Derwent Tinted Charcoal Pencils 24-Count - Controlled Charcoal Effects

Our review of the Derwent Tinted Charcoal Pencils looks at whether this 24-count metal tin is worth adding to a mixed-media kit. The bottom line: these pencils combine the soft, dusty effect of charcoal with the control of a pencil, making them ideal for artists who want rich, blendable tones without loose charcoal dust. The set's 4mm core and cedar barrels produce smooth application and strong color payoff, while the tinted range extends typical charcoal work into colored shading and mixed media studies.

Key Features

• 4mm core: The extra-wide 0.15 in core lays down substantial pigment for quick coverage and deep tonal work.
• Tinted charcoal collection: The 24 colors expand traditional monochrome charcoal into vivid, subdued hues that blend into complex tones.
• Cedar barrel construction: Wooden casings hold a flexible charcoal core that aims to resist scratching and provide a comfortable grip.
• Blendable, water soluble tones: The charcoal particles mixed with fine clays respond well to smudging and wet blending for painterly effects.
• Metal tin storage: The included tin keeps the pencils organized and protected for studio or travel use.

Who It's For

These pencils suit students, illustrators, and mixed-media artists who want the smoky texture of charcoal with more precision than stick charcoal allows. The set is particularly useful for figure studies, tonal underpainting, and developing shading techniques where color variation enhances form.

Artists seeking very durable cores for heavy sharpening or those who need completely smudgeproof marks may want to compare other charcoal or colored pencil lines first, since some users report breakage in sharpening and mixed experiences with smudge resistance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, rich tones that blend smoothly for atmospheric shading and layered color effects.
• Wide 4mm core speeds coverage and creates strong, consistent marks for value studies.
• Tinted range opens creative possibilities beyond traditional monochrome charcoal.
• Metal tin provides tidy storage and portability for classes or plein air work.

Cons

• Cores can be fragile when sharpening, so extra care and a quality sharpener are advisable.
• Smudge resistance is mixed depending on technique, so fixative may be needed for finished pieces.

Specifications

Product type	Colored Pencils (Tinted Charcoal)
Core diameter	4mm (approx 0.15 in)
Barrel	Cedar wood, round 0.31 in
Color count	24
Special features	Water soluble, highly blendable tinted charcoal
Packaging	Metal tin
Weight	0.5 lb

Our Verdict

The Derwent Tinted Charcoal Pencils are a strong choice for artists who want charcoal-like texture with better control and a broader palette. While sharpening care is required and smudging can vary by technique, the 24-color set offers excellent tonal range and blending potential, making it good value for students and practicing artists exploring mixed media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pencils suitable for blending with water?
Yes, the pencils are described as water soluble and blendable, allowing wet effects and painterly washes when activated.

Do the pencils resist smudging once applied?
Smudge resistance varies; many users find they blend and smudge beautifully but recommend fixative for finished work to protect the surface.

Is the core durable for regular sharpening?
Some customers report core breakage while sharpening, so a gentle technique and a high-quality sharpener are recommended.