Faber-Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor Premier are the two most recommended colored pencil lines in the art world, and they represent fundamentally different philosophies of what a colored pencil should be. Faber-Castell builds theirs around precision, durability, and archival quality. Prismacolor builds theirs around softness, vibrancy, and blendability.
Neither approach is objectively better. They’re different tools that excel in different situations. This head-to-head comparison will help you understand exactly how they differ so you can make the right choice for your style, subjects, and budget.
The Fundamental Difference: Oil vs. Wax
Before comparing anything else, you need to understand the core distinction between these two pencils: their binder.
Faber-Castell Polychromos uses an oil-based binder. The pigment is suspended in an oil matrix that produces a firmer, more controlled application. Oil-based pencils resist wax bloom (that milky haze that appears on heavy wax applications), sharpen to a finer point, and maintain that point longer.
Prismacolor Premier uses a wax-based binder. The pigment is suspended in a wax matrix that produces a softer, creamier application. Wax-based pencils lay down color more quickly, blend more easily, and produce more vibrant initial applications. However, they’re prone to wax bloom, break more easily, and dull faster.
This single difference — oil versus wax — cascades through every aspect of the drawing experience.
Pigment Quality
Faber-Castell Polychromos
Faber-Castell uses high-quality, finely ground pigments in the Polychromos line. The pigment concentration is high, and the color mixing is thoughtful — each color is formulated to be as pure and lightfast as possible. Many colors in the range use single-pigment formulations, which means they mix cleaner and maintain more vibrancy when layered with other colors.
The lightfastness ratings are exceptional. Faber-Castell rates each color on a star system (maximum 5 stars = «excellent lightfastness»), and the vast majority of Polychromos colors achieve 4 or 5 stars. This means your artwork will resist fading for decades, even when displayed in normal room lighting.
Color range: 120 colors
Prismacolor Premier
Prismacolor also uses quality pigments, but the formulation philosophy is different. Colors tend to be more vibrant and punchy right off the core. Where Polychromos colors are nuanced and slightly muted (in a sophisticated way), Prismacolor colors are bold and eye-catching.
The lightfastness situation is more problematic. Prismacolor has historically been less transparent about lightfastness ratings, and independent testing has revealed that some colors — particularly certain reds, purples, and pinks — fade significantly under UV exposure. For artists who sell originals, this is a legitimate concern.
Color range: 150 colors
Verdict
Faber-Castell wins for archival quality and pigment purity. Prismacolor wins for initial vibrancy and the larger color range (150 vs. 120). If your work will be displayed, exhibited, or sold, Polychromos’ superior lightfastness is the safer choice. If your work is scanned digitally, lightfastness is irrelevant and Prismacolor’s vibrancy is an advantage.
Application and Layering
How Polychromos Feels on Paper
Drawing with a Polychromos pencil feels precise and controlled. The oil-based core is firm — not hard or scratchy, but firm in a way that gives you control over exactly where the pigment goes. You can draw fine details without the point mushing out, and you can apply light, delicate layers without accidentally depositing too much color.
Layering with Polychromos is methodical. Each layer deposits a thin, controlled amount of pigment. Building up to full saturation takes more layers (typically 4–6) compared to Prismacolor, but the result is more nuanced and less likely to create a waxy, slippery surface that resists further application.
The oil binder also means that Polychromos handles erasure better. You can lift pigment with a kneaded eraser even after several layers, enabling corrections and highlights that are much harder with wax-based pencils.
How Prismacolor Feels on Paper
Drawing with a Prismacolor Premier feels buttery and rich. The soft, wax-based core glides across paper with minimal effort, depositing a thick layer of vivid color. It’s immediately satisfying — the color payoff from a single pass is impressive, and large areas can be filled quickly.
Layering with Prismacolor reaches full saturation faster (typically 2–3 layers), which is a significant time advantage for large pieces. However, the wax binder creates a slick surface once several layers are applied, and at a certain point the paper simply can’t accept more pigment. This is called «wax buildup,» and it limits the total number of layers you can apply.
Blending is where Prismacolor genuinely shines. The soft wax core allows colors to merge on the paper surface when applied with overlapping strokes. You can also use a colorless blender pencil to burnish the surface, creating smooth, luminous blends that look almost airbrushed.
Verdict
Polychromos for control and detailed work. Prismacolor for speed, vibrancy, and blending. Technical botanical illustrators, architects, and anyone who values precision will prefer Polychromos. Portraitists, colorists, and anyone who values rich blending will prefer Prismacolor.
Blending Comparison
Prismacolor Blending
Prismacolor pencils are the easier of the two to blend, hands down. The soft wax core responds to:
- Layered blending: Overlap two colors with circular or directional strokes; the wax binder allows the colors to mix optically and physically on the paper surface.
