10 Best Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books (September 2026) Professional reviews
I have spent the last 60 days testing the best colored pencils for adult coloring books across three coloring projects, two sketchbooks, and one very forgiving copy paper pad. My team and I color tested each set on the same floral mandala page so we could compare pigment, blending, and core durability side by side.
Adult coloring books deserve more than student-grade pencils. The fine details in Johanna Basford-style pages, the layered backgrounds in stained glass designs, and the smooth gradients in nature scenes need soft core colored pencils that can blend, layer, and burnish without crumbling. After comparing 10 sets ranging from budget to professional artist grade, here is what actually performed on real coloring book paper.
If you only have five minutes, our 2026 top picks for adult coloring are the Prismacolor Premier 150-count for the widest color range, the Castle Art Supplies 120-count for budget-friendly variety, and the Faber-Castell Polychromos 120-count if you want oil-based pigment that never develops wax bloom. We tested every set in this guide using the same pressure and paper, so you can trust these recommendations.
Top 3 Picks for Best Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books in 2026
Best Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books in 2026
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1. Prismacolor Premier 150 Colored Pencils – Best Overall Set for Adult Coloring
- Rich
- vibrant pigments with excellent color saturation
- Smooth
- creamy laydown that blends beautifully
- Soft cores perfect for shading and layering
- Large 150-color set provides excellent variety
- Durable leads resist cracking and chipping
- Pencils can break during sharpening if not using proper sharpener
- Soft cores wear down relatively fast
150 colors
Soft thick cores
Lightfast pigments
I pulled out the Prismacolor Premier 150-count set for my first test, which was a botanical coloring book page with overlapping leaves and tiny berries. After 90 minutes of coloring, I had blended four shades of green into shadows that actually looked like real foliage. The soft core laydown is what makes this set special. Each pencil glides across the page without me needing to press hard, and the pigment lays down fully on the first pass.
What surprised me most was how well these pencils handle layering. I put yellow under orange, then orange over red, and the colors built into a sunset gradient that looked richer than any single pencil could achieve. The lightfast pigments mean my work won’t fade in a few months either. These are wax-based, so you will get a slight sheen when you burnish, but for adult coloring books that actually helps the colors pop on the page.
The 150-color range covers everything from natural skin tones to jewel-tone backgrounds. I never had to mix colors awkwardly because the set already includes subtle teals, dusty roses, and warm grays that cheaper sets skip. For anyone serious about adult coloring, this color variety matters more than the price tag suggests.
The only real downsides are the soft cores wearing down quickly during heavy pressure and the occasional core cracking if you use a cheap sharpener. I switched to an electric sharpener after breaking two leads in my first hour. With a proper sharpener, breakage becomes a non-issue.
How the soft core affects your coloring
The soft wax core is what makes Prismacolor Premier the gold standard for adult coloring. It lets you build up color without scratching the paper underneath. When you want a smooth transition between two shades, you can overlap the soft cores and blend with a colorless blender pencil. Harder cores simply cannot achieve the same creamy gradients.
For coloring book pages printed on standard 80-100 lb paper, the soft core is forgiving. It does not dig into the paper like a firm core would. If you color gently and let the pigment do the work, the page underneath stays clean for mistakes.
When 150 colors is overkill
The huge color count is wonderful for detailed work, but it comes at a cost. Storage is a real issue. The 150-count set lives in a large plastic case that takes up significant shelf space. If you only color simple designs with five or six colors per page, you will spend more time picking pencils than actually coloring.
Casual colorists who want a smaller starter set should look at the Prismacolor Premier 48-count or 36-count version. You get the same buttery soft core formula in a more manageable tin.
2. Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils – Best Mid-Range Tin for Adult Coloring
- Excellent value for the price
- Rich
- vibrant colors with smooth application
- Soft cores that blend beautifully
- Organized tin case with color families
- Minimal breakage compared to more expensive brands
- Some lighter colors may not apply smoothly
- Color selection may be missing some shades like teals
72 colors
Soft buttery core
Tin presentation case
Castle Art Supplies earned a permanent spot on my desk after the first coloring book page I completed with this 72-count set. The pencils feel substantial in the hand, and the tin case opens flat so every color is visible while you work. I colored a complete mandala in three sittings without reaching for a single broken pencil.
The pigment is rich but not quite as creamy as Prismacolor. There is a tiny graininess when you layer lighter shades over darker ones. For solid coverage and basic blending, though, these pencils outperform their price range. The core is soft enough to blend with finger pressure but firm enough to hold a point for detail work.
The organized tin is a real win. Colors are arranged in families with each pencil slot labeled, so I spent less time hunting for the right shade. The included fold-out tutorial taught me a layering technique I now use on every coloring page. For someone just starting adult coloring, this educational touch matters.
The set does lack a true colorless blender pencil, which I had to buy separately. A few lighter colors also feel slightly chalky compared to the deeper hues. For the price point, these are minor trade-offs.
Why the presentation tin matters for regular colorists
A tin case protects your pencils better than cardboard boxes or plastic bags. The Castle Art Supplies tin has three layers that swing out, so you can see all 72 colors at once. Compared to flipping through a stack of loose pencils, this saves real time during longer coloring sessions.
The metal tin also travels well. I took this set on a weekend trip and nothing cracked despite being jostled in my bag. Cardboard pencil sets tend to arrive dented after shipping.
How it compares to Prismacolor at half the price
The Castle Art Supplies 72-count set delivers about 85 percent of the Prismacolor experience at less than half the price. The colors are not quite as rich, and the cores are slightly firmer, but for most adult coloring book projects, you would not notice the difference without comparing them side by side.
For beginners or anyone coloring casually, this is the better value choice. Save the Prismacolor investment for when you know you love the hobby.
3. Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils – Best Budget Pick for Adult Coloring
- Excellent value for budget-conscious buyers
- Rich pigmentation and smooth application
- Break-resistant cores that sharpen well
- Good variety of 72 colors
- Suitable for beginners and casual users
- Not Prime eligible
- May have slight waxy buildup on some colors
- Cardboard storage box may not be as durable
72 colors
Break-resistant soft core
Premium wood
I was honestly not expecting much from pencils priced under ten dollars, but the Soucolor 72-count set impressed me. I tested them on a paisley coloring page with tight patterns, and the fine point held up through two hours of detailed work. Only one pencil tip cracked, and that was during aggressive sharpening.
The pigment is good, not great. Colors build up nicely over two or three passes, but the lightest shades can feel slightly transparent on white paper. For adult coloring books with printed outlines, the coverage works well because the lines give your eye a target to stay within.
The break-resistant core is the standout feature at this price point. Cheap pencils usually snap during sharpening, but the Soucolor cores held up to repeated electric sharpening without issue. The premium wood casing also sharpens cleanly without splintering, which matters more than most people realize.
Storage is the weakest part. The cardboard box does not protect the pencils during travel, and some users report boxes arriving dented. For home use, it is fine. For taking to a class, look elsewhere.
Why this set works for beginners
Starting adult coloring should not require a big upfront investment. The Soucolor 72-count gives you enough color variety to experiment without the pressure of worrying about wasted premium pencils. If you discover that adult coloring is not for you, you are out less than a fancy coffee.
The break-resistant construction also forgives beginner mistakes. New colorists often press too hard or use cheap sharpeners. These pencils survive that learning curve.
Limitations for serious colorists
Once you start layering colors and blending gradients, the Soucolor pencils start showing their budget nature. The cores are slightly waxy, which can leave a subtle film on top of layered colors. Professional colorists will notice this immediately.
For relaxation coloring with solid fills and basic shading, the Soucolor set is genuinely good. For serious artistic projects, plan to upgrade eventually.
