How do Polychromos compare with Prismacolor Premier?

Polychromos has a harder, oil-based core that holds a sharp point and resists wax bloom. Prismacolor Premier is softer and lays down color faster but needs more sharpening and can bloom.

Are these pencils good for beginners?

They are artist-grade, so they reward patience with layering. A beginner can use them, but a softer pencil is easier for broad, quick coverage.

Do the pencils come in a metal tin?

Yes. The set ships in a metal tin that holds the 36 pencils in order.

Is the lead break-resistant?

The hard core sharpens to a fine point and holds up well in normal use, though dropping a pencil can still crack the lead.

Can I blend Polychromos with other colored pencils?

They blend well with each other and can be combined with wax-based pencils, though the mixed results vary by brand.

Yes. The set carries the AP Seal for non-toxic art materials when used as intended.

What do buyers say about the Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils?

Buyers like: Brilliant, much-loved colors; Colors used often for portraits and pet portraits; Beautiful set that feels good in the hands.

Where can I buy the Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils?

14 stores we checked sell it, including Blick Art Materials, Utrecht Art Supplies, Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies, School Specialty, Walmart.

Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils

Q: Where is the Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils cheapest?

At Blick Art Materials, for $57.50, 41% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$57.50at Blick Art MaterialsChecked Nov 8

41% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Blick Art Materials

What reviewers say

Reviewers rate the set very highly and most would recommend it. Owners praise the brilliant colors, the comfortable feel in the hand and the tin's presentation, and many use it for portraits and pet portraits specifically.

What people mention

Color qualityPraisedOwners describe the colors as brilliant and much loved for finished work.
PortraitsPraisedReviewers often use the set for portraits and pet portraits.
Hand feelPraisedBuyers say the pencils feel good in the hands during long sessions.
Lead hardnessMixedThe oil-based core is harder than soft wax pencils, which some find slower to build color with.
Color rangeCriticisedThe 36-color palette leaves gaps that larger sets fill.

About the Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils

Faber-Castell Polychromos are artists' color pencils sold as a set of 36 assorted colors in a metal tin. They are made for professional and semi-professional use, including graphics, free-style artwork and exact rendering of plans.

Each pencil has a soft, oil-based lead made with high-quality pigments. The oil-based lead blends smoothly and lays down color evenly. Unlike wax-based color pencils, it does not produce waxy bloom.

The colors range from whites and yellows to greens, blues, reds and grays. The set is AP Seal certified non-toxic when used as intended.

Brand

Faber-Castell

Quantity

36 pencils

Lead

Soft, oil-based

Colors

36 assorted colors

Case

Metal tin

Safety