My Schpirerr Farben set has colours as well as numbers on each pencil. You can download a chart to make swatches from the Schpirerr Farben web site BTW.
I love Pam Proctors channel.. she used the ruler like that and did her swatches and I tried it a while ago and it does make the process so much neater and more enjoyable. I love your idea of numbering the pencils with the sharpie yourself that makes sense of your a swatches person.
Thanks for the review Erin! I have been using my Renoirs that I got for Christmas for two days now and I love them. No breaking or crumbling yet (fingers crossed). I am going to get the SF pencils next month to go with my Renoirs now that I know for sure that they work together so nicely. Prior to getting the Renoirs, I have only worked with my Prismas which I love to bits but I wanted to try some oil based pencils (I'm definitely convinced they are oil based no matter what customer service says. They don't perform at all like a wax based pencil.)and I'm glad so far that I chose the Renoirs.
Lots of people haven't had the same issues with their Renoir pencils. The SF pencils are harder pencils, but that's fine by me. They don't have the same "dust" you get with the Renoirs, either. I'm thinking of trying to heat my Renoirs like I would a Prismacolor but I'm not sure how that works with oil-based pencils.
Hi!Thanks a lot for your reviews! I bought both this set and Castle art supplies 72 colored pencils.. I've only used them to make a color chart but they seem to me exactly the same so far... The color palette is identical too. Castle art cost $22.99 on Amazon US now. Sorry for my English..I'm from Italy.
Lol 😂 I too feel the same about the Prisma pencils, I really like them !!! One of your reviews had me order them, very happy with that purchase 👍 I just got 100 Flowers coloring book, love it too Thanks for sharing these pencils, they will go on my wish list. Take care , Maddy NY 🌈🌻🌺🌸🦋
Your comparisons are wonderful as was your information, but I've got to say that in the illustrations you did, the SF's look much nicer than the Renoirs which look very streaky.
With the blending side,seems like after you blended them(and layering),there's a subtle film left that looks like you put some Gamsol after the blending
I liked how you spoke about the 2 types of pencils ..your compare and contrast of these two were well done .I really love your review and see how your illustration of the SF to the NR really will help us to decide the plus points(pros) and the cons .
I loved mine at first, but then they started crumbling in the center as I sharpened them. I don't know if it's a problem with the pencils or if they were damaged during shipping, but I'm not the only one who's had this issue with them. Of course, many people have had no issues whatsoever, too.
Simple Art for Adults thank you for sharing that info. I'll definitely keep that in mind before making a purchase. I actually haven't seen any other tutorials with these 2 brands. I was familiar with the Renoirs to an extent, but had yet to see them in use. I do love the blend you achieved with them. I'd be pretty upset if I invested in a set and they worked great for a while and then suddenly started to crumble. Doubtful you could get a refund on half-used pencils either. Maybe I'll try out the SFs first and see how they work for me before investing in the Renoirs. Who knows, I might like them so much, I won't feel the need for a more expensive brand. I love my Prismas, but being heavy-handed I've really been wanting to try some oil-based pencils with decent blending capability, and I can't spring for FC Polychromes right now, though I think I'd really love them.
My sister bought me the 100 set of the Marco's and now I just ordered the Schpirerr to add them together in the new pencil case that is coming too. Thank you for the comparison. Love Terri Simmers.
Hi Erin! Got my SF pencils replaced snd guess what? They were a box of inedible lemons. I love my new SF and am using them head to head with my Prismas on a double flower/leaves page in Magical Jungle. Hubby thought my SF colored flowers were actually done in watercolor. I'm so proud of the effect. The book was a present from his mom. I wish I could find that Renoir names page but thanks for your reply. You're the best.
honestly as well as they layer and blend your color palette is pretty much infinite. Thanks for comparing these. Renoir now has 120 pencils and SF has 96!
i dont mean to be so off topic but does any of you know a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I somehow forgot the account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Kasen Caleb thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
It is nice to see how pencils play well with others. I like to use my few brands together. I hated my Irojitens when I first got them, but they work so well with Polychromos.
Being a self-proclaimed pencil ho (hahaha), I will be getting these. Too bad about some shades being lacking but there are some pretty colors nonetheless. Love the new intro.