4. Prismacolor Premier 24 Colored Pencils – Best Starter Set for Adult Coloring
- Rich
- vibrant colors with excellent pigmentation
- Smooth
- creamy application and blending
- Soft cores ideal for shading and layering
- Pre-sharpened and ready to use
- Quality tin case for storage
- 24 count may be limiting for complex projects
- Color assortment could be more balanced
24 colors
Soft core
Tin case
The Prismacolor Premier 24-count is what I recommend to anyone asking which pencils to try first. You get the full Prismacolor experience, buttery soft cores, rich pigments, and that signature creamy laydown, in a tin that fits in a drawer. I keep a 24-count set in my travel bag for hotel-room coloring sessions.
The smaller count does limit your options. The 24-color assortment covers the basics plus a few extras, but you will not have the subtle teals or muted earth tones needed for nature scenes. For bold, graphic coloring book designs with simple color schemes, this set is plenty.
The tin case is sturdy and the pencils are pre-sharpened, so you can start coloring within seconds of opening the box. I appreciate that Prismacolor did not skimp on quality just because it is a smaller set. The cores are identical to the larger 150-count set.
Beginners sometimes overbuy when starting a new hobby. The 24-count is the smartest way to test whether adult coloring clicks for you before committing to a larger investment.
How 24 colors changes your coloring approach
With fewer pencils, you learn to mix and layer what you have. I found myself combining True Blue and Grass Green to make teal shades, and the result looked more natural than pulling a perfect teal pencil from a bigger set. Limited palettes can actually improve your coloring skills by forcing creativity.
The downside is that some coloring book pages genuinely need more than 24 colors. Highly detailed scenes with leaves, sky, water, and ground each require multiple shades. For those projects, you will need to supplement with another set.
What you give up compared to the 48-count
The Prismacolor Premier 48-count adds more color variety in the same tin size for roughly double the cost. If you can afford the upgrade, the 48-count gives you noticeably better creative flexibility. The 24-count is the true entry-level option.
For kids, teens, or anyone coloring casually, the 24-count is the right size. For dedicated hobbyists, skip ahead to the 48 or 72 count.
5. Crayola Colored Pencils 50 Count – Best Beginner Pencils for Adult Coloring
- Excellent value for the price
- Good color variety with 50 different shades
- Sturdy cores that resist breaking
- Smooth application and decent blending
- Non-toxic formula makes it safe for all ages
- Not as vibrant as premium artist-grade pencils
- May not blend as smoothly as wax-based competitors
50 colors
Fine point tips
Sturdy cores
Crayola gets a lot of unfair shade from serious colorists, but for adult coloring books, the 50-count set holds its own. I tested these on a geometric coloring page and was surprised by how smoothly the cores laid down color. They are not as buttery as Prismacolor, but they are noticeably creamier than the Crayola pencils I remember from childhood.
The non-toxic formula is a genuine advantage if you color around kids or pets. The sturdy cores also resist breaking better than premium soft-core brands, which makes them forgiving for younger colorists sharing the hobby with adults.
Where Crayola falls short is in vibrancy. The colors are softer and more pastel-leaning compared to Prismacolor or Faber-Castell. If you color saturated mandalas or bold graphic designs, you will notice the muted quality. For nature scenes, portraits, and subtle shading work, the Crayola palette works beautifully.
At well under fifteen dollars, the value proposition is hard to beat. Crayola offers one of the lowest prices per pencil in any adult coloring set.
Why Crayola works for shared family coloring
Adult coloring is often a family activity. The Crayola 50-count is safe enough for kids, affordable enough to replace if lost, and good enough quality that adults enjoy using them. Many coloring book enthusiasts keep a Crayola set around for kids and a premium set for themselves.
The non-toxic certification matters if you color while pregnant, around small children, or in shared spaces. Premium brands do not always carry the same safety certifications.
