Which Colour Pencils Should You Buy? | Polychromos vs. Prismacolor vs. Luminance

If you've been wondering which colour pencils to buy, in this video I'll be taking a look at Prismacolor, Faber-Castell Polychromos and Caran D'ache Luminance - 3 of the most popular brands of high-end pencils. We'll see what they do best and where they fall short.
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Amazon US
Caran D'ache Luminance Color Pencils: amzn.to/2MtnOyi
Prismacolor Colored Pencils: amzn.to/3pP1Dkx
Faber-Castell Polychromos Color Pencils: amzn.to/2KVIoa4
Strathmore Bristol Board Paper: amzn.to/2Ldu2BQ
Amazon UK
Caran D'ache Luminance Colour Pencils: amzn.to/2X4r6tZ
Prismacolor Colour Pencils: amzn.to/3hD8v1q
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colour Pencils: amzn.to/3obkINo
Seawhite Bristol Board Paper: amzn.to/2KQ2iU2
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#PencilArt #Luminance #Polychromos #Prismacolor

[@UTleochi]

Lovely comparison between those three pencils! You've covered the essentials in a wonderful way. Polychromos are my go-to-pencils, Prismacolors for lazy days, and Luminance when I want to feel particularly luxurious. The latter are so expensive and wear down more quickly than the Polychromos. (Oh, and the Luminance a just soooo expensive! What bugs me about the Prismas is that they are only available in sets where I live, and that they break so easily. They wear down so quickly, too.) There is quite a difference between oil and wax based, I find. The transparency of Polychromos reminds me of watercolours, whereas the wax based pencils are more like gouache to me. Being mainly a watercolour artist, I somehow gravitate more to transparent pencils in general.

[@GemmaChambersArt]

I'm glad you liked it! I have to agree, Polychromos are my day-to-day pencils (helped by individual pencils being stocked in a shop close to me). I think they're great all rounders, but there are plenty of situations where Luminance and Prismacolor's vibrancy can elevate the drawing that little bit further. I didn't think about the watercolour comparison but I think you're quite right!

[@margaretgomer8782]

I can’t get over the price of pencils.they seem to have skyrocketed

[@baffledbrandon3132]

I would say Luminance is the best. Not only do they have the least cons, but you also get the best of both Polychromos and Prismacolor.

[@SarahAndBoston]

Fantastic and comprehensive video, thank you!

[@TheMoonlight32]

Thank you very much for the comparison video. Very helpful indeed.

[@DrunkenlySoberGamer]

Thank you! This helped me a lot. I’m going for polychromos 🙏

[@a.r.d.snotionart5992]

Your videos are incredible. I really loved those tips and details you give in each of your videos. Thank you for your dedication and generosity!

[@jilliandreams]

Great review breakdown

[@GmaReezScrapShack]

this was by far, the best video for comparison... THANK YOU for sharing!

[@piawartsback395]

Can u do a Luminance vs Derwent Light Fast comparison challenge ?

[@LePetitChatNoir79]

I’ve been super fortunate with my Prismacolors. I love them, but someday I’d like the Luminance pencils. 😍

[@jenniferspencer3658]

Amazing video! ❤️

[@ReinaShebba]

I got the 3 of them. Prismacolor is my favorito because they are the one that I use since I was kid and make me love art. Polychromos come in second because it make me slowdown and focus. They are also so beautiful 😍. And Luminance are good too. I like the resistance to fade... Therefore I use all of them. It's difficult to decide. !!

[@JoeB_BSc]

I am really pleased I opted for the full polychromos set

[@dharmaofdog7676]

Thank you for this Video - you hit all of the important Elements clearly & precisely. It really helped narrow down my Research which often feels ENDLESS when trying to make decisions about ANY Medium be it Watercolors, Oils, Pastels or Colored Pencils ! & may I comment on your Eyes? I had to look EXTREMELY hard to find any line Drawing difference between those Eyes! you duplicated even the Lashes themselves ! incredible & all, quite beautiful.

[@robertmac7833]

I want to thank you for this excellent video! When I was a boy, I used to draw and paint a LOT. Then as I grew older, it fell by the wayside. Then recently, I ran into the amazing work of John Sloane, and I was BLOWN AWAY by his amazing depictions of country living! He’s now my new hero! I am inspired to start all over in drawing from scratch, so I came here to KZbin to find this great video! I have really tried to determine what medium John uses to create his masterpieces, but it’s very difficult! I THINK he uses colored pencils, but I am not sure. Can you help me? Whatever medium he uses to create those beautiful scenes is the way I want to go. I’d appreciate any advice you can give.