Me too, have them on a wish list because I want another set. I was lucky to purchase Marco Renoir before they went up in price. At home and I'm trying to compare. I'm still comparing. There have been a few reviews on line that have done side by side comparison with the polycrom... Like you've said it's to each it's own. I'm glad they're lighter because it helps my hand.
Yeah, there are some people who swear they're the budget equivalent of Polychromos but I just don't see it. I'm coloring a picture with the Polychromos too and the two don't behave the same - at all. Similar because they're oil, but that's where the similarities end for me.
Thank u for the reveiw. I got myself some S. F. P pencils for Christmas and now I know what to expect out of them. I was looking for a pencil to use so I could kind of save my Marco renoir and prismacolor a little bit and I think the S.F. will do it. Thanks again for taking the time
They definitely feel like they contain more wax than oil to me...........add solvent to them and you will be able to tell more easily of the wax/oil ratio. The price is a good guide also. I purchased this whole 72 color set for 26.00 on Amazon some time ago! So cheap I couldn't believe it. Thanks for the review.
Hi hi Ms Erin - Very useful review Ty. With my 150 Prismas, am covered for now. However I DO want some oil based pencils someday. Fun to ponder - these, or spring for Polychromos? Thx again.
Yay, Abigail!!!! My color-alongs are a lot like tutorials, so when you get them, feel free to join us! I explain what colors I'm using and how I'm using them when I'm coloring.
The SF is so expensive here €127 for the 96…..a larger set now. I think I’ll purchase the coloursoft from Derwent. Just because they are so expensive here. Thank you for this comparison 6 years later.
I looked up the Marco Renoirs cos I liked the Violets and Mint Greens and they reckon they’re watercolours? They’re not watercolours are they? Great video too. ♥️ from Australia 🇦🇺
I received these for Christmas and really like them but was sad that several of the cores came broken throughout the entire pencil. I believe the postal people likely dropped them and they shattered, so I would advise to be careful with dropping these. I just ordered a tin of 72 Sargent brand pencils for $21 and just realized they actually look just like these SF pencils, right down to the colors. Will be interesting seeing how they compare. The SF have already went up in price to right around $30, I kind of knew they would. I'm secretly hoping the Sargent brand is the same, now that I realize how closely they resemble one another and being that many of my SFs came broken. Thanks for the video. Nice seeing all of the "adults" coloring now. I used to get laughed at back in the day for my adult coloring habits and now its a thing... go figure.
I haven't had that issue with mine yet, fortunately. I've not used all of them, and the ones I have used haven't been sharpened all that much yet. I'm hoping that doesn't happen. My Renoirs are all crumbled about halfway through the pencil so I'm thinking that must have been the case for me, but unfortunately, it's too late for me to really send them back.
Thank you for the review, Erin! I also had the same feeling about all the yellows with the SF's, but as I've told you, I am loving them so much. They feel creamy to me but also very strong, and I have had no issues at all in sharpening them. I have never used the Marco Renoir pencils, but I had heard about the breaking issue. I am also surprised that the SF's are as low priced as they are, I would not be surprised at all if the price went up. I also added a second set to my wish list! I do wish there was a bigger set though, I wonder if they are planning on making a bigger set of the SF's??
Great review, Erin. And I like the new intro, as well. Thanks for taking the time to do this review. I have the SF and have been considering whether I should get the Marco Renoir. When I look at the price and see they are more expensive than the 132 Prismacolors, I think I will wait on that. Maybe SF will come out more colors. Fingers crossed.
As for the larger set... I don't know! That would be wonderful. I'd love to see at least 120 if not 150. They're lovely pencils. Like I said in the video, they're not as creamy as the Marco ones, but that's not an issue whatsoever. I like the way they perform... and the price DID go up within a couple hours of me posting my review by about $3. Haha.
That's how I feel about it, Nancy. I find myself not even using the Marcos anymore. I've decided I'm going to try using them more often (if they don't break) and see whether it's worth it for me to try to get another set. I'm saving to buy the full set of Caran D'Ache Pablo pencils right now, though. They are by far my favorite pencils to use and I'm SO excited about being able to get them. I'm not buying any more pencils until I get the Pablos. After that, I'll dive back into trying out budget-friendly sets.
The smell is horrendous... three days it took to air out! I agree with you the ‘too many yellows’, and not enough greys and reds! TFS! Happy New Year! They can layer!!!! BTW: Can you compare a wax vs oil based pencils??
Agreed! Mine didn't take as long, but I think that might be because the smells like that don't bother me as much. I can sure try to do a comparison! It's not really a comparison as much as it is a discussion - they're just two different things altogether. I can absolutely do that though!
Thank you for this. I HAVE Prismacolor Premier, but didn't want to spend the money on oil-based until I tried a "student" or "new" line. And some of those oil-based are top $$$. And sure, Farben's may be cheap, but why spend $200 on something you may not like? In any case, I took this review...along with about 5 others...and decided to buy the Farben's. I just want to test them...not sell my home in order to color...lol. And sure, I'm like the rest of the "colorists" out there...we want the best of the best...but I seriously don't HAVE $300 to throw at color pencils. So, I play with the cheap...until I know for SURE...and then save, save, save to get what I want. So I really DO appreciate the time you took on this video to go through the whole thing. I had to put you on pause while I took care of farm business...but...you were waiting when I came back...and hit "play"...lol. Took me all day to get through this...but I took notes, ordered paper, and of course...the Farben's. I'd rather try oil-based on a less-expensive set... and, if I like the results...save for the good stuff. So again, thank you for taking the time to make this video!!!!
Oh I totally agree with you. I didn't have a bunch of money to throw at my Polychromos either, and I'm currently saving my pennies to buy the Pablos (also oil-based). No matter what I have, there are a few I always go back to - Prisma being at the top of that list. Just keep in mind that these aren't like the more expensive pencils. They are really, really good for the price, but they just can't compare to a Polychromos. In most cases, there's a reason they cost more, and it's usually mostly about how lightfast they are. :) Glad you decided to get these, though. They are very lovely and fun to use.
If you're choosing one or the other, I'd probably buy the PC. They're my favorite pencils. I'd buy these ALSO, though. They work together beautifully and both have very different qualities. Prisma is my favorite and always will be, but these are very nice. There's not really a lot of comparison between the two. Prisma is much softer, much more vibrant, and made of a totally different binder. That's why I recommend both of them. Different pencils for different effects. :)
Lots of people haven't had a bit of trouble. I'm wondering if something happened to mine during shipping. I know I haven't dropped them or anything and they even stayed in a case until I started having problems with them.
My SF swatches look only remotely like yours. I'm convinced I got a lemon of a box and am contacting their customer service to see if they'll do an exchange. By the by, where did you get the color names for the Renoirs? Please share.Did your box have names on it?🎨Barb
Hey Barb! I found a list online for the names of the Renoirs a LONG time ago. I don't think I still have it anywhere, to be honest. As far as the swatches go, I always, ALWAYS swatch on toothy paper. I use a vellum surface paper for swatches. It makes the colors show up as vibrant as possible. I hope this helps!
You're welcome! They're quite different from Prismas and wax pencils. I personally like the SF ones better. Better quality and harder than the Renoirs. :)
Thanks for the review because I just got them for me and Shelleen but they are at her house so I won’t get to try them until I go visit her on Friday if the weather cooperates lol 🤞
Simple Art for Adults I haven’t heard much about them at all. But they keep popping up in my recommendation list on amazon lol. It’s like we know we are addicts haha
Right? Yeah, I think they're inexpensive at a grocery store nearby for a set of either 24 or 36. It's a small set, but that's really all you need to try them out. I think they make a set of 72? Not really sure.
Thank u so much for this comparison! I was wondering if they were one in the same because of the similarities in the wood casing and being that both are made in China . Good to know they are not identical because I have the renoirs and I love them so I don't think I'll b needing the fb. Thank you :)
Cores are 3.3, says it on back of box, too many yellows too....It is a steal for the monsy...BUT once you run out of a color you cannot buy them separate...set only.