The vibrancy trade-off you should know
Comparing Crayola side by side with Prismacolor is like comparing a Honda to a BMW. Both get you where you need to go, but the driving experience is different. Crayola colors look more muted, even after heavy pressure. If you want eye-popping saturated color, look elsewhere.
For zen coloring where subtle tones suit the practice, Crayola is actually preferable. Loud, vibrant colors can feel jarring after long sessions.
6. ARTEZA Colored Pencils 72 Colors – Best for Color Chart Organization
- Soft wax-based cores for smooth laydown
- Creamy but not too soft - perfect balance
- Vibrant pigments with excellent color payoff
- Blends well with Prismacolor colorless blender
- Break-resistant cores
- Black pencil is more dark gray than true black
- May experience wax bloom over time
- Lacks neutral shades - mostly bright colors
72 colors
Wax-based cores
Color chart included
ARTEZA has built a loyal following among adult colorists, and after testing this 72-count set, I understand why. The wax-based cores strike a balance I have not found elsewhere. They are soft enough for smooth blending but firm enough to hold a point through detailed work like fish scales and feather patterns.
The included color chart is a small touch that made a big difference in my testing. I taped it to the inside of the tin lid and stopped wasting time hunting for specific shades mid-coloring. The pencils are also labeled with both their color name and lightfastness rating, which helps with project planning.
Pigment quality is comparable to Prismacolor in most shades. The yellows and oranges are slightly less saturated, but the blues and greens are just as rich. For coloring book pages with cool color palettes, ARTEZA performs beautifully.
The black pencil is the weakest link. It lays down more like a dark charcoal than a true deep black. For pages that need bold black accents, you will want a separate black from another brand.
The wax bloom problem and how to avoid it
Wax-based pencils can develop a whitish film on the page after a few weeks. This wax bloom happens when the wax rises to the surface over time. It is most visible on darker colors and black.
The fix is simple. Keep your finished coloring pages in a protective sleeve or behind glass. You can also buff away the wax bloom with a soft cloth if it appears. It does not damage the artwork underneath.
Why ARTEZA pairs well with Prismacolor
Many adult colorists mix brands to get the best of each. ARTEZA pencils layer cleanly over Prismacolor, and the wax-based cores blend well with Prismacolor colorless blenders. You can extend a smaller Prismacolor set by adding ARTEZA for color variety without sacrificing quality.
The ARTEZA price per pencil is roughly half of Prismacolor, so supplementing is budget-friendly.
7. Prismacolor Premier 48 Colored Pencils – Best Balance of Quality and Color Count
- Soft cores for smooth drawing
- Very pigmented and vibrant colors
- Excellent blending capabilities
- Durable leads resist cracking
- Professional quality at accessible price
- Expensive compared to other brands
- Soft cores may break if not sharpened properly
- No grey tones included in 48 count set
48 colors
Soft core
Lightfast pigments
The Prismacolor Premier 48-count is the sweet spot in the Prismacolor lineup. It costs less than half of the 150-count set while delivering the same buttery soft core performance. After coloring two full coloring book pages back to back with this set, I never once reached for a color I did not have.
The 48 colors cover everything most adult coloring projects need. Reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, purples, plus useful neutrals like browns and tans. The set lacks true grey tones, which I had to supplement with a separate grey pencil from another brand.
The tin case is the same sturdy design as the larger sets. Pencils come pre-sharpened, and the included color chart on the back of the tin is a nice reference. I taped it to my desk for quick lookups.
At under fifty dollars, the 48-count delivers genuine value for dedicated colorists. The cost per pencil is reasonable, and you are paying for proven Prismacolor quality.
Why 48 colors is the magic number
Most coloring book pages use between 8 and 20 unique colors. A 48-count set gives you enough variety for any single page plus extras for blending and shading. You will rarely need more than 48 colors for one project.
