Oil-based pencil Faber-Castell Polychromos & Pitt Graphite Matt Set 38 pc Multicolour

The Faber-Castell Polychromos & Pitt Graphite Matt Set 38 pc Multicolour brings together high-quality oil-based colour pencils and matte graphite pencils in a compact artist set. Made in Germany, this combination offers a wide colour range and reliable pigment laydown for detailed drawing, layered colouring and mixed-media work. The pencils are designed for smooth application, consistent colour intensity and resistance to wear during sharpening, suitable for both professional artists and hobbyists seeking long-lasting colour performance.

Advantages

The oil-based Polychromos pencils provide dense, lightfast pigments with even coverage and minimal wax bloom, allowing for fine details and layered glazing. The included Pitt Graphite Matt pencils deliver deep, consistent matt shades for sketching, underdrawing and tonal work. Together, the set ensures good blendability, strong pigment saturation and durable leads that resist crumbling and breakage. The broad colour selection supports naturalistic and imaginative palettes while the robust wooden casings make handling and sharpening dependable.

Suitable for

• Detailed coloured illustrations and portrait work
• Sketching, underdrawing and tonal studies with graphite matt pencils
• Layering, glazing and mixed-media techniques
• Art education, workshops and hobby projects
• Colour testing and palette development

Key specifications

• Set contents: 38 pencils combining oil-based colour pencils and matte graphite pencils
• Lead type: oil-based colour leads and matt graphite leads
• Colour range: multicolour selection covering primary, secondary and natural tones
• Finish: vivid, lightfast pigments (colour pencils) and matt, deep graphite tones (graphite pencils)
• Barrel material: high-quality wood casing designed for reliable sharpening
• Origin: manufactured in Germany

How to use

Select pencils from the set according to the desired palette and begin with light strokes to map out shapes and proportions. Use the matt graphite pencils for initial sketches and tonal underlayers, then apply Polychromos oil-based pencils for colour build-up, working from light to dark and blending with gentle cross-hatching or circular strokes. For smooth gradients, apply multiple thin layers rather than heavy pressure. Sharpen with a quality sharpener to maintain fine points and avoid excessive force to prevent lead breakage. For mixed-media, allow graphite underlayers to remain visible where tonal contrast is required, or seal finished coloured work with an appropriate fixative if needed for protection.

Recommendations

Store pencils horizontally to maintain even moisture balance in the wood casings. Use a high-quality metal sharpener for precise points and a soft tortillon or a clean cloth for gentle blending. When working on final pieces, test layering and solvent effects on a scrap to ensure the desired finish and lightfast behaviour.