Metallic Sheen Colored Pencils Review and Comparison
Metallic colored pencils have carved out a unique niche in the art world, offering artists the ability to add shimmer, depth, and subtle light-reflective qualities to their work. Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator, a coloring book enthusiast, or just exploring new mediums, understanding the nuances of metallic pencils can enhance your creative toolbox. In this metallic sheen colored pencils review, we’ll compare leading brands like Prismacolor and Castle Arts, explore how their materials behave on paper, and help you decide which set fits your artistic needs.
Why Metallic Colored Pencils Matter in Art
Unlike traditional colored pencils, metallics contain reflective particles—typically mica or aluminum-based pigments—that catch the light and produce a luminous effect. This quality makes them ideal for accenting highlights, adding dimension, or creating entire compositions with a glimmering finish. They perform especially well on dark-toned or black paper, where the contrast allows their sheen to shine through more vividly.
However, not all metallic pencils are created equal. The balance between opacity, blendability, pigment load, and core softness varies significantly across brands. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right tool for your specific artistic goals.
Prismacolor Metallic Pencils: High Shine with a Harder Touch
Prismacolor is a household name in the world of colored pencils, known for its creamy, blendable cores. However, their metallic series deviates from this signature softness. According to artist and blogger Tina Koyama, who shared her hands-on experience in a detailed review of metallic pencils, Prismacolor’s metallics offer a striking, high-opacity sheen—arguably the most reflective among the brands she tested.
That brilliance comes at a cost: the pencil cores are noticeably harder than the standard Prismacolor Premier line. This harder texture affects application in several ways:
- Less creamy glide across the paper
- More pressure required for bold coverage
- Sharper, more defined lines (ideal for detail work)
While this may be a drawback for artists accustomed to buttery-soft pencils, it can be a benefit for those who value precision or are working on textured surfaces that require a firmer touch. The opacity of Prismacolor metallics also means fewer layers are needed to achieve a strong visual impact, especially on dark paper.
Castle Arts Metallics: Softcore Brilliance and Versatile Blending
Castle Arts has gained popularity in recent years for offering artist-grade tools at an accessible price point. Their metallic colored pencils set includes an impressive 48 shades, making it one of the most diverse metallic palettes available. This range opens up creative possibilities for subtle shading, gradients, and detailed color layering—all while maintaining a consistent metallic finish.
What sets Castle Arts apart is the softness of their pencil cores. The blendability is a standout feature, especially for adult coloring book fans and illustrators who favor smooth transitions and soft textures. Here are some key takeaways from their performance:
- Softcore leads allow for easy layering and blending
- Wide variety of metallic hues, from cool silvers to warm bronzes
- Gentle, elegant sheen rather than bold reflectivity
These pencils are especially effective on mid-tone and dark papers, where their subtle shine adds sophistication without overpowering the composition. Their soft texture does mean they wear down faster and may require frequent sharpening, but the payoff is a smooth, painterly application.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Prismacolor vs. Castle Arts
| Feature | Prismacolor Metallic | Castle Arts Metallic |
|---|---|---|
| Sheen Level | High, reflective | Moderate, elegant |
| Core Texture | Harder | Softcore |
| Blendability | Moderate | High |
| Color Range | Limited (typically 6–12) | Extensive (48 colors) |
| Best For | Detail work, high contrast | Layering, gradients, subtle effects |
| Performance on Dark Paper | Excellent | Very Good |
Choosing the Right Metallic Pencil for Your Artistic Goals
When selecting a metallic pencil set, consider the nature of your project and your personal artistic style. Here are a few guiding questions:
- Do you need precision or softness?
- Are you working on dark paper or lighter surfaces?
- Is a wide color range important for your composition?
- Do you prioritize sheen intensity or blendability?
For artists focused on high-impact highlights and detailed embellishments, Prismacolor’s metallics offer unmatched shine and definition. On the other hand, Castle Arts provides a more painterly experience with its softcore pencils and broader palette, making it ideal for full metallic renderings and color-rich illustrations.
Application Tips for Metallic Colored Pencils
Regardless of brand, metallic pencils require a slightly different approach than traditional pigments. Here are some expert tips to maximize their effect:
- Use black or toned paper: The reflective particles stand out best against dark backgrounds.
- Layer lightly: Build up color gradually to avoid wax bloom and maintain the metallic finish.
- Burnish with care: Over-burnishing can dull the shine, so use blending tools sparingly.
- Combine with other media: Metallics pair beautifully with watercolor washes or ink outlines for multimedia pieces.
Experimentation is key. Try swatching your metallics on various paper types—smooth, textured, light, and dark—to see how the pigments behave. You might be surprised how differently the same pencil performs depending on the surface.
Manufacturing and Material Considerations
From a production standpoint, metallic pencils are more complex to manufacture than standard colored pencils. The inclusion of mica or metallic flakes must be balanced carefully within the wax or oil binder to ensure even distribution and prevent crumbling. This affects not only the pencil’s performance but also its longevity and sharpening behavior.
High-end brands often invest in better pigment dispersion techniques and binder formulations to ensure consistency. Lower-quality metallic pencils may suffer from uneven sheen or brittle cores. When evaluating a brand, consider its reputation for core durability, pigment load, and quality control standards.
For those interested in the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) side of things, it’s worth noting that many pencil brands outsource production to factories in Germany, China, or Indonesia—regions with specialized expertise in pencil manufacturing. Understanding the supply chain can offer insights into pricing, quality, and ethical sourcing practices.
Final Thoughts: Which Metallic Pencil Set Wins?
Ultimately, the “best” metallic colored pencil comes down to your artistic needs. If you’re after bold, high-shine accents with precise control, Prismacolor’s metallics are a strong choice, despite their harder feel. For a more fluid, blendable experience with a broad palette, Castle Arts delivers exceptional value and versatility.
Both brands have their strengths, and many artists find that keeping multiple sets on hand allows them to choose the right tool for each project. The world of metallic pencils is rich with creative potential—whether you’re adding a subtle shimmer or crafting an entire scene in glistening hues.
For more in-depth reviews and artist-tested insights, check out Tina Koyama’s blog post on metallic colored pencils and the detailed breakdown from Coloring Butterfly.