Lyra Polycolor Pencils: An Honest Review from a Polychromos User

By Carol Leather

When it comes to coloured pencils, I have always been a Faber-Castell Polychromos kind of artist. Reliable, richly pigmented and wonderfully versatile, they have been my trusted tools for years. So when I first picked up a set of Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils, I could not help but wonder: could they really compare to my beloved Polychromos, especially at a significantly lower price?

A First Impression That Surprised Me

The moment I began using them, my scepticism started to fade.

Crafted in Germany with the precision and attention to detail that German art supplies are known for, the Lyra Polycolor pencils impressed me straight away. Slim to hold in the hand, but with a substantial 4mm core, they handled well.

Like Polychromos, these pencils are oil-based, which means they deliver smooth, blendable colour without the waxy build-up often associated with other brands.

As I sketched a simple hedgerow scene inspired by the countryside outside my window, the pencils glided effortlessly across the page, laying down rich, vibrant pigment with a satisfying ease.

Blendability That Invites Experimentation

Blending was where these pencils truly shone.

With Polychromos, I am used to carefully layering colours to achieve soft transitions. But with the Lyra Polycolors, the pigments seemed to merge almost effortlessly, creating seamless gradients and subtle shifts in tone. Capturing the nuances of natural light and texture became a joy rather than a challenge. It felt as though these pencils were encouraging me to experiment, to push my boundaries and to explore new possibilities.

Even more surprising was how forgiving they were. While some pencils "lock" layers into place, the Lyra Polycolors allowed for easy adjustments, even after several layers. That flexibility made them perfect for refining highlights or adding delicate tonal shifts without overworking the piece.

How Lightfast are Lyra Polycolor Pencils?

Another feature that surprised me was their lightfastness. The star ratings printed inside the lid of the tin give clear guidance on durability, so you know which colours will last. Three stars indicate extremely lightfast colours, while two stars indicate very good lightfastness.

Knowing that these pencils perform well here gave me the confidence to use them for pieces I plan to display or keep.

Exceptional Value for Artists

What truly sets the Lyra Polycolor pencils apart is their affordability. They deliver professional-level results at a fraction of the cost of Polychromos. As someone who uses coloured pencils as often as cups of tea on a winter's day, finding a high-quality yet budget-friendly option for sketching is a real win.

While Polychromos are known for their extensive colour range, the Polycolors stood out with some unique tones, especially their earthy greens and soft greys. Those shades capture the muted elegance of winter trees and frosty mornings beautifully.

Widely Available and Easy to Try

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils are easy to find here in the UK. They are available online through retailers like Amazon, Jackson's Art Supplies and Cass Art, which often run discounts, making it easier to stock up without straining your budget.

I found the set of 72 colours on Amazon for a fraction over £1 a pencil (January 2025). I was also delighted to find them offered as open stock at cultpens.com.

The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. If you buy through it you help support this site at no extra cost to you.

My Final Thoughts on Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor

While Faber-Castell Polychromos remain my trusted go-to pencils, the Lyra Polycolor pencils have carved out a well-deserved place in my art kit. They offer something uniquely their own: a vibrant playfulness, ease of use and affordability, all backed by exceptional German craftsmanship and good lightfastness.

If you have never tried them before, I would encourage you to give them a go. Start small, perhaps with a quick sketch of your surroundings, and let the pencils guide you. Who knows? Like me, you may find that these affordable, high-quality pencils open up a world of new possibilities in your art, without breaking the bank.

Key Highlights

• Blending and layering: seamless transitions, thanks to the oil-based cores.
• Affordability: professional results at a budget-friendly price.
• Versatility: unique colour tones, ideal for capturing natural light and texture.
• Lightfastness: durable pigments for lasting artwork.