12/08/2026
Art Gift of the day, and product guide to help understand what you are buying :)
These affordable, high quality drawing sets are perfect for artists of all levels! Containing 6 different grades of graphite pencil plus a sharpener and eraser.
-Graphite explained! by Jonathan Hodgson Artist and Tutor
Graphite is a super versatile, long lasting medium. Everyone uses pencils since early childhood but not everyone knows what the grades mean, and how they work best.
So this should help you understand and choose what you need.
Graphite is graded in levels of hardness. The harder the graphite, the less material leaves the pencil when drawing, so the line or mark made is lighter.
Therefore, the softer the graphite, the more powder is left impressed into the paper making a darker result.
On the scale of hardness... HB is roughly in the middle; its a standard general use level. If you want a darker line or mark, you would need a B grade, which go up from 2 to around 14, but most of the time I wouldn't go much over 6B.
For lighter marks, H is what you need. The higher the number, the harder or softer the graphite. Hard graphite can be more difficult to erase due to the pressure imparted in drawing and how it bonds to the paper. If you intend to paint over the graphite, then a harder level can be better as it is less likely to show through the paint or dull your colours.
Its handy to have a selection of grades available, so you can choose what feels and looks right for your chosen purpose.
I tend to use a 4B predominantly, but frequently use the other grades also where needed.
These pencil sets from Faber Castell are superb and represent great value for money!
If you require further info while choosing I am always happy to advise at The Green Rhino!
Happy drawing! ✏️✏️✏️😎
