Derwent Graphitint Coloured Graphite Pencils, 12-Count Metal Tin — Blendable, Water-Activated

Derwent Graphitint Pencils are graphite-based coloured pencils that add soft, blendable hues to graphite drawings while keeping the look and feel of traditional graphite.

These 12 Graphitint pencils from Derwent come packaged in a sturdy metal tin and are formulated to marry graphite's tonal range with delicate colour. The cores lay down smoothly and can be used dry for muted tints or activated with water to reveal richer, more saturated tones. Their versatility makes them useful for sketching, tonal studies, and finished artwork where subtle colour is desired without losing graphite’s familiar shading and texture.

How do these pencils change the appearance of a graphite drawing?

Graphitint pencils introduce gentle colour that integrates with graphite shading rather than covering it. When used dry, they impart a whisper of hue that preserves highlights and textures; when wetted, the pigments bloom into deeper colour without hiding graphite detail.

• Dry application: soft, translucent tints that maintain graphite grain.
• Wet application: activate pigment for richer, watercolour-like washes.
• Blendable: layers mix smoothly to create subtle gradations.
• Erasable and adjustable: tones can be lightened with a soft eraser or water.

What techniques work best with Graphitint pencils?

They suit both drawing and mixed-media techniques. Use them to tone mid-values, add atmospheric colour, or introduce accents to portraits, landscapes, or studies; they respond well to blending tools and brushes when you want painterly effects.

• Layering: build depth by applying multiple light layers of dry colour.
• Wet brush: activate pigment to create washes and smooth transitions.
• Smudging: blend with a tortillon or fingertip for soft gradients.
• Lift or soften: erase lightly or apply water to reduce intensity.

How durable and portable is the metal tin packaging?

The included metal tin protects pencil points and keeps colours organized for studio or travel use. Its compact shape fits easily into a backpack or art bag, while the rigid construction reduces breakage and keeps the set ready for use.

• Secure storage: holds all 12 pencils in place during transport.
• Compact footprint: convenient for sketchbooks and plein air kits.
• Protective metal: resists crushing better than cardboard cases.
• Neat presentation: useful for gift-giving or organized studio shelves.

Can I modify or remove colour once applied?

Yes — Graphitint pencils are forgiving. Dry marks can be lightened with a soft eraser, and wet-applied colour can be toned down or adjusted using clean water and a brush. This allows for iterative working and corrections without sacrificing graphite detail.

• Soft erasing: lift or soften dry pigment from paper fibres.
• Water adjustment: dilute or wash away pigment for tonal control.
• Reworkable: layer and modify until the desired effect is reached.
• Compatible with graphite: maintains original graphite values during edits.

Who is this for: Artists who want the subtlety of graphite combined with the option of colour will find Derwent Graphitint pencils ideal. They work well for illustrators, sketch artists, students, and anyone doing tonal studies or mixed-media pieces where preserving graphite texture matters. The 12-colour set in a protective metal tin is suited to classroom use, travel sketching, and studio practice when lightweight, controllable colour is needed without switching to full watercolour or coloured-pencil palettes.