I love my Kalour pencils. I also loved your video. I am 89 years old and color everyday. I have the 72 set and the 300 pencil set. I also have many other brands of pencils including Prisma colors. Thanks for your videos. Grandma Sue in Central Indiana
0:010:01 I love the Kalour Premium Colored Pencils. I have a 72 set in a case, a 72 set in a tin, a 129 set in a tin, and the 520 set. Mine all say Premium. I have swatched them, and there is an overall color set. They have the same pencils. The 520 set includes all colors. They are vibrant. They do not smear like Prismacolors, and they are soft but not too soft. I sharpen them the easiest and best way with a rotary pencil sharpener. I use only the Dahl 133 rotary sharpener for any soft pencil. Yes, you can sharpen a very short stub if you know how with the Dahl 133. Most people complain about that. It's a lack of not knowing how to use this sharpener. I am not a fan of Prismacolors. I have purchased several sets and continue to have the same problems with them. They smear, I have had the red and pink colors bleed through paper and they break very easily. When you color with Prismacolors, everything looks fine, but go back in a few days and check. Your colors may have bled through. I have never had these problems with Kalour. Also, Kalour doesn't break as often as Prismacolor. I find Kalour better quality than Prismacolors. Kalour is just as vibrant as Prismacolor. The Prismacolors I have purchased have been poor quality overall. Prismacolor pencils have more that are not centered than Kalour or any other brand.
@robloxislandsbyfeathersong excuse me. I made a mistake....the largest set is enough colors for me. I am very happy with the Kalour Premium pencils. I don't know how the others not marked Premium work?
I was surprised to see the pencils in no particular order. I bought the 520 pencil set on Black Friday and was amazed at the beautifully organized pencil crayons. It was crazy though… I knew 520 in one set would be “a lot”. But WOW. It was so fun to pull out one tray. Then another tray. Then another tray. Then another tray. Then anoth……. You get it… 😂 There were 13 layers of trays! They are surprising me with how they are laying down colour and how well they are blending. Ok, now I shall listen to your video to see how you rate these!
I have the 520 set and I like the pencils for their value because I am an amateur and not concerned with how long a pencil color will last in the light. To me I color for fun. I think the kalour are 👍
I have the 300 set, and really like them. I'm fact, they're becoming my favorite every day coloring set. Ink Blue is also 095 in my set. I didn't track the rest of the ones you used, but numbers *may* be consistent across sets. A few other channels have mentioned were the same numbered the same as mine. Colorfully Optimistic asked the company about the differences between sets, but never received an answer. More of my Prismacolor Premier pencil full set are severely off-center than the Kalour pencils. I'd actually say most of my Prismacolor Premier pencils are very poorly centered. I also find Prismacolor Premier pencils more crumbly than these. And, the Prisma crumbs are stickier, making them harder to deal with. All that can make using Prismacolor Premier pencils a crummy experience (as in bad, or unpleasant), for me. I don't have a local source for open stock, so I can't rummage through the art supply store's supplies for Prismas with better cores. I've actually found the Kalour metallic pencils to be nice and sparkly on smoother paper. At least when layering is used burnish. I don't use "heavy pressure" to brutnish, because that's a great way to cause long term repetitive stress injuries to the fingers, hand, and wrist. I have permanent, painful damage to my hand as a result of living a miserable life. It's not a fun experience. It affects so many things. "Colorists," tread carefully with using "heavy pressure" as a means of burnishing a lot. Because it may cause future painful hand issues. ;( By the way, when you say a pencil is "crumby," my brain always defaults to "crummy" (bad, unpleasant in slang). Lol
in october of this year 2023, i did some extensive research as to the different coloring sets that Kalour makes; there's the square 120 set , in which i was told was the best but videos say they are all the same. theres black barreled and color barreled . i do not recommend the black barrels at all because the wood is cheap. i bought the watercolor pencils and sent them back. I did however buy the 300 set and those are amazing. the 520 set i believe is ALL ( the macaroon set and metallic sets) the sets in one minus the watercolor pencils . there is also the 120 colored barreled watercolor pencils which seem to be way better than the black barreled ones.
Hi, Jennifer - I purchased the Kalour 300 soft touch tin and, of course, the first thing was to sharpen them. Took a couple of days to accomplish but in doing so, I discovered EVERY single pencil was way off center. I have not used them to color anything as yet but in testing many of them, I found they were very creamy and seemed to lay down beautifully. My only complaint was the terribly off center condition of all of the pencils. I have many other full sets from Prismas to Holbiens and almost none of them had off center pencils. Maybe one or two in an entire set, but even those were extremely rare and not nearly as off center as the Kalours. 300 very off-center pencils is, in my opinion, very shameful and wasteful as in trying to get a decent point with something that badly made caused a lot of the pencil to be ground up. I'm not sure how often I shall reach for them to color with, but I truly doubt it will be very often because I doubt they will last very long. They will most likely be nubs in no time at all if used as primary go-to pencils. Thank you, Jennifer, and your awesome hubby, Steve, for all the work and wonderful information you both bring to us. You both are much loved and greatly appreciated! Take care and God bless.❤
My rule of thumb is no more Chinese manufactured sets…I have castle arts (gold and soft touch), brutfuner square, black widow and Artiza. When I first started I wanted them all. It’s great to have all the pigments and fun to have all the colours but it quickly became over whelming. My question is though for a country with such a rich history in art. What do Serious Chinese artists use if they want to use something home country made?
@paulinauka6977 I often wonder if many, if not most, pencils, paint sets, etc. are all the same couple manufacturers. Particularly those that aren't open stock. Overall (in my opinion, not asked for) Prismacolor is a great value. A set of 150 is less than 1.00 a pencil. When you use up a color you can buy that color at any Hobbylobby type store. Out of 150 I use less than half. I have 1 case with all of them in it. But again, many have a fun hobby of collecting colored pencils. I'm a minimalist. It's not easy with all the pretty sets out there!
I think it depends on the sort of artist? I know someone who uses Chinese ink, but she also does digital art (animation). She doesn’t use pencils Kalour and Brutfuner, because of the lightfastness. And to be honest, in my country they make coloured pencils, but I don’t use them. They don’t match up with Faber castell or Caran d’Ache.
