The Ultimate Guide to Colouring Pencils for Schools and Organisations in Australia

Colouring pencils are pigment-based drawing tools designed for long-term colouring, creative engagement, and repeated use. For organisations purchasing in bulk, colouring pencil sets are one of the few promotional items that remain useful long after an event, campaign, or program has ended. When selected with intent, they deliver exceptional cost-per-impression, strong brand trust, and broad demographic appeal. 

This guide is written by our experts to share what actually matters when sourcing branded colouring pencils or custom colour pencil sets scale. 

What Actually Determines Colouring Pencil Quality

Most buyers assume colour count or packaging determines quality. In reality, the factors that matter most are rarely listed on spec sheets. 

What Quality Signals Experts Look For

Signal	Why It Matters in Bulk Use
Core centring	Off-centre cores snap during sharpening
Core density consistency	Prevents “hard spots” and uneven colouring
Core-to-barrel bonding	Reduces internal fractures during transport

Wax-based and oil-based colouring pencils

Wax-based colouring pencils are the most common choice in bulk orders because they’re versatile and budget-friendly. They tend to work well when pencils are being distributed at scale and used by a wide mix of age groups. 

They’re best suited when: 

• Orders are large and cost-sensitive 
• The audience includes children. 
• Ease of use matters more than precision. 

However, not all wax pencils perform the same. Issues we see most often include: 

• Very soft cores snapping during sharpening 
• Dark colours develop a cloudy wax film over time. 

Oil-based colouring pencils are often overlooked, but they perform well in programs where longevity matters. 

They’re a strong option when: 

• Sets are reused over long periods. 
• The audience is older or more design-focused 
• The pencils are part of a higher-quality kit. 

Buyers often underestimate that oil-based pencils: 

• Break less often 
• Sharpen more cleanly 
• Produce less waste per pencil. 

Why colour count is not the best way to choose a set

Buyers think that choosing more colours means better value for your giveaway. But this is not always the case. We’ve observed that:

• Most users regularly use only 6–10 colours. 
• Extra colours add cost but don’t increase engagement. 
• Larger sets lose individual pencils more quickly. 

In shared environments like schools or community programs: 

• Incomplete sets feel worn out faster. 
• Fewer high-quality colours perform better long-term. 

Packaging Strategy

When choosing which item to order, it’s also important to consider the packaging. Some of the best packaging options are: 

• Box 
• Tin 
• Cases 

Where Buyers Undermine Their Own Goals

Many organisations specify “eco-friendly” without understanding the trade-offs. 

Mistakes To Avoid:

• Choosing recycled barrels with weak structural integrity 
• Prioritising packaging sustainability but ignoring pigment toxicity 
• Selecting ultra-cheap eco sets that require frequent replacement. 

What Actually Signals Responsible Sourcing

Feature	Impact
FSC-certified wood	Responsible forestry
Non-toxic pigments	Child safety + compliance
Durable construction	Reduced replacement
Reusable packaging	Waste reduction

How Our Experts Choose Colouring Pencil Sets

Price is never the first question experienced buyers ask. 

Expert Procurement Checklist 

• Who is the primary user? 
• Will the product be shared? 
• How long must it last? 
• What does failure look like? 
• Where will brand recall come from? 

Decision Framework Used by Leading Buyers 

Priority	Best Choice
Cost efficiency	Durable wax-based + simple box
Brand longevity	Oil-based + reusable tin
Sustainability	FSC pencils + kraft packaging
Child safety	Short pencils + certified pigments
Premium perception	Higher core density + case

Final Thoughts

Colouring pencils are often underestimated because they appear simple. In reality, they are one of the most technically misunderstood and strategically valuable promotional items available. 

That is why, as a leading authority in promotional merchandise, our experienced team continues to recommend colouring pencil sets as a smart, low-risk, high-impact investment when chosen correctly.