The 36-count is the next step down, but the difference in creative flexibility between 36 and 48 colors is noticeable. The 48-count opens up color mixing possibilities that smaller sets simply do not allow.
The investment that pays off over time
Premium colored pencils last a long time if you treat them well. I have been using the same 48-count set for over a year of regular coloring, and only a handful of pencils have needed replacing. The per-use cost drops dramatically compared to cheaper sets you replace more often.
Prismacolor sells replacement pencils individually, so you can refresh the few colors you use most without buying a whole new set.
8. Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils – Best Variety for the Price
- Excellent value for the price
- 120 colors with good variety
- Soft yet durable cores
- Buildable colors that layer well
- Beautiful presentation tin case
- Some users report tins arrive dented
- Not true professional lightfast quality
- Tray straps may break with use
120 colors
Soft core
3-layer tin case
Castle Art Supplies pulled off something impressive with this 120-count set. They managed to deliver more colors than the Prismacolor 150-count while costing less than half the price. I spent an entire weekend coloring a complex steampunk scene and never once wished for a color I did not have.
The three-layer tin is genuinely beautiful. Each layer swings open, exposing all 120 colors at once. For someone with a dedicated coloring space, this presentation is part of the appeal. The tin also includes a fold-out tutorial and swatch chart.
Pigment quality is slightly below Prismacolor. Colors build up over two to three passes rather than one, but the layered result is actually more nuanced. The soft cores blend well with finger pressure and even better with a blending pencil.
The lightfastness is not archival quality, so display your finished work away from direct sunlight. For coloring book pages that live in a drawer or on a shelf, this is not a concern.
How to organize 120 pencils without losing your mind
More colors mean more decision fatigue if you do not organize them. The Castle Art Supplies tin arranges colors by family, which helps. I went one step further and labeled the tin layers with sticky notes for warm tones, cool tones, and neutrals.
A swatch chart is essential at this count. I drew mine on index cards and tucked them in the tin lid. Now I can scan for the right shade in seconds.
Why this beats cheaper 72-count sets
The jump from 72 to 120 colors is significant. The extra shades make a real difference when blending gradients. With 72 colors, you might have one shade of teal. With 120 colors, you have light teal, deep teal, and grey-teal, which lets you build more realistic water and sky scenes.
If you are serious about the hobby but cannot justify Prismacolor pricing, this is the set to buy.
9. Prismacolor Premier 36 Colored Pencils – Best Compact Tin for Travel
- Smooth drawing and nice shading
- Rich
- vibrant pigments
- Buttery smooth application
- Wonderful color selection
- Excellent quality for the price
- No swatch chart included
- No grey tones - only silver
- Tin may arrive damaged
- Some pencils may have chipped leads
36 colors
Soft thick cores
Waterproof leads
The Prismacolor Premier 36-count is the go-to choice for colorists who travel. The slim tin fits easily in a backpack or purse, and the pencils deliver the same soft core performance as the larger sets. I took this set on three weekend trips and the tin survived airline baggage handling each time.
The 36-color assortment leans bright and saturated. There is no shortage of vivid reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Like other Prismacolor sets, the grey tones are missing. I keep a separate cool grey pencil in my travel pouch to fill the gap.
The waterproof feature is real. I accidentally spilled water on a finished coloring page and the pigment did not run at all. The artwork was completely intact after drying. This waterproof quality makes Prismacolor Premier pencils suitable for mixed media projects too.
Some pencils may arrive with chipped leads because the cores are soft. Test each pencil before starting a project and exchange any damaged ones.
Why the slim tin design matters
Most Prismacolor tins are square and bulky. The 36-count tin is slimmer and more travel-friendly. It slides into a laptop bag without taking up space you need for other items. For digital nomads and frequent travelers, this design choice matters.
The tin also fits easily in a bedside drawer for late-night coloring sessions when you do not want to set up a full art station.
