Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Sets vs Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencil
For most shoppers deciding between these two, the Faber-Castell Polychromos is the safer pick: its 4.9 rating from 2,300 ratings dwarfs Prismacolor's 4.6 from 34, and its oil-based 3.8mm lead resists breakage and sharpens to a fine point. Prismacolor Premier wins on softness and blendability, which matters if you layer and burnish heavily. On price, the Polychromos 24-piece has been $28.00 since November 1, 2026; no current price was given for the Prismacolor 24-count, so compare stores before buying.
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Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Sets
4.6Choose the Prismacolor Premier if you want soft, thick lead that blends and burnishes easily and you prefer a wax-based pencil made in the USA.
Pros
- Soft, thick lead blends and burnishes smoothly
- Smooth laydown that will not scratch
- Enhanced bonding reduces breakage
- Made in USA; conforms to ASTM D4236
Cons
- Small rating base of 34
- Wax-based lead can bloom and is less smudge proof
- Softer point dulls faster on detail work
- Only 24 colors in this set
What separates them
| Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Sets | Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencil | |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Wax-based soft lead | Oil-based binder with artists' pigments |
| Lead thickness | Soft, thick lead | 3.8mm lead |
| Break resistance | Enhanced bonding process to resist breakage | Lead bound to Californian cedar casing, exceptionally break-resistant |
| Point and detail | Smooth laydown, softer point | Sharpens to a very fine point |
| Blendability | High blendability | Smudge proof, water-resistant, strong covering power |
| Lightfastness | Excellent lightfastness | Range graded good, very good or maximum |
| Color range | 24-count set | Full range of 120 colors |
| Ratings |
Price history
$49.99$28.00
- Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Sets: lowest $49.99 on Nov 1 at Walmart.
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencil: lowest $28.00 on Nov 1 at Jackson's Art Supplies; $28.00 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Sets
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Art Department LLCCheck price at Art Department LLC
- Office DepotCheck price at Office Depot
Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencil
- Marker SupplyCheck price at Marker Supply
- Michaels StoresCheck price at Michaels Stores
- Paper and Ink ArtsCheck price at Paper and Ink Arts
Specs compared
| Spec | Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Sets | Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencil |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Lead | Yes | Yes |
| Quantity | 36 piece | 24 piece |
| Pack Size | 24 Count | — |
| Color | Assorted | — |
| Set Size | 21 pcs - 30 pcs | — |
| Tin Dimensions | 9-3/8x4-3/8x7/8in | — |
| Pencil Count | twenty-four pencils | — |
| Conformance | ASTM D4236 | — |
| Country of Origin | Made in USA | — |
| For Fabric | — | Yes |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for detailed work?
- The Polychromos. Its 3.8mm oil-based lead sharpens to a very fine point and holds it, while Prismacolor's soft lead dulls faster.
- Which blends more easily?
- Prismacolor Premier. Its soft, wax-based lead has high blendability and a smooth laydown, which suits layering and burnishing.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Polychromos is more break-resistant thanks to its cedar casing and bonded lead, so it tends to survive drops and travel better. Prismacolor's softer lead wears down faster with heavy use.
- Is the Polychromos worth the extra?
- At $28.00 for 24 as of November 1, 2026, it is a strong value given the 4.9 rating from 2,300 ratings. Compare the Prismacolor's current store prices before deciding.
- Can I use them together?
- Yes. Many artists use firmer Polychromos for detail and softer Prismacolor for blending, though the two binders behave differently on the same paper.
- Are they lightfast?
- Both claim good lightfastness. Prismacolor states excellent lightfastness; Faber-Castell grades its 120 colors good, very good or maximum.
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