10 Best Erasable Color Pencils In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Perfecting your artwork is challenging when you cannot undo your mistakes. Conventional colored pencils can be a pain, making erasable color pencils a great option, especially among beginners.
This blog post will discuss the top brands of erasable color pencils and why they are the best. We will also give you a buyer's guide to help you choose the right set of colored pencils for your needs.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Color Pencils Best for Sketch Artists: Crayola Erasable Color Pencils Best Complete Set: Tombow Irojiten Erasable Color Pencils Best Break Resistance: Staedtler Erasable Color Pencils Best Budget: Helix Oxford Erasable Color Pencils Best for Kids: Crayola Twistables Erasable Color Pencils Best No-Mess Erasures: Pilot Frixion Erasable Color Pencils Best for Journaling: Bic Velocity Mechanical Color Pencils Best Precision: Pilot Color Eno Mechanical Pencils Best Big Lead: Zebra Zensations Mechanical Color Pencils |
1. Best Overall: Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Color Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- VIBRANT COLORS: Vivid colors resist fading with premium pigments for rich and smooth application.
- BUILT-IN ERASERS: You may use the eraser attached to erase erasable colored pencil marks on your paper
- AFFORDABLE: Resistant to cracking and breaking, giving more value to your money.
- EASY TO LAYER AND BLEND: The waxy consistency of these erasable colored pencils layers and blends well.
- MULTI-PURPOSE: Ideal for illustrators, designers, adult coloring, and safe for kids.
What We Don't Like
- Not as blendable as conventional colored pencils.
- There are sticky labels on individual pencils.
What Our Experts Say
According to Diana Fitts, artist and writer at Adventure Arts, "The Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencils have wax in them, but they have less wax than other types of colored pencils. This gives them a feel and consistency similar to graphite pencils we're used to writing, but also makes them easier to erase.”
“Even in high-quality erasable colored pencils, it can be challenging to erase everything without leaving marks. That's why, even with a good erasable colored pencil, it's important to make light marks until you're ready to finalize your work,” she adds.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Product Options: Set of 12s, 24s | Safety: Non-toxic | Other: Uses reforested wood
Related: The Best Colored Pencil Solvents
2. Best for Sketch Artists: Crayola Erasable Color Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- 12 COLOR FAMILIES: Includes reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, violets, pinks, browns, blacks, and whites for more color choices.
- PRE-SHARPENED: Ready to be used from the box.
- INCLUDES ERASERS: Each pencil has attached individual erasers for convenience and matches the color of the core for easy identification.
- REUSABLE STORAGE BOX: Four pencil sleeves to hold the colored pencils.
- HIGH-QUALITY LEAD: The core is soft for easier application, blending, and layering.
What We Don't Like
- This set is not for professionals.
- The erased parts don't look as smooth.
What Our Editors Say
“Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils are comparable with regular Crayola colored pencils, and they erase very well. However, they're not the best choice for professional artists since the colors are less vibrant.
When using Crayola erasable colored pencils, we observed that they don't respond well to smooth paper but apply well on paper with some tooth or texture. They're also best for sketching so that you can consider them a great gift for sketch artists.”
Country of Origin: USA | Product Options: Set of 12s, 16s, 24s, 36s, 50s | Safety: Non-toxic | Other: Uses reforested wood
Related: The Best Gifts for Sketch Artists
3. Best Complete Set: Tombow Irojiten Erasable Color Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- SHARPENS EVENLY: Cedarwood encloses the colored pencils, so they're soft enough to sharpen but hard enough to keep their shape.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN AND FINISH: Adequately weighted with a smooth white enamel finish, allowing the colored pencil to rest well on your hand without causing hand fatigue.
- FREE ERASER AND SHARPENER: Comes with a specially designed sharpener for colored pencils and an eraser for adding highlights.
- STRONG COLOR SATURATION: Tombow uses high-quality pigments and binders for vibrant, fade-resistant colors.
- BREAK-RESISTANT CORE: The core stays sharp longer, so you can create sharp lines.
What We Don't Like
- The lead may feel too hard for newbies.
- It is expensive.
What Our Editors Say
“Though these erasable colored pencils are more expensive than other brands, they left a very good impression on us. The Tombow has a core that’s too hard, and most newbies don't appreciate this feature. However, we do love the hardness of these colored pencils.