Just to put my two cents in, I've been on the fence about trying these. Other reviews have said the color is great, but construction is poor. Off center cores, and the cores break frequently either while using or sharpening.
I think that unfortunately, off-center cores are the norm these days with pencil manufacturing, other than maybe the very high end sets. My Prismacolor set has over a third of the 150 pencils off center, and they weren't receptive to helping me with that, so I just put up with it. A good sharpener has helped a lot so far. I really appreciate your videos!
I bought the Prismacolor Verithins about a year ago, and every single one was off center enough that sharpening was difficult, and I never did use them. I have the full set of prismacolors, and they are just okay for me.
It's "going whole hog". 🙂 and now I'm wondering if that's mostly a southern saying. I am from the south and I've heard it many times. Thanks for another great video!
They go on sale often. I actually gave a couple of the 72 sets for gifts & donated to the Christmas hamper program. I don't mind them I have a set of 260(i think it is) they were a gift. The kind of remind me of my crayolas. Love the picture. Happy New Year to everyone ✨
@@pennyrockysmomma4445 i find the kalour better then the square , the round color barrel feels the same as kalour and the black Brutfuner is really soft
Hi Jen…..I just found the world of Kalour ……..The pencils are smooth and beautiful to use. I agree with you about the disorganized but I just rearrange them so they make sense……Another company I found is H and B….These pencil’s are arranged by color and are beautiful…….Enjoy your new pencils….Judy D
☺️ I do the same with my dogs too when the treats are finished, hold my hands up and say "All donesies" 😂 However one, Coco, never believes me and has to investigate 🧐
I've been on the fence about these pencils. I've been using Prismacolor pencils, but lately, I've been very disappointed in Prismacolors quality control. After reading other's comments and watching your video, I will try these.
I went to check my set (I have exactly the same one) after you've mentioned off-centering issue. Mine are definitely off- centered (after 15 I've stopped counting), but none to an extent that would be of any problem to me (before they get to the wood section I need to sharpen them anyway, as they are too dull to use comfortably). In my opinion the attached sharpener is useful only to test one's aim when tossing it to the trash bin. Using Dahle 133, I had absolutely no problems with sharpening or any breakages. I like the set for the case and some unique colors, but they are quite picky when it comes to paper, becoming really slippery on the more smooth ones (like Amazon printed paper). And the 'metallics' are indeed extremely dull, I consider them more of shades of their respective colors, and I definitely won't be buying their metallic set - nor probably any other, to be honest (unless I find a coloring book/paper they really work well with).
Stuff made in the USA, of course. I’m teasing. I had wondered the same thing. I’m like you, I had to sample them all. And I still use several different ones depending on what I am coloring. Then I grew to enjoy Prismacolor pencils. They are special. Best wishes on your coloring adventures.
I have the 240 set and it looks like the colours are the same as your set. Also, as a side note I bought a Hiforny brand 130 set with a very cute case (and other extras including a colourless blender, eraser, mechanical pencil, white gel pen, extender, art knife, three colour sketchbook, colouring book) and they were the same pencils as Kalour. Numbering system is identical. It was $50 Canadian at the time.
I just got a set from Pandafly that had most of the extras you mentioned minus the art knife, they are the nicest colored pencils I own. I even got a set for my mom, the only thing I disliked was they weren't in order, so I had to pull all them out and rearrange them. But they color beautifully with no pressure at all.
I bought these and used them in combo with Crayola 150, Crayola adult 100 and the portrait collection of prismas. I enjoyed them. I got the 180 colors. I really am enjoying getting into taking images and trying to learn to recreate them in pencil. The colors are really pretty. I haven’t tried all of them . I enjoyed it having a swatch sheet too. It was worth the 28 I spent. I was hoping for more muted tones , especially in turquoise. I don’t think it’s in there but ordered some singles. I also like that I could read the names without squinting. I’m trying to learn some skills I can transfer into coloring with my preschoolers too. I introduce them to the color wheel today. It was just a tool not a lesson. Coloring is their favorite thing to do.
I have a few sets of Kalour pencils. The 300 set are the same pencils as your 72 set and are similar to many of the coloured barrel white label coloured pencils coming out of China. The red tin of 180 pencils has a thicker core and are basically the same as the Castle Arts, the Creyarts etc. (black-barrelled, white-label Chinese pencils). They all have a place for colourists, but as you rightly point out the lightfast ratings are probably not as accurate as the Derwents, Caran d'Ache, Faber Castell brands. I am happy to use them for colouring, but not for my more serious art
I bought a large set on a super deal a couple years ago. I was surprised that they had a strong chemical odor, and I had to air out the pencils for weeks, even adding a fan blowing over them. The pigment was kind of weak and the pencils were thin. After seeing so many folks liking them, I wonder if I got a Covid shutdown substitute factory bad batch. I don’t doubt others’ liking these pencils, but the odor in mine was overwhelming. Has anyone else experienced something similar? PS Thanks for the thorough review, Jennifer!
Thank you Jennifer. I have been considering getting a set of Kalour pencils but was unsure of the quality. Now my only concern will be what size set to purchase. I will probably have to rein in my "full set syndrome" though. 🙂 Happy New Year!
I love Rose! I have 4 bichons and they are my kids!! So sweet! And i have alot of Kalour products. Their budget friendly and mostly they perform very well. Love your show!!
I bought the 180 with case, drawing paper, coloring book and my numbers are the same as yours as well, which makes me really happy. I like these so well I am going to order the 200 or 300 set soon. I have 6 different brand and I really like the ways these color and their range. FYI mine was is color groupings, not as randomly placed as yours so I was able to just start coloring.
I have the square cardboard set and the round cardboard set and they colored great with my brutfiner and alcohol markers and even my castle metallic pencils, I have a good quality pencil sharpener and it works great with all my pencils, I would say even the cardboard sets work very well and I enjoyed coloring with them!
