Are these good for beginners?

Yes. The soft leads are forgiving and blend easily, which makes them a common first artist-grade set. They are less suited to very fine detail work.

How do they compare with Faber-Castell Polychromos?

Premier leads are softer and blend more readily; Polychromos are harder, oil-based and hold a sharper point. Premier wears down faster.

Do the leads break easily?

The thick cores resist breakage under normal pressure, but some sets arrive with cracked leads, and heavy sharpening pressure can snap the soft wax.

They are not rated for archival lightfastness. Finished work displayed in sunlight will fade over time, so store drawings away from direct light.

36 sharpened colored pencils in a range of hues, in a tin. No sharpener or eraser is included.

Can I use them with water or solvent?

They are wax-based and not water-soluble. They can be blended with solvent or a colorless blender pencil, but water will not dissolve them.

Where can I buy the Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, Walmart.

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36

Best price now

$29.95at WalmartChecked Nov 1

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36

Best price now

$29.95at WalmartChecked Nov 1

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $29.95 at Walmart on Nov 1.
Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core pencils are wax-based artist pencils with thick, soft leads built for blending, shading and layering. The 36-color set covers a broad range of hues with high pigment saturation and acid-free, permanent pigments. They suit beginners and hobbyists who want smooth color laydown, and they are a common step up from student-grade pencils. Against harder, oil-based rivals like Faber-Castell Polychromos, the Premier leads are softer and blend more easily but wear down faster and sharpen to a less fine point.

Best forBeginners and hobbyists moving up from student pencilsBlending, shading and layered coloringAdult coloring books and mixed-media sketchingArtists who prefer soft, creamy color laydown

Pros

Soft leads blend and layer smoothly
Rich, saturated color from high-grade pigments
Thick cores resist breakage better than thin leads
Acid-free and permanent pigments
36 colors give a usable range without a huge outlay

Cons

Soft leads wear down fast and need frequent sharpening
Wax bloom can appear on finished work over time
Hard to keep a fine, sharp point for detail work
Not lightfast enough for archival fine art

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36 prices at every store

WalmartNew
Availability unknown
$29.95Checked Nov 1
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AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$37.99Free shippingChecked 13 min ago
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Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36 price history

$37.99$29.95

Nov 2Nov 13

Lowest price we've seen: $29.95 on Nov 2 at Walmart; highest $37.99 on Nov 13. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 2.

What reviewers say

Reviewers rate the Premier line highly for smooth blending and vivid color, and many call it a strong value for beginners and coloring fans. The most common complaints are fast wear, frequent sharpening and occasional broken leads on arrival.

What people mention

BlendingPraisedOwners say the soft leads blend and layer smoothly with little effort.
Lead durabilityMixedThe thick cores resist breakage, but the soft wax wears down fast and needs frequent sharpening.
Color payoffPraisedReviewers describe rich, saturated color that lays down evenly.
Broken coresCriticisedSome buyers report pencils arriving with cracked or broken leads inside the wood.
Wax bloomCriticisedFinished pieces can develop a cloudy film over time, which artists wipe away.
Detail workMixedThe soft point makes fine lines and sharp detail harder than with harder pencils.

About the Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils come in a set of 36. Each pencil has a soft lead that blends and shades well. The colors can be applied vividly and intensely or lightly and softly.

The pigments are high-grade, permanent and acid-free, and they give rich color saturation. The leads are thick and strong to resist breakage, which helps each pencil last longer. The set works for coloring projects and for artists at any level of expertise.

Quantity: 36 pencils
Lead: Soft, thick core
Pigments: High-grade, permanent, acid-free

Specifications

Soft Lead: Yes
Quantity: 36 piece

Questions and answers

Are these good for beginners?: Yes. The soft leads are forgiving and blend easily, which makes them a common first artist-grade set. They are less suited to very fine detail work.
How do they compare with Faber-Castell Polychromos?: Premier leads are softer and blend more readily; Polychromos are harder, oil-based and hold a sharper point. Premier wears down faster.
Do the leads break easily?: The thick cores resist breakage under normal pressure, but some sets arrive with cracked leads, and heavy sharpening pressure can snap the soft wax.
Are they lightfast?: They are not rated for archival lightfastness. Finished work displayed in sunlight will fade over time, so store drawings away from direct light.
What is in the set?: 36 sharpened colored pencils in a range of hues, in a tin. No sharpener or eraser is included.
Can I use them with water or solvent?: They are wax-based and not water-soluble. They can be blended with solvent or a colorless blender pencil, but water will not dissolve them.
Where is the Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36 cheapest?: At Walmart, for $29.95, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set of 36?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, Walmart.