[@am_sanchita2722]

The prices of prismacolor and luminance differ vastly in India and UK/USA. The luminance box which costs more than 50k in Indian currency would cost me even lesser than 25k if I get them through a friend or relative from US. And that's the same with prismacolor too!

[@claritzairosario68]

Absolutly wonderful! Thank you for do this video of this three brands, I have Polychromos, and a set of Prisma...but Prisma, in this set of 48 pencils...13 are not lightfast, so, I put them apart, It's a shame, because I need all of them. I want the Luminance...but is too expensive for me...almost all the time, I am comparing prices between the Luminance and the Derwent Lightfast. I think these are a little cheaper than the Luminance at the moment. Derwent Lightfast...

[@jmizunokays6891]

Thank you for comparing the oil-based pencils to the wax-based pencils, especially concerning layering, blending, and detail work. Now I understand that the "scratchiness" of the harder, oil-based pencils doesn't make them inferior to the smoother wax-based experience. I've liked and subscribed!

[@suwesterman6450]

Thanks ever so. Brilliant video.

[@melbright100]

Good content here I personally like the prismacolors the best I find they work the best for me for portrait and animal drawing...I find they blent ok and are a better choice that crayola colored pencils...true you have to treat the end piece to keep the color from fading or rubbing off but their price for a complete set is worth the extra care for the finished result

[@valeriegehling4358]

As I own Polychromos but, they‘re a new medium for me, I too, although not as experienced as you, felt that the Polychromos scratched just a little, or I could relate to your explanation. Though I like you think they’re special pencils. Also found it takes time to shade with them, but won’t be buying new pencils any time soon! Thanks for filming your experiences!

[@nopseudosleft56]

Just discovered your videos and love them! Like, subscribe, binge! 😊😊

[@mdawson5581]

The best is dependant on your budget. If you are flush, it’s Caran d’ache Luminance, on a budget go for Prismacolor (both wax based. The best inbetween is Polychromos (oil based)

[@deirdrestoneham137]

Thank you very much for your videos on coloured pencils. I have learnt so much from you. When you say subscribe how much is it

[@Winchestered67]

I've got all three sets. My absolute favorites are the polychromos. They force me to slow down and develop my colors slowly. The Prismacolors are my least favorite, but only because they are built so poorly and wear down so fast. I love the colors, but with the constant wax bloom and poor construction, I will likely not be replacing them.

[@Nora-jt9zy]

I see so many talking about Prismacolor being their favorite pencils. I decided to go for Polychromos when I bought my colored pencils, and I absolutely love them. I don’t find them “scratchy”, as the reviewer talked about, and I was so happy to read your comment about you thinking the Polychromos are your favorites, as I see that so many are “collecting” different pencil sets, and I’ve been thinking about starting to slowly build up the Luminance collection. Maybe I don’t “need to” 😊

[@the-red-ghost]

Where I live prisma colors are more expensive they're more than 200 dollars for the 150 set but the polycromos are 126 dollars and I didn't know which one to get

[@fotoalive]

Great tutorials Gemma! I want to encourage you to keep doing videos and grow big because you are such a Great teacher ,I would like to mention to you that you are from UK right,so you have a strong accent and people from all over the planet are watching you ,so it is important that you always bear that in mind to never speak too fast and have the music very low in the background ,so it does not take so much concentration to clearly understand you. I'm French and understand English very well , but UK accent is not obvious for many people on this planet! That said! Keep going at it! Gemma! You love to do this ,we can feel your passion! Bravo! Merci!

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm so thankful there are people that want to watch my videos 😀 I will always try to be as clear as possible, I might even make some much slower real-time videos so I don't have to rush through everything!

[@Miauwies]

I didn't have a problem with the accent. And I'm Dutch

[@rta3738]

Gemma your speaking speed is just fine for this American. Some of the other KZbin instructors speak so fast and so much my ears hurt.

[@fotoalive]

@@rta3738 That is very true ! some of them you would need slow down the speed of the video lol! or just choose other ones, I love Gemma and will keep following her! 😀

[@gerryking1534]

@@GemmaChambersArt I don't have a problem with your accent and I'm from the US.

[@Miauwies]

This is the best comparesing video I have seen. Thank you so much!♥️ Still I'm doubting haha. My mom has bought me prisma's and they are on there way to me. I want to draw animals most of the time, but I so lot's of hair. But also want to draw and blend other drawings. I have 10 (ish) pablo pencils and often I think they are harder to blend. Wich is logical because they are oil based. I can't make up my mind, Pablo's, poly's or lumi's. Or buy some of 2 kinds... 🤔

[@GemmaChambersArt]

See what you like (or don't like) about the Prismacolors when they arrive. I think they'll work well for animals and blending, just remember they're not as good with fading under sunlight.

