Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Pencil 110115 User Manual

Introduction

The Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Pencils are renowned globally by professionals and semi-professionals for their exceptional quality. This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of your Polychromos pencil, specifically the 115 Dark Cadmium Orange (Model 110115).

Key features include high-quality acid-free pigments, unsurpassed lightfastness, and water-resistant, smudge-proof properties. The thick 3.8 mm lead ensures a soft, vibrant color laydown, while the Secural bonding process (SV) provides high break resistance.

An individual Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Pencil in Dark Cadmium Orange, showing its sharpened tip and the brand name printed on the barrel.

Setup

The Faber-Castell Polychromos pencil is ready for immediate use. No complex assembly is required.

Sharpening

For optimal performance and to prevent lead breakage, use a high-quality sharpener designed for artist pencils. Sharpen the pencil carefully to achieve a fine point suitable for detailed work or a broader tip for coverage.

Operating Instructions

Application Techniques

• Layering: Apply multiple layers of color to build depth and intensity. Polychromos pencils allow for smooth layering without waxy buildup.
• Blending: Colors can be blended seamlessly using light pressure or by applying a lighter color over a darker one. Blending tools or colorless blenders can also be used.
• Pressure Control: Varying pressure will produce different color intensities, from light washes to rich, opaque strokes.
• Water-Resistant: Once applied, the colors are water-resistant, meaning they will not dissolve or smudge when exposed to water.
• Smudge-Proof: The oil-based lead is designed to be smudge-proof, ensuring clean artwork.

A close-up view of a Faber-Castell Polychromos pencil, highlighting the 'Made in Germany' and 'Polychromos' markings, along with the Faber-Castell logo.

Maintenance

Storage

Store pencils in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. This helps maintain the integrity of the lead and prevents drying or softening.

Handling

While Polychromos pencils feature high break resistance due to SV Bonding, avoid dropping them on hard surfaces, as this can still cause internal lead breakage.

Troubleshooting

Lead Breakage

If lead breakage occurs frequently during sharpening, ensure you are using a sharp, high-quality sharpener. Dull sharpeners can twist and break the lead. Excessive pressure during drawing can also contribute to breakage.

Smudging

Polychromos pencils are designed to be smudge-proof. If smudging occurs, ensure the drawing surface is clean and free of oils or dust. Avoid rubbing the applied color immediately after application, especially with heavy layers.

Specifications

Lightfastness and Color Information

Polychromos pencils are known for their excellent lightfastness, ensuring your artwork retains its vibrancy over time. Refer to the color chart below for specific lightfastness ratings for various Polychromos colors.

A detailed chart displaying various Polychromos pencil colors, their corresponding numbers, and lightfastness ratings indicated by stars or dots. This chart helps artists select colors based on their permanence. The more stars/dots, the higher the lightfastness.

Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information or product support, please refer to the official Faber-Castell website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.