Daniel 2020 ....I could be wrong, but I think what happened was that almost everyone that did a review of the S.F. pencils basically raved how good they were and the company wasn't ready for the onslaught that took place. They were out of stock for a good year or so. I had them sitting in my wish list that long before I suddenly saw them again. But yes, they are back in stock, at least for now. 😊
I was wondering about these pencils. I just got a set of Arteza Professional Pencils. They are oil based. I'm not sure about them yet. I don't know how to use oil based. I wanted the Polychromos, but wanted to try a budget friendly oil pencil first. Also I don't know how to blend them
The oil-based pencils take a little getting used to, I think. They do work a little differently than wax ones, for sure. With a wax pencil like a Prisma, you can blend them even using heavy pressure. I can only get a seamless blend with oil pencils by going in very light layers from light to dark. Still learning my Polychromos myself, to be honest. They're tougher to use, but the results are gorgeous! In fact, I might go looking for some Polychromos tutorials and advice today.
I like my Arteza pencils. And I like the case they come in, since the trays are compact and so easy to manage that I plan on keeping the pencils in their case.
I disagree with you, and really do like mine. I have no intention of ever putting out the money on Poly chronic and believe that both the SF and Marcos are good enough for me. I am not an artist I am just a colorist.
I've been using my SF pencils to blend and shade beautifully. Of course, there's no way I'm getting as many layers as with a Polychromos, but I can get about 8 or so... more with light pressure... in a high-quality coloring book with the SF. Can't really go wrong with that!
For some folks out there who want to work in coloring books rather than produce fine art for sale or display, more than $15/$20 for a full set is more than they are willing to spend. But, yes. These pencils are definitely budget pencils. More than Crayola, but also better in quality than Crayola.
the derwent artists.... are a devil to work with..... I was bound and determined to.keep them in my stable of pencils...... and make them work.... I have....
I've heard good and bad things about them and I'm definitely still curious to try them! My SoHo Urban Artist pencils are like that, too. Picky about their paper, for sure!
My Schpirerr Farben set has colours as well as numbers on each pencil. You can download a chart to make swatches from the Schpirerr Farben web site BTW.
Love seeing the way those color. Always fun to discover new coloring pencils!
I like these more now than I did when I first got them. They do color beautifully!
I love Pam Proctors channel.. she used the ruler like that and did her swatches and I tried it a while ago and it does make the process so much neater and more enjoyable. I love your idea of numbering the pencils with the sharpie yourself that makes sense of your a swatches person.
Thanks for the review Erin! I have been using my Renoirs that I got for Christmas for two days now and I love them. No breaking or crumbling yet (fingers crossed). I am going to get the SF pencils next month to go with my Renoirs now that I know for sure that they work together so nicely. Prior to getting the Renoirs, I have only worked with my Prismas which I love to bits but I wanted to try some oil based pencils (I'm definitely convinced they are oil based no matter what customer service says. They don't perform at all like a wax based pencil.)and I'm glad so far that I chose the Renoirs.
Lots of people haven't had the same issues with their Renoir pencils. The SF pencils are harder pencils, but that's fine by me. They don't have the same "dust" you get with the Renoirs, either. I'm thinking of trying to heat my Renoirs like I would a Prismacolor but I'm not sure how that works with oil-based pencils.
Hi!Thanks a lot for your reviews! I bought both this set and Castle art supplies 72 colored pencils.. I've only used them to make a color chart but they seem to me exactly the same so far... The color palette is identical too. Castle art cost $22.99 on Amazon US now. Sorry for my English..I'm from Italy.
Hi Chiara! Your English is just fine, so no worries! Better than many who speak English as a first language.
Thank you :)
I agree. Wish I could write Italian even half as good. ;-)
Hey, Erin, thanks for taking the time to do the comparison. 🌸
You're welcome, Barbara! Thank you so much for watching!
Lol 😂 I too feel the same about the Prisma pencils, I really like them !!! One of your reviews had
me order them, very happy with that purchase 👍 I just got 100 Flowers coloring book, love it too
Thanks for sharing these pencils, they will go on my wish list. Take care , Maddy NY 🌈🌻🌺🌸🦋
Your comparisons are wonderful as was your information, but I've got to say that in the illustrations you did, the SF's look much nicer than the Renoirs which look very streaky.
