Are these pencils really lightfast?

Yes. Every pencil in the range is rated LF1 or LF2 and meets ASTM D6901 and Blue Wool Scale ISO 105 standards. Derwent states museum-stored work keeps its color for 100 years.

How do they compare with Derwent Coloursoft or Artists?

Lightfast is the archival, oil-based line with the highest lightfast ratings. Coloursoft is softer and brighter but not rated the same, and Artists is a harder, more traditional wax pencil.

Can I use them with oil mediums or solvents?

Yes, the oil-based core is compatible with oil mediums and dissolves for paint-like effects. Derwent notes that dissolving may reduce lightfastness.

Do they sharpen well?

Yes. The strong point sharpens cleanly for detailed work and defining negative space, though the soft core means more frequent sharpening.

Is the 12-tin enough to start with?

It covers basic mixing and skin and earth tones, but most artists add open-stock pencils for deeper darks and more greens.

Where is the Derwent Lightfast Colour Pencils cheapest?

At Jackson's Art Supplies, for $40.29, 41% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Derwent Lightfast Colour Pencils?

12 stores we checked sell it, including Blick Art Materials, Jackson's Art Supplies, Cult Pens, Etsy, eBay.

Derwent Lightfast Colour Pencils

Best price now

$40.29at Jackson's Art SuppliesChecked Nov 8

41% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 12 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Jackson's Art Supplies

What reviewers say

Artists rate the Lightfast line highly for rich, opaque color and genuine archival confidence. Many praise the creamy laydown and strong points, while some note the soft core dulls quickly and that the 12-tin is a limited starting selection.

What people mention

LightfastnessPraisedBuyers value the LF1/LF2 ratings for work they expect to last.
LaydownPraisedThe core goes down creamy and opaque with little pressure.
Point strengthPraisedPencils sharpen to a firm point suited to fine detail.
Core softnessMixedSome find the soft core wears down and needs sharpening often.
Color rangeCriticisedThe 12-tin is seen as too limited for a full working palette.
Solvent useMixedDissolving the color gives paint-like effects but may affect lightfastness.

About the Derwent Lightfast Colour Pencils

Derwent Lightfast Colour Pencils are professional-quality coloured pencils sold in a tin of 12 assorted colors. Each pencil has a lightfast rating of LF1 or LF2, which meets the ASTM 6901 and Blue Wool Scale ISO 105 standards. The oil-based core resists prolonged color change.

The core lays down smooth, creamy, opaque color. It is compatible with oil mediums, and dissolving it produces a paint-like effect, though this may affect lightfastness. The pencils have a strong point that is easy to sharpen, for detailed drawings and defining negative space.

Each pencil has a round wood casing with a light lacquer. The end is dipped in the core color and stamped with "Made in Britain" and "Derwent Lightfast".

Brand

Derwent

Quantity

Tin of 12 pencils

Core

Oil-based

Lightfast rating

LF1 or LF2 (ASTM 6901, Blue Wool Scale ISO 105)

Casing

Round wood with a light lacquer

Colors

Sun Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Sandstone, Salmon, Scarlet, Violet, Mid Ultramarine, Mallard Green, Natural Brown, Brown Ochre, Black, White