watercolor pencils that meet educational and artistic needs.
We are committed to providing premium products that inspire creativity and boost engagement among younger generations. With our focus on stylish, contemporary designs and sustainable manufacturing, we ensure that your customers receive both value and trendsetting aesthetics.