[@Miauwies]

@@GemmaChambersArt Thank you

[@nicoleandreaestevesvaldivi6644]

Hi! For animals, polychromos would be better because the tip doesn’t wear out easily so it’s better for doing details. Prismacolors blend colors faster so it’s easier for doing skin but when you want to draw details you have to sharpen it A LOT

[@condorreades2148]

How about a review of Derwent pencils? I have been using Coloursoft, Drawing, Studio, Watercolor and Inktense, all of which have varying properties and all of which I love. I began drawing with Derwent pencils 35 years ago and I still love them. It seems to me Polychromos and Prismacolor get most of the attention most of the time which is unfortunate.

[@alistairhodge833]

Good video, can you confirm what it’s like to use two sets of pencils on a piece. Can you use the Polychromos on top of the Luminance and how well does it work? I am thinking about having both sets. Thank you.

[@GemmaChambersArt]

That's a great question! The short answer is yes, they work well together and there's a number of reasons you would want to. The longer answer - you'll get different results. For example, white Luminance is better for blending colours than white Polychromos. I'll add it to the video list to show more how they interact 🙂

[@pembsposse2621]

i noticed this wax bloom earlier actually on of my prismacolour drawings i did a few years ago, i thought the drawing was ruined but it just went away after wiping it with my fingers. would sealing it with fixation spray prevent it? also got a question... what sharpener would you recommend for prismacolour? i bought all the official ones but they still snap the lead, frustrating!

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Yep. Right now im torn on what i want. Just getting back into drawing after a 20 year hiatus. Wow has things changed! Im used to prismacol so im getting a set. Which other brand will mesh with those ?

[@diannafitzhenry3259]

How about Holbeins ? Are they not meant to be good quality pencils too . Thank you for this detailed review x

[@richardpaskey7192]

What clear coat would you recommend to protect your artwork.

[@darth_sketcher2699]

I got my polychromos 60 sets a couple days ago. Literally mesmerized by it beautiful apperance. Just want to know what type of drawing paper is great to use for polychromos. P.s. Love your videos.👍

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Thanks for watching! Fantastic choice of pencil and I'm sure they will serve you well 😀 I will post a video soon looking at some different paper options but I'm a big fan of Seawhite Bristol Board, I use it in pretty much all my Polychromos videos

[@darth_sketcher2699]

@@GemmaChambersArt Thanks Mam

[@UTleochi]

Pastelmat is a good option, too. It allows you to layer, and layer, and layer... :D Depending on where you live you might like to try the Hahnemühle Nostalgie drawing paper. It's quite smooth, but with enough tooth to allow nice layering.

[@darth_sketcher2699]

@@UTleochi Thank you mam.

[@mrsf6278]

thanx

[@munawwarhussain7012]

I'm bigner and very Thankful to You

[@mchobbit2951]

The price information would be incorrect outside of English speaking countries. Prismacolor have always been more expensive than Polychromos for me, even when you don't count shipping which of course can add a good chuck when you are looking at pencils that ship from America to Europe.

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Thank you for this, that's very interesting. Prismacolor are very good pencils and have their uses but if Polychromos were cheaper I would opt for them every time, especially for drawing commissions.

[@fotoalive]

@@GemmaChambersArt They are on sale at Jackson's open stock ends today i think! 🤣

[@trueXMotionFitness]

I would've never considered the Prismacolor to cost more than the others outside of US. Meanwhile, I'm constantly hunting for an eBay auction or something so I can get my hands on some Luminance or Polychromos. Maybe we should trade?? I have a bunch of Prismacolors!! 😂😂

[@mchobbit2951]

@@trueXMotionFitness You know, I'd actually love that. I'd buy a set of Polys and sent it to the US, an American does the same for me with Prismas. Luminance are just expensive. Even in Europe. It's a luxury brand.

[@ivmara9987]

Well, if I were going to choose which pencils I should choose the most at the end of the day. The first thing I have to consider is the lightfastness as well as its lack of difficulty to control and it would be the Derwent Lightfast. Polychromos are easy to control and considered to be lightfast but the Light purples and the Pinks are just Red flags in terms of Lightfastness. Now people will say that Luminance in general is still more Lightfast than the two but, it's just a little difference compared to the Derwent Lightfast knowing that the vast majority of its pencils are at the highest ratings and its pigments are easier to control than the Luminance

[@eduardo6658]

does the derwent blender works well for the polychromos or you need to use a solvent?

