
Hi, I'm Su, the author of this post. I founded Interwell Stationery and have served over 1000+ clients since 2003. Feel free to contact us for custom stationery supplies, manufacturing support, and the latest trends in the industry.
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Pencil lead is the material that gives the commonly used writing tool the simple but effective power to create marks and ideas on paper. The pencil lead is not made of real lead! It is made out of a graphite and clay mixture, and it is non-toxic.
The hardness of the lead is determined by the ratio of graphite and clay used. Graphite is a naturally soft material, while the clay is more durable.
The more clay added to the mix, the denser the pencil lead, making it less easy to break.
Since pencil lead is available in various hardness grades (shades), it is labeled by numbers and letters.
The hard rates (lighter shades) are marked with the letter H, such as 8H and 7H.
The soft grades (darker shadows) are labeled with the letter B, such as 6B and 9B.
The hardness of the lead affects the darkness and lightness of the marks it makes on paper. The harder leads produce light shades and strokes and more precise lines.
In comparison, the softer leads have darker and more expressive lines.
For mid-tone painting or detailing
For highlights or local details
For plaster sketches or depictions of hard objects in still life
For landscape sketching or portrait sketching
For painting dark tones or blending dark details
For technical sketching and partial avatar processing
Growing up going to school, we all used a No. 2 pencil. We were all convinced at one point that this was the only type of pencil that existed.
However, you may be surprised to discover that a much wider variety of pencil leads can be found in traditional wood-cased pencils! 5 different pencil leads can be found in this pencil type.
You can find them listed down below in order from lightest to darkest.
Within the past decades, the mechanical pencil has become a popular alternative to the traditional wooden pencil, as it can be more efficient due to not having to sharpen the tool constantly.
The first mechanical pencil was created in the 1800s but didn't become widely available to the public until much later.
Students, teachers, and workers began using this efficient writing tool widely offered in retail stores and stationery supply shops. Many choose this newer and updated version of the traditional writing tool because of the various styles available.
Mechanical pencils come in different styles with grips and pen-like designs. However, this did not completely rule out the use of the traditional option. Nowadays, there is a varied use of both.