- Burnishing: Apply heavy pressure with a light color or colorless blender over multiple colors to fuse them into a smooth, shiny surface.
- Solvent blending: Apply mineral spirits (odorless turpenoid) or specialized blending markers over Prismacolor layers to dissolve the wax binder and create a painterly, smooth effect.
The results are rich, vibrant, and smooth. Prismacolor blending is one of the main reasons the brand has such a passionate following.
Polychromos Blending
Polychromos blending is subtler and requires more technique. The firmer core doesn’t merge as readily:
- Layered blending: Works, but requires more layers and lighter pressure than Prismacolor. The result is a more subtle, granular blend rather than a smooth fusion.
- Burnishing: Possible but more difficult. The oil binder resists burnishing more than wax, so you need more pressure and more passes. The result is less glossy and more matte than Prismacolor burnishing.
- Solvent blending: Polychromos responds to mineral spirits and turpenoid, and the results are actually very good — perhaps even better than Prismacolor for this specific technique. The oil binder dissolves evenly, creating smooth washes that maintain color integrity.
Verdict
Prismacolor for easy, intuitive blending. Polychromos for more controlled, subtle blending, especially with solvents. Beginners will find Prismacolor’s blending more immediately rewarding. Advanced artists may appreciate Polychromos’ greater control.
Durability and Practical Concerns
Breakage
This is Prismacolor’s biggest weakness. The soft, wax-based core is inherently fragile. Internal breaks (where the core fractures inside the wood casing) are frustratingly common, especially in pencils that have been dropped or shipped roughly. Sharpening a pencil only to have the core fall out in chunks is a well-known Prismacolor experience.
Polychromos pencils almost never break. The oil-based core is tough and resilient. You can drop them, sharpen them aggressively, and press firmly without fear of breakage. The SV bonding process Faber-Castell uses (which glues the core to the wood along its entire length) makes the pencil extremely sturdy.
Winner: Faber-Castell, by a mile.
Sharpening
Polychromos pencils sharpen to a fine point and hold that point for a long time. The firm core simply doesn’t dull as quickly. A single sharpening can last for 10–15 minutes of drawing.
Prismacolor pencils sharpen to a decent point but dull much faster. The soft core wears down quickly, especially under pressure. You’ll sharpen a Prismacolor pencil 3–4 times as often as a Polychromos. And with each sharpening, you risk the core breaking.
For sharpening equipment, Polychromos works well with any quality sharpener — manual, electric, or blade. Prismacolor is pickier; a long-point sharpener or careful hand-sharpening with a blade is recommended to avoid the leverage-induced breaks that standard sharpeners can cause.
Winner: Faber-Castell, definitively.
Wax Bloom
Wax bloom is a phenomenon unique to wax-based pencils. After heavily applying Prismacolor over multiple layers, a milky, whitish haze can appear on the surface days or weeks later. This haze mutes colors and creates an unwanted matte film.
The fix is simple — wipe the surface with a soft cloth or spray with a fixative — but it’s an ongoing maintenance concern. Every Prismacolor artist deals with it eventually.
Polychromos, being oil-based, does not produce wax bloom. What you see when you finish drawing is what the artwork will look like permanently (subject to lightfastness considerations).
Winner: Faber-Castell.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Faber-Castell Polychromos | Prismacolor Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Binder type | Oil-based | Wax-based |
| Core hardness | Firm | Soft |
| Color range | 120 | 150 |
| Price per pencil | $2.00–$3.00 | $1.50–$2.50 |
| Full set price | ~$280 (120 set) | ~$200 (150 set) |
| Blending ease | Moderate (excellent w/ solvent) | Easy (natural, burnishing) |
| Layering capacity | High (many layers) | Moderate (wax buildup limit) |
| Lightfastness | Excellent (most 4–5 stars) | Variable (some colors fade) |
| Breakage resistance | Excellent | Poor (soft core, internal breaks) |
| Point retention | Excellent | Poor (dulls quickly) |
| Wax bloom | None | Yes (heavy applications) |
| Eraseability | Good | Limited (after heavy application) |
| Vibrancy | Nuanced, sophisticated | Bold, punchy |
| Best for | Detail, archival, botanical | Blending, portraits, coloring |
Best Use Cases for Each Brand
When to Choose Faber-Castell Polychromos
Botanical illustration: The precision, fine point, lightfastness, and layering control are tailor-made for detailed plant studies. The nuanced, natural color palette excels at capturing subtle greens, earth tones, and organic textures.
Architectural rendering: The firm core maintains a sharp point for straight lines and fine detail. The oil binder allows for precise application without smudging.