[@kaibutsu-kunn]

I would have bought Prismacolors but I can't find them anywhere in Romania, I was barely able to find Polychromos (When I was in a vacation in another city) and Luminance is expensive af. I bought myself the Polychromos (From the internet) because they're a bit easier to find and I don't need to buy them from America unlike Prismacolors. Sadly I still can't say anything about the Polychromos because they still didn't arrive :(

[@papabear2]

I isolated the category 1 and 2 lightfast of the prismacolor for skin and then use them with Polychromos for the eyes. But the skin colors of luminance I mix with prismacolor cat 1 and 2. Prismacolor web page has a downloadable chart with all the light ratings of their pencils. Most of the pinks are not lightfast. Luminance has a “A Pink” which is really good and lightfast. Their chemical names are too long the put here.

[@JoeB_BSc]

Hi Gemma, what a relief I have a set of polychromos pencils. I did look at the Luminous but the price for the full set put me off. Though not yet tried by me, please opine whether the polychromos and Luminous can be used together, and which surfaces you suggest are most appropriate for them, please? I look forward to your reply. Thanks and Regards JB

[@DesignInNature]

I simply refuse to buy prismacolor again, until the company that now makes them fixes their HUGE quality control problems. Last 3 times I purchased a set, about one 3rd of all the pencils had split wood casings that made sharpening impossible, unless done by hand with an exacto blade. Even being more expensive up front, in the long run Polychromos end up being SO MUCH CHEAPER it's insane. In a world where Faber Castell, Derwent and Caran Dache exist, prismacolor should be ashamed to put out the garbage they knowingly send out of their factory.

[@fotoalive]

I guess you haven't been lucky with Prisma ,I bought 72 on Amazon Canada in march and had NO problem at all , was my first ones,then I bought new Portrait set Luminance ,Jackson's and a dozen open stock Polycronos from Jackson's also on sale that ends today! to try them out! at 2.04 CAD less for U.S price check it out!

[@lozantoninocreations]

I think with lightfastess, most people wont need it. Even a lot of artists who sell their work, sell prints. It is really only commission work that would be disadvantaged from non lightfast pencils.

[@silvi90333]

Good morning. What do you mean by engravings? How to ensure that the resistance to light of colored pencils is not a problem to sell works of art?

[@iraceruk]

You wouldn't recommend Derwent Artists' Pencils?

[@CreativeBrooklyn.]

✨💗✨💗✨

[@g1984AF]

If I have luminane 76 set and want polychromos for details which set would you remommend? The 120 or smaller?

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Honestly I think the 60 or 72 sets are adequate for most people. There are only 2 or 3 colours outside of the 60 that I find myself needing regularly but they're all available as open stock individual pencils :)

[@pandasrover]

One of the things I absolutely hate about the Prismacolor pencils is the breakages. It's all very well trying to keep a sharp point but impossible when a lot just break. Not only that but they crumble throughout the entire pencil, making them totally useless unless you try and get them to a useable state by trying to sharpen with a Stanley knife. I can't afford the Luminance pencils to compare but the Polychromos have no issues with breakages, most likely due to encased and harder core. I doubt there are the same issues with the Luminance pencils though as the core is encased and they seem to be better quality.

[@MiraSmit]

Polychromos has 100 pencils that'll last for 100 years or more, 18 rated for 25 years or more and 2 for 5 years or up.

[@basimalshaikhi275]

What does lightfast mean?

[@UTleochi]

Lightfast means that they don’t fade when exposed to normal light. Some colours even disappear after some time, especially purples and reds.

[@amelieg9474]

For me 200% polychromos is the best colors pencils 🙂

[@franksterkb891]

you’re so pretty 😍

[@anna94k]

Well I just bought polychromos o.o

[@waynedenis4771]

What about crayola is it good ??

[@GemmaChambersArt]

I think they're great for the price. I made a video about them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZLdaaSCidiHqc0

[@waynedenis4771]

Thank you so much i appreciate it.

[@education461]

Prismacolors are the best!

[@dallasstone5160]

Polychromos used to be my fave, but now I just get so annoyed when I use them, bc of their color range. Don’t get me wrong, 120 should be plenty, but so many reds are the same, as for the blues and don’t get me started on the browns!!😅 Prismacolor have the best color range, by far!!

[@helpyourcattodrive]

It starts right away …

[@lisasallery7860]

I paid £200 for my prismacolor pencils. So they where far from cheap

[@skharper55]

Gemma, I wonder if you could talk a little slower? It would be more relaxing to listen. It's not boring to listen to. I don't think you will lose viewers to slow it down a bit. Great video. Thank you.

[@fotoalive]

I also have mentionned this to Gemma, she is such a Great Teacher ,but I d'ont know if it is age or what i'm 62 but Its really hard to register so many infos at the same time! lol! there is an option to slow down the speed of the videos in the preferences I found out!