Click to view our Accessibility Statement

 
 
 

Derwent Inktense FAQs

 

Read our FAQs below to find out more information about the Derwent Inktense range. 

What products are in the Derwent Inktense range?

There are pencils, blocks, XL blocks and paint pan sets in the Derwent Inktense range. Use them with Inktense Paper for best performance. Learn more about the Inktense range here.

How would you describe the Derwent Inktense products?

Inktense is a pigment-based product that is extremely soluble in water, but has a transparent ink-like wash unlike a traditional watercolour. Inktense is also permanent when dry.

Why should I buy Derwent’s Inktense pencils?

Our Inktense pencils are great for layering, have vibrant and highly pigmented colours, which dissolve instantly and become permanent once wet (pigment needs to be fully dissolved in water then left to dry to become permanent). You can create transparent washes of colour, with dark and light tones depending on the amount of water and pigment used, but the Inktense Antique White (buy here) is very opaque; great for highlights.

Are Derwent Inktense pencils wax or oil-based?

Our Inktense pencils are wax-based.

What size is the Derwent Inktense pencil core?

The Inktense pencil has a 4mm core with a round barrel.

How many colours are in the Derwent Inktense range?

Derwent Inktense Pencils (buy here) have 99 colours plus 1 outliner pencil. Derwent Inktense Blocks (buy here) have 72 colours in total, Derwent Inktense XL Blocks (buy here) have 12 colours between 2 tins, and the Derwent Paint Pan Sets (buy here) have 24 colours between 2 Pan sets.

Are Derwent Inktense products dye based or pigment based?

Inktense is pigment based but it's unique formulation produces vibrant colours and washes.

Are the Derwent Inktense pencils lightfast?

87% of the range is lightfast, however once water is added, lightfastness ratings will be different depending on how much each colour is diluted. If you are looking to keep your Inktense art for as long as possible, we advise you keep your artwork out of direct sunlight.


Why do the Derwent Inktense Blocks and Derwent Inktense Pencils have different lightfast ratings?

The blocks and pencils are made using different binders and wax blends, which will affect the lightfastness rating for each colour.

Can I use Derwent Inktense Pencils with my other Derwent pencils?

Yes, Derwent’s Inktense Pencil range has been formulated to be compatible with other Derwent pencil ranges.

What sharpener should I use with Derwent Inktense pencils?

Our Derwent Inktense Pencils works well with our Super Point range. View our Super Point Manual Desk Sharpener or Super Point Mini Manual Sharpener. For more information on sharpening, view our sharpening guide.

What are the wells in the Derwent Inktense blocks tray used for?

The paint wells in all of our blocks tin can be used to mix the blocks with water to create an ink-like solution, adding to the versatility of this product.

Is Derwent Inktense classed as an ink or watercolour product?

It is classed as a watercolour product but it has different properties to a regular watercolour pencil, making it look like an ink.

Are Derwent's Inktense Pencils safe to use?

All our pencils are made with ingredients that are safe to use and comply with all relevant safety standards.

Are Derwent Inktense Pencils gluten free?

All our pencils are gluten free and free from wheat allergens and dextrin.

Is the Derwent Inktense full range vegan?

Our Inktense collection contain no animal derived materials/ingredients but we cannot guarantee that the raw materials were not tested on animals.

Why is there a white pencil in the Derwent Inktense Pencil range?

We have a white pencil (Inktense Antique White - buy here) in our Inktense range as it can be used to highlight your artwork or be used on black paper to really pop!

Why does the dipped end on my Derwent Inktense Pencil look a different colour to the pencil tip?

The dipped ends are matched to the washed-out colour rather than the dry pencil core, so colours will slightly differ.

What is the Derwent Inktense Outliner pencil?

The outliner pencil is a non-water-soluble pencil that can be used to create line and wash drawings.

Can a small child use Derwent Inktense Pencils?

Derwent Inktense products are not recommended for use by children under the age of 14.

Do you sell Derwent Inktense Blocks or XL Blocks as singles?

We do not sell Inktense Blocks as singles due to the high chance of them being damaged in transit. However some of our stockists may do. View our list of UK and International stockists here.

We do sell Inktense XL Blocks as singles here

How do I use the Derwent Inktense ranges on fabric?

To use on fabric, you do not need to put anything on the fabric beforehand. Simply apply the colour straight to the fabric and then dissolve the pigment with water. Inktense only becomes permanent if all colour is washed out fully and no remaining pencil/block/XL block/paint marks are left. Any remaining pencil marks will run.

Any washing should be done by hand, without any detergent or washing powder and should be done in a cool temperature such as 30 degrees Celsius.  

Can I grate the Derwent Inktense Blocks and XL Blocks?

Yes you can grate the Inktense Blocks and XL Blocks. Mix the shavings with water and create an ink-like solution. Use in our Derwent Spritzer (buy here) to create spray and splatter effects.

What is the difference between Inktense Blocks and Inktense XL Blocks?

Inktense Blocks are 8mm in width whereas Inktense XL Blocks are 20mm. XL Blocks also contain 8 pencils' worth of pigment in each block. Both can be cut, grated, broken into pieces or used to draw or paint with.


Do you have another question?

Contact us so we can help you with the answer.