Top 4 Best Oil-Based Colored Pencils in 2024
In the world of colored pencils, oil-based cores have carved out a unique niche for themselves.
Known for their smooth application, vibrant colors, and ease of drawing tiny details, oil-based pencils have become a favorite among artists and hobbyists alike.
In this article, I'll be sharing my top 4 picks for the best oil-based colored pencils on the market. So read on to discover the perfect set to elevate your drawings.
Discover all types of colored pencils in this article, listing every type and the differences.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
What are The Best Oil-Based Colored pencils?
- Derwent Lightfast
- Faber Castell Polychromos
- Caran d'Ache Pablo
- Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor
1. Derwent Lightfast: Best Lightfastness
The Derwent Lightfast colored pencils, made in the UK, are purposefully crafted to provide maximum lightfastness, ensuring that your artwork remains vibrant and resistant to fading.
With an impressive LFI or LFII rating, the majority of these pencils live up to Derwent's claim of being 100% lightfast under museum conditions.
A standout feature of the Derwent Lightfast pencils is their oil-based core, which is both soft and creamy. This unique formulation allows for precision and detailed work while still being easy to blend.
The thick cedar wood barrel makes sharpening easy and offers additional protection for the lead.
With a range of 100 colors to choose from, the Derwent Lightfast colored pencils offer a diverse palette to suit any artistic need.
Pros and Cons of Derwent Lightfast
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional lightfastness | Higher price compared to some other brands |
| Soft, creamy oil-based core | |
| Precision and detailed work capability | |
| Highly pigmented and saturated colors | |
| Thick cedar wood barrel for easy sharpening | |
| Diverse color range of 100 shades |
2. Faber-Castell Polychromos: Best for Vibrancy
Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils are German-made wonders that bring unparalleled vibrancy to your artwork.
With their intense pigmentation, these pencils are perfect for artists who want to make a statement with their work.
As oil-based pencils, Polychromos have a harder core that allows for precise, detailed work. Though the lead can be a bit fragile, sharpening them carefully and avoiding drops can prevent breakage.
While oil-based pencils can be trickier to blend, the right techniques will yield smooth color transitions with these pencils.
In addition to their lightfastness, which ensures your artwork's longevity, the Faber Castell Polychromos colored pencils offer an extensive color range of 120 shades. However, the selection of skin tones and purples could be more diverse.
Pros and Cons of Faber Castell Polychromos
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant and intense pigmentation | Can be difficult to blend (oil-based) |
| Harder core for detailed work | Limited diversity in skin tones and purples |
| Can be sharpened to a fine point | Higher price compared to some other brands |
| Highly lightfast, ensuring artwork longevity | |
| Wide color range of 120 shades |
3. Caran d'Ache Pablo: Best for Precision and Detail
Caran d'Ache Pablo colored pencils are water-resistant and have a core made from a mix of oil and wax.
These colored pencils have a 3.8mm diameter lead that is strong, easily sharpened to a fine point, and perfect for detailed work.
Encased in an attractive hexagonal wood barrel, these pencils provide a smooth color application, vivid hues, and impressive blendability.
Offering sets ranging from 12 to 120 colors, the Caran d'Ache Pablo pencils present a diverse and extensive color selection. However, achieving the desired color intensity may require a few layers due to the oily, waxy core.
Despite this, the pencils last longer than competitors and provide excellent control and precision.
Notably, these pencils do not suffer from wax bloom, a common issue with conventional wax-colored pencil sets. Instead, they exhibit characteristics of both wax-based and oil-based colored pencils, offering a unique blend of the two.
The Caran d'Ache Pablo colored pencils come in sturdy metal or elegant wooden boxes, providing excellent protection for your investment.
These premium-priced pencils may not suit tight budgets, but their longevity and unique feel make them worth trying at least once.
Pros and Cons of Caran d'Ache Pablo
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Water-resistant | Expensive |
| Strong lead, suitable for detailed work | Multiple passes may be required for deep colors |
| Smooth color application | Not a true oil pencil |
| Excellent blendability | |
| Resistant to wax bloom | |
| Attractive packaging and presentation | |
| Extensive color range (12 to 120 shades) |
4. Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor: Best Value for Oil-Based Pencils
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor colored pencils are an affordable option for those seeking the unique benefits of oil-based pencils without breaking the bank.
These German-made pencils feature a 4mm core and are available in sets ranging from single pencils to a 105-piece collection.
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolors are designed to compete with popular and more expensive oil-based pencil sets. They offer good color output and intensity, although heavier application is needed to achieve the desired results.
These pencils are available in various sets, with larger sets (72 and 105 pieces) offering a wide array of colors.
Layering and blending are easy, thanks to the oil core, which prevents wax bloom and allows for better color stacking. However, some color variances may be noticed between the label on the pencil barrel and the actual output, so testing on scratch paper is recommended.
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor colored pencils are more affordable than most other oil-based lines, making them an attractive option for those wanting to try oil-based colored pencils without spending too much.
Some compromises are made for this lower price point, but the overall quality is still acceptable.
Pros and Cons of Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable compared to other oil-based lines | Heavier application needed for vivid colors |
| Good color output and intensity | Scratchier feel compared to high-end brands |
| Easy layering and blending | Prone to tip breakage and frequent sharpening |
| Smaller diameter for better hand control | Color variances between label and output |
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