Caran d’Ache Supracolor Watercolor Pencils

Visual Appeal
Usability/Durability
Packaging/Presentation
Value
Overall Ranking

 

Caran d’Ache Supracolor Watercolor Pencils

12-120 count pack

wax core

hexagonal barrel

premium-priced

Pros:

Great Variety of Colors

Quite Vibrant

Nice Packaging

Cons:

Expensive

Minor Lightfastness Issues

Check Current Prices on Amazon

Caran d’Ache Supracolor Watercolor Pencils Review

Updated by Brandon F. on February 25, 2023

The Caran D’ache Supracolor watercolor pencils are soft watercolor pencils that are intended for passionate professionals or those ready to move up to the next level in watercolor pencil performance.  The relatively thin 3.8mm core means that high-detail areas can be controlled with precision but the core is strong enough to handle liberal amounts of pressure. 

They have very strong pigmentation and effective color manipulation both dry as well as when exposed to water although they can have questionable lightfastness when used as a watercolor.  A high-quality hexagonal-shaped pencil but at a high-quality price, they come in 12 to 120-pack sets.

Visual Appeal – 4/5

The color selection for this line is superb.  With the larger sets (80 and 120 count) there is an ample supply of lovely blues and greens and seemingly any color you are after is likely already in pencil form or close to it.  Even with the smaller sets, the blending ability of these are so effective that you will be able to create any color you see fit, as well as have pretty good control over the depth of it with the inclusion of water.  Many of the colors are quite vibrant and can jump off the page with adequate pencil pressure applied. 

The only minor issue is that some of the hues struggle with lightfastness once they are mixed with water, especially if you are going after a more subdued tone such as a back sky or mellow wall in a house.  However, this may only be an issue for those with the keenest of eyes and/or those who tend to leave their pieces exposed to bright lights for long periods of time.

Usability and Durability – 4.5/5

Despite having a rather thin core, the Caran D’ache Supracolor watercolor pencils are quite strong and can be sharpened to a fine point relatively easily.  It also can be put through many passes without concern of significant breakage or wearing down prematurely.  The application is very smooth and there are few instances of choppiness or graininess during use. 

Mixing these with water is an absolute joy and one can get a good feel for how the pencil responds to different levels of water relatively quickly and the results can be quite impressive.  Being a watercolor pencil, adding water or any solvent to the color livens things up.  You will enjoy a new level of blending and will be able to spread a small amount of color over a large area.  The hexagonal shape also helps with control.

Packaging and Presentation – 4.5/5

There are options for a tin case or an attractive wooden box in larger sizes.   Both the tin case and the wooden box do a great job of protecting the pencils and the wood case for lack of better words is stunning.  As mentioned before, the pencils themselves are hexagonal and color-matching on the outside along with being adorned with the brand and type logo and color in an attractive gold leaf.  This comes together to make a very attractive product.  We are used to Caran d’Ache putting out attractive products and this is also the case here.

Cost – 3/5

This is a premium pencil and the price reflects that.  Expect to pay in the premium range for this line of watercolor pencils.  Caran D’ache will always be a premium-tier pencil with a high asking price but quite frankly we are OK with this.  You get to enjoy a higher caliber pencil so it should come at a higher asking price.

Overall Ranking – 4/5

One of the best-performing watercolor pencils on the market, the Caran d’Ache Supracolor watercolor pencil hits it out of the park in many regards.  Great color selection and a color output coupled with great blending in both wet and dry environments and it are all packaged in a high-quality and long-lasting pencil and case, with the only con being minor lightfast concerns.  Just be expected to pay if you want to experience this special product.  But don’t let the high asking price scare you away.  Save up and experience this fantastic watercolor pencil set.

BestColoredPencils tests and reviews colored pencils and more to find the best products for you. When readers buy our reviewed picks, we earn affiliate commissions that help support our work.
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