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10 Best Coloring Pencils 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Melifluo 72 Colouring Pencils Set with Black Portable Zipper Bag. Professional Coloured Pencils Perfect for Adult and Artists Sketching, Shading and Doodling

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,185
Type of Pencils
Color Range
Ergonomics
Type of Pencils
They blend well and feel similar to wax crayons on paper, providing a smooth coloring experience.
Color Range
The pigmentation of these pencils is impressive, rivaling even more expensive brands.
Ergonomics
The color doesn't smudge onto hands or paper, making them suitable for left-handed users.

The Melifluo 72 Colouring Pencils Set offers a generous selection of 72 vibrant colors, making it suitable for artists and adults who enjoy sketching, shading, and doodling. The variety includes common colors like red, blue, green, and more, allowing for diverse creative possibilities. The pencils are known for their high pigmentation, ensuring bold and bright results that are easy to blend and combine for different effects.

Users appreciate the break-resistant cores, which are made from high-quality pigments that maintain their color over time, enhancing the durability of your artwork. The set also includes a coloring book, which can be particularly useful for beginners looking to practice their techniques. These pencils are made from non-toxic, pollution-free materials, making them safe for both adults and children.

The set's portability is a significant advantage, featuring a black zipper case with individual slots for each pencil, ensuring they are organized and protected. This makes the set easy to carry around and helps prevent loss or damage. However, some users might find the hardness of the cores a bit too soft for their liking, especially if they prefer harder pencil leads for fine details. Also, while the brand Melifluo is gaining popularity and has a solid reputation, it may not be as well-known as other established brands in the market. Despite these minor drawbacks, the quality, vibrant color range, and thoughtful design make this set a great choice for both amateur and professional artists.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,185
Type of Pencils
Color Range
Ergonomics
Type of Pencils
They blend well and feel similar to wax crayons on paper, providing a smooth coloring experience.
Color Range
The pigmentation of these pencils is impressive, rivaling even more expensive brands.
Ergonomics
The color doesn't smudge onto hands or paper, making them suitable for left-handed users.
#3

Faber-Castell Tin Of 24 Polychromos Blendable, Lightfast Drawing And Colouring Pencils For Artists, Beginners, Professionals, Students, Crafts, Colouring Books, Artwork, Soft Waterproof Oil Chalk Lead

Rating
9.8
Color Range
Brand Reputation
Ergonomics
Color Range
The Polychromos pencils have vibrant and true colors, easy blending, and are comfortable to hold.
Brand Reputation
The quality of these pencils is exceptional, making them worth the higher price point.
Ergonomics
The Polychromos pencils have vibrant and true colors, easy blending, and are comfortable to hold.

The Faber-Castell Tin Of 24 Polychromos coloring pencils are a versatile choice for artists, students, and hobbyists alike. Known for their high-quality, soft oil-based core, these pencils offer vibrant color laydown, which is ideal for a variety of projects ranging from professional artwork to casual coloring books. They feature a 3.8 mm thick lead, allowing for broad strokes and smooth blending, making them particularly suited for those who enjoy creating gradients and textures in their drawings.

A standout feature is the pencils' superb lightfastness, which means your artwork will remain colorful and vivid over time without fading—a crucial consideration for those looking to create lasting pieces. Additionally, these pencils are water-resistant and smudge-proof, enhancing their utility for mixed media artists or those who prefer a more polished finish.

The set of 24 colors provides a decent range for beginners or those focusing on specific projects, though professional artists might find the need to supplement with additional colors from the larger available set of 120. The pencils are housed in a durable tin, making them easy to store and transport.

In terms of ergonomics, the contoured grip ensures comfort during long drawing sessions. However, some users might find the pencils slightly heavier due to the stainless steel material, which can be a consideration for extended use.

Faber-Castell’s strong brand reputation further adds to the appeal, providing assurance in terms of quality and durability. With a high customer satisfaction rating, these pencils are well-regarded among various age groups and skill levels. While they might be on the pricier side compared to other brands, their performance and longevity offer excellent value for serious artists.

Rating
9.8
Color Range
Brand Reputation
Ergonomics
Color Range
The Polychromos pencils have vibrant and true colors, easy blending, and are comfortable to hold.
Brand Reputation
The quality of these pencils is exceptional, making them worth the higher price point.
Ergonomics
The Polychromos pencils have vibrant and true colors, easy blending, and are comfortable to hold.

Buying Guide for the Best Coloring Pencils

Choosing the right coloring pencils can greatly enhance your artistic experience, whether you're a beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional artist. The right set of pencils can make a significant difference in the quality of your work, the ease of use, and your overall satisfaction. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting coloring pencils, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Type of PencilsColoring pencils come in various types, including wax-based, oil-based, and watercolor pencils. Wax-based pencils are the most common and are known for their smooth application and vibrant colors. Oil-based pencils are harder and can produce finer details, making them ideal for detailed work. Watercolor pencils can be used dry or with water to create a watercolor effect. Choose the type based on your preferred technique and the effects you want to achieve in your artwork.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the number of different colors available in a set. Basic sets may have 12 to 24 colors, while more extensive sets can have 72 or more. A larger color range provides more options for shading, blending, and creating depth in your artwork. If you're just starting, a smaller set may be sufficient, but as you progress, you might want to invest in a larger set to expand your creative possibilities.
LightfastnessLightfastness is a measure of how resistant the pencil colors are to fading when exposed to light over time. This is particularly important for artists who want their work to last. Pencils with high lightfastness ratings will maintain their color integrity longer. If you plan to display your artwork or sell it, choosing pencils with good lightfastness is crucial. Look for pencils that have been tested and rated for lightfastness by reputable standards.
Core HardnessThe hardness of the pencil core affects how the pencil feels when you draw and how it interacts with the paper. Softer cores are easier to blend and produce more vibrant colors, but they may wear down faster and require more frequent sharpening. Harder cores are better for fine details and precise lines but may not blend as easily. Consider your drawing style and the type of artwork you create when choosing the core hardness that suits you best.
Brand ReputationThe reputation of the brand can be an indicator of the quality and consistency of the pencils. Established brands with positive reviews are more likely to offer reliable products that meet your expectations. Researching and reading reviews from other artists can help you identify brands that are known for their quality. While brand reputation is not the only factor to consider, it can provide some assurance of the product's performance.
ErgonomicsErgonomics refers to how comfortable the pencils are to hold and use for extended periods. Pencils with a triangular or hexagonal shape can provide a better grip and reduce hand fatigue. Some pencils also have a soft coating or ergonomic design to enhance comfort. If you plan to spend a lot of time drawing, choosing pencils with good ergonomics can make your experience more enjoyable and less tiring.