New sub UK ….Not an Artist, I sketch and draw also do coloring books I have the Luminance Caren d Arche and 120 Polychomos on the way 50 Pastel set of Holbein Colored Pencils .... Thank you for sharing . Happy holidays xxxx 🥰
I have 240 set, they have variety of 500 colours and bigfer the set, bigger the range. So if you buy 120pcs set and 300set, they will have 120 colours the same. And for the second question, the pluses (++) means overall coverage of the pencil. So pencil with ++ will be light and will cover gently and pencil with +++++ (black, dark blue etc) will cover very very good 😊 I had then as my first set and they are pretty good for the start i think 😊
I just got the 300 set only because they were $38, and price per pencil it made sense. I'm trying to swatch at least 1 tray a day (using the swatch card it came with) and many are off center and a few tips have broken or were already partially broken. I have no plans on putting them in a pencil case, most of my pencils are in their original packaging unless I can find a really good deal, I would rather put that money elsewhere. The colors ive swatched so far are nice and I'm looking forward to coloring with them. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for such a great review of these pencils and the tip about using black marker instead of the pencil for the windows. Could you tell us again what the paint was that you used on the fireworks and the clock? Can they be bought separately instead of just in a set full set? I bought a 72 Kalour set on Amazon in a very cheap, flimsy box with 2 weak clear plastic trays that bent in my hands. I found that the pencil leads broke very easily and wore down quickly because of having only a 3.3 mm soft core. When sharped, most of the pencil points broke very easily and the color didn't lay down well. The gold writing of the color number and name on the pencils didn't show up on many of the light yellowish--brownish pencils and the letter size was small and hard to read. When I tried to swatch the pencils on some colored pencil paper, the pencils didn't lay down well, and wouldn't layer enough to do so without way too much wear down. Color names on the box often didn't match the color it showed. One color on the box said Creamy Yellow and was definitely a light-yellow Green. Other problems occurred, too, but the computer deleted them. One Big Coloring Book Problem: The paper in all of them seems as smooth as glass. This includes the Johanna Basford, and Millie Marotta that I just bought.. How can we use our Budget colored pencils on a surface like that? How can we make them layer at all? Help! Thank you so much!
I agree with your assessment of the Kalour pencils. I have the 300+ set, which was on sale for a ridiculously low price, even though I generally use only 36 colors. As I suspected, a lot of the colors are so close in color I can use them as backups when my favorite colors run out. The pencils are much more like Polys than Prismas so I have to be careful not to try and blend the two brands as it doesn't always work well. On the whole, though, I think they are a really good set for people who prefer Polys and want a backup set of pencils or as a primary set as long as you don't mind lots of layering.
I have a few of the Kalour sets. I have the Pastel & Metallic sets, both 50 pencils each, which seem a better quality for some reason than my cheap 72 in a cardboard box set and my 300 set. Both the cheap (I think I paid around $9 for it,) and the 300 have 095, Ink Blue. The 72 set that came in the box, seem like really poor quality. I'm unsure if it was a fluke or if that set is just that way. I like the pastel & metallic sets pretty well. The 300 set I have mixed feelings on, some pencils are great, some not so much. I think the only Kalour set I'd consider is that pastel set that has 72 & comes in a cardboard tube. Reason being, I do like the smaller pastel set I have currently, even more than my Brutfuner pastels which considering I really love most Brutfuner pencils, that's saying a lot. Thanks for this video, Jennifer!
Sorry to say, I have 2 sets of Kalour ( 120 & 131). I loved yhe 120 in a cardboard container. Ba year or do lster I saw 131 set with a travel case so I bought it, thinking I coilf usr the original set as backuppencils. Nopr- all the names & numbers are different ,. Still, i love them- Kalour makes a great product. I bought a set of 36 Prismacolor to see what the hubbub was all about 😅. They're nice, ❤but I think the Kalour arrjust as nice, more oil based, smooth & easy to use. They don',t break easy..i only broke one tip and I was bearing down hard without thinking about it. BTW, Ilove your channrl❤️
Patty-I love how my Kalour pencils work. I'm using them in a projrct right now. I sent my cousin a set of 120 ct for Christmas. I have the 240 ct and am quite happy with them.They were in a color family order, but I arrange my pencils and paints in a particular order, so I already know I will have to reorder items before I even open the package. They had a smooth laydown with no crumbs I'm quite happy with my pencils. Thank you for taking the time to use them and give us your opinion. You never disappoint. ❤
This review made me subscribe. Your thorough explanation of everything has won me over. I learned about theses Kalour pencils as well as how to critique any pencils I buy. I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
If you don't have black alcohol markers you could use watercolor or water based marker (like a Tombow) as well. Colored pencils layer well over either one.
The problem with the water-based media is that you also need a really thick paper that is made for handling water. Otherwise, it buckles a lot and tears very easily. Alcohol markers (at least the few Copics I have) are much gentler, with some care they can be used even on regular office paper.
I decided to order this set, got notified they are on sale, but not in the case as you got. But they are in tins, 72 (40%), 120 (11%), and 240 (33%). I just received another notice cardboard box 72 for $12.49 (38% off). I've watched a couple other reviews before this. I can't afford the Prismacolors, yet. I decided to go the 240. My thought is that I have a backup or two for each color. I do appreciate you taking the time to do the review as well as color along. I am new to pencils and alcohol markers. I prefer alcohol markers over color pencils due to the learning curve to use the pencils is hard for me to learn. Gel pens are my favorites but I'm trying to learn other mediums. Your expertise on color is what I lack. You made the comment on color choices with the 72. Kalour has 300 and 500 but that is tooooo many for me and the price point did not fit my budget. . All of these reasons I ordered the 240 count in the tin. Thank you again for this video!
A while ago i purchased 120 set of Orion Star pencils for my grandchildren and recently brought a 72 set of Kalour and theyre the exact same pencils some of the 72 set i did not have in the 120 set, im not sure how many:, however theyre a nice set of budget pencils depending on the paper.
hello thanks for this review, I really love these pencils. for the price and if you have a small budget. and started coloring first had the 240 set then the pastel 72 set and the metallic 50 set and now the 520 set!!! The 520 set also contains the color of the individual sets!!! It would be great if you did a review of the 520 set!!! greetings from Belgium Anja Roelandt
I enjoyed your color along. Yes, it was long and I kept getting confused on some of it. But I definitely watch this one or another one. I am learning coloring from an adult view and learning a lot. Next Wednesday is my birthday and I will be 64 years young. I enjoy learning from you. I do have a question on classes, sometimes I have trouble remembering things. If I took one of your classes will I always have it always or only for a time? Thank you for what you do. Happy New Year!!!
