Derwent Inktense Coloured Pencils 72 Count - Vibrant Water Soluble Set

In this review the Derwent Inktense Coloured Pencils 72 count stand out as a versatile set for illustrators, designers and serious hobbyists who want bright, permanent colour with wet or dry techniques. The core appeal is the highly pigmented, water soluble 4mm lead that produces vivid, ink-like washes when activated with water yet also performs cleanly for dry drawing. The tin of 72 colours gives a wide palette for detailed work, making it a practical choice for anyone who needs consistent, mixable shades in one portable package.

Key Features

• Vibrant shades: The 4mm soft lead delivers highly pigmented colour that lays down smoothly for bold, expressive drawing.
• Water soluble: Pencils can be used dry or activated with water to produce a bright, translucent ink-like wash for mixed-media effects.
• Permanent colour: Pigments dry quickly and permanently after washing out, reducing the risk of colour bleeding during layering.
• Surface variety: Once dry the colours are suitable for fabrics like silk or cotton as well as paper, expanding project options.
• Colour creation: Mix pencils to create custom shades or add water to achieve lighter tints and smooth gradients.
• Portable storage: The metal tin keeps all 72 pencils organised and protected for studio or travel use.

Who It's For

This set is best for artists who want a single kit that covers both drawing and wash techniques, including illustrators, art students and hobbyists working on mixed-media projects. The permanence of the pigments and the strong pigmentation make it especially useful for pieces that require layering without bleeding.

Beginners will find the pencils forgiving and easy to use, though those seeking archival-grade lightfast guarantees or extremely fine, technical leads might prefer specialist products. Consumers who need only a very small palette may find 72 colours more than necessary and could consider smaller sets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bright, concentrated pigments give excellent colour vibrancy both wet and dry.
• Quick-drying washes become permanent, allowing confident layering without bleeding.
• Works on multiple surfaces, including paper and fabric such as silk or cotton.
• The 72-colour range provides plenty of options for mixing and custom shades.

Cons

• Not marketed with specific lightfast ratings, so long-term fade resistance is not specified.
• The 4mm core is soft and can wear down quicker with heavy pressure, requiring more frequent sharpening.

Specifications

Brand	Derwent
Product type	Water soluble coloured pencils
Lead core	Round 4mm soft core
Count	72 colours
Finish when wet	Bright, translucent ink-like effect
Finish when dry	Vibrant, permanent colour
Storage	Metal tin

Our Verdict

The Derwent Inktense 72 set is a strong value for artists who want a flexible, richly pigmented pencil range that performs well both dry and when washed into permanent ink-like colour. It is particularly good for mixed-media work and fabric projects, offering broad creative options in a single, portable tin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these pencils be used on fabric?
Yes, once the pigments are washed out and dry they become permanent and are suitable for fabrics like silk and cotton.

Do the colours bleed when layered?
After the pigments dry they are designed to be permanent and should not bleed when layered against other dried colours.

Are these good for beginners?
Yes, customers find them easy to use and versatile, making them suitable for beginners and students exploring wet and dry techniques.