Derwent Inktense Pencils

Derwent Inktense Pencils are water-soluble drawing tools famous for delivering rich, ink-like washes. Unlike traditional watercolor pencils, Inktense pigments become permanent once fully dry. This fixed finish prevents lower layers from reactivating or lifting when wet media is applied over them.

Core Specifications

• Core & Barrel: 4.0mm firm, wax-based core housed in a round 8.0mm wood barrel. Holds a sharp point well for detailed line work.

• Color Range: 100 colors available individually and in set sizes of 12, 24, 36, 72, and 100.

• Lightfastness: High overall resistance to fading, with the majority of the range rated for professional lightfastness.

Key Characteristics & Applications

• Permanent Ink Effect: Once wet-activated pigment dries completely, it acts like a translucent ink stain rather than standard watercolor. Multiple glazes can be layered continuously without muddying underlying work.

• Multi-Surface Compatibility: Because the pigment binds permanently upon drying, Inktense can be used on porous surfaces beyond paper, including cotton, silk, raw canvas, wood, and unglazed ceramic.

• Versatile Application: Can be applied dry for textured shading, blended with water using a brush, used on wet paper, or lifted directly from the core with a wet brush.