I bought a 72 set of these for cheap that were in a cardboard box and it said premium quality on that box. But I wonder if they're the same pencils as the set you have?
I have a Kalour set of 72 that came in a brown cardboard cylinder. The color numbers range from 001-072. Completely different number range and naming system.
Sometimes I think lightfastness is a bit overrated. Yes, I know what the tests mean, but I also spoke with multiple (selling) artists and they all said that 100% lightfastness isn’t possible. Why? 100% lightfastness means ‘museum art’ and in museums the light is very different from the light in people’s houses. So yes, in a museum the artwork will last for ‘a hundred years’ but when you hang artwork on your wall, don’t assume that colours won’t fade, because of sunlight and your own lightbulbs in the room :)
I have a 240 set at home and the 300 set I keep at my daughters for when i go staywith her. I have brutfuner square, 180 and 260, full set of black widows, cezanne, marco raffine, 132 prismacolor, derwent graphite, 72 inktense and 36 block set, smll set albrecht durer, as well as 24 polychromos. The kalour and brutfuners are my favorites. Like the better than the prismacolor and the polychromos
The numbers are consistent across the sets. I have the 300 set and numbers are the same. Off-centering seems to be the norm across the colored pencil world anymore. I have numerous Prismas, Kalour, Blick, and even some Polychromos that are off center
I was hoping that you could do up a workbook on these pencil crayons please I love your workbooks I bought the 300 set and yes I needed a case for them
Having watched your Kalour video for the second time, thank you. I have been watching a 520 in a tin for 13 cents each. I think I’ll buy them. The red tin black barrel Kalour pencils are not as nice. Thank you again.😊
Thank you for this review on the KALOUR pencils. I am very much a senior beginner and this looks to be an excellent set to get started with. I feel like I have so much to learn (blending colors, layering, creating tones and texture, choosing colors, etc.) I will be purchasing the color wheel you suggested on another of your videos. Can you suggest a better pencil sharpener to buy? Love your videos!
At first I thought these (and other budget pencils) would not have trusty lightfast ratings cuz so many were 4-5 stars. But... their system is such that 1 star is MOST lightfast, with 5 as least lightfast. So they're being honest in that a majority of the colors ARE NOT lightfast, with a few being marked as 2-3 stars and VERY few as 1.
Thank you for a great review! I'm with you, the case is worth the price alone. Also, I didn't realize the off-centered issue is something I need to pay attention to....These remind me of Crayola pencils which I use in my science classes to help students create diagrams..."they take a lickin' and keep on tickin' " I don't think I would buy nor need a larger collection.
I am quite upset. I just today ordered the 72 count Kalour pencils on Amazon because I’ve decided I want to color. However I only saw the ones in a box.. II was backwards because after purchasing this morning I decided to hop on TH-cam and watch some reviews and after seeing yours in a beautiful case I want that set. Next time I look for reviews before buying.
I ran into this problem with the different Brutfuners which I love my are great they layer well with prismacolor. I think it's the undertones are what's different meaning green but is it green yellow, green blue, blue blue green blue purple. Hold your pencils under a blk light and just give it a minute. It tells alot that blk light. 😮
![How to Color with Alcohol Markers [Free Lesson]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GtvzowdZSgc/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Color with Alcohol Markers [Free Lesson]](/img/tr.png)
![Unboxing My Most EXPENSIVE Watercolor Paint! [Comparing 14 Different Metallic Watercolor Paints]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5L33HFlWzQA/mqdefault.jpg)
![เปิดใจ พี่ญา คนรุม หลังทัวร์ลง หนักสุดในชีวิต!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2-OJZRtclro/mqdefault.jpg)
![🎤 ไปกันต่อออ! จับฉลากร้องเพลง x P’ #XXSIVK [EP.2] (1/2) เพลงของใครจึ้งสุดน้าา 💓🎤 #MXFRUIT](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mLI_K0sAS4o/mqdefault.jpg)
I love my Kalour pencils. I also loved your video. I am 89 years old and color everyday. I have the 72 set and the 300 pencil set. I also have many other brands of pencils including Prisma colors. Thanks for your videos.
Grandma Sue in Central Indiana
Hi from georgia! I'm gonna be 52 this year😂coloring is my sanity!❤
Hello, from Pennsylvania!
0:01 0:01 I love the Kalour Premium Colored Pencils. I have a 72 set in a case, a 72 set in a tin, a 129 set in a tin, and the 520 set. Mine all say Premium.
I have swatched them, and there is an overall color set. They have the same pencils. The 520 set includes all colors.
They are vibrant. They do not smear like Prismacolors, and they are soft but not too soft.
I sharpen them the easiest and best way with a rotary pencil sharpener. I use only the Dahl 133 rotary sharpener for any soft pencil. Yes, you can sharpen a very short stub if you know how with the Dahl 133. Most people complain about that. It's a lack of not knowing how to use this sharpener.
I am not a fan of Prismacolors. I have purchased several sets and continue to have the same problems with them. They smear, I have had the red and pink colors bleed through paper and they break very easily. When you color with Prismacolors, everything looks fine, but go back in a few days and check. Your colors may have bled through. I have never had these problems with Kalour.
Also, Kalour doesn't break as often as Prismacolor. I find Kalour better quality than Prismacolors. Kalour is just as vibrant as Prismacolor. The Prismacolors I have purchased have been poor quality overall. Prismacolor pencils have more that are not centered than Kalour or any other brand.
Actually, it's the 520 set that includes all of Kalour's colors.
@robloxislandsbyfeathersong excuse me. I made a mistake....the largest set is enough colors for me. I am very happy with the Kalour Premium pencils. I don't know how the others not marked Premium work?
I honestly love my kalours!! I use them very often and when they run out I will buy again, and I have prismas, luminance etc.
