Colour pencil set Staedtler 146 C12 E1 — Multicolour, 12 pc, soft lead

Staedtler 146 C12 E1 is a set of 12 multicolour coloured pencils with soft lead supplied in a cardboard box. The pencils have a classic hexagonal wooden body and soft pigmentation designed for smooth colour laydown, easy blending and comfortable handling during drawing, colouring and sketching. The pack covers a basic palette suitable for schoolwork, hobby art projects and colouring books.

Advantages

The soft lead provides rich, even colour coverage and blends readily for shading and gradients. The hexagonal shape improves grip and prevents pencils from rolling off the working surface. The wood used comes from certified, sustainably managed forests, and the set includes 12 distinct writing colours to meet common creative and educational needs.

Suitable for

• School colouring and classroom activities
• Adult colouring books and hobby sketching
• Basic illustration, shading and colour studies
• Craft projects and mixed-media work where soft coloured pencil is required

When it may not be suitable

This set is intended for general drawing and colouring; it may not meet the needs of professional artists who require a wider colour range, higher lightfastness ratings, or specialised archival-quality pigments. The soft lead can wear down faster under heavy pressure and may require more frequent sharpening during detailed work.

Key specifications

• Number of pencils: 12
• Colour range: Multicolour (12 colours)
• Lead hardness: Soft
• Body shape: Hexagonal
• Packaging: Cardboard box
• Recommended sharpener: Mars double-hole sharpener 510 25
• Wood source: Certified, sustainably managed forests

How to use

Select the desired colour and sharpen the pencil with an appropriate sharpener until you achieve a fine or blunt point depending on the detail required. Apply with light pressure for layering and subtle shading, increasing pressure for more intense colour. For smoother blends, work in light overlapping strokes and use colour layering techniques. Store the pencils in the provided cardboard box to protect tips and keep colours organised.

What to consider before purchase

• Intended use: general drawing, schoolwork, hobby colouring
• Colour range: 12 basic colours may be limiting for detailed professional palettes
• Lead properties: soft lead is good for blending but will blunt faster
• Packaging: supplied in a cardboard box for lightweight storage and transport

Recommendations

For extended life, sharpen pencils gently with the recommended Mars double-hole sharpener 510 25 and store horizontally. Combine light layering and blending techniques to achieve smooth gradients and richer tones without excessive sharpening.