Faber-Castell vs. Derwent: Ultimate Pencil Showdown

Faber-Castell vs. Derwent

Which brand will reign supreme in your pencil case: the timeless craftsmanship of Faber-Castell or the innovative flair of Derwent?

Are you ready to take your art to the NEXT LEVEL? In this ultimate showdown, we pit Faber-Castell’s vibrant Polychromos pencils against Derwent’s versatile Inktense pencils. Designed for artists and crafters, we’ll uncover the unique features, benefits, and overall performance of each brand to help you choose your perfect companion.


Discover the ultimate comparison between Faber-Castell and Derwent pencils, tailored for artists and crafters alike. We will explore the features, benefits, and overall performance of each brand.

Artistic Excellence

9.2

This set offers top-notch quality with vibrant colors and excellent blending capabilities, making it a favorite among artists and crafters alike. Its durability and lightfastness make it a worthwhile investment for serious colorists.

Vibrant Versatility

8.5

Derwent’s Inktense pencils offer a unique medium that combines vibrant colors with the permanence of ink, making them suitable for a variety of art styles. They require some adjustment for optimal use but can deliver stunning results once mastered.

Faber-Castell Pencils

Colour Vibrancy
9.5
Lightfastness
10
Blending Capability
8.5
Break Resistance
9
User Experience
9

Derwent Inktense

Colour Vibrancy
9
Lightfastness
8
Blending Capability
8
Versatility
9
User Experience
8.5

Faber-Castell Pencils

Advantages
  • High-quality pigments
  • Excellent lightfastness
  • Smooth blending
  • Durable and break-resistant
  • Wide color range

Derwent Inktense

Advantages
  • Intense, vibrant colors
  • Permanent once dry
  • Versatile for different techniques
  • Compact and travel-friendly
  • Good for fabric painting

Faber-Castell Pencils

Drawbacks
  • Higher price point
  • May be too soft for detailed work
  • Requires specific paper for best results

Derwent Inktense

Drawbacks
  • Not traditional watercolour
  • Color swatches can be misleading
  • May require specific paper for best results
1

Product Overview: Faber-Castell Polychromos vs. Derwent Inktense

Faber-Castell Polychromos Colour Pencil

The Faber-Castell Art & Graphic Polychromos Colour Pencil set features 36 high-quality pencils designed for artists, crafters, and students alike. Boasting a thick 3.8 mm lead, these pencils offer a soft, vibrant colour laydown, making them perfect for drawing and sketching. The acid-free pigments ensure unsurpassed lightfastness, meaning your artworks will resist fading over time. With water-resistant and smudge-proof properties, these pencils deliver reliability in a variety of artistic applications.

Specifications:

Price: Approx. 49 GBP
Lead Size: 3.8 mm
Number of Colours: 36
Weight: 150 g

Derwent Inktense Permanent Watercolour Pencils

The Derwent Inktense Watercolour Pencils come in a set of 24 and are designed for versatility. With a 4 mm premium core, these pencils blend beautifully and act like ink when activated with water, resulting in vibrant, permanent colours that are ideal for various crafting techniques, including fabric painting. Their compact tin packaging makes them perfect for travel, catering to both hobbyists and professionals.

Specifications:

Price: Approx. 39 GBP
Lead Size: 4 mm
Number of Colours: 24
Weight: 10 g

Both products demonstrate unique strengths, appealing to different artistic needs.

2

Performance and Usability: Which Pencil Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to performance, both Faber-Castell Polychromos and Derwent Inktense pencils offer remarkable qualities that cater to different artistic preferences.

Faber-Castell Polychromos

Color Richness: These pencils deliver a rich and vibrant pigmentation thanks to their high-quality acid-free pigments.
Blendability: The smooth application allows for effortless blending, creating stunning gradients and rich layers.
Ease of Use: The 3.8 mm lead has a perfect balance of softness, making them suitable for detailed work, although some artists might find them too soft for extreme precision.

Derwent Inktense

Color Richness: The Inktense pencils offer intense colors that activate when water is applied, resulting in vivid hues that shine.
Blendability: They blend smoothly and can be layered, perfect for varying techniques including watercolor effects.
Ease of Use: With a 4 mm core, these pencils are slightly firmer, making them ideal for controlled application, especially on fabric.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the vibrant, traditional color application of Faber-Castell or the unique, water-soluble ink effects of Derwent. Each has its strengths that can elevate your artistic endeavors!

Feature Comparison

Faber-Castell Pencils vs. Derwent Inktense
VS
Price (Approx)
49 GBP
VS
39 GBP
Number of Pencils
36
VS
24
Pencil Lead Size
3.8 mm
VS
4 mm
Lightfastness Rating
Excellent
VS
Good
Water Resistance
Yes
VS
Permanent once dry
3

Price and Value: Are They Worth Your Investment?

When it comes to price, both the Faber-Castell Polychromos and Derwent Inktense pencils offer compelling quality, but they cater to slightly different user needs.

Faber-Castell Polychromos

Price: Approx. 49 GBP
Value for Professionals: These pencils are a solid investment for serious artists needing high-quality, lightfast pigments and superb blendability. Their longevity and performance make them worthwhile for intricate artwork.
Who Should Buy: Best suited for professionals or dedicated hobbyists looking for reliability and advanced features.

Derwent Inktense

Price: Approx. 39 GBP
Value for Versatility: Ideal for artists exploring mixed-media techniques, the Inktense pencils transform into permanent ink with water. This feature adds a unique twist to your work, making them versatile and accessible.
Who Should Buy: Perfect for hobbyists and crafters who appreciate fun, flexible mediums without breaking the bank.

In summary, Faber-Castell Polychromos cater to those seeking premium quality and durability, while Derwent Inktense provides versatile, budget-friendly options for creative experimentation. Your choice should reflect your artistic aspirations and frequency of use!


Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Pencil for You

In conclusion, if you’re seeking premium quality with exceptional lightfastness and blending capabilities, Faber-Castell Polychromos is the clear winner for serious artists. However, for those who value versatility and enjoy experimenting with water-soluble applications, the Derwent Inktense pencils offer great value at a lower price. Which creative path will you explore first?

Share:

Craft Product Reviews:

Send Us A Message