Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils vs Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets
Both are 3.8mm soft-core pencil lines, but they differ in binder and range. Arrtx is a wax-based 72-color set aimed at adult coloring and blending on a budget. Holbein is an oil-based artist line with up to 150 colors and a long reputation for lightfastness and overpainting. Buy Arrtx for cost-effective coloring and layering; buy Holbein if you need oil-based blending, overpainting and a larger palette.
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Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils
Choose the Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils if you want a soft wax-based set for coloring, shading and journaling without paying artist-grade prices.
Pros
- 72 colors, each named and numbered
- Soft but firm 3.8mm core resists breaking
- Buttery laydown for blending and shading
- Good coverage with light pressure
- Lower cost for a full set
Cons
- Wax binder can bloom and smudge more than oil
- 72 colors is a smaller range than Holbein
- Less suited to overpainting
What separates them
| Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils | Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets | |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Wax-based soft core | Oil-based core |
| Color count | 72 named and numbered colors | Up to 150 colors (sets from 12) |
| Core diameter | 3.8mm with SV break-resist technology | 3.8mm soft lead |
| Blending and overpainting | Buttery layering, best on dry paper | Smooth blending and overpainting without a fixative |
| Lightfastness | Stated lightfast pigments | High lightfast ratings across the line |
| Best use | Adult coloring, shading, journaling | Drawing, illustration, sketch and design |
| Price per pencil | Lower per-pencil cost for a 72 set | Higher per-pencil cost, artist grade |
Price history
- Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils: lowest $20.99 on Nov 1.
- Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets: lowest $660.00 on Nov 1 at Plaza Artist Materials.
Prices at every store
Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils
- DraftlyCheck price at Draftly
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Oil & CottonCheck price at Oil & Cotton
- Plaza Artist MaterialsCheck price at Plaza Artist Materials
Specs compared
| Spec | Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils | Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 126 piece | 150 piece |
| Color count | 126 assorted colors | 150 colors |
| Core type | durable and softer core | — |
| Texture | buttery texture | — |
| Pigment content | high concentration of high-quality pigment cont… | — |
| Lead diameter | — | 3.8 mm |
| Barrel diameter | — | 7.8 mm |
| Pencil type | — | oil-based colored pencils |
| Set options | — | SET OF 12 COLORS |
| Soft Lead | — | Yes |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for adult coloring books?
- Arrtx. Its 72 wax-based colors are soft, blend easily and cost less, which suits coloring books. Holbein works too but costs more per pencil.
- Which blends and overpaints better?
- Holbein. Its oil-based core blends and overpaints without a fixative, which wax cores like Arrtx handle less cleanly.
- Do both use 3.8mm cores?
- Yes. Arrtx uses a 3.8mm wax soft core with SV break-resist technology. Holbein uses a 3.8mm soft oil-based lead.
- Is Holbein worth the extra cost?
- For illustration, design and layered work, yes. Its oil binder, wider range and lightfast ratings justify the price. For casual coloring, Arrtx covers the need for less.
- Which has more colors?
- Holbein, with up to 150 colors. Arrtx offers 72 named and numbered colors.
- Which lasts longer on display?
- Holbein, on paper. Its high lightfast ratings and oil binder resist fading and smudging better than wax-based Arrtx.