You must press them harder on paper, but they stay pointed, making them perfect for adding precise, sharp lines.”
Country of Origin: Vietnam | Product Options: Set of 12s | Safety: Non-toxic | Other: Uses reforested wood
4. Best Break Resistance: Staedtler Erasable Color Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- UNIQUE ANTI-BREAK SYSTEM: The core has a protective covering to protect it from breakage.
- BRILLIANT COLORS: These erasable colored pencils have bright colors, owing to the meticulous German technology in the constitution of the pigments.
- INDIVIDUAL ERASERS: Each pencil has an attached eraser for removing marks effectively.
- BLENDS & LAYERS WELL: Staedtler erasable colored pencils are made of high-quality pigments.
What We Don't Like
- Colors are not as vibrant as most colored pencils.
- The pencils are not erasable on some paper.
What Our Editors Say
“Staedtler erasable colored pencils have less wax than regular colored pencils; they're dusty and dry but apply very well. We tried using the eraser with these pencils with really good results.
We love these erasable colored pencils for sketching and designing because they are more vibrant than other brands but still erode well. We also tried several erasers, but the Pink Pearl eraser is a good alternative to use with this brand.”
Country of Origin: Germany | Product Options: Set of 12s and 24s | Safety: EN 71 certification, Non-toxic | Other: Uses reforested wood
Related: The Best Electric Erasers
5. Best Budget: Helix Oxford Erasable Color Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- COMFORTABLE GRIP: The hexagonal barrel makes these colored pencils comfortable to hold compared to the round ones.
- CONSISTENT QUALITY: The pigments are consistent throughout the core, making these colored pencils perfect for layering and blending.
- INDIVIDUAL ERASERS: Each colored pencil has an attached eraser that erases perfectly without scratching the paper or leaving any visible marks.
- AFFORDABLE SET: This set easily fits your budget, even if you're buying it for your kids or yourself.
What We Don't Like
- Some colors can be too light.
- The colored pencils have plastic barrels, not wood.
What Our Editors Say
“These erasable colored pencils use plastic instead of wood for the barrels, probably in an attempt to lessen the use of wood. However, the barrels look like wood and are easy enough to sharpen and hold their shape well.
But the main issue with these colored pencils is waste disposal. The shavings also tend to clog up the sharpeners, leaving a clump that sticks between the blades. We recommend using a craft knife to sharpen them and throwing the shaving with the recyclable waste.”
Country of Origin: USA | Product Options: Set of 12s | Other: Plastic barrels
Related: The Best Colored Pencils for Coloring and Shading
6. Best for Kids: Crayola Erasable Twistables
Why We Think It's Great
- NO SHARPENING NEEDED: These easy twist colored pencils don't need sharpening so that kids can enjoy hours of coloring fun.
- PORTABLE: No need to worry about accidental breakage during road trips since these twistable colored pencils are harder than regular colored pencils.
- SAFE: These colored pencils do not have removable parts that may cause accidental choking.
- SMUDGE-FREE ERASURES: The pigments in these colored pencils are stable enough to prevent smudging.
What We Don't Like
- Twistable barrels may break from excessive twisting.
- The core retracts when pressed heavily.
What Our Editors Say
“We believe Crayola went a notch higher when they made their Twistable colored pencils erasable. No need to wait for parents to sharpen colored pencils because kids can easily twist them to get a workable point.
However, these colored pencils are only best for kids' use only. The colors are not aligned with what artists require since the core is harder and less waxy. The pigments don't respond to solvents well when used on professional artwork.”
Country of Origin: USA | Product Options: Set of 12s | Safety: ASTM D-4236, ACMI AP certified; Non-toxic | Sustainability: Uses hard plastic for the barrel
7. Best No-Mess Erasures: Pilot Frixion Erasable Color Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- THERMO-SENSITIVE LEAD: The colors applied to paper disappear as a reaction to the heat generated by friction using the special eraser.
- EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY: These pencils use Pilot's exclusive design of using friction to erase even their pens.
- NO MESSY ERASER SHAVINGS: You don't have to worry about the mess because the erasing is by friction.
- CAN BE USED AS A MAGIC INK: The erased message reappears when subjected to a temperature lower than 14 °F or -10 °C.
What We Don't Like
- They cannot be sharpened to a point.
