Goldfaber Color vs Polychromos: Start with the 12-Pencil Tins

The exact versions to compare

On a narrow screen, scroll the comparison sideways. You can focus the table area and use the arrow keys.

A useful first choice does not need the biggest tin

For a first nature page, use the colored pencils you already have if they let you practice light layers and overlapping colors. If you need a new set, compare these two 12-pencil tins using your current delivered prices and the colors you actually want to draw with.

We would investigate Goldfaber Color for a first dry-color exercise without a demonstrated need for a particular artist-range color. We would investigate Polychromos when a specific pencil, color or replacement route is the reason for the purchase. Those are editorial starting points, not conclusions from comparative testing.

Check Color versus Aqua before ordering

Faber-Castell's US pages identify Goldfaber Color, tin of 12, as FC114712 and Polychromos, tin of 12, as FC110012. Goldfaber Aqua is a different watercolor-pencil line. Do not order a similarly named Aqua or graphite set when the intended project is dry colored-pencil drawing.

References: Faber-Castell USA: Goldfaber Color, tin of 12, FC114712, Faber-Castell USA: Polychromos, tin of 12, FC110012.

What the published core specifications tell you

The manufacturer's comparison describes a 3.3 mm wax-based Goldfaber Color core and a 3.8 mm Polychromos core containing vegetable oil and wax. This is more precise than assuming one contains only wax and the other only oil.

Those dimensions describe the core, not the barrel diameter your sharpener must accept. They do not measure breakage in shipping, how many layers your paper accepts, blending effort or color coverage. We have not tested those properties. Avoid turning the manufacturer's descriptive language into an independent performance score.

References: Faber-Castell USA: Goldfaber and Polychromos comparison.

Plan replacements around the drawing

List a few likely subjects before choosing the tin: green leaves, brown branches or bright graphic shapes ask different things of a palette. Compare the current contents, not only a photograph of the box. If one frequently used color runs down first, check an individual replacement before replacing every pencil.

Include suitable drawing paper and a compatible sharpener in the initial basket only if you do not own them. A new blender, pouch or large accessory set is optional. Swatch the pencils on a spare area of your actual paper so you have a reference for the next page.

Reasons to choose a different route

If you want water-activated marks, investigate a watercolor-pencil line with appropriate paper and instructions. If display longevity matters, consult the current ratings for each exact color; we have not established a uniform lifetime for either tin. Do not interpret a broad brand claim as a guarantee for every color and display condition.

A few individually selected pencils can be an alternative when you already know the colors you need. A larger set may make sense later, but the number of pencils is not evidence that it will improve a beginner's drawing. Keep the next purchase tied to a limitation you can describe.

Check the US range before buying

These links open retailer product ranges. Select the exact size, set and package named above. A listing does not guarantee stock or the lowest delivered price. If the variant is missing, keep your existing supplies or compare the alternatives described here.

• View Goldfaber Color, tin of 12, FC114712 at BLICK Art Materials
• View Polychromos, tin of 12, FC110012 at BLICK Art Materials

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Put the supplies to work

• Edit the colored-pencil nature page kit · Read its supply guide
• Edit the everyday sketching kit · Read its supply guide

Plan repeat purchases or find another starter project.