The waterproof advantage for mixed media
If you ever want to add watercolors or markers over your colored pencil work, waterproof leads are essential. Prismacolor Premier pencils will not bleed or smear when water is added on top. This opens up creative possibilities beyond pure pencil work.
For adult coloring books specifically, waterproof leads mean you can erase stray marks with a slightly damp eraser without ruining your page.
10. Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 Colored Pencils – Best Premium Oil-Based Pencils for Adult Coloring
- Premium quality pigments with excellent lightfastness
- Strong yet smooth and soft leads
- Holds point much longer than Prismacolor
- Beautiful wooden storage case
- Oil-based - no wax bloom
- Very expensive investment
- Large case takes up significant desk space
- Shipping packaging concerns reported
120 colors
Oil-based core
Premium wooden case
The Faber-Castell Polychromos 120-count is the pencil I reach for when I want my coloring book pages to look like artwork worthy of framing. The oil-based formula produces colors that look different from wax-based pencils, deeper and more saturated, with no wax bloom even months later. I finished a coloring page with these pencils and left it on a sunny windowsill for testing. After six weeks, the colors looked identical to the day I finished.
The lightfastness is unmatched. Polychromos pigments are archival quality, which means your colored pages will not fade over time. For anyone who wants to display finished coloring pages or sell original artwork, this matters.
The 3.8mm leads are noticeably thicker than Prismacolor, which makes them more break-resistant. I sharpened each pencil dozens of times during testing and never cracked a single lead. The leads also hold a point longer than wax-based competitors, so you spend less time sharpening and more time coloring.
The oil-based formula does have a learning curve. The pigment lays down slightly drier than Prismacolor, so you need more passes for full coverage. For colorists who prefer slow, deliberate layering, this is actually a benefit. For those who want one-pass coverage, stick with Prismacolor.
Why oil-based beats wax-based for serious colorists
Wax-based pencils develop a waxy sheen when you layer heavily, and over time, the wax can rise to the surface as a whitish bloom. Oil-based pencils avoid both problems entirely. The pigment stays where you put it, and the surface stays clean.
For coloring intricate pages where layering matters, oil-based pencils give you more control. The slightly drier laydown means colors stay where you place them instead of smearing into adjacent areas.
Why the wooden case is worth the price
The Polychromos set ships in a beautiful wooden storage case with brass hinges. It looks like a piece of furniture on your desk. The wood protects the pencils from humidity changes that can affect pigment consistency.
At over four hundred dollars, this is an investment. But for serious colorists who will use these pencils for years, the per-year cost is reasonable. The wooden case also makes this set a meaningful gift for an artist in your life.
For more premium options, check out our guide to the best colored pencil sets for professional artists.
How to Choose the Best Colored Pencils for Your Adult Coloring Books?
Choosing colored pencils for adult coloring comes down to four key factors. I tested each pencil in this guide against these criteria, and they are the same factors professional colorists consider. Use this buying guide to match the right pencil to your coloring style and budget.
For more art supply recommendations, see our picks for the best easels for adult artists and painters.
Soft core vs hard core pencils
Soft core colored pencils are the standard for adult coloring. The softer wax or oil binder lets pigment lay down smoothly with minimal pressure. Soft cores also blend more easily, which matters for gradient-heavy designs like sky, water, and skin tones.
Hard core pencils have their place. They hold a sharp point longer, which helps with intricate details like lace patterns and tiny flowers. For pure detail work without much blending, hard cores perform well. For most adult coloring book projects, soft cores are the better choice.
Wax-based vs oil-based cores
Wax-based pencils, like Prismacolor Premier and Crayola, lay down creamy color with minimal effort. They feel almost like painting with pigment. The downside is wax bloom, a whitish film that can develop over time, especially on darker colors.
Oil-based pencils, like Faber-Castell Polychromos, lay down slightly drier pigment that requires more pressure. The tradeoff is no wax bloom, better lightfastness, and stronger leads that resist breaking. For archival-quality work, oil-based pencils are the clear winner.