- The very soft lead easily breaks.
What Our Editors Say
“If you're looking for a no-mess alternative to erasable colored pencils, Pilot Frixion is your best choice. They are also good for making magic messages. Simply instruct the recipient to leave them in a non-frost freezer overnight for them to read the message.
Erasable colored pencils have a steep learning curve, so you have to learn to apply enough pressure. Too much pressure may result in faded colors or breaking the core. You can't also use them on surfaces other than paper.”
Country of Origin: Japan | Product Options: Set of 12s | Safety: Needs adult supervision
8. Best for Journaling: Bic Velocity Pencil with Colored Leads
Why We Think It's Great
- COLORED LEAD MECHANICAL PENCILS: The set has 6 mechanical colored pencils with a color-coded barrel for easy identification.
- COMFORTABLE HOLD: The body has a soft rubber grip for comfortable hold when drawing or writing for long hours.
- ADDS EXCELLENT DETAILS: The 0.7mm lead is best for precise details.
- REFILLABLE LEADS: These colored pencils have available leads for refilling (sold separately).
- BUILT-IN ERASERS: Each pencil has a built-in erase, encased by a plastic cover to prevent unnecessary mess.
What We Don't Like
- Refill leads come in single colors only.
- The lead breaks easily.
What Our Editors Say
“Bic Velocity Pencil with Colored Leads is an excellent choice if you want to add fine details to your writing. The eraser is not the finest quality, so getting yourself a different set of erasers is best.
The pencil is very comfortable to hold and won’t cause too much strain on the hand after prolonged use. Overall, the pencils are of good quality, but we recommend improving their construction for professional use. You may also use these mechanical colored pencils for projects such as adult coloring books.”
Country of Origin: France | Product Options: Set of 6s | Other: Uses recyclable plastic
9. Best Precision: Pilot Color Eno Mechanical Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- COLOR-COORDINATED BARRELS: The barrel uses the same color as the colored leads for easier identification.
- EXCLUSIVE PILOT TECHNOLOGY: These mechanical colored pencils use the same exclusive Pilot technology, developed and innovated over the last 100 years.
- AVAILABLE REFILL LEADS: You don't have to buy a replacement pencil if you run out of colors because you can order the refill leads from online stores.
- LAYERS AND BLENDS WELL: Use an alcohol blender and stump to blend the mechanical colored pencils with excellent results.
- WAXY CONSISTENCY: Unlike other mechanical colored pencils that use #2 or HB pencils, Pilot Eno uses a B pencil, allowing for smoother application.
What We Don't Like
- They may leave marks when applied heavily.
- Expensive lead refills.
- Completely covers the lower colors.
What Our Editors Say
“The Pilot Color Eno Mechanical Colored Pencils are slightly waxy compared with other brands. However, the leads tend to break easily because of their waxy consistency, owing to their B rating on pencil hardness.
The resulting drawing is excellent since you can blend the colors for a smoother effect using a blending stump or tortillon. Protect your drawing with a piece of paper to avoid accidental smudging while working on your colored pencil drawings.
If you’re looking for something to add fine details, this mechanical colored pencil may not be the best choice. The lead is soft and won’t stay sharp, aside from the 0.7mm lead, which is bigger than the usual 0.5mm.”
Country of Origin: Japan | Product Options: Set of 8s | Other: Uses recyclable plastic
Related: The Best Colored Pencil Drawing Ideas
10. Best Big Lead: Zebra Zensations Mechanical Color Pencils
Why We Think It's Great
- NON-TOXIC: These mechanical colored pencils bear the AP certification, making them safe to use.
- COMFORTABLE GRIP: The mechanical pencils have a triangular grip to provide better comfort.
- ONE-CLICK OPERATION: Zebra Zensations is super easy to use if you want to work with a longer tip.
- 2MM LEAD: The core is more generous than the usual 0.7mm core, allowing you three times more coverage in a shorter time.
- REFILLABLE: Available leads in 12 colors, so stock up before they run out.
What We Don't Like
- The lead feels too hard.
What Our Editors Say
“If you want more coverage for your mechanical colored pencils with just a few swipes, Zebra Zensations is your go-to brand with the 2mm lead. This size of the lead is the same as traditional pencils.