Erin - thanks for sharing the comparison on the two sets - much appreciated!
You're very welcome!
With the blending side,seems like after you blended them(and layering),there's a subtle film left that looks like you put some Gamsol after the blending
I liked how you spoke about the 2 types of pencils ..your compare and contrast of these two were well done .I really love your review and see how your illustration of the SF to the NR really will help us to decide the plus points(pros) and the cons .
Thank you, Peggy!
Oh my, the Marco Renoir blend is yummy
I loved mine at first, but then they started crumbling in the center as I sharpened them. I don't know if it's a problem with the pencils or if they were damaged during shipping, but I'm not the only one who's had this issue with them. Of course, many people have had no issues whatsoever, too.
Simple Art for Adults thank you for sharing that info. I'll definitely keep that in mind before making a purchase. I actually haven't seen any other tutorials with these 2 brands. I was familiar with the Renoirs to an extent, but had yet to see them in use. I do love the blend you achieved with them. I'd be pretty upset if I invested in a set and they worked great for a while and then suddenly started to crumble. Doubtful you could get a refund on half-used pencils either. Maybe I'll try out the SFs first and see how they work for me before investing in the Renoirs. Who knows, I might like them so much, I won't feel the need for a more expensive brand. I love my Prismas, but being heavy-handed I've really been wanting to try some oil-based pencils with decent blending capability, and I can't spring for FC Polychromes right now, though I think I'd really love them.
I like the range....it’s good for people who like to color lots of flowers
My sister bought me the 100 set of the Marco's and now I just ordered the Schpirerr to add them together in the new pencil case that is coming too. Thank you for the comparison. Love Terri Simmers.
Hi Erin! Got my SF pencils replaced snd guess what? They were a box of inedible lemons. I love my new SF and am using them head to head with my Prismas on a double flower/leaves page in Magical Jungle. Hubby thought my SF colored flowers were actually done in watercolor. I'm so proud of the effect. The book was a present from his mom. I wish I could find that Renoir names page but thanks for your reply. You're the best.
You're welcome! I wish I could remember where I found them myself but I can't! It's been quite a while ago. I think it was on Pinterest if that helps.
honestly as well as they layer and blend your color palette is pretty much infinite. Thanks for comparing these. Renoir now has 120 pencils and SF has 96!
i dont mean to be so off topic but does any of you know a trick to get back into an Instagram account??
I somehow forgot the account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Kingston Matias instablaster :)
@Kasen Caleb thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm.
I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Kasen Caleb it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much you saved my account !
@Kingston Matias Glad I could help =)
It is nice to see how pencils play well with others. I like to use my few brands together. I hated my Irojitens when I first got them, but they work so well with Polychromos.
Thanks for letting me know! I'm coloring with the Polychromos right now and I have a couple open stock Irojiten I can throw in the mix.
I love my Irojitens. When I limit myself to using them on their own, I can really appreciate their uniqueness.
Being a self-proclaimed pencil ho (hahaha), I will be getting these. Too bad about some shades being lacking but there are some pretty colors nonetheless. Love the new intro.
I do like them the more I use them. Not as easy to blend and layer as a Polychromos, of course, but they're still very nice to work with.
Me too, have them on a wish list because I want another set. I was lucky to purchase Marco Renoir before they went up in price. At home and I'm trying to compare. I'm still comparing. There have been a few reviews on line that have done side by side comparison with the polycrom... Like you've said it's to each it's own. I'm glad they're lighter because it helps my hand.
Yeah, there are some people who swear they're the budget equivalent of Polychromos but I just don't see it. I'm coloring a picture with the Polychromos too and the two don't behave the same - at all. Similar because they're oil, but that's where the similarities end for me.
Thank u for the reveiw. I got myself some S. F. P
pencils for Christmas and now I know what to expect out of them. I was looking for a pencil to use so I could kind of save my Marco renoir and prismacolor a little bit and I think the S.F. will do it. Thanks again for taking the time
They definitely will! They work beautifully with the Renoirs, and I'll bet you can make them work well with the Prismacolors, too!
