Best Metallic Colored Pencils for Crafts and Art
Metallic colored pencils are more than just a shimmering novelty—they’re an essential tool for artists and crafters seeking to add depth, light, and texture to their work. Whether you’re embellishing handmade cards, detailing a mixed-media piece, or experimenting with tonal contrast on dark paper, the right metallic pencil can elevate your project from ordinary to extraordinary. In this guide, we’ll explore the best metallic colored pencils for crafts and art, breaking down what makes each set unique, how they perform across different surfaces, and what to consider when choosing your own set.
Why Metallic Colored Pencils Are a Game-Changer
Unlike standard colored pencils, metallic varieties contain fine reflective particles that give your artwork a subtle shimmer or full-on glint, depending on the pigment concentration and paper used. This quality makes them particularly effective for:
- Highlighting details in illustrations or calligraphy
- Creating contrast on black or toned paper
- Adding iridescent effects to craft items like greeting cards, gift tags, or ornaments
- Layering with other media for mixed-media projects
Artists often reach for metallic pencils when they want to simulate metal textures (like gold or bronze), convey magical or fantasy themes, or simply add an extra dimension to their designs. The best sets offer not only visual appeal but also blendability, durability, and smooth application.
Top Metallic Colored Pencil Sets for Artists and Crafters
Let’s dive into some of the leading options based on pigment quality, ease of use, and creative versatility.
| Brand | Set Size | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faber-Castell Black Edition | 12 | High-opacity pigments, great on dark paper | Mixed media, dark-surface artwork |
| Castle Arts Metallic Set | 12 or 24 | Rich iridescent colors, smooth layering | Crafts, blending techniques, vibrant effects |
| Prismacolor Premier Metallic | Individual or assorted | Soft core, professional-grade blending | Fine art, layering, burnishing |
| Koh-I-Noor Tri-Tone Metallic | 6–12 | Multicolor metallic cores | Unique effects, experimental art |
Faber-Castell Black Edition: Vibrancy on Dark Paper
One of the standout contenders in the metallic category is the Faber-Castell Black Edition Metallic Colored Pencil Set. Known for their rich pigments and velvety smooth laydown, these pencils are designed with a special formula that makes them pop on dark and colored paper—a challenge for many traditional pencils.
Each pencil in the 12-piece set features a soft yet durable core that glides across the page with minimal pressure. The real magic lies in how the metallic particles catch the light, creating a luminous sheen that adds dimension without overwhelming the base color. For artists who regularly work on black sketchbooks or toned surfaces, this set delivers consistent results without the need for layering heavy pressure.
Faber-Castell’s reputation for quality manufacturing also shines through in the pencil construction itself. The wood casing is sustainably sourced, and the break-resistant leads are bonded to prevent internal cracking—a common issue in lower-tier pencil brands.
Castle Arts Metallics: Smooth Blending and Rich Color
Another strong choice is the Castle Arts Metallic Colored Pencil Set, which comes in 12- and 24-color assortments. These pencils are prized for their smooth application and ability to blend seamlessly, making them ideal for crafters who want to layer colors or build gradients with a metallic twist.
What sets Castle Arts apart is their high pigment load and wax-based formulation. This allows for rich, vibrant color that maintains its sheen even after blending. The pencils can be burnished to achieve deeper tones, and they respond well to both light and heavy pressure techniques.
In addition to conventional sketching and coloring, these pencils excel in craft applications. Their iridescent qualities shine when used on textured cardstock, wood, and even some fabrics, making them a favorite among DIYers and hobbyists looking to personalize handmade goods.
What to Look for in a Metallic Colored Pencil
Not all metallic pencils are created equal. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the best set for your needs:
- Pigment Quality: Look for pencils with high pigment concentration, which ensures vibrant and long-lasting color.
- Blendability: Good metallic pencils should blend smoothly without losing their shimmer or becoming muddy.
- Surface Compatibility: The best pencils work well on a variety of surfaces—especially dark or textured paper.
- Lightfastness: If you’re producing display-quality art, check whether the pigments are resistant to fading over time.
- Core Strength: A well-constructed pencil core resists breakage and sharpens cleanly, which is essential for fine detailing.
Tips for Using Metallic Colored Pencils in Crafts
To get the most out of your metallic pencils, consider these expert techniques:
- Use Black or Dark Paper: Metallic pigments reflect light better against darker backgrounds, making the shimmer more pronounced.
- Layer with Light Pressure: Build up color gradually to maintain the metallic effect and avoid wax bloom.
- Combine with Gel Pens or Markers: For mixed-media projects, metallic pencils pair beautifully with metallic gel pens or paint markers.
- Burnish for Shine: Use a colorless blender or white pencil to burnish and smooth out layers, enhancing the reflective quality.
- Seal Your Work: For crafts like bookmarks or ornaments, consider sealing your artwork with a fixative to preserve the finish.
Applications Beyond the Sketchbook
Metallic colored pencils are not limited to drawing. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of creative projects:
- Holiday Crafts: Add sparkle to Christmas cards, gift wrap, or ornaments.
- Scrapbooking: Use metallic accents to highlight photos or journal entries.
- Calligraphy and Lettering: Metallic pencils can be sharpened to a fine point for elegant hand lettering.
- Decorative Tags and Labels: Personalize packaging with shimmering details.
These applications are especially popular among crafters who sell on platforms like Etsy, where unique finishes and handmade appeal are key selling points.
Metallic Pigments and the Manufacturing Process
From a production standpoint, metallic colored pencils require a different formulation than standard pencils. The shimmer comes from mica or aluminum-based particles suspended in the wax or oil binder. These particles must be fine enough to pass through the pencil core during extrusion but large enough to reflect light effectively.
Manufacturers must strike a balance between pigment density and binder softness. Too much metallic additive can make the core brittle; too little, and the effect is lost. Premium brands like Faber-Castell and Castle Arts use proprietary blending techniques to maintain this balance, often involving multiple grinding and mixing stages to ensure uniform distribution of metallic particles.
In OEM production, quality control is critical. Lead breakage, inconsistent color, and poor adhesion to paper are common issues in low-cost alternatives. Reputable manufacturers conduct rigorous testing for core strength, colorfastness, and application smoothness before pencils reach the market.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Set for Your Creative Needs
Whether you’re a hobbyist crafter or a professional illustrator, investing in a high-quality set of metallic colored pencils can open up new dimensions in your work. The metallic colored pencils for crafts we’ve highlighted—especially from Faber-Castell and Castle Arts—offer excellent performance, durability, and visual impact across a variety of creative applications.
For artists working primarily on dark or toned paper, Faber-Castell’s Black Edition is a top pick. If you’re looking for blendability and color richness for layered craft projects, Castle Arts offers exceptional value. Regardless of your choice, the key is to experiment—metallic pencils are all about playing with light, texture, and surface to create something truly unique.
For further reading on pencil manufacturing and pigment technology, check out these industry resources: