Table of Contents
Distinguishing Wax-Based and Oil-Based Pencils
What Makes Artist-Grade Coloured Pencils Different from Standard Ones?
Why Are Lightfast Ratings Important for Coloured Pencil Artists?
Why Are Lightfast Ratings Important for Coloured Pencil Artists?
Distinguishing Wax-Based and Oil-Based Pencils
Understanding the difference between wax-based and oil-based pencils is essential in choosing the right tools for your project. It's all about personal preferences and the nature of the artwork. Remember, the best art supplies are the ones that help you achieve your artistic vision, and our collection at The Sydney Art Store offers a wide range of both wax-based and oil-based pencils designed for professional and amateur artists alike.
What Makes Artist-Grade Coloured Pencils Different from Standard Ones?
Artist-grade coloured pencils are crafted with higher pigment concentrations and better-quality binders, resulting in richer colour payoff, smoother application, and enhanced blendability. Unlike standard pencils, which often contain more filler, professional pencils deliver consistent performance across a wide range of paper types and layering techniques. Their lightfast ratings are typically higher, meaning artwork will retain its vibrancy over time without significant fading. Artist-grade pencils also offer better control, with stronger leads that resist breakage even under pressure. Many brands provide detailed pigment information and allow for precise colour layering, burnishing, and shading. Whether you’re creating botanical illustrations, portraits, or abstract work, choosing artist-grade pencils ensures that every stroke delivers professional results with durability and colour integrity.
Why Are Lightfast Ratings Important for Coloured Pencil Artists?
Caran D’Ache Museum Aquarelle Colour Pencils
$6.27
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils Set
$39.96
Conte Pastel Pencils
$7.48
Lightfastness refers to a pigment’s resistance to fading when exposed to light, and it’s an essential consideration for artists creating work meant to last. Coloured pencils vary widely in their lightfast ratings, with some pigments prone to fading within months under direct sunlight. Professional-grade pencils often include ASTM or Blue Wool ratings that indicate how well a colour holds up over time. Choosing pencils with high lightfastness ensures that your work maintains its vibrancy and detail for years to come, whether framed under glass or displayed in natural light. This is particularly important for commissioned pieces, gallery exhibitions, or portfolio collections. Understanding and selecting pencils with strong lightfast properties allows artists to confidently invest time and energy into work that remains true to their vision long-term.
How Does The Sydney Art Store Empower Artists to Create With Confidence?
At The Sydney Art Store, quality materials meet informed service, giving you the confidence to focus on creating your best work. Our coloured pencils are selected not only for their performance but also for their safety, sustainability, and compatibility with other mediums, ensuring that you can use them with peace of mind. With brands that emphasise lightfast pigments, ergonomic design, and professional-grade craftsmanship, you can rely on us to provide the tools needed for exceptional results. Our easy-to-navigate selection process and detailed product descriptions ensure that you're well-equipped for any artistic project, and with everything available under one roof, you can access all the supplies you need for your coloured pencil work. Whether you’re building a new toolkit or replenishing favourites, The Sydney Art Store empowers you with the right tools—and the knowledge—to elevate your artistic expression.