The pencils are also very versatile; you may use them for your journals, coloring projects, adding highlights or markings on your books, and other things. The bold colors are also vibrant enough to work on black paper. However, the lead may sometimes feel too hard, especially among newbies.”
Country of Origin: USA | Product Options: Sets of 12s and 24 | Safety: AP-certified | Other: Uses recyclable plastic
Final Verdict
Erasable color pencils are perfect for artists and writers who want to be able to erase mistakes and make changes without ruining their work. These pencils come in various colors, have a non-slip grip, and write smoothly on most surfaces. Some are also refillable, so you can keep using them repeatedly.
If you're looking for the best erasable color pencils on the market, we highly recommend the Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Color Pencils. This premium set is consistent in quality and is the most artist-recommended brand for all professional and newbie artists.
Best Erasable Color Pencils Buying Guide
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Material
The best erasable pencils use non-toxic pigments and paint for each enamel coating and strong, environment-friendly wood.
These colored pencils have different materials than traditional colored pencils, using fewer binders to render them erasable.
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Size and Weight
The best erasable color pencils are comfortable to hold for long periods and should not be too heavy to avoid excessive hand fatigue.
Colored pencils marketed to kids usually have a bigger body, while others have the same size as a regular pencil.
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Color Selection
Choose an erasable color pencil set with at least 12 colors. Erasable ones are usually muted, so if you need more bright colors, you can try metallic colored pencils to complement this set.
Erasable Color Pencils FAQ
1. What are erasable colored pencils?
Erasable color pencils have more pigments and fewer binders than conventional color pencils, making them easier to erase while maintaining the consistency of the colors.
However, erasable color pencils have muted colors compared with the vibrant and saturated hues of conventional color pencils, owing to the oil or wax binders used.
2. Are watercolor pencils erasable?
Watercolor pencils are erasable if you have not added water to them. However, once you have applied water to achieve the watercolor effect, you can only lift the colors, not erase them.
Lifting watercolors involves the use of a watercolor brush dipped in clean water. Wipe off the excess water and apply it to the area you want to lift off some colors.
Another thing you must remember is to allow the watercolors to dry first. When you lift the colors while wet, the colors will run, leaving your artwork muddy.
3. What erasers work best with erasable colored pencils?
Erasers are an indispensable tool to erase erasable colored pencils because top brands use different pigment compositions and binders. Various tasks also require various erasers.
- Colored pencil erasers are latex-free erasers that erase well with light pressure, keeping your paper in good condition - no tears or scratches. Keep them in their protective sleeve to keep them from hardening or resisting cracking.
- Kneaded erasers are every artist's favorite for erasing because they are very gentle on paper. Aside from the high-quality material used in this eraser, it's shapeable to conform to your needs so that you can erase small and much larger areas on your creative projects. Though they're best known as graphite and charcoal pencil erasers, they also work on colored pencils.
- Vinyl erasers are best for erasing pencils, ink, and colored pencils on delicate surfaces. Vinyl erasers have sharp corners that are perfect for cleaning up small areas. Because they are latex-free and erased without leaving a smudge, these erasers are the best choice for artists who want to keep their drawings clean and smudge-free.
- Eraser pencils are perfect for erasing unwanted marks and creating unique eraser effects. They look like pencils, hence the name, perfect for erasing small areas without shaping the erasers.
- Artist's tape is a low-tack adhesive that won't damage the surface of your paper. Apply it to the area you want to erase, push the tape down lightly with an embossing stylus, then remove it to remove some of the marks. Repeat as necessary.
- Poster Putty is another good alternative since they lift the waxy binders from conventional colored pencils better than other colored pencil erasers. Note that poster putty is not an eraser; don't rub it on the paper. Instead, press the putty on the colored pencil drawing until the colors look faded.
Pro Tip: Do not use rubber erasers because it causes the colors to smear on the paper instead of erasing. We don't recommend clear adhesive tape also because it uses high-tack adhesive that will damage the paper surface.
4. Why can't you erase conventional colored pencils?
Conventional colored pencils use wax or oil as a binder for the pigments, making them almost impossible to remove with a standard eraser. The binders cause the pigments to seep into the paper, so they will only smear on the media when you try to erase it.
However, conventional colored pencils are not entirely impossible to erase if you use the proper tools. Also, note that erasers are not only for removing any accidental mistakes you make. They also work great for adding highlights and texture to your drawings.
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