Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 pencils, set of 6: 8B, 7B, 6B, 4B, 2B, HB

Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 – 6 drawing pencils from 8B to HB in a metal tin

The Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 set (art. no. 100G6) contains six drawing pencils in grades 8B, 7B, 6B, 4B, 2B and HB. It covers everything from deep, soft black to medium hardness for sketching, shading and hatching. The pencils come sharpened in a metal tin and are ready to use straight away.

According to Staedtler, the special lead formulation and the bonded lead give high break resistance. The line is easy to reproduce, marks are easy to erase and the pencils are easy to sharpen. This helps when you use soft leads, which would otherwise break easily. The hexagonal, blue-lacquered wooden barrel suits right- and left-handed users. The wood comes from certified, sustainably managed forests.

Which grade for what?

The B grades are soft: the higher the number, the darker and more velvety the line. With 8B, 7B and 6B you lay in deep shadows and large, soft areas. 4B and 2B are suited to mid-tones and transitions. HB is the firmest pencil in the set and suits fine preliminary sketches, outlines and writing.

Working with the set

Start with HB or 2B and sketch the shape lightly. Then build up the shadows layer by layer with the softer pencils. Soft leads smudge easily, so a sheet of paper under your hand helps. When hatching, you get even areas if you sharpen the pencils regularly and work with light pressure.

Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 G6 product details

• Manufacturer: Staedtler, Mars Lumograph 100, art. no. 100G6
• Contents: 6 pencils in a metal tin
• Grades: 8B, 7B, 6B, 4B, 2B, HB
• Barrel: hexagonal, wood, blue lacquered
• Length: 175 mm
• Finish: sharpened, without eraser
• Suitable for: paper and matt drawing film
• Origin: Made in Germany

You will also need: an eraser (the pencils do not have one) and a pencil sharpener for later