Technical illustration: Anything requiring accuracy and clean lines benefits from Polychromos’ controlled application.
Work for sale or exhibition: The superior lightfastness means your originals will look the same in 20 years as they do today.
Mixed media with markers: Polychromos layer beautifully over dried alcohol marker color, adding detail and texture. The oil binder sits on top of the marker ink without reactivating it. Best alcohol markers buyer guide
When to Choose Prismacolor Premier
Portraits and skin tones: The soft blending and rich color palette (Prismacolor’s skin tone range is extensive) make it the preferred tool for portrait artists.
Adult coloring books: The easy application and vibrant colors are ideal for coloring books. Quick coverage, intuitive blending, and immediate visual impact.
Pop art and bold illustration: When you want maximum vibrancy and impact, Prismacolor’s punchy colors deliver.
Large-area color work: The soft core covers ground quickly, making Prismacolor more efficient for large pieces.
Speed drawing and live events: If you’re drawing at a convention, live event, or speed challenge, Prismacolor’s quick application and easy blending save valuable time.
Can You Use Both Together?
Absolutely, and many professional colored pencil artists do exactly this. A common workflow:
- Lay down base colors with Prismacolor — Take advantage of the soft core’s quick coverage to establish your color foundation
- Add details and refine with Polychromos — Use the firm point for fine lines, textures, and sharp edges
- Blend Prismacolor areas with solvent — Smooth out the wax layers
- Finish with Polychromos for final details — The oil binder applies cleanly over burnished wax surfaces
The two binder types coexist on paper without conflict. You can layer oil over wax and wax over oil, though oil over wax tends to adhere better in heavy applications.
Budget Considerations
Initial Investment
Prismacolor is generally cheaper per pencil ($1.50–$2.50) than Polychromos ($2.00–$3.00). The 150-color Prismacolor set (~$200) costs less than the 120-color Polychromos set (~$280). On initial price alone, Prismacolor wins.
Long-Term Cost
However, Prismacolor pencils wear down faster (soft core), break more often (requiring replacement), and the shorter point retention means more wood is consumed per hour of drawing. Polychromos pencils last significantly longer per unit, which narrows the cost gap over time.
For a professional artist using colored pencils daily, the annual cost difference between the two brands is relatively small — perhaps $50–$100 per year in favor of Polychromos’ durability.
The Smart Budget Approach
If money is limited, start with a 24 or 36 set of Prismacolor Premier. It’s the more affordable entry point, and the immediate vibrancy and blending ease are encouraging for beginners. As your skills develop and you identify your preferences, you can add Polychromos pencils in specific colors or transition gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which colored pencils are better for beginners: Faber-Castell or Prismacolor?
Prismacolor Premier is generally better for beginners. The soft, forgiving application and easy blending produce visually rewarding results quickly, which is encouraging when you’re learning. Polychromos’ firmer application and subtler blending can feel less immediately satisfying, though the control it offers becomes valuable as skills develop. Start with Prismacolor to build confidence, then explore Polychromos as your technique matures.
Do professional artists use Prismacolor or Faber-Castell?
Both. Professional botanical illustrators, scientific illustrators, and artists who sell originals tend to favor Polychromos for its lightfastness and precision. Professional portrait artists, coloring book illustrators, and commercial artists who deliver digital scans tend to favor Prismacolor for its blending and vibrancy. Many professionals own both sets and use them for different projects.
Can I fix Prismacolor’s breakage problem?
Partially. Store your Prismacolor pencils horizontally (never drop them). Sharpen with a long-point sharpener or hand-sharpen with a blade to reduce stress on the core. Some artists microwave their Prismacolor pencils for 10–15 seconds to re-melt the wax and seal internal fractures, though this carries risk and isn’t officially recommended. Ultimately, some breakage is inherent to the soft wax formulation — it’s the trade-off for the creamy application.
Are there good alternatives to both brands?
Yes. Caran d’Ache Luminance (wax-based, professional grade) are considered superior to Prismacolor by many artists, with better lightfastness and fewer breakage issues — but they’re significantly more expensive. Derwent Coloursoft (wax-based, mid-range) offers a softer alternative to Polychromos without Prismacolor’s breakage problems. Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor (oil-based) is a budget alternative to Polychromos with similar characteristics. Lyra brand page
How should I store my colored pencils?
Both brands should be stored horizontally in a case, pouch, or tray — never standing upright in a cup, which can cause drops and damage. Avoid extreme heat (which softens wax cores and can cause warping) and extreme cold (which can make cores brittle). For Prismacolor specifically, avoid any storage situation where pencils can roll and fall — even a short drop can cause internal breaks that you won’t discover until you sharpen.
