These pencils feature hard, dense leads for precise detailed illustration, strong pigment for deep color saturation, blending and layering. They are made with refurbished finger-jointed wood and are finished in translucent varnish to feature the beauty of the natural wood grain. Blended colors stay clear with a smooth, consistent finish. The high quality wax-based lead is artist grade for lasting brilliant color. Easily layer colors without waxy build-up. The pencils are individually bar coded.