Watercolor Pencils Caran d’Ache Swisscolor 18-piece set, cardboard box (CD1285-818)

Caran d’Ache Swisscolor watercolor pencils — 18-piece set in a cardboard box combine a colored core with water-soluble pigments designed for both dry sketching and wet washes. The set provides a selection of blendable tones suitable for illustration, mixed media and fine art. The compact cardboard box makes the set convenient for transport and storage, while the pencil format allows precise lines and controlled color application whether working outdoors or in the studio.

Advantages

These watercolor pencils deliver consistent color laydown and smooth sharpening due to their quality pigment formulation and durable wooden casing. The water-soluble core dissolves predictably when activated with a brush and water, enabling soft washes, smooth gradients and approachable color mixing. The 18 colors offer a practical palette for layering, detailing and creating intermediate shades through wet or dry blending.

Suitable for

• Illustration and sketching
• Mixed-media artwork combining pencil and wash
• Field studies and plein air painting
• Fine-art techniques: glazing, layering, details
• Art education and practice exercises

Key specifications

• Set size: 18 watercolor pencils
• Packaging: cardboard box for storage and transport
• Core type: water-soluble pigment core for dry and wet techniques
• Application: suitable for precise line work and broad washes when activated with water
• Compatibility: works with brushes and water for washes, and with other dry media in mixed-media compositions

How to use

Use the Swisscolor pencils dry to draw precise lines, hatchings and details. To create washes or blended areas, apply pencil color to paper and then activate with a wet brush; the pigment will dissolve and spread, allowing gradients and smooth transitions. Layer dry over dry or wet over dry to build depth, and let layers dry between applications when using water to avoid over-saturation of the paper. Choose paper rated for water-based media to ensure optimal results.

Usage recommendations

For best performance, sharpen pencils with a sharpener designed for artist pencils to avoid core breakage. When working with washes, start with lighter tones and gradually add darker layers; rinse the brush between colors to maintain color clarity. Store the set in its cardboard box to protect the pencils from damage and dust.