These watercolor pencils contain the highest quality pigments for unsurpassed lightfastness. They feature a buttery smooth color laydown and are easily blended and layered without waxy build up. The thick 3.8mm break-resistant and fully water-soluble leads can be easily blended when wet for rich watercolor effects and become permanent when dry. The lead is housed in premium California cedar wood casing with SV bonding to strengthen lead and resist breakage, while providing sharp fine lines and excellent point retention.