Prismacolor 3365 Premier Soft Core Colored Pencil, White (Pa

The Verdict

White is the workhorse of every colored pencil set. It’s the pencil you reach for to lift highlights, blend edges, and rescue a muddy shadow. But here’s the thing: most white pencils are chalky, brittle, or so translucent they might as well be invisible. The Prismacolor Premier Soft Core in White is none of those things — and at 4.7 stars across 235 ratings, it’s clearly earned its reputation. Let’s break down whether this 12-pack is worth your money or just another overhyped art supply.

What You’re Actually Getting

This is a 12-pack of the 3365 White Premier Soft Core pencils. Each pencil is 7 inches long with a 3.5mm core. The “soft core” designation is the key spec here — it’s significantly softer than standard colored pencils, which means more pigment laid down per stroke. The packaging is a simple cardboard box, nothing fancy, but the pencils themselves are the real product.

Performance and Build Quality

Here’s where Prismacolor earns its keep. The white core is genuinely opaque — one pass over dark paper produces a visible, solid result. For blending, it’s exceptional: the soft core melts into whatever color you’re working with, creating smooth transitions without the waxy buildup you get from harder pencils. Artists use this for everything from pet fur highlights to glass reflections, and it handles all of it.

The build quality is solid, but the soft core is a double-edged sword. You’ll sharpen these more often than harder pencils — that’s physics, not a defect. And if you drop one on a hard floor, expect a broken core. That’s the tradeoff for the buttery consistency.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The Amazon reviews are remarkably consistent. One common thread: “This is the only white pencil I’ve found that actually shows up on dark paper.” Another recurring note is how well it layers: “I can build up multiple layers without the pencil becoming waxy or the color turning gray.” The 12-pack size gets specific shoutouts too — artists note that white is the first pencil to run out in any set, so buying in bulk makes practical sense.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. The soft core breaks — it’s the top complaint in reviews. One buyer noted, “I’ve had three of these break during sharpening in the first week.” That’s frustrating, but it’s also the nature of soft-core pencils. You can minimize it with a hand sharpener rather than electric, and by not dropping them.

Second, these aren’t lightfast. If you’re creating art for sale or display in direct sunlight, the white will yellow over time. For sketchbooks and practice work, it’s irrelevant. For professional archival work, look elsewhere.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re a colored pencil artist who works on dark paper, needs reliable blending, or finds yourself running out of white constantly. This is also ideal for mixed-media work where you need opaque highlights over markers, ink, or watercolor.

Skip it if: You prefer harder, more precise pencils for detailed linework, or if you’re a heavy-handed artist who tends to press hard — you’ll snap these constantly. Budget-conscious beginners might also start with a smaller pack to test compatibility.

FAQ

Q: Does this work on black paper? A: Yes, that’s one of its best applications. The opaque white shows up clearly on dark surfaces, which is why it’s so popular for night scenes and dramatic highlights.

Q: How does it compare to the Prismacolor Premier White Wax based pencil? A: The Soft Core is softer and lays down more pigment per stroke. It blends more smoothly but breaks more easily. If you want durability over buttery application, the standard Premier is the safer choice.

Q: Is this pack worth it if I only need one white pencil? A: Only if you go through white regularly. If you’re a casual user, grab a single pencil from an art store. If you’re working on multiple projects, the 12-pack saves you from mid-project runs to the store.

The Verdict

4.6/5 — Buy it if you’re serious about colored pencil work and need a dependable, opaque white that blends like a dream. Skip it if you’re a casual doodler or prefer harder, more forgiving cores.

The breakage issue is real, but it’s the price of admission for this level of softness and blendability. For the price per pencil, you’re getting professional-grade performance that’s hard to beat. Just invest in a decent hand sharpener and handle them with care — these are precision tools, not crayons.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.