Derwent Inktense Pencils Lightfast 2 Year Test Results

It is wise to test your art materials, especially if you are intending to sell your artwork. So, as I love using Derwent Inktense pencils, I thought I would conduct my own lightfast test over a 2 year period. These are my results.

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[Kyomiibrown]

Great test. It’s worth noting that pink leaning colours - depending on the pigment used - tend to be fugitive in any brand. Adding water can affect Lightfastness in any brand too, a good example is Daniel Smith’s moonglow which is fugitive once water is added, despite DS listing it as lightfast. The reason is that lightfast ratings of any brand are given to the pigment used in it’s dense form so it’s always worthwhile doing tests like you have done.

[beccasart]

Deep greens and blues are the colours I choose! great test!

[janeneelise-positiveart]

Very interesting! the way some people talk I thought they would all fade really badly! So thank you for doing this I can now use them with much more confidence and know what’s best to avoid when not in a sketchbook. Thank you I do love inktense! 😀

[SaltLifeGypsy]

I've just gotten the 12 pk and I'm in Love! So happy to find this experiment. It seems everyone is talking about the light fastness. I'm surprised that Derwent hasn't figured it out by now.
🤷🏻‍♀️🤣 I'm not surprised by the colors with Red in them fading. Even red upholstery and clothes seems to fade after a few years. Thank you for taking the time to do this!

[antoinettecastle]

Interesting most of them survived really well 2 years in daylight. I am quite impressed 🤔

[dollladie]

I too love my Inktense pencils. Because I do sell my artwork, I felt a bit (perhaps over) confident in using them. This test has been golden for me. I use a UV protective spray with my paintings, and always advise my clients to use a UV protective glass when framing. But, I'd hate to have anything go wrong and have to "eat" my decision later. I've recently placed an order for some Supracolor Soft Aquarelle Pencils ... will probably have to mortgage the house and sell the dog to pay for them lol ... But peace of mind and quality is key to me. Thank you for sharing.

[sherylsantoro]

That was really good information. I was surprised about the dark colors fading. Great experiment!

[fuzzydragons]

Not surprised at the colours that did fade, usually always a problem with most pencils ☹️ and the pencils were they don't fade (well as much as others) are expensive

[cheryls_creative]

Great experiment! And surprising results. Thanks for this, it’s really useful!

[katierose]

This came at a perfect time ~ was considering using them on fabric that might get a little sun. I always learn so much from you ❤️

[krullisgirl]

This is really interesting, Kari. I love those pens, but usually only use the black and bark. 😊

[LiLiPoofz]

Thank you for sharing your results, they were very helpful to me.

[jadziaxj]

Thank you❤ i was affraid to buy them but now i know they are ok!

[RamoArt]

Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information with us! The results are about what I expected but overall I'm pleasantly surprised.

[SiriusHeka]

How fascinating- so maybe those with reds in them fades more readily? Or tinges of the red I should say.

[colorsmith]

Oh no, the Payne's Grey is a little disappointing...I guess I have to use more Deep Indigo.
The pink and purple ones to fade is not that unexpected. All together im quite positively surprised with your results.
I bought some dark colours before Christmas to combine with water colours and liked them a lot. So I went yesterday to buy some twenty more open stock.
(Don't mind me having almost all Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer pencils and some other WC pencils...😇 There will never be an enough amount of pencils, just not a sufficient amount of cash...)
Hopefully my Chinese Ink will not fade. I'll see in two years.
And I love Sienna Gold. Just from swatching it today.
Thank you for your testing and the video. I really appreciate that!

[emilyerdbeere]

Thank you for doing this wonderful test, so informative! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Will you also test the big set?
I ordered 3 sets of 72 because I have so much fun with them and it was a special offer. I know it’s crazy but I am a pencil addict 😂 and the price of pencils rises… 😥
This morning I was shocked. I read an article of an artist who claimed the inktense colours faded in his sketchbook and warned about using them. I got panic because of my order. Can you confirm that issue? I will not exhibit my paintings but store it in a dark drawer… PS: I love the pinks, too and I am sad to see them fading 😩

[rjlausartDesign]

liked 15, wonderful tutorial, very informative.. loved it my friend, , new friend support.. joined you.

[ChattylaineCreates]

Oooh that's interesting, I am considering the Inktense pencils, I have the blocks and fancied some pencils that could compliment them... Do you recommend them Kari, are the colours vibrant?

[BeginArt]

Wow 💕 intresting 😍❤️ new here ❤️ Plz stay connected