What are the different types of pencil?

3rd March 2020


What are the different types of pencil?


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		There are many different types of pencil, and although their basic function remains the same, their individual differences may make them more suitable for specific jobs or materials. Below is a guide to help you decide.

		Soft lead pencils
		Pencils with soft leads abrade (wear away through friction) more readily than harder leads.

		A softer pencil lead will impart a darker, heavier mark on a surface.

		Best suited for… Soft lead pencils are best for use on softwoods, and newly hewn timber.

		Medium lead pencils
		Pencils with medium leads hold the middle ground and abrade at a steady rate.

		A medium pencil lead will impart a mark somewhere between the dark, heavy mark of a soft lead pencil and the light, fine mark of a hard lead pencil.

		Best suited for… Medium lead pencils are best for writing and general purpose use.

		Hard lead pencils
		Hard lead pencils are the most resistant to abrasion.

		Pencils with a harder lead will impart a lighter, finer mark on a surface.

		Best suited for… Hard lead pencils are best used on hardwoods, brick and plastered walls.

		Solid lead pencils
		There are solid lead pencils available on the market which have no wood whatsoever and are essentially a solid stick of non-toxic graphite composition.

		They are smudge and water resistant and incredibly flexible, so it won’t snap in a back pocket! They are also stronger than traditional carpenter’s pencils.

		Best suited for… These pencils can be used without sharpening so there is little to no waste. These pencils can be used on wood, paper, concrete and many other materials.

		Mechanical pencils
		There are mechanical pencils available which have toughened leads that can be used on rough timber without snapping. They have a push-button cap which dispenses the lead little-by-little as and when it is required.

		Mechanical carpenter’s pencil There are also mechanical pencils that have the characteristic rectangular lead of a carpenter’s pencil. These are particularly robust and can withstand heavy-duty use. Varying degrees of lead hardness are available which make these great all-round pencils.

		Best suited for… Mechanical carpenter’s pencils can be used on paper, wood, metal, brick and many other surfaces. Not suitable for use on glass.

		Tile marker wax pencils
		Wax pencils are a little different insomuch that their “leads” are made from wax. They are often bright colours for high visibility.

		Best suited for… Tile marker wax pencils are best suited to marking ceramic tiles, glass, plastic and metal. They are not suitable for marking porous or porcelain tiles.

		WARNING: Always test the marker first on a spare tile as permanent marking may occur on certain natural or unglazed materials, i.e. stone and porcelain.