Colored watercolor pencils Astra Prestige — 48 colors, cedar wood, set of 48

Astra Prestige colored watercolor pencils — 48 colors, cedar wood, set of 48 — provide a comprehensive palette for watercolor techniques, sketching and detailed drawing. Each pencil features a richly pigmented core designed to produce strong color when used dry and soft wash effects when activated with water. The cedar wood casing offers comfortable sharpening and a consistent feel for extended creative sessions. This set is suitable for a wide range of artistic tasks including illustration, mixed media, study work and hobby projects.

Advantages

The set offers 48 distinct hues that allow smooth transitions, layering and precise color matching. Pigmented cores dissolve predictably with water to create even washes and gradients while retaining detail when used without water. Cedar wood casings sharpen cleanly and reduce breakage during use. The pencils are organized as a full set to cover basic and advanced palettes, helping to reduce the need for mixing or additional colors for most projects.

Suitable for

• Watercolor washes, gradients and glazing
• Illustration and colored sketching
• Mixed media compositions
• Art classes, student assignments and hobby crafting
• Detail work and layering in coloring books

Key specifications

• Number of colors: 48
• Core type: watercolor-soluble pigment
• Casing material: cedar wood
• Suitable surfaces: watercolor paper, mixed media paper, drawing paper
• Application techniques: dry coloring, wet washes, blending, layering

How to use

Use the pencils dry for precise lines and fine detail. To create watercolor effects, lay down color on paper and then activate the pigment with a wet brush; the amount of water controls the intensity and blending. For smooth gradients, apply overlapping strokes and blend with a damp brush or colorless blender. Allow layers to dry between applications to preserve texture and avoid unwanted lifting. Sharpen with a sharpener suitable for colored pencils to maintain a fine point.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use medium- to heavy-weight watercolor or mixed media paper to handle water activation without buckling. Test color washes on a scrap piece to determine water-to-pigment ratio and drying time. Store pencils horizontally to maintain even pigment distribution in cores.