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Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12 vs Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12

Both are 12-pencil artist sets, but they are not the same tool. The Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil set is a wax-based pencil with soft, blendable cores that sharpen to a fine point and need no fixative; the Prismacolor Premier listing describes dual-ended alcohol-based markers with fine and brush tips, so it is a marker set, not a pencil set. Buy Holbein if you want pencils for layering, shading and fine detail. Buy Prismacolor Premier if you want brush-tip markers for bold color and quick coverage. Owners of the Holbein line praise smooth blending and strong leads; the Prismacolor markers are lightfast and acid-free.

  • Choose the Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil set if you want soft wax-based pencils for blending, shading and detailed drawing.
  • Choose the Prismacolor Premier set if you want dual-ended alcohol markers with a brush tip for bold color and fast fills.

Prices

  • Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12: $43.13 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12: $14.97 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12 is $28.16 cheaper than the Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12 at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Holbein
Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12 - Basic

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12 - Basic

$43.13at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

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Pros
  • Soft cores blend and shade easily
  • Sharpens to a fine, strong point
  • No fixative needed
  • Good for layering and detail
Cons
  • Basic 12-color range limits palette
  • Wax can bloom if stored warm
  • Pencils wear down and need sharpening
Prismacolor
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Set of 12

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Set of 12

4.8(5 ratings)
$14.97at AmazonChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
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Pros
  • Brush tip covers large areas fast
  • Fine tip for lines and edges
  • Acid-free and lightfast ink
  • Anti-roll caps
Cons
  • Alcohol ink can bleed through paper
  • Brush tips fray with heavy use
  • Markers dry out if left uncapped

What separates them

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12
Product typeWax-based colored pencilsAlcohol-based dual-ended markers
TipFactory-sharpened medium pencil tip, round barrelFine tip on one end, brush tip on the other
BlendingSoft cores blend and layer smoothlyAlcohol ink blends wet into wet
FixativeMoisture-proof colors need no fixativeAcid-free, lightfast ink resists fading
Detail workLead sharpens to a very fine pointFine tip handles line work, brush tip handles fills
Set contents12 pencils in a basic color range12 assorted markers
Cap and barrelRound wood-cased pencilAnti-roll cap

Price history

$157.90$14.47
Nov 2Nov 10
  • Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12: lowest $43.13 on Nov 9 at eBay.
  • Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12: lowest $14.47 on Nov 10 at Utrecht Art Supplies.

Prices at every store

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12

  • Blick Art MaterialsNew

    In stock

    $49.80+ $9.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Blick Art Materials
  • Plaza Artist MaterialsNew

    In stock

    $49.80+ $9.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Plaza Artist Materials
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by gengorostore

    $43.13Checked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by gengorostore (99.8% positive, 1,500 ratings)Ships from Japan · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $44.09+ $12.00 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12

  • Jerry's Artarama Art SuppliesNew

    In stock

    $15.10+ $9.95 shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $14.97Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Utrecht Art SuppliesNew

    Availability unknown

    $14.47+ $9.95 shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Utrecht Art Supplies
  • Hobby LobbyNew

    Availability unknown

    $16.99+ $8.95 shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Hobby Lobby
All 10 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecHolbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12
BrandHolbein—
Product lineColoured Pencils—
Package size4.33071 × 0.59055 × 7.87402 in—
Made inSKU HOLOP901—
Soft LeadYes—
Quantity50 piece—
Color—Assorted
Pack size—12 Count
Tip type—Brush/Fine
Ink type—alcohol-based
Ink properties—acid-free, lightfast and resists fading
Tip design—Dual-ended markers featuring both fine and brus…
Show all 13 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHolbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12
Cap—anti-roll cap

What reviewers say

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12

Artists who use Holbein colored pencils praise the soft, creamy core and strong pigment, and many call them among the best for blending. The main complaints are the fast wear of the soft lead and the cost of building a full range from small sets.

What people mention
  • Lead softnessPraisedOwners say the soft core deposits color easily and blends without scratching the paper.
  • PigmentPraisedUsers report strong, opaque color that covers well in few passes.
  • WearCriticisedThe soft lead dulls quickly, so pencils need sharpening more often than harder brands.
  • ValueMixedBuyers like the quality but find the price high for a small set.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12

Reviewers and owners consistently praise the Prismacolor Premier 12 set for its smooth blending, intense pigment, and durable leads. Many say the pencils outperform other brands and are a joy to use for coloring and artwork. Some note that the soft cores require frequent sharpening and that the 12-color range is limited.

What people mention
  • BlendingPraisedUsers say the soft wax cores blend colors effortlessly for smooth gradients.
  • Pigment intensityPraisedReviewers note that colors are rich and vibrant with just one stroke.
  • Lead durabilityPraisedThe leads sharpen to a fine point and hold up better than other brands, according to owners.
  • Core softnessMixedWhile soft cores blend well, some users find they wear down quickly and need frequent sharpening.

Questions and answers

Which is better for detailed drawing?
The Holbein pencils. Their soft lead sharpens to a fine point for line work and layering. The Prismacolor fine tip is good for lines, but its brush end is built for broad strokes.
Which blends better?
Both blend well, but differently. Holbein wax cores blend by layering and burnishing on dry paper. Prismacolor alcohol ink blends wet into wet and can bleed through thin paper.
Which lasts longer?
Pencils last until sharpened away and keep for years. Markers dry out over time, especially if caps are left off, so the pencils have the longer usable life.
Is the Prismacolor set actually pencils?
No. The Premier listing describes dual-ended alcohol-based markers with fine and brush tips. If you want pencils, the Holbein set is the pencil option here.
Do I need a fixative with the Holbein pencils?
No. The colors are moisture-proof and need no fixative. Light spray is still useful if you stack pages or handle the work a lot.
Is one worth stepping up to?
Step up to Holbein if you draw and layer. Step up to Prismacolor if you want brush-tip markers for bold color. They serve different work, so pick by medium, not by brand.

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More comparisons

  • Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils vs Holbein Artists' Colored Pencil Set of 12 - Basic
  • Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils vs Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Set of 12

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best artist-grade colored pencil sets under $50