I was surprised to see the pencils in no particular order. I bought the 520 pencil set on Black Friday and was amazed at the beautifully organized pencil crayons. It was crazy though… I knew 520 in one set would be “a lot”. But WOW. It was so fun to pull out one tray. Then another tray. Then another tray. Then another tray. Then anoth……. You get it… 😂 There were 13 layers of trays! They are surprising me with how they are laying down colour and how well they are blending. Ok, now I shall listen to your video to see how you rate these!
I love Kalours
I’m curious. Are there pencils which have the same colour on the paper? Or almost the same colour.
@@Art_by_Nicolein 240pcs set no. Every single one is a little bit different😊
@@terezakybicova9065 thank you! ☺️
I have the 520 set and I like the pencils for their value because I am an amateur and not concerned with how long a pencil color will last in the light. To me I color for fun. I think the kalour are 👍
I have found that when using a off center pencil and using a motor pencil sharpener, turn the pencil , { or spin the pencil}, while sharpening.
Me, too!
I never thought of doing that. Great hint!
I have the 300 set, and really like them. I'm fact, they're becoming my favorite every day coloring set.
Ink Blue is also 095 in my set. I didn't track the rest of the ones you used, but numbers *may* be consistent across sets. A few other channels have mentioned were the same numbered the same as mine.
Colorfully Optimistic asked the company about the differences between sets, but never received an answer.
More of my Prismacolor Premier pencil full set are severely off-center than the Kalour pencils. I'd actually say most of my Prismacolor Premier pencils are very poorly centered. I also find Prismacolor Premier pencils more crumbly than these. And, the Prisma crumbs are stickier, making them harder to deal with. All that can make using Prismacolor Premier pencils a crummy experience (as in bad, or unpleasant), for me. I don't have a local source for open stock, so I can't rummage through the art supply store's supplies for Prismas with better cores.
I've actually found the Kalour metallic pencils to be nice and sparkly on smoother paper. At least when layering is used burnish. I don't use "heavy pressure" to brutnish, because that's a great way to cause long term repetitive stress injuries to the fingers, hand, and wrist. I have permanent, painful damage to my hand as a result of living a miserable life. It's not a fun experience. It affects so many things. "Colorists," tread carefully with using "heavy pressure" as a means of burnishing a lot. Because it may cause future painful hand issues. ;(
By the way, when you say a pencil is "crumby," my brain always defaults to "crummy" (bad, unpleasant in slang). Lol
The passion really shines through. Great job!
Oy.....colored pencils are so addicting.
in october of this year 2023, i did some extensive research as to the different coloring sets that Kalour makes; there's the square 120 set , in which i was told was the best but videos say they are all the same. theres black barreled and color barreled . i do not recommend the black barrels at all because the wood is cheap. i bought the watercolor pencils and sent them back. I did however buy the 300 set and those are amazing. the 520 set i believe is ALL ( the macaroon set and metallic sets) the sets in one minus the watercolor pencils . there is also the 120 colored barreled watercolor pencils which seem to be way better than the black barreled ones.
Hi, Jennifer - I purchased the Kalour 300 soft touch tin and, of course, the first thing was to sharpen them. Took a couple of days to accomplish but in doing so, I discovered EVERY single pencil was way off center. I have not used them to color anything as yet but in testing many of them, I found they were very creamy and seemed to lay down beautifully. My only complaint was the terribly off center condition of all of the pencils. I have many other full sets from Prismas to Holbiens and almost none of them had off center pencils. Maybe one or two in an entire set, but even those were extremely rare and not nearly as off center as the Kalours. 300 very off-center pencils is, in my opinion, very shameful and wasteful as in trying to get a decent point with something that badly made caused a lot of the pencil to be ground up. I'm not sure how often I shall reach for them to color with, but I truly doubt it will be very often because I doubt they will last very long. They will most likely be nubs in no time at all if used as primary go-to pencils. Thank you, Jennifer, and your awesome hubby, Steve, for all the work and wonderful information you both bring to us. You both are much loved and greatly appreciated! Take care and God bless.❤
I got the 300 too but not many of mine were off center. But I love how creamy they lay
My rule of thumb is no more Chinese manufactured sets…I have castle arts (gold and soft touch), brutfuner square, black widow and Artiza. When I first started I wanted them all. It’s great to have all the pigments and fun to have all the colours but it quickly became over whelming. My question is though for a country with such a rich history in art. What do Serious Chinese artists use if they want to use something home country made?
Great question!!!
a computer...
I thought that brutfuner was chinese?from what I have heard, Brutfuner pencils are sold under a few different names and Kalour is one of them!
@paulinauka6977 I often wonder if many, if not most, pencils, paint sets, etc. are all the same couple manufacturers. Particularly those that aren't open stock. Overall (in my opinion, not asked for) Prismacolor is a great value. A set of 150 is less than 1.00 a pencil. When you use up a color you can buy that color at any Hobbylobby type store. Out of 150 I use less than half. I have 1 case with all of them in it. But again, many have a fun hobby of collecting colored pencils. I'm a minimalist. It's not easy with all the pretty sets out there!
I think it depends on the sort of artist? I know someone who uses Chinese ink, but she also does digital art (animation). She doesn’t use pencils Kalour and Brutfuner, because of the lightfastness.
And to be honest, in my country they make coloured pencils, but I don’t use them. They don’t match up with Faber castell or Caran d’Ache.
The only thing I'm missing from your reviews are neon colored pencils, which are good ones to buy I would like to know.
Today an hour ago i bought 72 shades kalour colour pencils love them smooth for shading n colouring ❤
Just to put my two cents in, I've been on the fence about trying these. Other reviews have said the color is great, but construction is poor. Off center cores, and the cores break frequently either while using or sharpening.
I have the 300 set of Kalour and I love mine! Thank you so very much for the review and the color a long😊
I think that unfortunately, off-center cores are the norm these days with pencil manufacturing, other than maybe the very high end sets. My Prismacolor set has over a third of the 150 pencils off center, and they weren't receptive to helping me with that, so I just put up with it. A good sharpener has helped a lot so far. I really appreciate your videos!
I bought the Prismacolor Verithins about a year ago, and every single one was off center enough that sharpening was difficult, and I never did use them. I have the full set of prismacolors, and they are just okay for me.
