{"product_id":"castle-art-supplies-gold-standard-72-colouring-pencils-set-durable","title":"Castle Art Supplies Gold Standard 72 Colouring Pencils Set - Durable","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e72 organised colours:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pencils are arranged in colour families, named, numbered and colour coded so selecting and matching shades is quick and dependable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOil-based coloured cores:\u003c\/strong\u003e The oil formulation creates a harder, vibrantly pigmented core that resists breakage and sharpens to a finer point for detailed work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBasswood casing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each core is encased in fine-grain basswood that sharpens cleanly and feels comfortable for extended sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCreative layering and blending:\u003c\/strong\u003e The set offers superior control for layering and unique blending capability, which helps achieve smooth gradients and strong coverage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation tin and extras:\u003c\/strong\u003e The three-layered protective tin box is giftable and includes tester and protector sheets for safe storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSkill-building handbook:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 36-page handbook with tips, demos and a 10 part tutorial helps users refine pencil techniques and follow guided projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeginners 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide, well-organised colour range makes colour selection fast and reliable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOil-based cores deliver a durable, finely sharpenable point with strong pigment payoff.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe included 36-page handbook and tutorials add real value for improving technique.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive, three-layer tin keeps pencils protected and works well as a gift presentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report intermittent lead breakage despite the harder core, so handling and sharpening technique still matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe firmer, oil-based feel may not satisfy artists seeking very soft, buttery pencils for heavy blending.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCastle Art Supplies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNumber of colours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCore type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOil-based coloured cores\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCasing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine-grain basswood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePackaging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThree-layered protective tin box\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36-page handbook, 10 part tutorial, tester and protector sheets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these pencils good for detailed work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The oil-based cores sharpen to a finer point and are designed to hold that point for precise, highly detailed areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the set include guidance for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. A 36-page handbook with tips, demos and a 10 part tutorial is included to help build pencil skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the leads break easily?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cores are formulated for greater hardness and resistance to breakage, but some users report occasional breakage, so careful sharpening and handling are recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castle Art Supplies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48258369945819,"sku":"B096W5619L","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/A1NbOQHJihL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778282633","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/castle-art-supplies-gold-standard-72-colouring-pencils-set-durable","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}