You’ve probably heard that professional artists swear by the same seven watercolor pencils. But is that claim actually true? When you’re standing in an art supply aisle, you’re faced with countless options—each promising vibrant colors and superior performance. So how do you know which sets’ll actually deliver? The answer might surprise you.
Quick Overview
- Established brands like Prismacolor, Derwent, and KALOUR offer trusted quality with high ratings and proven artist endorsements.
- Softer cores with excellent pigment transfer enable smooth blending and rapid color laydown for professional-grade results.
- Break-resistant leads maintain workflow consistency; durability prevents frequent replacement during intensive daily artistic sessions.
- Water-soluble formulations support versatile wet and dry techniques, expanding creative possibilities across various project types.
- Included accessories like sharpeners, brushes, and portable bags enhance convenience and streamline daily artistic practice.
| COLOUR BLOCK 24PC Premium Cedar Wood Watercolor Pencil Set |
| Best For Beginners | Color Count: 24 colors | Target Skill Level: Beginners to hobbyists | Barrel Shape: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Derwent WaterColour Colored Pencils 24 Count (32883) |
| Professional Artist Pick | Color Count: 24 colors | Target Skill Level: All skill levels | Barrel Shape: Hexagonal | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Professional Watercolor Pencils Set of 72 |
| Most Comprehensive Set | Color Count: 72 colors | Target Skill Level: Professional/adult | Barrel Shape: Hexagonal | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils (36-Count) |
| Premium Performance | Color Count: 36 colors | Target Skill Level: Adult/professional | Barrel Shape: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Crayola Watercolor Colored Pencils 24ct Set for Kids |
| Best For Kids | Color Count: 24 colors | Target Skill Level: Kids (3+) | Barrel Shape: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Art Magic Watercolor Pencils Set of 48 |
| Best Value Set | Color Count: 48 colors | Target Skill Level: Adults and teens | Barrel Shape: Hexagonal | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Pencils Set (72-Count) |
| Best Overall | Color Count: 72 colors | Target Skill Level: Adults and professionals | Barrel Shape: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
COLOUR BLOCK 24PC Premium Cedar Wood Watercolor Pencil Set
If you’re an artist who wants versatility without compromise, the COLOUR BLOCK 24PC Premium Cedar Wood Watercolor Pencil Set won’t disappoint. You’ll get 24 premium pencils housed in a quality tin box, along with a sharpener and eraser. The real magic happens when you switch between dry and wet applications—use them traditionally for precise sketching or add water to reveal vibrant watercolor effects. Whether you’re drawing, painting, or experimenting with mixed media, these cedar wood pencils adapt to your vision. Beginners and seasoned artists alike appreciate the professional-quality results. The complete set arrives ready to use, making it an excellent choice for anyone serious about expanding their artistic toolkit.
- Color Count:24 colors
- Target Skill Level:Beginners to hobbyists
- Barrel Shape:Not specified
- Storage/Packaging:Tin storage box
- Additional Accessories:Vinyl eraser and sharpener
- Water-Soluble Application:Dry or wet format
- Additional Feature:Premium cedar wood construction
- Additional Feature:Includes vinyl eraser/sharpener
- Additional Feature:Wet or dry versatility
Derwent WaterColour Colored Pencils 24 Count (32883)
Artists seeking the ideal balance between pencil control and watercolor fluidity will find their match in the Derwent WaterColour Colored Pencils, 24 Count (32883). You’ll appreciate the 3.4mm core and hexagonal barrel that deliver precision for intricate details while remaining break-resistant during extended use. The softer formulation enables rapid pigment transfer, allowing you to blend and layer effortlessly. Wet the pencil tip for textured lines or dampen your paper for soft-edged washes. You can customize colors by adding water, creating muted tones that you’ll adjust even after drying. Pair these with Derwent’s Canvas Pencil Wrap, Waterbrush Set, and Watercolour Paper Pads for ideal results.
- Color Count:24 colors
- Target Skill Level:All skill levels
- Barrel Shape:Hexagonal
- Storage/Packaging:Metal tin
- Additional Accessories:Recommended Derwent product bundles
- Water-Soluble Application:Wetted tip or dampened paper
- Additional Feature:3.4mm break-resistant core
- Additional Feature:Hexagonal barrel precision design
- Additional Feature:Non-permanent pigment adjustment
Professional Watercolor Pencils Set of 72
The KALOUR PDAS Professional Watercolor Pencils set of 72 is your ideal choice when you’re seeking an all-inclusive, ready-to-use art solution that doesn’t require supplementary purchases. You’ll appreciate the complete package: 72 highly pigmented, water-soluble pencils with excellent lightfastness, plus brushes, water brushes, a sharpener, color cards, and a portable zippered bag. The soft-textured pencils work dry or wet, making them versatile for sketches, mandalas, and adult coloring. Each pencil’s hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while numbering and color names guarantee you’ll quickly find what you need. With a 4.7-star rating from 263 reviews and a 30-day return policy, you’re investing in a trusted, all-inclusive art set.