It's "going whole hog". 🙂 and now I'm wondering if that's mostly a southern saying. I am from the south and I've heard it many times. Thanks for another great video!
I heard it quite a bit growing up and I'm from Western PA. :)
@margwong8416 Yeah, it's probably a common saying everywhere. I just know that in the south we have a lot of funny (and often weird) sayings.
We say that in the UK too 😊
They go on sale often. I actually gave a couple of the 72 sets for gifts & donated to the Christmas hamper program. I don't mind them I have a set of 260(i think it is) they were a gift. The kind of remind me of my crayolas. Love the picture. Happy New Year to everyone ✨
great video! i love the kalour pencils, i purchased the 240 set at first, and now i am going to buy the 520 set, i love them even more then brutfuner
How would you compare them to the Brutfuner squares and the rounds? I have the square and the 520 set of Brutfuner round.
@@pennyrockysmomma4445 i find the kalour better then the square , the round color barrel feels the same as kalour and the black Brutfuner is really soft
Hi Jen…..I just found the world of Kalour ……..The pencils are smooth and beautiful to use. I agree with you about the disorganized but I just rearrange them so they make sense……Another company I found is H and B….These pencil’s are arranged by color and are beautiful…….Enjoy your new pencils….Judy D
I have the 150 set and have yet to use them. So this review was welcome.
☺️ I do the same with my dogs too when the treats are finished, hold my hands up and say "All donesies" 😂
However one, Coco, never believes me and has to investigate 🧐
I've been on the fence about these pencils. I've been using Prismacolor pencils, but lately, I've been very disappointed in Prismacolors quality control. After reading other's comments and watching your video, I will try these.
This was a great video! Thank you. I love your style. You are very thorough. Love the pic you colored great! Sara x
I love my Kalour pencils.
I went to check my set (I have exactly the same one) after you've mentioned off-centering issue. Mine are definitely off- centered (after 15 I've stopped counting), but none to an extent that would be of any problem to me (before they get to the wood section I need to sharpen them anyway, as they are too dull to use comfortably). In my opinion the attached sharpener is useful only to test one's aim when tossing it to the trash bin. Using Dahle 133, I had absolutely no problems with sharpening or any breakages. I like the set for the case and some unique colors, but they are quite picky when it comes to paper, becoming really slippery on the more smooth ones (like Amazon printed paper). And the 'metallics' are indeed extremely dull, I consider them more of shades of their respective colors, and I definitely won't be buying their metallic set - nor probably any other, to be honest (unless I find a coloring book/paper they really work well with).
Stuff made in the USA, of course. I’m teasing. I had wondered the same thing. I’m like you, I had to sample them all. And I still use several different ones depending on what I am coloring. Then I grew to enjoy Prismacolor pencils. They are special. Best wishes on your coloring adventures.
I have the 240 set and it looks like the colours are the same as your set. Also, as a side note I bought a Hiforny brand 130 set with a very cute case (and other extras including a colourless blender, eraser, mechanical pencil, white gel pen, extender, art knife, three colour sketchbook, colouring book) and they were the same pencils as Kalour. Numbering system is identical. It was $50 Canadian at the time.
I just got a set from Pandafly that had most of the extras you mentioned minus the art knife, they are the nicest colored pencils I own. I even got a set for my mom, the only thing I disliked was they weren't in order, so I had to pull all them out and rearrange them. But they color beautifully with no pressure at all.
I bought these and used them in combo with Crayola 150, Crayola adult 100 and the portrait collection of prismas. I enjoyed them. I got the 180 colors. I really am enjoying getting into taking images and trying to learn to recreate them in pencil. The colors are really pretty. I haven’t tried all of them . I enjoyed it having a swatch sheet too. It was worth the 28 I spent. I was hoping for more muted tones , especially in turquoise. I don’t think it’s in there but ordered some singles. I also like that I could read the names without squinting. I’m trying to learn some skills I can transfer into coloring with my preschoolers too. I introduce them to the color wheel today. It was just a tool not a lesson. Coloring is their favorite thing to do.
I have a few sets of Kalour pencils. The 300 set are the same pencils as your 72 set and are similar to many of the coloured barrel white label coloured pencils coming out of China. The red tin of 180 pencils has a thicker core and are basically the same as the Castle Arts, the Creyarts etc. (black-barrelled, white-label Chinese pencils). They all have a place for colourists, but as you rightly point out the lightfast ratings are probably not as accurate as the Derwents, Caran d'Ache, Faber Castell brands. I am happy to use them for colouring, but not for my more serious art
Thank you.
I bought a large set on a super deal a couple years ago. I was surprised that they had a strong chemical odor, and I had to air out the pencils for weeks, even adding a fan blowing over them. The pigment was kind of weak and the pencils were thin. After seeing so many folks liking them, I wonder if I got a Covid shutdown substitute factory bad batch. I don’t doubt others’ liking these pencils, but the odor in mine was overwhelming. Has anyone else experienced something similar?
PS Thanks for the thorough review, Jennifer!
Thank you Jennifer. I have been considering getting a set of Kalour pencils but was unsure of the quality. Now my only concern will be what size set to purchase. I will probably have to rein in my "full set syndrome" though. 🙂 Happy New Year!
I love Rose! I have 4 bichons and they are my kids!! So sweet! And i have alot of Kalour products. Their budget friendly and mostly they perform very well. Love your show!!
I bought the 180 with case, drawing paper, coloring book and my numbers are the same as yours as well, which makes me really happy. I like these so well I am going to order the 200 or 300 set soon. I have 6 different brand and I really like the ways these color and their range. FYI mine was is color groupings, not as randomly placed as yours so I was able to just start coloring.
You don’t need them. Beautiful picture. Love it. I love gnomes
You need the 300 set!!! Only kidding. They are good pencils for the price. Thank you for the video. Nice coloring page.
I have the square cardboard set and the round cardboard set and they colored great with my brutfiner and alcohol markers and even my castle metallic pencils, I have a good quality pencil sharpener and it works great with all my pencils, I would say even the cardboard sets work very well and I enjoyed coloring with them!
