Caran d'Ache Swisscolor Water-Soluble Colour Pencils - 18 Count

The Caran d’Ache Swisscolor 18 set includes 18 water-soluble colour pencils, an inspirational post...

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B&QB&Q - Caran D'ache Swisscolor 18 Assorted Water Soluble Colour Pencils + Poster In Metal Cylinder
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The RangeCaran D'ache Swisscolor 18 Water-Soluble Colour Pencils With Poster In Metal Cylinder - Assorted Colours
Free delivery in 1–3 days
£32.30
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Product Information

Full details

The Caran d'Ache Swisscolor 18-count set is designed for students, hobbyists, and professional artists who need a versatile, portable solution for sketching and mixed-media illustration. These pencils offer the convenience of dry drawing paired with the ability to create professional watercolor effects, though beginners should note that they require a quality brush and thick paper to achieve the best results without buckling.

All features

Model Part Number1438652
BrandCaran d'Ache

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Can I use these pencils on standard copy paper?

While they will leave color, standard copy paper will likely buckle and tear when water is applied. Using watercolor paper is recommended.

Are these pencils considered lightfast?

Swisscolor pencils are designed for students and hobbyists; for archival or permanent gallery work, check specific lightfastness ratings on the individual product packaging.

Do I need specific brushes to use with these pencils?

Any soft-bristled watercolor brush will work. Synthetic rounds are excellent for detailed work.

Can I sharpen these with an electric sharpener?

Yes, but use one with a high-quality blade to prevent the soft core from getting chewed up inside the mechanism.

Can these be used for adult coloring books?

Yes, they are excellent for adult coloring books, offering much smoother application than standard coloring pencils.

How do I create a color gradient?

Layer two different colors side-by-side on the paper and use a clean, damp brush to gently pull the colors toward each other until they blend.

Troubleshooting

Pencil lead keeps breaking during sharpening.

Use a sharp, high-quality pencil sharpener and avoid over-sharpening the tip to a needle point.

Paper is buckling when applying water.

Ensure you are using at least 200gsm watercolor-specific paper and use less water during the blending process.

Pigment is not blending smoothly.

Apply more pigment to the paper before adding water, or use a softer brush to gently pull the color.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent color payoff and saturation
  • Extremely versatile for both sketching and painting
  • Compact metal storage tin is perfect for portability
  • Smooth texture makes blending effortless

Cons

  • Requires high-grammage paper to prevent warping
  • Fewer colors than professional-grade open-stock lines
  • Requires additional purchase of brushes for water effects

Setup, Compatibility & Care

To ensure the longevity of your pencils, always store them in the provided metal cylinder to prevent moisture ingress or lead damage. When sharpening, use a dedicated high-quality pencil sharpener to maintain the integrity of the wood casing. For the best watercolor results, pair these pencils with cold-press watercolor paper that has a weight of at least 200gsm. When cleaning up, simply wipe your brushes thoroughly after use with water to prevent pigment buildup. If you choose to blend with water, start with a minimal amount of moisture to maintain control over the intensity of the pigment.

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