Lightfast coloured pencils - What does it mean?

Sometimes I think somebody some where is tasked with over complicating terminology, I'm like the simpler things in life. So without further ado, and before the bad jokes creep in let's unveil the beast.

What does light fast mean?

In the simplest of terms not all coloured pencils are creating equally, some have more lightfast properties than others, light fast is the measure of how well each pencil will resist fading when exposed to UV rays. Having artwork mounted behind glass will assist with protecting it, UV protective glass can be purchased at framers, fixatives can also help your artwork from fading.

How are my coloured pencils rated?

So firstly certain colours are actually more prone to fading:- reds, purples, pinks, natural browns, yellows, greens and some blues (grey, black and white pet portraits only from now on then). Joking aside below are how the most popular coloured pencils are ranked:-

Faber Castell Polychromos are rated by a star system 1 being the worst at resisting sunlight and 3 being the best, the stars can be found on each coloured pencil above the colour description.

Caran D'Ache Pablo have the same system and it is located in the same place.

Caran D'Ache Luminance just to confuse things are rated as either LF1 or LF2, LF1 is 100% lightfast and LF2 is 80%., also printed on the pencil near the top.

Prismacolor very few are rated as good, their scale is 1-5 (5 is excellent and 1 poor), these are not printed on the individual pencils. These are also subject to a waxy bloom appearing on your artwork after

Derwent lightfast does what it says on the tin and the pencils come to think of it!

Obviously we spend hours on each piece of artwork we create so we want it to last, but before you go rushing out to buy the Derwent lightfast remember that each set has advantages when using, some are oil based some are wax, and I would say apart for Prismacolor there are enough colours especially with blending that will ensure your work stands the test of time.

Have a great week and don't forget to let you creativity run wild! (just don't go jumping out of wardrobes shouting you've found Narnia).

Vicky x