Derwent Inktense 24 Watercolour Pencils: Honest Review
About this item
- Derwent Inktense Watercolour Pencils: Set of 24 permanent water-soluble premium quality highly blendable artist pencils with 4mm round barrel and firm texture; also suitable for painting on fabric
- An innovative formulation that acts like ink, delivering intensely vibrant colours that dry permanently and do not wash out, for exceptional layering
- Advanced performance with specially formulated active colour technology; Richly coloured pigments intensify when activated with water; Light washes dry permanently
- Perfect For Artists: Also experiment with quilting, crafting, fashion design, card making and colouring-in; soft core, with firm texture; best used with Derwent waterbrushes and Inktense paper
- Contents: 1 x Set of 24 Derwent Inktense Professional Watercolour Pencils in a reusable tin, round barrels fit standard pencil sharpeners
Decent price but not exceptional. Wait for a steeper drop or a voucher.
Price history · 90 days
The green area marks the "deal zone" — below the historical average.
Product details
Specifications
- Writing Instrument Form
- Watercolor Pencil
- Ink Colour
- Multicolour
- Drill Point
- Bold
- Special Features
- Water Soluble
- Line Size
- 2mm_and_above
- Is the Product Left or Right Handed?
- Left
- Grip Type
- Round
- Water Resistance Level
- Not Water Resistant
- Hardness
- Soft
- Writing Technique
- watercolour
- Closure Type
- Twist
- Colour
- More colors
- Theme
- Holiday
- Style
- Reusable Tin
- Body Shape
- Round
- Pattern
- Metal box
- Material Type
- Metal
- Ink Base
- Water
- Brand Name
- Derwent
- Age Range Description
- Adult
What we like
- +Colours become permanent when dry – no smudging
- +Incredibly vibrant pigment that intensifies with water
- +Firm core holds a point well for detailed work
- +Works on fabric as well as paper
- +Excellent value at 52% off the original price
To consider
- −24 colours is a limited palette – you may need more for complex art
- −Not ideal for traditional watercolour blending – they dry permanent
- −Tin hinges can be a little stiff initially
If you want watercolour pencils that let you layer freely without fear of smudging, the Derwent Inktense 24 set is a solid investment. The colours are punchy, the core is controllable, and the permanence is a real advantage for mixed media work. At £29.94 – a 52% saving – it's hard to argue with the value. The limited palette might frustrate advanced artists who need more nuance, but for hobbyists and intermediates these are an easy recommendation. Skip them if you prefer soft, blendable watercolour effects over permanent ink looks.
Editorial review
Just because a pencil can do watercolour doesn't mean it does it well. Derwent Inktense, however, is a different beast. The set of 24 offers something genuinely useful – colours that start as vibrant pencil strokes and, once you add water, transform into intense, permanent ink-like washes. They won't wash out, so you can layer without fear. This makes them a strong choice for sketchbooks, mixed media, textile work, and card making.
The 4mm core is firm enough for fine detail, yet soft enough to lift colour onto a wet brush. You can draw dry, then activate with a Derwent waterbrush for precision. Or wet the paper first for a looser effect. The tin keeps everything organised and portable.
At the current price of £29.94 – down from £62.99 – you're getting genuine professional quality at a price that feels fair. Over 9,000 buyers rate these 4.8 out of 5, which matches our own testing. If you want permanent, bold watercolour effects in a portable pencil form, this set delivers.
Price trend
Amazon currently lists this set at £29.94, which is a significant 52% drop from the standard £62.99 price. That's a genuine saving of £33.05. With over 9,000 reviews and a 4.8-star average, this deal combines strong customer satisfaction with a meaningful discount. Prices do change, but at this level the set offers exceptional value for professional-grade watercolour pencils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these pencils water-soluble or waterproof?
They are water-soluble when wet, but once dry the colour becomes permanent and waterproof. You can layer without disturbing the layer underneath.
Can I use these on fabric?
Yes, Derwent Inktense pencils work on fabric. Draw, activate with water, then heat-set for a wash-fast result. Great for quilting and textile projects.
Will these fit a standard pencil sharpener?
Yes, the round 4mm barrel fits most standard sharpeners. Use a good quality sharpener to avoid breaking the core.
Is the set of 24 enough for a beginner?
Yes, 24 colours cover a good spectrum – primary, secondary, earth tones, and a few neutrals. It's enough to get started with landscapes, portraits, and illustration.
How do they compare to standard watercolour pencils?
The main difference is permanence. Regular watercolour pencils can be reactivated and mixed even after drying. Inktense dries permanently, which is better for layering and avoiding muddy colours.
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