Simple Techniques for Choosing Your First Coloring Pencils
You don't need to be an expert to choose a good first set of coloring pencils — you just need a few simple techniques for testing and comparing them before you buy.
The Swatch Test
Before committing to a set, draw a small square of color from each pencil you're considering, pressing lightly. This "swatch" shows you exactly how vibrant a color really is and how much effort it takes to get there. It's a quick, reliable way to compare pencils side by side rather than relying on how they look through plastic packaging.
The Pressure Check
Try coloring the same small area twice: once with a very light touch, and once pressing firmly. A good beginner pencil should show a noticeable difference between the two, giving you room to control shading later on, rather than looking exactly the same no matter how hard you press.
The Grip Test
- Hold the pencil for about a minute while coloring to see if it feels comfortable.
- Notice whether the barrel shape (round, triangular, or hexagonal) suits your hand.
- Check that the pencil isn't so thin it feels flimsy or so thick it's awkward to hold.
A Simple Activity to Try
Pick a printable page with a few large shapes and color each one with a different pencil from your options. Compare how each feels and looks once finished. This hands-on comparison teaches you more in five minutes than reading reviews ever could, and it doubles as good practice for applying even pressure across a page.
Techniques for Narrowing Down Choices
- Pick sets with a mix of warm and cool tones rather than too many similar shades.
- Favor sets that include a true black and a true white for outlines and highlights.
- Choose a case or tin that keeps pencils organized, so you're not hunting for colors mid-page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to test every pencil in a set before buying?
No — testing a handful of representative colors, like a red, a blue, and a skin tone, usually gives you a good enough sense of the whole set's quality.
What if a store doesn't allow testing before purchase?
Look for a store with a good return policy, or check online reviews that specifically mention pigment quality and core softness.
Can these techniques apply to gift-buying too?
Yes — if you're buying pencils as a gift, a quick swatch test on any display sample can help you judge quality even if you can't test the exact set.
Conclusion
A few simple techniques — swatching, pressure testing, and a comfortable grip check — take the guesswork out of choosing coloring pencils. With a little practice, you'll pick a set that makes every coloring page more enjoyable from the very first stroke.