Metallic colored pencils offer a unique shimmer and shine to artwork, making them a favorite among artists looking to add a touch of brilliance to their creations. This section delves into the features of Derwent Metallic Pencils and the lightfastness of metallic colored pencils.
Derwent Metallic Pencils are renowned for their highly metallic and shimmering effects. These pencils blend beautifully together, creating vivid and striking results, especially on dark paper. The intense metallic formulation and strong core enhance the appearance of the color, resulting in brilliant definition and rich application.
Key characteristics of Derwent Metallic Pencils include:
- Soft and Creamy Core: The new Derwent Metallic Coloured Pencils boast a soft and creamy wax-based core that glides smoothly on paper. This core is softer and creamier than that of Prismacolor pencils.
- Barrel Design: The pencils come in a rose gold colored barrel with a 7.5mm diameter and a 3.5mm core. The barrel displays the words “Derwent Metallic” and a pigment name, along with a number for easy reordering. The iconic diagonal flash on the end of the barrel represents the pigment color.
Derwent Metallic Pencils are available in various packaging options, including a set of 12, a 20th Anniversary set of 20 pencils, blister packs of 6 in different shades, and limited edition sets that include a copper ruler or a copper paperweight.
Lightfastness refers to a pigment’s resistance to fading when exposed to light. This is an important factor for artists who want their work to remain vibrant and true to color over time.
Out of the 20 colors in the Derwent Metallic range, 15 are rated 8 on the Blue Wool Lightfast scale, indicating excellent lightfastness and offering 100 plus years of protection. Two of the pencils are rated 6, one is rated 5, and two are rated 2 (The Art Gear Guide).
Color Count |
Lightfast Rating |
Lightfast Value |
15 |
8 |
100+ years |
2 |
6 |
Very Good |
1 |
5 |
Good |
2 |
2 |
Fair |
Overall, the lightfast rating of the 20 Derwent Metallic Colored Pencils is excellent, making them a reliable choice for artists concerned about the longevity of their artwork.
To explore more on the topic, check out our detailed guides on professional color pencils and best color pencils for artists.
Top Brands and Quality Standards
When selecting metallic colored pencils, understanding the brands that set quality standards and comparing their lightfastness is crucial for artists.
Brands Setting Quality Standards
Several manufacturers are renowned for their high-quality metallic colored pencils. Brands like Derwent, Sanford, and Royal Talens Van Gogh have participated in developing the ASTM quality standard for colored pencils. These standards ensure that the pencils meet specific criteria for lightfastness and overall quality, making them reliable choices for artists.
Derwent is particularly notable for their metallic colored pencils, which are well-regarded for their vibrant colors and durability. Royal Talens Van Gogh is another top-tier brand, known for their exceptional lightfastness, with colors lasting over 100 years.
Lightfastness Comparisons
Lightfastness is a critical factor when choosing metallic colored pencils, as it indicates how well the colors will resist fading over time. Here is a comparison of lightfastness ratings for some top brands:
Brand |
Lightfast Rating |
Duration |
Derwent Metallic |
15 colors rated 8, 2 rated 6, 1 rated 5, 2 rated 2 |
Up to 100+ years (The Art Gear Guide) |
Royal Talens Van Gogh |
Colors rated 4-5 stars |
100+ years (Making A Mark) |
Schmincke |
3 stars for 25 years, 4-5 stars for 100+ years |
25 to 100+ years (Making A Mark) |
Derwent Metallic pencils have an excellent lightfast rating, with most colors offering over 100 years of protection against fading. Royal Talens Van Gogh pencils also perform exceptionally well, with colors that can last over a century. Schmincke offers a range of lightfast ratings, with their most lightfast colors also lasting over 100 years.
For more information on the best brands and quality standards for colored pencils, visit our guide on best colored pencil brands. Additionally, explore other colored pencil options like pastel colored pencils and oil-based colored pencils to find the perfect tools for your artistic needs.
When it comes to metallic colored pencils, Derwent stands out as a trusted name in the art world. With their unique blend of quality and innovation, these pencils offer exceptional performance for artists of all levels.