They definitely feel like they contain more wax than oil to me...........add solvent to them and you will be able to tell more easily of the wax/oil ratio. The price is a good guide also. I purchased this whole 72 color set for 26.00 on Amazon some time ago! So cheap I couldn't believe it. Thanks for the review.
Hi hi Ms Erin - Very useful review Ty. With my 150 Prismas, am covered for now. However I DO want some oil based pencils someday. Fun to ponder - these, or spring for Polychromos? Thx again.
New intro, yay! Watching it now while I color in Inky/Ivy with the SF pencils lol :)
Woohoo! Glad you liked it! :D I like the music! It was upbeat and fun.
I bought the prismacolors 💜💜💜 ill recive them in about two weeks. I hope i could see more colored pencil tutorials in the future 💜💜💜💜
Yay, Abigail!!!! My color-alongs are a lot like tutorials, so when you get them, feel free to join us! I explain what colors I'm using and how I'm using them when I'm coloring.
Simple Art for Adults 👌 ok. :)
Hi Erin! Great review as always - thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to watch, Nicole!
The SF is so expensive here €127 for the 96…..a larger set now. I think I’ll purchase the coloursoft from Derwent. Just because they are so expensive here. Thank you for this comparison 6 years later.
I looked up the Marco Renoirs cos I liked the Violets and Mint Greens and they reckon they’re watercolours?
They’re not watercolours are they? Great video too. ♥️ from Australia 🇦🇺
I know this was ages ago, but for anyone else wondering, Marco make coloured pencils and watercolour pencils.
I received these for Christmas and really like them but was sad that several of the cores came broken throughout the entire pencil. I believe the postal people likely dropped them and they shattered, so I would advise to be careful with dropping these. I just ordered a tin of 72 Sargent brand pencils for $21 and just realized they actually look just like these SF pencils, right down to the colors. Will be interesting seeing how they compare. The SF have already went up in price to right around $30, I kind of knew they would. I'm secretly hoping the Sargent brand is the same, now that I realize how closely they resemble one another and being that many of my SFs came broken. Thanks for the video. Nice seeing all of the "adults" coloring now. I used to get laughed at back in the day for my adult coloring habits and now its a thing... go figure.
I haven't had that issue with mine yet, fortunately. I've not used all of them, and the ones I have used haven't been sharpened all that much yet. I'm hoping that doesn't happen. My Renoirs are all crumbled about halfway through the pencil so I'm thinking that must have been the case for me, but unfortunately, it's too late for me to really send them back.
Thank you for the review, Erin! I also had the same feeling about all the yellows with the SF's, but as I've told you, I am loving them so much. They feel creamy to me but also very strong, and I have had no issues at all in sharpening them. I have never used the Marco Renoir pencils, but I had heard about the breaking issue. I am also surprised that the SF's are as low priced as they are, I would not be surprised at all if the price went up. I also added a second set to my wish list! I do wish there was a bigger set though, I wonder if they are planning on making a bigger set of the SF's??
Great review, Erin. And I like the new intro, as well. Thanks for taking the time to do this review. I have the SF and have been considering whether I should get the Marco Renoir. When I look at the price and see they are more expensive than the 132 Prismacolors, I think I will wait on that. Maybe SF will come out more colors. Fingers crossed.
As for the larger set... I don't know! That would be wonderful. I'd love to see at least 120 if not 150. They're lovely pencils. Like I said in the video, they're not as creamy as the Marco ones, but that's not an issue whatsoever. I like the way they perform... and the price DID go up within a couple hours of me posting my review by about $3. Haha.
That's how I feel about it, Nancy. I find myself not even using the Marcos anymore. I've decided I'm going to try using them more often (if they don't break) and see whether it's worth it for me to try to get another set. I'm saving to buy the full set of Caran D'Ache Pablo pencils right now, though. They are by far my favorite pencils to use and I'm SO excited about being able to get them. I'm not buying any more pencils until I get the Pablos. After that, I'll dive back into trying out budget-friendly sets.
The smell is horrendous... three days it took to air out! I agree with you the ‘too many yellows’, and not enough greys and reds! TFS! Happy New Year! They can layer!!!!
BTW: Can you compare a wax vs oil based pencils??
