Wax pencils for children: choice, properties, features of drawing. The Best Colored Pencils for Kids and Professional Artists

If you notice that a crack or chip has appeared on a locker, wooden table or door, do not be upset. This does not mean that it is time to throw away or change furniture. Today, there are technologies that allow you to restore wooden surfaces, which, after completion of the work, look like new.

Chips and cracks can be masked with wax crayons, which are also quite often used in the case of laminate. They are on sale in a wide range, so it will be quite easy to choose exactly the one you need.

Wax pencil has a wide color spectrum. However, it is important to choose the shade that matches the color of the surface of the damaged piece of furniture. If this was not possible, then the shade can be obtained independently. To do this, consumers are advised to purchase wax pencils in dark and light shades, taking into account the colors of the furniture or wooden surfaces to be worked on.

Next, you should take a metal spoon, heat it, and then put the shavings of wax pencils on the surface. As soon as it melts, the mass should be mixed and wait until it cools down. Consumers advise using this technology to choose the right proportion so that the color matches the shade of the furniture that needs to be restored as much as possible.

Instructions for use

Before starting work on restoring the surface and eliminating scratches and chips, it is necessary to prepare a wax pencil and sandpaper. Before restoration manipulations, the surface must be sanded. If you notice that peeling particles have formed on the base, then they should be cut off with a blade. In the end, you should achieve a well-cleaned material.

A furniture pencil is applied to the surface. In its composition:

• beeswax;
• dye;
• oil;
• paraffin.

If the wax pencil needs to be melted, then it should not be exposed to direct flame, because it will simply catch fire. This can be done using any metal object that is preheated over the flame. And to apply a pencil to the surface, you must use a knife with a thin blade, the tip of which should be heated over the flame.

The pencil is melted with a knife, and then a part of it is applied to the damaged area. You should try to fill the chip or crack until the wax is slightly above the base. Now the surface should be left until the wax cools.

Work methodology

Once the wax pencil has cooled, you can use the blade to remove the excess, smoothing the surface with your finger. At the final stage, a varnish for repair work is applied, it will be most convenient to use the one that is made in the form of a spray. Then the entire surface of the piece of furniture is treated with liquid wax or polish, this will give the base a well-groomed appearance and original shine.

Features of using a wax pencil when repairing a laminate

Wax pencil for laminate is used in general according to the same principle as described above. It is suitable for repairing minor damage. The main advantage of this tool is ease of use. The mixture is environmentally friendly, because the ingredients do not contain harmful substances. To carry out the work you will need:

• dry and wet rags;
• a vacuum cleaner.

You should not go to the store without taking a sample of the flooring with you, because you will not be able to choose the right shade. As soon as you managed to buy a pencil, you can start processing the surface, for this it is cleaned of dust, grease, debris and other contaminants. The base is left to dry, only after that you can start applying the pencil.

As soon as the damaged area is hidden, it is necessary to leave it for a few minutes, and then you can start polishing the treated surface with a dry rag. This will eliminate excess wax. After about an hour, it will be possible to use the restored surface without noticing that there has ever been damage there.

Drawing is a useful activity that develops and shapes the personality of the child, as well as improves fine motor skills. The kid begins to draw incomprehensible scribbles first on the walls, and having learned to hold a pencil, splashes out emotions on paper. So that the child does not lose interest in drawing, you should choose high-quality tools.

Stationery stores or art markets offer a wide range of products that differ in price, texture and number of colors in the set. Pencils are produced by domestic and foreign manufacturers, some of them are intended for professionals, others are suitable for beginners. There are watercolor and pastel, soft and hard, translucent and matte types. How to choose colored pencils, what to look for, you will learn from our article. It also provides a rating of quality drawing tools, indicating the advantages and disadvantages.

For the little ones, triangular pencils are great, because they will teach you how to position your fingers correctly, that is, to hold them with a “pinch”, as adults do. This model has another plus - it does not roll off the table, so the child will not be distracted from drawing.

For children, you should also choose hexagonal pencils, but not round ones. Since the kids press hard on the stylus when drawing, which is why it breaks, it is better to buy a product with a thicker body. The diameter of a standard pencil is 0.6-0.7 cm, while babies need 1 cm.

Domestic-made pencils have a characteristic mark of softness or hardness - the letter "T" or "M" with a number next to it. Other marks are made on imported sets: B - very soft, and H - hard. It is more convenient for crumbs to draw with soft pencils.

Watercolor products that combine the properties of traditional and watercolor paints are more suitable for professional artists. If you paint a drawing with such pencils, and then draw a wet brush over it, it will seem that the image was painted with paints. They are available only in standard thickness, round or hexagonal shape. You can buy them for schoolchildren, because drawing with them is a pleasure.

Wax crayons will be a great gift for a little artist, because they are convenient to color. They are made from natural wax with the addition of food coloring. Pencils do not stain hands, have bright, fade-resistant shades. Wax pencils consist entirely of a stylus, so it doesn't matter which end you start drawing with. Maybe even sideways! For this reason, pencils do not need to be sharpened periodically, which is very convenient for kids.