Core Characteristics
Derwent Metallic Coloured Pencils have a soft and creamy wax-based core that glides smoothly on paper. The core is known for being softer and creamier than that of Prismacolor pencils, making them ideal for blending and layering (The Art Gear Guide).
These pencils feature a 7.5mm diameter barrel with a 3.5mm core. The barrel is rose gold in color and displays the words “Derwent Metallic” along with the pigment name and a number for easy reordering. The iconic diagonal flash on the end of the barrel represents the pigment color, adding a touch of elegance to the design.
Out of the 20 colors available in the Derwent Metallic range, 15 are rated 8 on the Blue Wool Lightfast scale, indicating excellent lightfastness and offering over 100 years of protection. Here’s a breakdown of the lightfast ratings:
Lightfast Rating |
Number of Colors |
8 |
15 |
6 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
These ratings ensure that the colors will remain vibrant and true over time, making them ideal for professional use and long-term projects (The Art Gear Guide).
Packaging and Sets Available
Derwent Metallic Coloured Pencils come in various packaging options to cater to different needs and preferences. These include:
- Set of 12: A basic set that includes a versatile range of colors.
- 20th Anniversary Set of 20: Celebrating two decades of excellence, this set includes all 20 colors in the range.
- Blister Packs of 6: Available in different shades, these packs offer a more affordable option for those looking to try out the pencils.
- Limited Edition Sets: These special sets include unique accessories like a copper ruler or a copper paperweight, making them perfect gifts for art enthusiasts.
Set Type |
Number of Colors |
Special Features |
Standard Set |
12 |
Basic range of colors |
Anniversary Set |
20 |
Complete range of colors |
Blister Pack |
6 |
Different shades |
Limited Edition |
Varies |
Includes copper accessories |
For more information about other top brands and their quality standards, you can visit our page on best colored pencil brands.
By understanding the core characteristics and available sets of Derwent Metallic Pencils, artists can make informed decisions that best suit their artistic needs. Whether you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, these pencils offer a unique blend of quality and performance that can enhance any creative project. For tips on using these pencils, check out our section on blending techniques.
Metallic colored pencils offer a unique shimmer and shine that can enhance your artwork. To make the most out of these pencils, it’s essential to understand proper blending techniques and the importance of paper quality and layering.
Blending Techniques
Blending metallic colored pencils can be slightly different compared to non-metallic ones. The “metallic-ness” of these pencils often results in varying blending outcomes. For example, Faber-Castell Polychromos Metallic Copper blends well with odorless mineral spirits (OMS), while Metallic Silver and Metallic Gold may not blend as smoothly (Carrie Lewis Fine Art). Experimenting with different blending tools and techniques can help achieve the desired effect.
Blending Techniques:
- Blending with OMS: Test different metallic colors to see how they interact with OMS. Start with a small area to gauge the result.
- Layering and Burnishing: Apply multiple layers of metallic pencils and use a burnishing tool to blend and smooth the layers.
- Blending Stumps: Use blending stumps or tortillons for detailed areas to achieve a smooth transition between colors.
Paper Quality and Layering Techniques
The quality of paper plays a significant role in the outcome of metallic colored pencil artwork. Metallic colors often appear more vibrant and impactful on high-quality paper.
Paper Quality:
- Black Paper: Using black paper can enhance the metallic effect, making the colors stand out more vividly. Experiment with different paper textures to see which works best for your style.
- Smooth vs. Textured Paper: Smooth paper allows for finer details, while textured paper can add a unique effect to your metallic layers.
Layering Techniques:
- Base Layers: Start with a light base layer of metallic color, gradually building up to achieve the desired intensity.
- Mixed Media: Combine metallic pencils with other mediums like watercolor or ink for added depth and contrast.
- Selective Use: Use metallic pencils selectively in your artwork. For instance, adding a subtle gleam to a horse’s bit or a buckle can create a striking effect, but avoid using them in areas like animal hair or eyes where metallic glints may seem out of place.
For more information on high-quality colored pencils and their uses, visit our sections on professional color pencils and best color pencils for artists. To explore different blending techniques and paper types, check out our articles on colored pencils for shading and softcore colored pencils.
By experimenting with various blending techniques and understanding the importance of paper quality and layering, you can fully harness the magical effects of metallic colored pencils in your artwork.