Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Vs Koh-i-Noor Polycolor Comparison
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Vs Koh-i-Noor Polycolor Comparison
I am often asked to recommend a colored pencil with the following traits, high quality, excellent pigment levels, lightfast results and reasonably priced, when asked this question I always reply with the Lyra Polycolor and Koh-I-Noor Polycolor, both outstanding pencils. In this review we are going to compare both these pencils
The information we are going to look at in this review is a comparison of both pencils, however, if you would like to know more about the pencils individually, I have reviewed both pencils in their own right and to see those reviews all you have to do is follow the respective links.
Its important to note that, as with all of the comparison reviews I complete, it is impossible for the tests to be exactly the same, for example, the same pressure used on each pencil when layering or blending, but I have done my very best to make sure that the results of fair.
Lyra Vs Koh-I-Noor
There are one or two things that when you line both these pencils up against each other there are differences and these might be the differences between you purchasing or not purchasing them. The first and perhaps most significant difference is the palette sizes. In this comparison I am not going to be discussing the sets available or anything like that because that information is present on the individual reviews.
As recently as approximately a year and a half ago, just before the world went into lockdown due to COVID 19, Koh-I-Noor announced the release of their amazing 144 Palette. Prior to this, Koh-I-Noor and Lyra both provided their largest sets at 72 and this is still the case with Lyra Polycolor. In addition to this 72 set, Lyra also provide a set of 12 Greys totalling 82 pencils, minus the black and white which are present in both the 12 Grey and 72 Set.
Both of the Lyra and Koh-I-Noor pencils are sold open stock, both pencils have lightfast ratings, however it is important to know that the lightfast ratings are in-house tests. This is obviously something you need to evaluate in your own mind as to whether or not you are happy using pencils that are not either ASTM or Blue Wool tested. I am not saying that in house lightfast tests are inferior, I am simply saying that the only two standards that exist for lightfast test are Blue Wool and ASTM anything other than these standards may not be recognised by galleries etc.
Lyra and Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Layer Comparison
I have completed some artwork with both pencils but we will talk about that a little further into the review. For now we are going to take a look at the layering ability of both pencils. Individually, both pencils layer well, but obviously we are trying to discover which of the two layers the best.
The layering test has been completed on the Derwent Lightfast Paper, 100% Cotton and so a paper of exceptional quality. As you can see from the results in the image provided, I have used a slightly different colored blue as I was unable to get two identical blues from both sets.
To my eye, the Lyra Polycolor looks the more vibrant and evenly layered, however, during the actual test the Koh-I-Noor felt a bit chalkier and dryer than the Lyra Polycolor. Both cores are what I would consider medium hardness, but the Lyra Polycolor has that silkier, glossy consistency when layering. To inspect the images in more detail all you have to do is click on the image you want to inspect and it will automatically enlarge.
Lyra Vs Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Blending Tests
I completed some simple blending tests which you can see the results of below, I also completed an Odourless Mineral Spirits test which I completed in real time on the YouTube Video Comparison Review, so to see that test in action may help you form a better opinion.
The regular blending tests provided consist of two colors blending to create a third, sometimes on this test, if the pigments are not rich enough, the third color will not resemble the predicted color. In this test I used the Blue and Yellow of both pencils to create a Green, the Red and Yellow of both pencils to create Orange and finally the Red and Blue from both pencils to create a Purple.
From the results you can judge and see for yourself which pencils performed the best and as I mentioned you should be looking at the third color and which looks best to you. The images I have provided of the individual blending tests show the spheres after OMS has been applied, however, as I have mentioned, you can check out the YouTube video comparison to see this test in real time.
The blending tes, as with the layer test has been completed on the same sheet of paper and the paper used was the Derwent Lightfast Paper
Lyra And Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Swatches
All of the tests so far have been completed on high quality artist grade paper, the Derwent Lightfast paper, however, I feel it is important to show the pencils on different types of paper and so I have provided swatches for both pencils. The first set of swatches is the 144 Koh-I-Noor and this was completed on Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Smooth.
The next set of swatches is the 72 set of Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor and this was completed on Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Velum, slightly more texture than the smooth but still quite a smooth surface in its own right
This final swatch shows the 12 Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Greys, this was completed on the Derwent Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper, a really nice quality paper and quite inexpensive, certainly nowhere near the exceptional high quality of the Derwent Lightfast Paper.
Koh-I-Noor V Lyra Polycolor Black Paper Test
This particular test does not really help define whether a pencil is better per say, this test shows whether or not the core of pencils sports a translucent property or thicker opaque properties. Each colored pencil artist has their own preference, some may not use their pencils on dark paper, but for those that do, this test will help demonstrate the previously mentioned properties. The paper used for this test was Winsor and Newton Black Paper
Koh-I-Noor Polycolor V Lyra Polycolor Artwork Comparison
As previously mentioned at the beginning of this post, I did complete some artwork using both pencils and hopefully this will help in your choice as to which pencil is more preferential to your colored pencil art style. Again the art work was completed on the Derwent Lightfast Paper, both images on the same sheet to ensure no anomalies.
The image above shows the Lady Bird drawn using the Koh-I-Noor Polycolor, try not to consider the least too much as this was just to add color under the main image, all of my time was taken on the actual Lady Bird or Lady Bug. the Image below shows the exact same image only this time drawn using the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils.
When using the Koh-I-Noor Polycolor, I felt like I could accomplish many layers and although the pencils are highly pigmented the core felt strong and held a point well with minimal crumbling. The Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor perform very similar with regards to layering, strong pigment levels and detailed core, however there was slightly more crumbling.
It wasn’t until I completed both works of art that I could clearly see the Koh-I-Noor appears a little bit chalkier and drier as opposed to the more vibrant and richer Lyra Rembrandt. However, this is all about personal choice, your eyes and tase may show you something different and it is important that you follow what you see and like rather than what I see.
Koh-I-Noor Polycolor And Lyra Polycolor Comparison Conclusion
This is a really difficult comparison to call and I very much feel that whatever pencil you chose would be down to that particular pencil best fitting into your style of art and colored pencil preferences. For this comparison I have shown the results of both pencils on five different papers, completed various tests and completed artwork.
The Koh-I-Noor and Lyra Polycolor in my opinion are perhaps two of the most overlooked pencils n the colored pencil community. So many artists are only seeking the finest lightfast ratings, which is completely understandable when completing commissions or art gallery submissions, however for general artwork, both pencils are outstanding.
If you would like to know more about the prices and various sets available for both pencils please check out my individual reviews on the Koh-i-Noor and Lyra Polycolor pencils. Comparison videos are always difficult to make because of the precision required in making sure the review is fair is almost impossible to create, but I have done my best in making sure that all the tests are as close together as humanly possible.
If you have any questions about the comparison please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask me whatever you want, you can do so by leaving a comment below or emailing me direct at theartgearguide@gmail.com. Don’t forget, as well as this written review you can watch my YouTube video review where addition information is presented. As well as the YouTube video comparison I have completed a speed drawing video where you can watch both artwork pieces come to life, I have also added a page of still images from both art pieces were you can inspect in more detail.