Only they are not easy to draw thin lines and small details. Another minus of pencils is why exactly these products are asking for a “tooth”. Even in quite conscious children!

What to look for when buying

Pencil selection criteria should not be limited by price or manufacturer. Often parents get the most colorful and largest set, which is not always the best. Drawing with colored pencils is a favorite activity not only for children, but also for adults. Manufacturers produce entertaining coloring pages with different plots that you can’t tear yourself away from, so it’s annoying when the stylus breaks or the body breaks in two when the pencil falls on the floor.

If you are wondering which is better to buy, pay attention to the following factors:

• brand;

Depending on these parameters, pencils vary in texture, dynamism, durability and color range. Inexpensive sets are sold everywhere, their main advantage is an affordable price, starting from 36 rubles. The cost depends on the size of the set, in which there are from 6 to 12 pencils.

Why are budget options not the best? Because in the end, people overpay by buying other pencils, a little more expensive, but better. The fact is that cheap pencils scratch paper, turn out to be too pale. Therefore, it is better to immediately purchase high-quality pencils and enjoy the creative process without worries.

Top best colored pencils for drawing

To choose the right tool, professional artists advise buying several sets from different companies and experimenting with them. The best manufacturers, whose products have been tested by different generations, are presented in the rating.

Classic Faber-Castell Polychromos

If you're looking for time-tested pencils, then Faber-Castell makes what you're looking for. They are sold in a metal box, in a set there are from 6 to 60 colors. The stylus is thickened, made on an oily basis. Pencils are easy to store thanks to thoughtful packaging.

The colors are bright, juicy and blend beautifully. Faber-Castell pencils are unbreakable, suitable for sketching and painting. They manage to apply layers beautifully, without defects. The manufacturer uses only environmentally friendly paints to cover wooden cases. Pencils will seem expensive, but they pay off with a long period of operation.

Pencil overview:

Advantages:

• durable lead;
• bright colors;
• easy to sharpen;

Flaws:

• high price.

Average price: 1420 rubles.

Crayola pencils

These colored pencils are suitable for artists of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers and adults. Bright packaging and a wide range of creative tools distinguish them from the rest. The company produces watercolor, metal and wax pencils. Products are made from proven raw materials, so finished products are absolutely safe for children.

Overview of pencils from this manufacturer:

Advantages:

• strength;
• comfortable to hold;
• saturated shades;
• environmental friendliness.

Flaws:

• not detected;

Average price: 619 rubles.

Pencils for children under 3 years old - "Kalyaka-Malyaka"

For first-graders and kids attending kindergarten, the first pencils for drawing are most often products from the company "Kalyaka-Malyaka". They attract attention with an affordable price, a different number of pencils from 6 to 24 pieces.

Advantages:

• quality corresponds to the declared manufacturer;
• do not crumble;
• the lead does not break;
• soft enough.

Flaws:

• packaging does not withstand long-term use.

Average price: 190 rubles.

Colored pencils Prismacolor Premium

They are made on an oil or wax basis, are made for both professional artists and beginners. The stylus glides softly and gently over the paper, leaving a rich color. A couple of strokes are enough to make a masterpiece! Drawings made with pencils from Prismacolor look like photographs. The name of the shades is written on the pencils themselves, and the numbers are indicated on the box.

In order not to purchase a fake, it is better to order from American online stores or from trusted domestic sellers. Pencils are the leader of all ratings in the US and are of high quality, which is why they are expensive. The company produces different lines of pencils - soft or hard, watercolor. If you can’t choose one thing, you can buy several pieces of each series, and then combine them.

More about these pencils - in the video:

Advantages:

• wide range of colors;
• convenient packaging;
• high quality.

Flaws:

• high price.

Average price: 5,000 rubles.

Pencils KOH-i-NOOR for schoolchildren

Czech pencils from KOH-i-NOOR have been and remain prestigious drawing tools. The products of this company have been chosen for two centuries by professional artists and beginners.

The manufacturer came up with a unique technology, according to which pencils are made on three machines. On the first one, planks of cedar are prepared, on the second, a slate of granite. After they are connected, a pencil case with slates inside is obtained, which is cut on the third machine. The surface of the finished pencils is painted several times, then they are put on a gold tip with or without an eraser.

Video review of pencils:

Advantages:

• do not scrape paper;
• one package is enough for a long time;
• do not break after an accidental fall;
• sharpen perfectly.

Flaws:

• the price "bites".

Average price: 1,164 rubles.

Erich Krause watercolor pencils

The manufacturer is sensitive to their products, so the stylus contains a lot of kaolin and color pigment. Pencils from Erich Krause are a godsend for a novice artist or just a lover of coloring.

They have high-quality cores, are not erased and do not fade from paper. Pencils are presented in a large color palette, so you can draw whatever your heart desires! Soft, watercolor, trihedral types are on sale.

Advantages:

• comfortable for children's hands;
• beautiful bright packaging;
• well chosen colors in one set.

Flaws:

• quickly consumed.

Average price: 250 rubles.