- Color Count:72 colors
- Target Skill Level:Professional/adult
- Barrel Shape:Hexagonal
- Storage/Packaging:Zippered portable bag
- Additional Accessories:Brushes, water brush, sharpener, color cards
- Water-Soluble Application:Dry or wet use
- Additional Feature:Pre-sharpened fine line tips
- Additional Feature:Numbered with lightfastness ratings
- Additional Feature:Includes water brushes included
Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils (36-Count)
Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils offer you a versatile solution whether you’re tackling adult coloring books or exploring advanced artistic techniques. With 36 richly saturated, lightfast colors, you’ll find the set covers most artistic needs without overwhelming your workspace. The water-soluble cores let you sketch flowing liquids and create shimmering effects by applying water to your dry work. You can use these pencils wet or dry, giving you flexibility across different projects. Their excellent solubility guarantees smooth color laydown, while compatibility with Prismacolor’s broader palette means you can expand your collection gradually. Whether you prefer traditional dry techniques or wet applications, these pencils deliver professional results.
- Color Count:36 colors
- Target Skill Level:Adult/professional
- Barrel Shape:Not specified
- Storage/Packaging:Not specified
- Additional Accessories:Not specified
- Water-Soluble Application:Wet or dry techniques
- Additional Feature:Richly saturated lightfast colors
- Additional Feature:Shimmering effect capability
- Additional Feature:Prismacolor palette compatible
Crayola Watercolor Colored Pencils 24ct Set for Kids
If you’re seeking an accessible introduction to watercolor art for young children, Crayola’s 24ct Watercolor Colored Pencils set won’t disappoint. You’ll appreciate the three versatile techniques: wet the pencil tip, sketch on damp paper, or brush water over your finished drawings. The pre-sharpened pencils are ready to use immediately, eliminating setup time. Made from reforested wood and nontoxic materials, they’re safe for kids ages 3 and up. You can create stunning watercolor effects on greeting cards and scrapbooking projects. These eco-friendly pencils deliver vibrant, dreamy results that inspire creative expression without breaking your budget.
- Color Count:24 colors
- Target Skill Level:Kids (3+)
- Barrel Shape:Not specified
- Storage/Packaging:Not specified
- Additional Accessories:Pre-sharpened only
- Water-Soluble Application:Three wetting methods available
- Additional Feature:Reforested wood eco-friendly
- Additional Feature:Pre-sharpened for immediate use
- Additional Feature:Safe/nontoxic for kids
Art Magic Watercolor Pencils Set of 48
For artists seeking an extensive watercolor pencil solution, Art Magic’s 48-piece set won’t disappoint. You’ll access 48 rich colors that dissolve beautifully in water, creating vibrant, blended illustrations. The hexagonal pencils fit comfortably in your hand during extended sessions, while their soft yet durable leads activate instantly when moistened. You’ll appreciate the included brush for seamless color mixing and layering. High-grade lead resists fading, ensuring your artwork maintains its brilliance over time. Whether you’re blending subtle shifts or building bold layers, this all-encompassing collection eliminates creative limitations and delivers professional-quality results backed by a lifetime guarantee.
- Color Count:48 colors
- Target Skill Level:Adults and teens
- Barrel Shape:Hexagonal
- Storage/Packaging:Not specified
- Additional Accessories:Brush included
- Water-Soluble Application:Water-dissolving for blending
- Additional Feature:Lifetime guarantee included
- Additional Feature:Soft yet durable leads
- Additional Feature:Brush included for blending
Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Pencils Set (72-Count)
The 72-count Castle Art Supplies set stands out as the ultimate choice for artists seeking versatility without compromise. You’ll appreciate the intensely pigmented, break-resistant leads that maintain their points whether you’re drawing dry or activating them with water. The three-layer tin organizes your colors by family, making selection effortless during creative sessions. Each pencil’s numbered design prevents confusion and streamlines your workflow. You’ll realize that water transforms your pencil lines into painterly effects, enabling seamless blending and dissolving. The included fold-out tutorial guides you through technique refinement, while the money-back-PLUS guarantee guarantees satisfaction. Trusted by 2.5 million customers worldwide, this set delivers professional-quality results.
