Castle Art Supplies Gold Standard 72 Colouring Pencils Set - Durable

In this review the Castle Art Supplies Gold Standard 72 Colouring Pencils set is evaluated for artists and serious colourists who want a broad palette in a giftable tin. The clear bottom line: this set is best for people who prioritise a wide, organised colour range and durable, oil-based cores that sharpen to a fine point. The reviewer found the pencils perform well for detailed work and layering, and the included handbook adds practical guidance for those building technique.

Key Features

• 72 organised colours: The pencils are arranged in colour families, named, numbered and colour coded so selecting and matching shades is quick and dependable.
• Oil-based coloured cores: The oil formulation creates a harder, vibrantly pigmented core that resists breakage and sharpens to a finer point for detailed work.
• Basswood casing: Each core is encased in fine-grain basswood that sharpens cleanly and feels comfortable for extended sessions.
• Creative layering and blending: The set offers superior control for layering and unique blending capability, which helps achieve smooth gradients and strong coverage.
• Presentation tin and extras: The three-layered protective tin box is giftable and includes tester and protector sheets for safe storage.
• Skill-building handbook: A 36-page handbook with tips, demos and a 10 part tutorial helps users refine pencil techniques and follow guided projects.

Who It's For

The set is ideal for adult artists, hobbyists and dedicated colourists who want a comprehensive palette of 72 shades in a sturdy, portable tin. It suits work that requires fine detail, layering and blending, such as botanical sketches, portrait accents and complex colouring projects.

Beginners who want guided learning will appreciate the handbook, but those seeking extremely soft, pastel-like cores or water-soluble pencils should look elsewhere since these are oil-based coloured cores designed for hardness and longevity rather than water blending.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide, well-organised colour range makes colour selection fast and reliable.
• Oil-based cores deliver a durable, finely sharpenable point with strong pigment payoff.
• The included 36-page handbook and tutorials add real value for improving technique.
• Attractive, three-layer tin keeps pencils protected and works well as a gift presentation.

Cons

• Some users report intermittent lead breakage despite the harder core, so handling and sharpening technique still matter.
• The firmer, oil-based feel may not satisfy artists seeking very soft, buttery pencils for heavy blending.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Gold Standard 72 set is a strong choice for artists and colourists who need a large, organised palette with durable, oil-based cores and practical learning material. It represents good value for those focused on detailed work and layering, though users wanting very soft pencils or water-soluble options should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pencils good for detailed work?
Yes. The oil-based cores sharpen to a finer point and are designed to hold that point for precise, highly detailed areas.

Does the set include guidance for beginners?
Yes. A 36-page handbook with tips, demos and a 10 part tutorial is included to help build pencil skills.

Will the leads break easily?
The cores are formulated for greater hardness and resistance to breakage, but some users report occasional breakage, so careful sharpening and handling are recommended.