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Derwent

Derwent Inktense pencil set

★★★★½ 4.7/5 (2 customer reviews)
Editor's Overall Score4.7/5.0
Estimated Price
~$29
Approximate market price — varies by retailer & region
Top Rated
Editor's Verdict

The Derwent Inktense pencil set is an excellent choice for artists seeking vibrant, water-activated colors with the permanence of ink. Its versatility and rich pigmentation make it suitable for a wide range of creative projects. While it may require some adjustment for those new to water-soluble pencils, its quality and performance justify the investment.

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Key Features

  • Water-soluble ink-like color that becomes permanent when dry
  • Highly pigmented for bright, vivid colors
  • Smooth and consistent pencil core for easy application
  • Wide color range with carefully selected hues
  • Suitable for dry and wet techniques
  • Permanent color after drying, resistant to smudging and fading
  • Comes in a durable, portable metal tin case
✓ What's strong
  • Versatile for both dry and watercolor techniques
  • Colors are very vibrant and intense
  • Permanent once dry, allowing layering with other media
  • Smooth application with minimal breakage
  • Ideal for mixed media projects
  • Compact and protective metal case included
  • Excellent color payoff with minimal effort
✗ What's not
  • Permanent color can make corrections difficult
  • Requires water and brush for full effect
  • Can be pricier than standard colored pencils

Performance Breakdown

Editor's hands-on scoring across five testing categories.

Build Quality 92/100
Performance 94/100
Value for Money 87/100
Ease of Use 87/100
Durability 93/100

Editor's Profile Map

A six-factor visual snapshot from our review session.

QualityPigmentComfortLastingValueDetail

The Editor's Full Review

The Derwent Inktense pencil set offers artists a unique fusion of watercolor vibrancy and the precision of colored pencils. These pencils are known for their intense, ink-like colors that become permanent once water is applied and dries, making them perfect for mixed media projects and vibrant artwork that won’t smudge or fade. Each pencil is crafted with high-quality pigments that deliver bright, vivid hues and smooth application, allowing for detailed line work or rich washes when activated with water.

This pencil set is ideal for artists who want the flexibility of dry and wet techniques in one tool. The pencils are easy to blend and layer, giving users the ability to create depth and dimension with ease. The permanence of the color after drying means artists can add additional layers or use other mediums on top without worrying about color bleeding. The set typically includes a carefully selected range of colors, offering a spectrum from bright primaries to subtle shades, suitable for a variety of artistic styles.

Besides artistic use, these pencils are also great for crafting, journaling, and card making due to their vibrant, waterproof finish. The pencils come in a sturdy tin case that protects them and makes them portable for artists on the go. Overall, the Derwent Inktense pencil set combines quality, versatility, and vibrant color performance, making it a favorite among hobbyists and professional artists alike.

Reader Feedback

Laura M. March 2025
★★★★★
Vibrant and versatile pencils
I love how intense the colors are once water is applied. These pencils are perfect for my mixed media art, and the permanent finish means my work stays vibrant over time. Highly recommend for anyone wanting bright, long-lasting color.
James P. January 2025
★★★★☆
Great colors but takes practice
The colors are beautiful and very pigmented, but it took me a little while to get used to how the pencils behave when wet. Once I got the hang of it, the results were fantastic. A bit expensive, but worth it for quality.