Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle watercolour pencils, set of 5, HB–8B

Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle – 5 water-soluble graphite pencils in a metal tin

The Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle set of 5 (art. no. 117805) contains five water-soluble graphite pencils in the grades HB, 2B, 4B, 6B and 8B. You draw as you would with an ordinary pencil, then blend the strokes with water and a brush into soft, watercolour-like tones. According to Faber-Castell, the pencils are suitable for classic watercolour painting, preliminary sketches and mixed-media work.

The lead has a diameter of 3.3 mm and is firmly bonded to the wooden casing by the SV special bonding process. Faber-Castell describes it as extra break-resistant, so it is less likely to snap when sharpening and drawing. The pencils come together in a metal tin, so they are easy to take with you.

Working with water-soluble pencils

First draw your sketch or shading with the pencils. Then go over the graphite strokes with a clean, damp brush: the graphite dissolves and becomes a transparent grey wash. With a little water the lines remain visible, with more water you get soft gradients. Use paper that can cope with moisture, for example watercolour paper. Thin drawing paper quickly cockles when wet.

Which grade for what?

HB is the hardest pencil in the set and gives light, fine lines for preliminary sketches and outlines. The higher the B number, the softer and darker the stroke. 2B and 4B are suited to mid-tones and shading, 6B and 8B to deep shadows and bold areas, which blend particularly intensely. The five grades thus range from delicate grey to dark tones without you having to change materials.

Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle set of 5 product details

• Manufacturer: Faber-Castell, art. no. 117805
• Contents: 5 water-soluble graphite pencils in a metal tin
• Grades: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B
• Lead: 3.3 mm, extra break-resistant, SV special bonding
• Lacquer: water-based
• Use: watercolour painting, preliminary sketches, mixed media

You will also need: water and a brush for blending, watercolour paper or another paper that can cope with moisture