New sub UK ….Not an Artist, I sketch and draw also do coloring books I have the Luminance Caren d Arche and 120 Polychomos on the way 50 Pastel set of Holbein Colored Pencils .... Thank you for sharing . Happy holidays xxxx 🥰
Actually it is true.The Kolor pencils are the same as the brutfiner pencils and southsun they are all from the same factory!
Full HAM!!! 😂 although full hog get the point across. Thanks for sharing this video💙💙
It's coming through very sparkily
I have 240 set, they have variety of 500 colours and bigfer the set, bigger the range. So if you buy 120pcs set and 300set, they will have 120 colours the same. And for the second question, the pluses (++) means overall coverage of the pencil. So pencil with ++ will be light and will cover gently and pencil with +++++ (black, dark blue etc) will cover very very good 😊 I had then as my first set and they are pretty good for the start i think 😊
So enjoy your presentation and teaching technique!
I just got the 300 set only because they were $38, and price per pencil it made sense. I'm trying to swatch at least 1 tray a day (using the swatch card it came with) and many are off center and a few tips have broken or were already partially broken. I have no plans on putting them in a pencil case, most of my pencils are in their original packaging unless I can find a really good deal, I would rather put that money elsewhere. The colors ive swatched so far are nice and I'm looking forward to coloring with them. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for such a great review of these pencils and the tip about using black marker instead of the pencil for the windows. Could you tell us again what the paint was that you used on the fireworks and the clock? Can they be bought separately instead of just in a set full set? I bought a 72 Kalour set on Amazon in a very cheap, flimsy box with 2 weak clear plastic trays that bent in my hands. I found that the pencil leads broke very easily and wore down quickly because of having only a 3.3 mm soft core. When sharped, most of the pencil points broke very easily and the color didn't lay down well. The gold writing of the color number and name on the pencils didn't show up on many of the light yellowish--brownish pencils and the letter size was small and hard to read. When I tried to swatch the pencils on some colored pencil paper, the pencils didn't lay down well, and wouldn't layer enough to do so without way too much wear down. Color names on the box often didn't match the color it showed. One color on the box said Creamy Yellow and was definitely a light-yellow Green. Other problems occurred, too, but the computer deleted them. One Big Coloring Book Problem: The paper in all of them seems as smooth as glass. This includes the Johanna Basford, and Millie Marotta that I just bought.. How can we use our Budget colored pencils on a surface like that? How can we make them layer at all? Help! Thank you so much!
I bought the 300 Kalour set and a case that holds 300 pencils from Amazon for only $19.99. Price has gone up on the case now but, it’s perfect!!
May I ask the name of the case?
Could you please do a list of the kalour pencils and prisma. For example this number pencil matches this one.
I agree with your assessment of the Kalour pencils. I have the 300+ set, which was on sale for a ridiculously low price, even though I generally use only 36 colors. As I suspected, a lot of the colors are so close in color I can use them as backups when my favorite colors run out. The pencils are much more like Polys than Prismas so I have to be careful not to try and blend the two brands as it doesn't always work well. On the whole, though, I think they are a really good set for people who prefer Polys and want a backup set of pencils or as a primary set as long as you don't mind lots of layering.
I have a few of the Kalour sets. I have the Pastel & Metallic sets, both 50 pencils each, which seem a better quality for some reason than my cheap 72 in a cardboard box set and my 300 set. Both the cheap (I think I paid around $9 for it,) and the 300 have 095, Ink Blue. The 72 set that came in the box, seem like really poor quality. I'm unsure if it was a fluke or if that set is just that way. I like the pastel & metallic sets pretty well. The 300 set I have mixed feelings on, some pencils are great, some not so much. I think the only Kalour set I'd consider is that pastel set that has 72 & comes in a cardboard tube. Reason being, I do like the smaller pastel set I have currently, even more than my Brutfuner pastels which considering I really love most Brutfuner pencils, that's saying a lot. Thanks for this video, Jennifer!
Great info as always. Thanks!! It’s “go whole hog” or “full bore ahead “
Or “go hog wild”
Sorry to say, I have 2 sets of Kalour ( 120 & 131). I loved yhe 120 in a cardboard container. Ba year or do lster I saw 131 set with a travel case so I bought it, thinking I coilf usr the original set as backuppencils. Nopr- all the names & numbers are different ,. Still, i love them- Kalour makes a great product. I bought a set of 36 Prismacolor to see what the hubbub was all about 😅. They're nice, ❤but I think the Kalour arrjust as nice, more oil based, smooth & easy to use. They don',t break easy..i only broke one tip and I was bearing down hard without thinking about it.
BTW, Ilove your channrl❤️
I cannot answer any of your questions, but I have 2 diff sets of Kalour, and they are one of my favorite pencils.
Would love to see you do the Kalour 72 Metallic set 😅 PLEASE
Patty-I love how my Kalour pencils work. I'm using them in a projrct right now. I sent my cousin a set of 120 ct for Christmas. I have the 240 ct and am quite happy with them.They were in a color family order, but I arrange my pencils and paints in a particular order, so I already know I will have to reorder items before I even open the package. They had a smooth laydown with no crumbs
I'm quite happy with my pencils. Thank you for taking the time to use them and give us your opinion. You never disappoint. ❤
I just bought 72 calour in a round container I look forward to using them. I had bought Brutfuner 120
This review made me subscribe. Your thorough explanation of everything has won me over. I learned about theses Kalour pencils as well as how to critique any pencils I buy. I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
If you don't have black alcohol markers you could use watercolor or water based marker (like a Tombow) as well. Colored pencils layer well over either one.
The problem with the water-based media is that you also need a really thick paper that is made for handling water. Otherwise, it buckles a lot and tears very easily. Alcohol markers (at least the few Copics I have) are much gentler, with some care they can be used even on regular office paper.
Thank you! So enjoyable and fun to watch!
I decided to order this set, got notified they are on sale, but not in the case as you got. But they are in tins, 72 (40%), 120 (11%), and 240 (33%). I just received another notice cardboard box 72 for $12.49 (38% off). I've watched a couple other reviews before this. I can't afford the Prismacolors, yet. I decided to go the 240. My thought is that I have a backup or two for each color.
I do appreciate you taking the time to do the review as well as color along. I am new to pencils and alcohol markers. I prefer alcohol markers over color pencils due to the learning curve to use the pencils is hard for me to learn. Gel pens are my favorites but I'm trying to learn other mediums.