Agreed! Mine didn't take as long, but I think that might be because the smells like that don't bother me as much. I can sure try to do a comparison! It's not really a comparison as much as it is a discussion - they're just two different things altogether. I can absolutely do that though!
The smell?
Great video thanks for the info... This helps!!!
I'm having a happy birthday coloring party for me this weekend and I'm gonna have my daughter check the 2 sf and m.r. pencils also.
They're both nice! The SF are less expensive and I really like them a lot. Coloring with them right now!
In case there are Canadians interested, they’re $112.00 for the 72 and the largest set is $196.00. Super bummed about that because I really want them.
I hope the Schpirrer Pencils will be available at Amazon Germany soon. They seem to be very nice 👍
Sonja, I live in Spain. The SF pencils were never available on Spain’s Amazon. But sometimes the American Amazon ships to other countries.
Thank you for this. I HAVE Prismacolor Premier, but didn't want to spend the money on oil-based until I tried a "student" or "new" line. And some of those oil-based are top $$$. And sure, Farben's may be cheap, but why spend $200 on something you may not like? In any case, I took this review...along with about 5 others...and decided to buy the Farben's. I just want to test them...not sell my home in order to color...lol. And sure, I'm like the rest of the "colorists" out there...we want the best of the best...but I seriously don't HAVE $300 to throw at color pencils. So, I play with the cheap...until I know for SURE...and then save, save, save to get what I want. So I really DO appreciate the time you took on this video to go through the whole thing. I had to put you on pause while I took care of farm business...but...you were waiting when I came back...and hit "play"...lol. Took me all day to get through this...but I took notes, ordered paper, and of course...the Farben's. I'd rather try oil-based on a less-expensive set... and, if I like the results...save for the good stuff. So again, thank you for taking the time to make this video!!!!
Oh I totally agree with you. I didn't have a bunch of money to throw at my Polychromos either, and I'm currently saving my pennies to buy the Pablos (also oil-based). No matter what I have, there are a few I always go back to - Prisma being at the top of that list. Just keep in mind that these aren't like the more expensive pencils. They are really, really good for the price, but they just can't compare to a Polychromos. In most cases, there's a reason they cost more, and it's usually mostly about how lightfast they are. :) Glad you decided to get these, though. They are very lovely and fun to use.
Oh, disregard that last comment. I used the link you provided instead and found the oil-based ones 💖
Great review! Now that PC is so affordable at $24 for 72, would you get the PC instead? Will you compare SF vs. PC?
If you're choosing one or the other, I'd probably buy the PC. They're my favorite pencils. I'd buy these ALSO, though. They work together beautifully and both have very different qualities. Prisma is my favorite and always will be, but these are very nice.
There's not really a lot of comparison between the two. Prisma is much softer, much more vibrant, and made of a totally different binder. That's why I recommend both of them. Different pencils for different effects. :)
Thank you so much! I have been waiting for you review since you got these pencils:)
i haven't had problems with the Marco renoirs with sharpening and crumbling
Lots of people haven't had a bit of trouble. I'm wondering if something happened to mine during shipping. I know I haven't dropped them or anything and they even stayed in a case until I started having problems with them.
My SF swatches look only remotely like yours. I'm convinced I got a lemon of a box and am contacting their customer service to see if they'll do an exchange. By the by, where did you get the color names for the Renoirs? Please share.Did your box have names on it?🎨Barb
Hey Barb! I found a list online for the names of the Renoirs a LONG time ago. I don't think I still have it anywhere, to be honest.
As far as the swatches go, I always, ALWAYS swatch on toothy paper. I use a vellum surface paper for swatches. It makes the colors show up as vibrant as possible. I hope this helps!
Thanks for this review.
Thanks for watching, Nanci! Hope it really helped.
Wow, amazing, thank you for this review, I have never seen either of these pencils before!
You're welcome! They're quite different from Prismas and wax pencils. I personally like the SF ones better. Better quality and harder than the Renoirs. :)
where can i buy the sf? cant find them anywhere
Thanks for the review because I just got them for me and Shelleen but they are at her house so I won’t get to try them until I go visit her on Friday if the weather cooperates lol 🤞
I remember her saying that! You ladies will LOVE them. I hope the weather stays nice and clear for safe travels, Catherine!
