Customer Reviews

Pentel Color Pen Set, Set of 36 Assorted Colors (S360-36)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

These are great markers/pens - I'm on my third set, so obviously I like them - but there are a few caveats. As a mixed media artist, I've found several reasons to be cautious of these markers if you are using them for more permanent or "fine" art purposes.

For just coloring or for kids, these are absolutely perfect. These are extremely vibrant, the ink lasts forever, they don't dry out quickly if you leave a cap off, they travel very well, the color selection is fantastic, and they are priced extremely well.

If, however, you are using them for a mixed media project - or will be using more than one technique on your project - you will run into some problems. (Then again, these aren't touted as "fine art" markers - or priced as such.) The colors are great - but filling in large spaces will be problematic because they are "streaky". They leave a very definite line with each stroke - so you will end up with a project that looks like you colored it in first grade. Secondly, altho these start out with a fantastic nib, it degrades quickly - and you wind up with a lot of little "fuzzies", fine "hairs" and the tip of the nib becomes "floppy" even tho the rest of the nib remains firm. This causes problems when trying to fill in small spaces, or writing. (Leaves a lot of tiny stray marks.)

Also, these are definitely not waterproof - or water resistant. One drop of water will destroy whatever you've colored. Since water will leave a distinct mark on the paper, I thought maybe they would work well if blended with water. I colored and then used a waterbrush and a regular brush with a little water, to try to blend the "streaks" away. NOT a good idea. You just wind up with a mess. (They aren't advertised for this use - but I thought it might work.)

The other issue with these is the color fastness. The colors fade and wash out over time. I used them in one of my moleskin journals - and several years later, the colors have disintegrated a lot. They weren't exposed to sunlight (the journal was closed and on a bookshelf) - so I don't know what the level of acidity is...but I'm guessing it's on the higher end. (Which strikes these for scrapbooks, just FYI.)

I'm not getting rid of mine anytime soon - I love to use these for adding color to sketches, doodling, coloring with my kids, lending to my kids for school projects, making garage sale signs, etc. I just wouldn't use these in any of my art projects or swaps. (I live in a really dry climate and worry the color breakdown would be worse somewhere humid.) Definitely not for work that will be sold.

You won't waste money with these - they are great marker/pens for around the house...for drawing or coloring at school or using at home, these are total perfection! If, on the other hand, you are looking for a good "art marker" or "art pen", pass on these. These will be a huge disappointment - and there are much, much better options out there.

I have had a set of these markers for over 9 years and they're still going strong! They seem to have an endless ink supply, except for the black, which has been used to it's last drop. They are very comfortably shaped, great for doing fine detail work. Vibrant colors, and a good variety of colors. Wonderful markers!

My daughter "found" these pens which I had had for years...
she adopted them and used them almost daily for every type of art project.
They travel very well so they have also been on many trips with us.
The pinks ran out after about two years of use...
after about three years of use a few of the other colors began to show signs of running out.
I was AMAZED they lasted as long as they did!!!
We are now on a second set.
My daughter is nearly 8, and she still LOVES these markers.
I highly recommend them to ANY one of ANY age who loves markers with great vibrant, long-lasting color!!!!

I like the sturdy, compact package these markers come in, the large selection of colors, and the fact that they are water-base pens. All of them were fresh without a hint of drying out anytime soon.

This is a sturdy set of pens, in nice secondary packaging. I bought two sets - one for my son, the other for my daughter, they're enjoying them. I've used them to color in some pages of the kids' coloring books, and see two shortcomings. First, the amount of ink is inconsistent from pen to pen - some flow very heavy ink, others much lighter. This results in inconsistent color depth in the strokes. The second shortcoming is the color of the pen's plastic often poorly matches the color of the pen's ink. For example, what looks like a dark green pen from the color of the plastic, has ink that flows very close to black. Many other colors vary greatly from plastic to ink. When these pens need replacing, I'll try a different set for comparison.

I also have to agree with the other posters when saying these markers last forever. I was given some as a teen about 25 years ago and they still work great. I always knew they were superb markers, but now as a mother/teacher I realize just how wonderful they are! You will not regret buying these for sure. Honestly, they run circles around Crayola and other leading brands most people buy today.

My set is about 10 years old, and still going strong! I have used these pens for everything from original art pieces to just plain coloring, and they hold their rich colors fabulously! Well worth the price. They are like an Energizer Bunny...they keep going and going and going!

I bought these identical markers 23 years ago (yes, 23 years) at Sam's Club. I used them for crafting most of those years. I have been homeschooling our two children for the past 8 years where they have been used a little more heavily by tiny hands. They just started to dry out--can you believe this? So, of course I purchased them again. I'm expecting them to last as well as the first set. The only difference in the two sets is now the colors are indicated on the back of the holder, big plus! I highly recommend this item, thank you Pentel.

I got this set as a child and my mom recently found them and they all still work wonderfully! (roughly 15 years later!) amazing!

Markers are very nice for fine detail work as well as some bigger surfaces. Colors don't run and the carrying case is convenient. Would definitely recommend.