10 Best Oil Coloring Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Soucolor 180-Color Artist Colored Pencils Set offers an impressive range of 180 vibrant colors, making it ideal for artists who enjoy having a wide variety of shades at their disposal. The pencils come in a convenient metal tin box, which helps in organizing and storing the colors efficiently. This set is designed for both kids and adults, catering to beginners and experienced artists alike.

The soft core leads are easy to sharpen, reducing the risk of breaking or crumbling, which can be a common issue with colored pencils. This feature makes it user-friendly, especially for those new to using colored pencils. The pigments are noted for their richness and smooth application, which is essential for creating detailed and colorful illustrations. Blendability is another strength, allowing artists to achieve smooth transitions and shading in their artwork.

This set is a fantastic option for those looking to explore a wide range of colors with decent blendability and ease of use, but it may not fully meet the needs of professional artists looking for varying pencil hardness options.

The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils come in a large set of 150 vibrant colors, giving you a broad palette to work with, which is great for detailed and colorful artwork. Their soft, thick cores make blending and layering colors smooth and easy, especially if you want to create shading and subtle transitions. The pigments are rich and lightfast, meaning your artwork will stay bright over time without fading quickly.

These pencils have a soft lead, which is excellent for smooth color application but may wear down faster, so you might find yourself sharpening them more often. Speaking of sharpening, the thick and durable leads resist breaking, making them fairly easy to sharpen without too much frustration. While these pencils are not specifically oil-based, their blendability and softness make them suitable for artists who want oil-like effects.

They work well for adult coloring books, sketching, and various projects but might not replace traditional oil crayons or paint for pure oil media techniques. For those seeking a versatile set with rich colors and smooth performance, Prismacolor Premier provides strong value, especially with such a wide color selection.

The PRINA Art Supplies 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set stands out as a vibrant option for both beginners and experienced artists alike. With a vast color range, this set offers 120 distinct hues that allow for creativity and versatility in various artwork. The pigments are of good quality, ensuring that colors are bright and bold, which is essential for achieving rich and vibrant results. The soft core of the pencils enhances blendability, making it easier to create smooth transitions and layers in your artwork. Additionally, the set comes in a convenient portable zipper case, ensuring that all your supplies are organized and easy to transport, perfect for artists on the go or those who like to sketch outside.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the soft core provides smooth application, it may also lead to increased breakage if not handled carefully, which can be a frustration during use. The lightfastness of the pencils, while decent for most casual art projects, may not meet the standards required for professional archival work, so this could be a concern for serious artists looking for long-lasting results. Although the pencils are designed for easy sharpening, some users may find that they require frequent sharpening due to the soft lead.

This set is a solid choice for hobbyists and artists who are looking for an affordable yet comprehensive coloring pencil kit that supports creative expression without sacrificing quality. It's non-toxic, making it safe for both adults and children, and it even includes a beginner's tutorial to help those new to drawing start their artistic journey confidently.