The grown-up coloring craze has taken the world by storm, offering adults a stress-busting, meditative, and wildly creative escape. But to fully appreciate the intricate designs and vibrant hues of your adult coloring books, you need a pencil that will enhance, not hinder, your artistic journey. So, let's delve into the world of the best pencils for adult coloring.
A good adult coloring pencil should combine a smooth application, vivid colors, and a wide range of hues. It's also important to consider factors like lightweight ergonomics, break resistance, and even smell (yes, some colored pencils have a unique scent!).
Understanding Colored Pencil Types
Before we dive into the top picks, let's briefly explore the types of colored pencils.
wax-based and oil-based pencils. Wax-based pencils have a harder core, making them great for intricate detail work, but they might require more pressure and can break more easily. Oil-based pencils, on the other hand, are softer, more blendable, and have a creamier application, but they can wear down more quickly.
Wax-Based Colored Pencils
Wax-based colored pencils are a popular choice among colorists for their vibrant colors and precise application. They're ideal for detailed work and layering.
Examples of high-quality wax-based colored pencils include Faber-Castell Polychromos, Caran d'Ache Luminance, and Prismacolor Scholar. They offer a wide range of hues and excellent lightfastness ratings, ensuring your artwork will maintain its vibrancy over time.
Oil-Based Colored Pencils
Oil-based colored pencils are fantastic for their richness and blendability. They're perfect for creating gradients and smooth, vibrant colors.
Some exceptional oil-based colored pencils are the Bruynzeel K Prost Markers, Inktense Blocks by Derwent, and the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor. They're highly pigmented, smooth, and offer a wide range of colors.
Top Picks for Adult Coloring Pencils
Now that we understand the different types of colored pencils let's look at some of the best pencils on the market for adult coloring.
Regardless of whether you prefer wax-based or oil-based pencils, brands like Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Derwent consistently top the list. These brands offer superior color vibrancy, lightfastness ratings, and professional-grade cores.
Prismacolor Scholar
Prismacolor Scholar is a popular choice among colorists. These wax-based pencils have a soft, creamy core that yields rich, vibrant colors. They're great for blending and layering, making them ideal for intricate designs and detailed work.
Scholar pencils have a slightly larger barrel than some other brands, making them comfortable to hold for extended periods. They also come in an impressive 150 colors, so you'll have plenty of options for your artistic endeavors.
Faber-Castell Polychromos
Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils are another top pick for adult coloring. These wax-based pencils offer full pigmentation and excellent lightfastness ratings, ensuring your artwork will maintain its vibrancy over time.
Polychromos pencils have a slightly harder core than some other brands, making them ideal for detailed work and intricate patterns. They're also highly versatile, with uses in both professional and hobbyist artwork.
Derwent Lightfast
Derwent Lightfast are oil-based colored pencils specifically designed for artists who want excellent lightfastness ratings without sacrificing vibrancy or blendability. The core is creamy and heavily pigmented, allowing for rich, smooth color application.
Lightfast pencils come in several different ranges, including a set of 72 colors, giving you plenty of options for your coloring projects. They're also great for layering and blending, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced colorists.
Ultimately, the best pencil for adult coloring depends on your personal preference and the specific techniques you enjoy. Whether you prefer wax-based or oil-based pencils, there's a wide range of excellent options available. So, stock up on your favorites, grab your coloring book, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of adult coloring!