Question 1

Does anyone know how these compare with Prismacolor Soft core pencils?

Accepted Answer

These are oil-based pencils, whereas Prismacolor pencils are wax-based. The original Prismacolor pencils were very good, but ownership changed. I recently bought the 150-pencil Prismacolor set and was very disappointed with it. The leads aren’t centered properly in the cores and they very easily break when I sharpen them. I also find any oil-based pencil much easier to blend than a wax-based pencil. Oil-based pencils don’t get the glossy shine wax pencils get with layers. My two cents—buy these—forget the Prismacolors.

Question 2

These pencils are not just pastel colors correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct. They are not just pastel colors. All of the colors are beautiful. You may vary the shade by varying the amount of pressure. Beautiful pencils. Worth every penny.

Question 3

When using artist-grade Polychromos, is there a noticeable difference from the student-grade Fiber Castell classic pencils?

Accepted Answer

The Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils will perform in a very noticeably different way than their classic colored pencils. The Polychromos have a small measure of mineral oil incorporated into the pencil core, which causes the colors to lay more smoothly onto the paper surface, and appear more rich and vibrant. They are easier to layer and blend, without getting a waxy "bloom" or haze developing on the surface. Polychromos Pencils also use pigments with very stable lightfast ratings for greater permanence.

Question 4

Do you need to use baby oil or whatever oil to blend the colors or can I just blend them without the oil?

Accepted Answer

Depends on what sort of effect you're after. I blended one picture I did with Gamsol (an odorless paint thinner) after layering  and blending several layers of pencils to produce more of a "paint-like" effect.  I usually just self-blend them. Some people, especially those used to layering and blending the creamy, wax-based Prismacolor pencils, seem to have difficulty working with the oil-based, somewhat firmer "drier" Polychromos.  There is always some sort of learning curve when trying out new types of art materials. Since I never use baby oil to blend anything, I honestly can't even tell you how well they work with Polychromos pencils.  I can tell you that personally I find these pencils very easy to layer and blend on their own and they are a pleasure to work with.  I suggest that if you haven't worked with these pencils before, that rather than invest into a big sbcet, just buy the smallest set available, or  because they are available singly (open stock), you purchase a few of your favorite colors and just experiment with them.

ASIN	B000EWYCX0
Additional Features	Blendable, Eco Friendly, Fade Resistant, Long Lasting, Pre-Sharpened
Age Range Description	Adult
Best Sellers Rank	#15,453 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ( See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ) #99 in Drawing Pencils
Body Shape	Rectangular
Brand Name	Faber-Castell
Closure Type	Hinge
Color	Multicolor
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (9,926)
Drill Point	Fine
Global Trade Identification Number	04005401100119
Grip Type	Smooth
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Hardness	H
Included Components	Colored pencils, Tin case
Ink Base	Oil
Ink Color	assorted Colors
Item Diameter	3.8 millimeters
Item Dimensions	14.5 x 8 x 1.75 inches
Item Weight	0.7 kg
Line Size	1_0_1_9mm
Manufacturer	Faber-Castell
Material Type	Wood
Model Name	Polychromos Artists Color
Model Number	FC110011
Pattern	Single
Recommended Uses For Product	Drawing, Coloring
Style	Colour Pencils
Theme	Art
UPC	793518643882 888429057740 499995173194 689983147096 719243701499 046912994402
Unit Count	120 Count
Warranty Description	1 Year
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant
Writing Instrument Form	Colored Pencil

Polychromos Tin - 120 Pencils

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