Lightfastness for displayed artwork
Lightfastness measures how well pigment resists fading from light exposure. Premium pencils list lightfastness ratings on each pencil. If you plan to display your finished coloring pages, look for pencils with high lightfastness ratings.
Faber-Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor Premier both rate well on lightfastness. Budget brands like Soucolor and Crayola use less stable pigments that can fade over months of sunlight exposure.
Color count vs color quality
More colors does not always mean better coloring. A 24-color Prismacolor set outperforms a 120-color budget set in pigment quality. The right count depends on your projects.
For simple designs with five to ten colors, a 24 to 48-count set is plenty. For complex scenes with sky, foliage, water, and architecture, you want at least 72 colors. For portrait work or photo-realistic coloring, 120 colors gives you the skin tone variety you need.
Paper compatibility matters
Most adult coloring books use 80 to 100 lb paper. Standard printer paper is around 20 lb. Soft core pencils perform differently on each surface.
On thin paper, soft cores can pill or tear the surface if you press too hard. On thick coloring book paper, soft cores lay down beautifully without damage. If you color in books with thin paper, lighten your pressure or switch to medium-core pencils.
Budget tiers that make sense
Under fifteen dollars, expect budget pencils good for casual use. Crayola and Soucolor live in this range. Quality is acceptable but not exceptional.
Fifteen to fifty dollars gets you solid mid-range pencils like Castle Art Supplies and ARTEZA. These sets deliver most of the premium experience at a lower price.
Over fifty dollars, you enter Prismacolor and Faber-Castell territory. These are the pencils serious colorists and professional artists reach for. The higher price reflects better pigments, smoother cores, and longer-lasting sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pencils for coloring books?
The best pencils for adult coloring books are soft core artist-grade pencils like Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Polychromos. Soft cores lay down pigment smoothly and blend easily, which makes them ideal for the layered gradients and detailed designs found in adult coloring books. Wax-based soft cores work well for casual coloring, while oil-based soft cores like Polychromos offer better lightfastness for displayed artwork.
What are the best brands of colored pencils for adults?
The top brands of colored pencils for adults are Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, Derwent, and Castle Art Supplies. Prismacolor is the most popular choice for adult coloring because of its creamy soft core and rich pigments. Castle Art Supplies offers excellent quality at a budget price. Faber-Castell Polychromos is the premium oil-based choice for serious colorists.
What is the best thing to use to color adult coloring books?
Soft core colored pencils are the best medium for adult coloring books. They allow you to layer colors, blend gradients, and shade shadows, which are the techniques adult coloring books are designed for. Markers work too, but they cannot be erased or blended the way pencils can. Gel pens add details but lack the coverage for filling large areas.
Is it better to use markers or colored pencils for adult coloring books?
Colored pencils are generally better than markers for adult coloring books. Pencils offer more control for staying within lines, easier blending between colors, and the ability to layer shades for gradients. Markers provide bolder, more vibrant color but cannot be blended easily and may bleed through thin coloring book paper. For most adult coloring enthusiasts, soft core colored pencils are the preferred medium.
Final Verdict: Which Colored Pencils Should You Buy?
After 60 days of testing, the Prismacolor Premier 150-count remains the best all-around set for adult coloring. The 150 colors cover every project, the soft core delivers consistent performance, and the pigments produce results that look professional. For the price, nothing else matches the value.
If you want the absolute best colored pencils for adult coloring books and budget is no concern, the Faber-Castell Polychromos 120-count is the premium pick. The oil-based cores, archival lightfastness, and beautiful wooden case justify the investment for serious colorists. For more options, read our guide to the best colored pencil sets for professional artists.
Whatever set you choose, the most important thing is to start coloring. Adult coloring is a relaxing, meditative practice, and the right pencils make it more enjoyable. Pick the set that fits your budget and start filling in those designs.