Pencil lead grades

This article is intended to explain what those odd little codes actually mean. Pencil lead is made of a mixture of graphite and clay.

Lead grade is an important consideration for both the artist and writer. The hardness of a lead affects its strength, smoothness, smudge resistance, and pigmentation. Writers can use different lead grades to make their lines lighter or darker, while an artist can employ the full range of lead grades to achieve different effects. Watch the video below or keep reading to learn more about lead grades. Video: Lead Grades Explained.

Pencil lead grades

Our high-quality graphite pencils consist of a mixture of graphite and clay and are currently available in 19 degrees of hardness. The degree of graphite hardness is determined by the mix ratio of the graphite and clay, the greater the graphite the softer the lead and the more clay the harder the lead. With 19 degrees of hardness to choose from there is a graphite pencil for every type of artist. An artist with a heavy hand might prefer softer leads to balance their pressure whereas an artist with a lighter drawing hand may prefer relatively hard lead qualities. The rougher the paper, the more lead particles are worn off. In general, rough or hard paper requires a harder quality of lead and smooth or soft paper a softer quality lead. The Faber-Castell hardness scale to which pencils are manufactured has remained unchanged since signifying levels of hardness through letters and numbers. The degree of soft black, hard, hard black, and firm are then further classified by numbers, the higher the number the higher the intensity. Graphite pencils with hardness degrees of 3B to 8B are ideal for artistic, pictorial drawing with their very soft to extra soft, very black graphite. Lastly, graphite pencils with hardness degrees varying from 2H to 6H are ideal for technical drawing. Pitt Graphite Matte pencils, a newer line of graphite, introduced 10B, 12B, and 14B degrees of lead to our collection. Softer and darker than the rest, these degrees of graphite are matte black. The 14B matte graphite is the first of its kind. The Castell and the Castell Jumbo are the ideal expressive, artistic medium, not just for professionals but also for hobbyists. Pitt Graphite Matte Pencils provide an ultra-matte graphite laydown for reduced reflection on paper.

Drawing Inks. Desk Trays. This makes them ideal for very dark shading and tonal modelling.

If you're new to pencils, you've probably noticed that one of the things that distinguishes one pencil from another is the letter or number printed on its barrel. It might be a 2 or a 1, or it might be a letter like H or B. Let's make sense of all of this:. The "lead" of a pencil which, by the way, has NEVER actually contained actual lead is traditionally made of three things: graphite, clay and water. These days, most pencils have a little bit of wax or other additives in them, which aid in making them smoother to write with. The "grade" or "hardness" of the pencil indicates the ratio of graphite to clay. The more graphite that is in a pencil, the softer it is.

Mechanical pencils have fewer lead grades to choose from than wooden pencils because they have thinner lead. This guide explains the difference between mechanical pencil lead and wooden pencil lead, how mechanical pencil lead is made, the mechanical pencil lead grade scale, the darkest mechanical pencil lead, and much more. If you want to know more about colored lead for mechanical pencils, check out the Ultimate Guide to Colored Mechanical Pencil Lead for more information. The lead core of a wooden pencil is approximately 2 mm in diameter. Mechanical pencils are usually much thinner, typically 0. Because the lead is so thin, the lead is manufactured differently from that of wooden pencils, and there are fewer lead grades available. Mechanical pencil lead is fragile compared to wooden pencil lead, and it is made from different materials to make it stronger and prevent it from breaking. Check out What is Pencil Lead Made of? For more information about wooden pencil lead. The downside of this type of lead is that it is not very strong, but it does not matter much as it is significant in diameter approximately 2 mm.

Pencil lead grades

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older. Search our store. Wishlist Cart 0. Popular Searches: colored pencils art markers. The grade of lead you choose can have a big impact on your drawing style and the effects you can achieve. What do the Labels Mean?

Mercedes car key battery

Mechanical pencil Mechanical pencils can be used for both drawing and writing. Watch the video below or keep reading to learn more about lead grades. Graphite Pencil Degrees of Hardness Explained. Forgot your password? Calligraphy Inks. Surrounding lead grades H, B are also suitable for writing depending on your preference for darkness. Fountain Pen Friendly Paper. The vast majority of mechanical pencils and regular pencils, too! But it's totally up to you! It might be a 2 or a 1, or it might be a letter like H or B. Eco-Friendly Stationery. At this size of lead, the grade range is limited.

The first graphite grading scale is a numeric scale. The higher the number the harder the writing core and the lighter the mark left on the paper.

The F pencil grade means Fine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lightfast Colored Pencils. Fountain Pen Friendly Paper. When I was…. Gel Ink. The graphite is the part that makes the dark mark on the paper. Dip Pen Inks. Desk Trays. Aussie-established brand. Use whatever you like! We curated several lines of mechanical pencil leads that have impressive lead grade offerings below. More graphite makes for a softer lead, and more clay makes for harder lead. Pitt Graphite Pure Pencils are made of finely milled graphite for smooth laydown.