Top Picks for Durable Watercolor Pencils That Won’t Break Easily During Sharpening

Watercolor pencils are a versatile tool for artists looking to blend colors with water. However, the quality of the pencil can significantly impact your creative process. While there are many brands on the market, not all watercolor pencils are created equal. This article highlights some of the best brands that are known for their durability and resistance to breaking, even when sharpened.

The Best Watercolor Pencils for Durability

Watercolor pencils can be broken easily, especially during the sharpening process. To avoid frustration and maintain the integrity of your artwork, it's important to choose a brand that can withstand this common practice. Cretacolor is one such brand that stands out, known for its solid pigment and durability.

Cretacolor Watercolor Pencils

Cretacolor offers a range of watercolor pencils that are built to last. These pencils feature a solid pigment, which means the color does not change or become lighter over time, ensuring consistent results. The quality of Cretacolor pencils is evident in their resistance to breaking even when sharpened multiple times.

Despite the high quality, Cretacolor pencils are also widely available. If you can’t find them locally, Blick carries them, making them easily accessible for artists of all skill levels.

Other Durable Watercolor Pencils

While Cretacolor pencils are a top choice for their durability, there are other brands that offer similar qualities. Here are a few more options to consider:

Derwent Watercolor Pencils

Derwent watercolor pencils are another excellent choice for artists seeking durability. Known for their vibrant colors and flexible applicability, Derwent pencils are designed to withstand repeated sharpening without cracking or breaking. Their consistency in quality and color intensity make them a preferred brand for many artists.

Martin’s Watercolor Pencils

Martin’s watercolor pencils offer a unique and enjoyable experience for artists. These pencils have a unique wax formulation that complements the watercolor medium. Martin’s pencils are known for their long-lasting colors and resistance to breaking even when sharpened multiple times, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned artists.

Staedtler Neo Pencils

Staedtler Neo watercolor pencils are compact and portable, making them ideal for artists on the go. These pencils use Staedtler’s unique TFileChooser technology, ensuring consistent color application and resistance to breaking, even when sharpened frequently. The pencil tips remain sharp and intact, providing a smooth and vibrant coloring experience.

Choosing the Right Watercolor Pencils

When choosing watercolor pencils that won’t break easily during sharpening, consider the quality of the pigment, the overall construction of the pencil, and the brand’s reputation for durability. Brands like Cretacolor, Derwent, Martin’s, and Staedtler Neo provide excellent options that meet these criteria.

In conclusion, if you want to ensure that your watercolor pencils remain in top condition and provide consistent results, it’s crucial to invest in a brand known for its durability. Whether you opt for Cretacolor, Derwent, Martin’s, or Staedtler Neo, you can have peace of mind knowing that your artwork will benefit from the use of these high-quality, resistant pencils.