Your expertise on color is what I lack. You made the comment on color choices with the 72. Kalour has 300 and 500 but that is tooooo many for me and the price point did not fit my budget. .
All of these reasons I ordered the 240 count in the tin. Thank you again for this video!
A while ago i purchased 120 set of Orion Star pencils for my grandchildren and recently brought a 72 set of Kalour and theyre the exact same pencils some of the 72 set i did not have in the 120 set, im not sure how many:, however theyre a nice set of budget pencils depending on the paper.
hello thanks for this review,
I really love these pencils. for the price and if you have a small budget.
and started coloring
first had the 240 set then the pastel 72 set and the metallic 50 set and now the 520 set!!!
The 520 set also contains the color of the individual sets!!!
It would be great if you did a review of the 520 set!!! greetings from Belgium
Anja Roelandt
Thanks both of you this was great company today :)
Love the video and the colours with the bag. Happy New Year to both of you and yours.
hi Jennifer, I have the 300 set and the ink blue is also 095. So it seems they align.
I enjoyed your color along. Yes, it was long and I kept getting confused on some of it. But I definitely watch this one or another one. I am learning coloring from an adult view and learning a lot. Next Wednesday is my birthday and I will be 64 years young. I enjoy learning from you.
I do have a question on classes, sometimes I have trouble
remembering things. If I took one of your classes will I always have it always or only for a time?
Thank you for what you do. Happy New Year!!!
Thank you for this review. I love the case. Rose's hair is adorable, mommy😊
Loved the color along, I was watching for all of your technics. Good job!
Love the swatching pad. Where can l get one please?
I bought a 72 set of these for cheap that were in a cardboard box and it said premium quality on that box. But I wonder if they're the same pencils as the set you have?
This looks amazing, I love it so much
Very good review and i'm Glad i watched it! I think that was a good deal With the case.Your page turned out Very pretty! 💚💙💜
I have a Kalour set of 72 that came in a brown cardboard cylinder. The color numbers range from 001-072. Completely different number range and naming system.
I love Kalour pencils almost as much as my Castle Arts
Sometimes I think lightfastness is a bit overrated. Yes, I know what the tests mean, but I also spoke with multiple (selling) artists and they all said that 100% lightfastness isn’t possible. Why? 100% lightfastness means ‘museum art’ and in museums the light is very different from the light in people’s houses.
So yes, in a museum the artwork will last for ‘a hundred years’ but when you hang artwork on your wall, don’t assume that colours won’t fade, because of sunlight and your own lightbulbs in the room :)
"Go whole hog" is the phrase I am familiar with
I have a 240 set at home and the 300 set I keep at my daughters for when i go staywith her. I have brutfuner square, 180 and 260, full set of black widows, cezanne, marco raffine, 132 prismacolor, derwent graphite, 72 inktense and 36 block set, smll set albrecht durer, as well as 24 polychromos.
The kalour and brutfuners are my favorites. Like the better than the prismacolor and the polychromos
You might want to know that Amazon also has a set of 520 Kalour colored pencils for $109.99.
I have the 300 set n love it. They have now brought out a 520 set n im so tempted to get it. Go big Jennifer lol. 520 set unveiling
these are beautiful
The numbers are consistent across the sets. I have the 300 set and numbers are the same. Off-centering seems to be the norm across the colored pencil world anymore. I have numerous Prismas, Kalour, Blick, and even some Polychromos that are off center
I was hoping that you could do up a workbook on these pencil crayons please I love your workbooks
I bought the 300 set and yes I needed a case for them
I like the kalour and a lot of the budget brad pencils but prisma is my favorite ❤
I agree. More color alongs please
Great video! Really enjoyed the color along
I have the 120 set. It came in a cylinder holder.
Having watched your Kalour video for the second time, thank you. I have been watching a 520 in a tin for 13 cents each. I think I’ll buy them. The red tin black barrel Kalour pencils are not as nice. Thank you again.😊
I JUST GOT THE PASTEL SET AND THE 180 SET FOR CHEISTMAS IM EXCITED TO PLAY WITH THEM
Thank you for this review on the KALOUR pencils. I am very much a senior beginner and this looks to be an excellent set to get started with. I feel like I have so much to learn (blending colors, layering, creating tones and texture, choosing colors, etc.) I will be purchasing the color wheel you suggested on another of your videos. Can you suggest a better pencil sharpener to buy? Love your videos!
At first I thought these (and other budget pencils) would not have trusty lightfast ratings cuz so many were 4-5 stars. But... their system is such that 1 star is MOST lightfast, with 5 as least lightfast. So they're being honest in that a majority of the colors ARE NOT lightfast, with a few being marked as 2-3 stars and VERY few as 1.
Thank you for a great review! I'm with you, the case is worth the price alone. Also, I didn't realize the off-centered issue is something I need to pay attention to....These remind me of Crayola pencils which I use in my science classes to help students create diagrams..."they take a lickin' and keep on tickin' " I don't think I would buy nor need a larger collection.
I hate my 180 set the pigment is bad and their very waxy
I am quite upset. I just today ordered the 72 count Kalour pencils on Amazon because I’ve decided I want to color. However I only saw the ones in a box.. II was backwards because after purchasing this morning I decided to hop on TH-cam and watch some reviews and after seeing yours in a beautiful case I want that set. Next time I look for reviews before buying.
Oh no! I hate it when that happens. Sorry.
I ran into this problem with the different Brutfuners which I love my are great they layer well with prismacolor. I think it's the undertones are what's different meaning green but is it green yellow, green blue, blue blue green blue purple. Hold your pencils under a blk light and just give it a minute. It tells alot that blk light. 😮
Will you jabe a tri-tone book for the Kalour 520 set?
I have a green tin of 72 premium Kalour and yes 095 is Ink bye same as yours Jennifer
with off-centered pencils you just can sharpen per hand with a knive to save pencil.
they are very scratchy. I don't like the sound they are making.
Happy New Year!! I enjoyed the video!!
canI hear Rose snoring - bless, bless , bless
I have two sets of the 120 kolor sets and the colors are different!