What artist does not love a good white colored pencil?
Whether you’re sketching delicate highlights or adding the final pop to a vibrant piece, the right white pencil can be your secret weapon. In this article, I explore the beautiful, underrated world of white colored pencils—putting a wide range of brands to the test to discover which ones truly stand out.
From opacity and softness to durability and blendability, I compare each pencil with care and curiosity. Whether you’re a beginner eager to build your toolkit or a seasoned artist in search of that holy grail white pencil, you’re bound to find some new favorites here.
And this isn’t just talk—I show you exactly how each pencil performs. Using black Canson XL drawing paper as our dramatic backdrop, I demonstrate how each pencil lays down color, builds highlights, and plays with texture. You’ll see how wax-based options perform side-by-side, and discover a surprise star: the Uniball Signo white gel pen, which brings a brilliant, unexpected edge to the lineup.
Every pencil tells a different story, and I’m here to help you find the one that fits your style. So grab your sketchbook, get cozy, and join me as we explore the brightest whites in the art supply world. Your highlights are about to shine like never before.
Prismacolor Premier White Colored Pencil
The softest of the bunch—and yes, the most breakable—but it lays down an impressively thick and vibrant layer of white. If you love buttery pencils that glide on with high pigment, this one delivers, just be gentle!
Faber-Castell Goldfaber White Colored Pencil
This is one of the hardest pencils tested. It holds a sharp point and is great for detail work, but can tear through heavier paper (like 300 lb) if you press too hard. Not the best for soft blends, but reliable for structure.
Caran d’Ache Luminance 6901 White Colored Pencil
One of the brightest and most luxurious feeling pencils. It sits somewhere between Prismacolor and Goldfaber in terms of softness but wins major points for being lightfast. If longevity matters to you, this is a strong contender.
Derwent Coloursoft White Colored Pencil
This one performed okay—nothing particularly wrong with it, but it didn’t outshine the others. It’s soft, but lacked the pop and presence of the top picks.
Derwent Procolour Chinese White Colored Pencil
Similar story here: solid performance, but it didn’t wow. It works, but if you’re chasing vibrancy and impact, others do it better.
Bonus: Uniball Signo White Gel Pigment Pen
If you’re not married to colored pencils and just want something that delivers intense, crisp white—this is your holy grail. The pigment is rich, opaque, and glides beautifully. It’s a go-to for adding highlights or final touches.
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