How to Choose the Right Colouring Pencils for Different Paper Types

There’s something deeply satisfying about opening a fresh colouring book and selecting the perfect pencil to bring a design to life. But if you’ve ever found your colours looking dull, waxy, or struggling to blend properly, the culprit might not be your technique—it could be a mismatch between your pencils and your paper. Understanding how to choose the right colouring pencils for different paper types can transform your creative experience from frustrating to genuinely therapeutic.

Understanding Paper Weight and Texture

Paper weight, measured in GSM (grams per square metre), plays a crucial role in how your pencils perform. Lightweight paper (around 80-100 GSM) is common in many printed colouring books and works best with lighter pressure and harder pencils. Heavier paper (160 GSM and above) can withstand more layering and vigorous blending without warping or tearing. Texture matters too—smooth paper showcases fine details beautifully, whilst toothier paper grabs pigment more readily, creating richer colour deposits. When browsing Colouring Books, consider what paper type you’ll be printing on if you’re working with digital downloads, as this gives you complete control over your medium.

Wax-Based Pencils: The Versatile Choice

Wax-based coloured pencils, such as Prismacolor or Crayola, are the most widely available option. They glide smoothly across paper and blend easily, making them ideal for beginners. However, they work best on medium-weight paper with a slight tooth. On very smooth paper, wax-based pencils can feel slippery and struggle to build up colour. On heavily textured paper, they may leave white specks where the pigment can’t reach the paper’s valleys. For standard colouring book paper, a quality wax-based pencil set offers excellent value and satisfying results.

Oil-Based Pencils: Precision and Durability

Oil-based pencils, like Faber-Castell Polychromos, contain an oil binder instead of wax. They’re harder than their wax-based counterparts, which means they hold a sharp point longer and are less prone to breakage. These pencils excel on smoother paper types, where their firmer core can create crisp lines and detailed work. They’re also resistant to the dreaded “wax bloom”—that hazy film that sometimes appears on heavily coloured areas. If you prefer precision over soft blending, oil-based pencils paired with smooth, heavier paper will serve you beautifully.

Watercolour Pencils: A Dual-Purpose Delight

Watercolour pencils offer remarkable versatility. Used dry, they behave similarly to standard coloured pencils. Add water with a brush, and your colours transform into soft, painterly washes. However, this flexibility demands the right paper—ideally watercolour paper or card stock of at least 200 GSM if you plan to activate the pigments with water. Using watercolour pencils on thin paper will cause buckling and potential tearing. For dry application only, they work perfectly well on standard colouring book paper.

Matching Your Materials to Your Goals

The key to choosing the right colouring pencils lies in understanding your priorities. For relaxation and casual colouring, wax-based pencils on standard paper offer an accessible, enjoyable experience. For artwork you want to frame or gift, invest in oil-based or premium wax pencils paired with heavier, archival-quality paper. Exploring our full catalogue reveals a wonderful range of designs suited to various skill levels and artistic ambitions.

Ultimately, the best combination is one that brings you joy and keeps you returning to your creative practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pencil and paper pairings until you discover what feels right. The Calibre Books catalogue offers countless opportunities to explore new designs and develop your colouring skills, whatever materials you choose to work with. Happy colouring!

Browse related titles in our catalogue: Colouring Books — all available as instant downloads at Calibre Books.