If you've ever stood in front of a display of Caran d'Ache Neocolor crayons and wondered what the difference is between Neocolor I and Neocolor II — you're not alone. Both are exceptional Swiss-made wax pastels, both come in 84 vibrant colours, and both are beloved by artists worldwide. But they're designed for very different techniques. Here's everything you need to know.
Neocolor I — The Water-Resistant Wax Oil Pastel
Introduced in 1952, Neocolor I is a water-resistant wax oil pastel crayon built for permanence. Once applied, it stays put — making it ideal for surfaces that may get wet or for artwork where you want bold, lasting colour that won't budge.
What makes Neocolor I special:
- Water-resistant — works on paper, cardboard, glass, wood, leather, fabric, and stone
- Rich, opaque coverage with high lightfastness
- Smooth, creamy application even on rough or textured surfaces
- Ideal for dry techniques: hatching, layering, blending, and impasto effects
- Available individually and in metal box sets of 10, 15, 30, and 40 colours
Neocolor I is the go-to choice for mixed-media work, illustration on non-paper surfaces, and any project where permanence matters.
Neocolor II Aquarelle — The Water-Soluble Wax Pastel
Launched in 1972 as an evolution of the Neocolor I line, Neocolor II Aquarelle adds a game-changing feature: water solubility. Apply them dry for bold, opaque marks — then activate with a wet brush to create luminous watercolour washes, soft gradients, and colour blooms.
What makes Neocolor II special:
- Water-soluble — dissolves with a wet brush to create watercolour effects
- Same rich pigmentation and smooth application as Neocolor I
- Works dry or wet — or combine both in the same artwork
- Ideal for watercolour washes, monotypes, glazing, and rainbow gradations
- Available individually in all 84 colours
Neocolor II is the favourite of watercolour artists, mixed-media painters, and anyone who loves the spontaneity of wet media combined with the control of a crayon.
Can You Use Them Together?
Absolutely — and many artists do. A common technique is to lay down Neocolor I for bold, permanent marks and texture, then use Neocolor II over top for soft washes and colour transitions. Both lines share the same colour palette, so they complement each other perfectly. They also pair beautifully with Caran d'Ache Pablo Coloured Pencils and Supracolor Soft Aquarelle pencils for detailed work.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Neocolor I if you want water-resistant, permanent colour on a wide range of surfaces, or if you primarily work dry.
- Choose Neocolor II if you love watercolour effects, wet media techniques, or want the flexibility to work both dry and wet.
- Get both if you want the full creative toolkit — they're designed to work together.
Browse our full selection of Caran d'Ache Neocolor I and Neocolor II crayons — available individually in all 84 colours and in curated metal box sets — at King's Framing & Art Gallery in Corbeil, Nipissing District, Ontario, and online across Canada.