How to Choose the Right Coloured Pencils for Botanical Colouring Pages

There’s something wonderfully calming about sitting down with a botanical colouring page and a set of coloured pencils. But here’s the thing — not all pencils are created equal. And if you’ve ever felt frustrated by patchy coverage or colours that just won’t blend, chances are your tools aren’t quite right for the job.

Choosing the right coloured pencils for botanical colouring pages can make the difference between a relaxing creative session and one that leaves you wanting to chuck the whole lot in the bin. So let’s break it down.

Wax-Based vs Oil-Based: What’s the Difference?

Most coloured pencils fall into one of two camps: wax-based or oil-based. Wax-based pencils are the ones you’ll find most commonly. They’re soft, easy to blend, and brilliant for layering. Brands like Prismacolor and Caran d’Ache Luminance fall into this category. The downside? They can leave a waxy bloom over time — a sort of hazy film that appears on your finished work.

Oil-based pencils, like Faber-Castell Polychromos, don’t have this problem. They’re slightly harder, which means sharper points and finer details. Perfect for those delicate flower petals and intricate leaf veins you’ll find in botanical designs. They’re also less prone to breaking, which is always a bonus.

Why Pigment Quality Matters

Ever noticed how some pencils look vibrant in the tin but disappointingly dull on paper? That’s down to pigment quality. Artist-grade pencils contain more pigment and less filler, which gives you richer, more saturated colours. Student-grade options are fine for practice, but if you’re investing time in a beautiful botanical piece, you’ll want colours that actually sing.

And here’s a tip: check the lightfastness rating. This tells you how well the colours resist fading over time. If you’re planning to frame your finished work or give it as a gift, it matters more than you’d think.

Building a Botanical Colour Palette

You don’t need every colour under the sun. For botanical colouring pages, focus on building a solid collection of greens, pinks, purples, yellows, and earth tones. Multiple shades of green are essential — think olive, sage, emerald, and lime. Flowers need depth too, so grab a range from pale blush to deep burgundy.

Some colourists swear by starting with a set of 36 or 48 pencils and adding open stock singles as needed. It’s a smart approach that won’t break the bank straight away.

The Right Paper Makes a Difference Too

Your pencils are only half the equation. The paper in your colouring book matters enormously. Thin, cheap paper won’t hold multiple layers and might even tear. Look for books printed on heavier stock — ideally 120gsm or above. Smooth paper works best for detailed botanical work, giving you crisp lines and even coverage.

If you’re looking for quality colouring content, the Calibre Books catalogue has plenty of options worth exploring. And while you’re there, you might be surprised by the range — from Anxiety & Stress resources to Sci-Fi & Fantasy reads. Something for every mood, really.

Don’t Forget the Extras

A good pencil sharpener is non-negotiable. Blunt pencils won’t give you the precision botanical designs demand. A blending pencil or colourless blender can also help smooth transitions between shades. Some people use white pencils for highlights and softening, though it takes a bit of practice to get right.

So there you have it. Choosing the right coloured pencils for botanical colouring pages isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. Go for quality over quantity, match your pencils to your paper, and build a palette that makes those flowers bloom. Your finished pages will thank you for it.

Browse related titles in our catalogue: Anxiety & Stress and Sci-Fi & Fantasy — all available as instant downloads at Calibre Books.