Derwent Lightfast FAQs

Following extensive testing, we can confirm that all 100 colours in the Lightfast range are 100% lightfast, meaning they are lightfast for up to 100 years (under museum conditions).

Yes all 100 colours are vegan friendly.

There are 100 pencils in the Lightfast range.

Derwent Lightfast is an oil-based pencil with an opaque, vibrant laydown. It can be used with oil mediums to create paint-like effects. The oil-based core allows for amazing blending and layering possibilities.

Our Lightfast pencils are a unique blend of oils and waxes. They are not 100% oil-based but are an oilier blend, so can be classed as an oil-based pencil.

No, Derwent Lightfast pencils are not water-soluble so cannot be mixed with water. As an oil-based pencil they can be mixed and thinned on the page with a solvent based medium just as with oil paints.

Yes they can and you can create interesting paint-like effects on the page. We would recommend non-toxic solvents like Zest-it.

Yes, Derwent’s Lightfast range has been formulated to be compatible with other Derwent pencil ranges and can also be used with oil mediums and solvents. However, using Lightfast with any other pencils or media may affect the lightfastness levels.

Hand held blade sharpeners work well with Lightfast, providing the blade is sharp. Helical pencil sharpeners can be used but due to the softer, creamier core of the Lightfast pencils, the auto stop in a helical pencil sharpener doesn’t always detect when the pencil is sharp. Turn the handle a couple of turns and check your pencil point; repeat until happy

Bloom can still occur on oil-based pencils due to the melting point and humidity. The best way to combat ‘bloom’ is to wipe away with a soft tissue and lightly spray with a fixative designed for coloured pencil use. Working in a non-humid environment will always prevent bloom.

Lightfastness refers to the chemical stability of a pigment under long exposure to light. The Derwent Lightfast range has been tested according to the ASTM D6901 standard, which states that pencils with a rating of LFI and LFII are fully lightfast. All the Derwent Lightfast pencils fall into this category and when displayed under museum conditions will not fade for up to 100 years.

The colour and the lightfastness rating will both be displayed on the end of each Lightfast pencil, for easy reference.

Due to Derwent Lightfast's unique formulation and 100% lightfast rating, all colours will last over 100 years under museum conditions.

Yes, the Derwent Lightfast range has been tested according to the ASTM D6901 standard, which states that pencils with a rating of LFI and LFII are fully lightfast.

Derwent Lightfast features an oil-based, opaque and vibrant coloured core, that is 100% lightfast. You can get smooth, velvety laydown of colour and when mixed with oil mediums, the pencil colour can behave more like an oil paint.

Derwent have worked with renowned coloured pencil artist, Jesse Lane, to produce this amazing piece of artwork for our tins.