Maped pencils

Ergonomic pencils are ideal for children who are just getting started with drawing. The trihedral body is made of American basswood, and a special coating and multi-layer varnishing prevent slipping. Why is it convenient for the baby to hold a pencil in his hand.

The lead is soft, impact-resistant, so it does not break or crumble when sharpening. Thanks to the thick diameter, it will be possible to draw wide, saturated lines. Maped products are of high quality and vibrant colors. Many of today's young parents drew with exactly the same pencils as children, so it is safe to purchase them for their children.

Video test of pencils:

Advantages:

• comfortable to hold, especially for the smallest artists;
• bright colors;
• triangular shape.

There are many exercises to develop fine motor skills. Drawing with pencils is one of the most loved by children. Fortunately, today manufacturers offer a huge selection of such instruments: in a case made of wood and wax, trihedral and round in cross section. Let's talk about each type in more detail.

Traditional pencils in a wooden case

Boxes with bright rods in a wooden “wrapping”, familiar from childhood, are traditional tools of labor for all young artists. How to choose the best option for your child?

• Sectional shape. For the first creative experiments, objects with three faces are best suited. They teach the child in advance how to properly hold drawing and writing supplies in his hand. In addition, trihedrons are difficult to lose - falling from the table, they will not roll under the sofa. Similar parameters for hexagons. But it is better to refuse round sets.
• Lead hardness. It is important that the lead does not crumble in the case. Then the pencil will be easy to sharpen even by children's hands and will not become unusable after the first fall.

Watercolor pencils

Watercolor sets - the same paints placed in a wooden case. The rod itself is made of compressed watercolor. Drawings made in this technique are brighter and more expressive than ordinary pencil drawings. If the image is wetted, it is visually indistinguishable from a watercolor painting.

Wax pencils

Such sets are made of wax, which is tinted with food coloring. Pencil rods are soft, so clear colored lines work out for little artists without any extra effort. Plus, they're easy to sharpen. Wax sets are suitable for the first coloring pages with large details.

Wax is a universal remedy that can be used for domestic purposes. In particular, it was in ancient times that it served as the basis for creating drawing tools. Despite the amazing history, the wax pencil has not sunk into oblivion. On the contrary, this tool is only gaining popularity because of its environmental friendliness and safety.

History reference

In the period of antiquity, drawings with wax pencils, which were performed by the Greeks, were sung by Plinius, the great writer of Rome. Such paintings stood out for their epic, richness and brilliance. In addition, wax was an easily accessible material at that time, so portrait painters made a tremendous contribution to the development of fine arts with the help of wax pencils.

What are the benefits of wax crayons?

Wax pencils for drawing have significant advantages over their counterparts.

The second life of laminate

Very often, the laminate cracks under mechanical stress, scratches appear. This can lead to deformation of the floor, the appearance of fungus, mold and rot. Fixing this problem is very simple - just restore the laminate with a wax pencil. Thanks to the use of this tool, it is possible to hide small scratches and chips on the floor surface. Wax stick for laminate should be applied on previously cleaned and dried surface.

If the scratch is small, then to eliminate it, it is enough to swipe over the problem area once. In the case of deeper damage to the wood sheet, the scratch should be filled until it is completely eliminated. After that, you need to wait until the wax dries completely. Then it is recommended to carefully polish the surface of the problem area with a small piece of rag. This ensures that scratches are eliminated as well as the natural color of the wax is restored.

Furniture restoration - no problem!

A furniture wax pencil will become an “ambulance” in case chips or scratches appear on the wood. Thanks to the wax dyed with natural substances, it is possible to completely eliminate the problem area on the furniture, giving it its original appearance. Thanks to active substances, the wax pencil improves the color of the furniture, gives it a shine. In addition, wax protects wooden surfaces from water, prevents the development of corrosion and rot.

The furniture wax pencil is easy to use. To eliminate scratches and chips, it is enough to run the tool over them several times, and then sand the surface with a rag. An additional protective layer is not required.

Wax pencil for cars

Very often there are situations when a regular polish cannot eliminate scratches and cracks on the surface. In such a case, a wax pencil will be the best option. Thanks to wax, even the deepest cracks and scratches that have reached the paint layer can be hidden.

Pencils on the modern market are presented in all sorts of color shades. That is why buyers are able to choose the option exactly according to the Wax is applied to the scratch with a convenient brush located at the end of the pencil. This form of accessory allows you to use the product economically, since the layer is applied very evenly, filling microcracks.

How is wax applied to a car?

It should be remembered that a wax-based pencil is used only on completely cleaned surfaces. First you need to degrease the body of the car. To do this, you can use alcohol-containing substances. After that, perpendicular to the scratch or chip, you need to make a few strokes with a pencil. At the same time, even the smallest cracks should be filled.

The second step is to sand the surface. To do this, the dried wax should be carefully rubbed with a rag or so excess wax is eliminated, the substance acquires a shade identical to the tone of the car body.

Wax pencil is a universal tool in everyday life. The low cost of the accessory, numerous functionalities, various colors, environmental friendliness and safety have made this tool one of the most popular on the market.