- Color Count:72 colors
- Target Skill Level:Adults and professionals
- Barrel Shape:Not specified
- Storage/Packaging:Sturdy three-layer tin case
- Additional Accessories:Fold-out tutorial included
- Water-Soluble Application:Water activation for blending effects
- Additional Feature:Three-layer organized tin case
- Additional Feature:Fold-out tutorial included
- Additional Feature:Money-back-PLUS guarantee backed
Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Pencils
When you’re selecting watercolor pencils, you’ll want to evaluate the color count and variety available, as different sets offer anywhere from a handful of basics to extensive palettes. You should also examine the pencil core quality and water solubility performance, since these factors directly determine how smoothly your colors blend and how vibrant your results become. Finally, consider what accessories come included with your kit and whether the price aligns with the overall value you’re getting for your investment.
Color Count and Variety
As you select watercolor pencils, you’ll find that color count greatly impacts your creative possibilities. Sets typically range from 12 to 72 colors, letting you choose based on your project requirements.
Larger sets offer broader hue varieties and enhanced blending opportunities for nuanced work. A 72-color set, for instance, includes unique, highly pigmented options with excellent lightfastness and vibrancy that smaller sets can’t match.
Beyond quantity, organization matters greatly. Numbered and named colors streamline your selection process, making combinations faster and more intuitive during your creative session.
You’ll realize that expanded color variety amplifies your ability to customize hues through water and layering techniques. This versatility directly elevates your artwork’s effectiveness and visual impact.
Pencil Core Quality
Pencil core quality determines whether your watercolor pencils deliver vibrant, blendable color or frustrating, gritty results. You’ll want softer cores that transfer pigment effectively and blend seamlessly when activated with water. Look for water-soluble formulations that dissolve smoothly without leaving grainy residues behind.
Break-resistant cores matter too. You’ll sharpen your favorite pencils repeatedly, so durability prevents constant breakage that disrupts your workflow. The core thickness, typically 2-3.4mm, influences your control—thinner cores enable precise details while thicker ones create broader strokes.
Finally, prioritize high-quality pigments with excellent lightfastness. Your finished artwork will maintain its vibrancy for years, which is essential whether you’re a professional or serious hobbyist. These core qualities separate pencils you’ll genuinely use daily from those that disappoint.
Water Solubility Performance
Water solubility performance determines how readily your pigment dissolves when you activate it with water, directly influencing the vibrancy and blendability of your artwork. Pencils with higher solubility enable smoother gradients and richer washes, elevating your watercolor effects substantially.
The core formulation critically impacts solubility—softer lead mixtures transfer pigment more quickly, facilitating easier blending and layering when wet. You’ll want to evaluate the pigment-to-binder ratio when selecting pencils, as this balance determines how much you can manipulate colors after application.
Quality watercolor pencils offer you dual functionality: they produce detailed lines while also delivering broader washes. This versatility lets you employ various artistic techniques, from precise linework to sweeping color shifts, all within a single medium.
Included Accessories and Kit
When you’re investing in a watercolor pencil set, the accessories bundled with your purchase can greatly enhance your creative workflow. Quality kits often include essential tools like sharpeners and erasers that keep your pencils in prime condition. You’ll also benefit from integrated storage systems that help you quickly locate specific colors during projects, minimizing interruptions to your creative process.
Many thorough sets provide water brushes, art brushes, and color cards that facilitate effective mixing and application techniques. Some manufacturers pre-sharpen pencils before shipping, allowing you to start working immediately without extra preparation time. Additionally, instructional materials and tutorials included in premium sets offer valuable guidance for mastering watercolor techniques and accelerating your skill development as an artist.
Price and Value Proposition
Beyond the tangible accessories that come with your watercolor pencil set, the overall cost and what you’re actually getting for your money shouldn’t be overlooked. You’ll want to evaluate the price per color to gauge value, especially since sets vary widely in both quantity and quality. Look for break-resistant cores and lightfast pigments that justify the investment through durability and longevity. Customer reviews reveal whether pricing aligns with actual performance and reliability. Don’t skip checking return policies or warranties—they provide assurance your investment’s protected. Compare sets side-by-side rather than focusing on price alone. The cheapest option rarely delivers the quality experienced artists demand, while premium sets offer superior pigments and construction that justify their cost through years of consistent use.