Thanks Erin ❤️
I’ve got 3 new sets on my wish list to buy. The sf. The Renoir. And the Fantasia.
Lord knows I need more pencils lol
I almost grabbed a small set of Fantasia pencils at a grocery store the other day. Have you heard good things about them?
Simple Art for Adults I haven’t heard much about them at all. But they keep popping up in my recommendation list on amazon lol.
It’s like we know we are addicts haha
Right? Yeah, I think they're inexpensive at a grocery store nearby for a set of either 24 or 36. It's a small set, but that's really all you need to try them out. I think they make a set of 72? Not really sure.
Thank u so much for this comparison! I was wondering if they were one in the same because of the similarities in the wood casing and being that both are made in China . Good to know they are not identical because I have the renoirs and I love them so I don't think I'll b needing the fb. Thank you :)
I'm so very glad it helped you make your decision!
Cores are 3.3, says it on back of box, too many yellows too....It is a steal for the monsy...BUT once you run out of a color you cannot buy them separate...set only.
Can buy individuals on etsy
The Marco Renoir are great until you go to sharpen them. They crumble easily.
I’m glad I only ordered the set of 48.
You're a fellow Hoosier!! Indy is my home.
I was! I moved to Kentucky in March 2018, but I'm just a hop, skip, and jump away! I'm 5 blocks from the Ohio River, and Indiana is on the other side.
They are no longer available 😢
I was trying to find them too, but unsuccessful!
I’ve heard that the company will manufacture more, possibly in October 2018.
Funny I just bought a set today?
Daniel 2020 ....I could be wrong, but I think what happened was that almost everyone that did a review of the S.F. pencils basically raved how good they were and the company wasn't ready for the onslaught that took place. They were out of stock for a good year or so. I had them sitting in my wish list that long before I suddenly saw them again. But yes, they are back in stock, at least for now. 😊
I cannot find these on Amazon
I heard that they may start manufacturing again in a couple of months.
Amazon doesn’t carry these anymore😞
I heard that SF may start manufacturing again in a couple of months.
I was wondering about these pencils. I just got a set of Arteza Professional Pencils. They are oil based. I'm not sure about them yet. I don't know how to use oil based. I wanted the Polychromos, but wanted to try a budget friendly oil pencil first. Also I don't know how to blend them
The oil-based pencils take a little getting used to, I think. They do work a little differently than wax ones, for sure. With a wax pencil like a Prisma, you can blend them even using heavy pressure. I can only get a seamless blend with oil pencils by going in very light layers from light to dark. Still learning my Polychromos myself, to be honest. They're tougher to use, but the results are gorgeous! In fact, I might go looking for some Polychromos tutorials and advice today.
I like my Arteza pencils. And I like the case they come in, since the trays are compact and so easy to manage that I plan on keeping the pencils in their case.
it would become equal to the prismacolor
I disagree with you, and really do like mine. I have no intention of ever putting out the money on Poly chronic and believe that both the SF and Marcos are good enough for me. I am not an artist I am just a colorist.
thankyou xxx i will get them. xxx great price
Glad it helped you make a decision!
Aren’t they beautiful.....I just got mine
They are lovely!
the SF pencils are great... but certainly not polychromos..... they are great for straight coloring..... not blending or shading..
I've been using my SF pencils to blend and shade beautifully. Of course, there's no way I'm getting as many layers as with a Polychromos, but I can get about 8 or so... more with light pressure... in a high-quality coloring book with the SF. Can't really go wrong with that!
Under $1/ is inexpensive.
For some folks out there who want to work in coloring books rather than produce fine art for sale or display, more than $15/$20 for a full set is more than they are willing to spend.
But, yes. These pencils are definitely budget pencils. More than Crayola, but also better in quality than Crayola.
the derwent artists.... are a devil to work with..... I was bound and determined to.keep them in my stable of pencils...... and make them work.... I have....
I've heard good and bad things about them and I'm definitely still curious to try them! My SoHo Urban Artist pencils are like that, too. Picky about their paper, for sure!
tongue twister, try saying "mother argues with horse" in chinese. geesh. that is a real tongue twister.