# Best Underglaze Pencils: Draw Fine Ceramic Detail on Bisque Source: https://potterynest.com/best/best-underglaze-pencils Updated: 2026-10-30 Publisher: Pottery Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://potterynest.com/how-we-research#our-score Underglaze pencils let you draw on bisque the way you would sketch on paper, which opens up illustration, lettering, shading, and map-fine detail that a brush cannot match. They are also fussier than bottled underglaze. Some pencils crumble against rough bisque, some colors burn out above cone 04, and unfired lines smudge if you handle the piece carelessly before glazing. Knowing which brands hold a point and which colors survive your firing range saves a lot of ruined drawings. This guide compares the underglaze pencils and crayons that perform reliably, explains how to prepare the bisque surface for clean lines, and covers sealing your drawing under clear glaze without blurring it. ## Picks ### 1. Dunzoom 12 Colors Underglaze Pencils for Ceramics Pottery with Pencil Case, Eraser, Sharpener - Fine Detailing, Sketching and Shading Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Dunzoom's 12 Colors underglaze pencils with case, eraser and sharpener for fine detailing, sketching and shading. Pros: - Sharpener and eraser included for clean, precise detail work - 12 Colors cover sketching, shading and accents - Pencil case keeps the set tidy and protected Cons: - Colors may fire lighter than they look before firing - Softer cores can snap if you sharpen them too aggressively Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0DSMYQXYY ### 2. ChiPigments Underglaze Pencils - 12-Pack (Full Color Set) Ceramic Decorating Tools for Pottery, Bisqueware, Kiln-Fired Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) ChiPigments' 12-Pack full color set of underglaze pencils for decorating kiln-fired pottery and bisqueware. Pros: - Full color set covers bright and dark tones in one pack - Made for kiln-fired use, drawing directly onto bisqueware - ChiPigments specializes in ceramic decorating pencils Cons: - Premium pencils cost more than generic sets - Colors look muted until fired under clear glaze Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0D2WH1GD6 ### 3. Amaco 11420F Underglaze Decorating Pencil, Black Our score: 7.9/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Amaco's 11420F black underglaze decorating pencil for drawing crisp lines on bisque pottery. Pros: - Amaco pencil fires reliably black under clear glaze - Trusted classroom tool for signing and outlining pieces - Wooden pencil sharpens easily for fine lines Cons: - Single pencil, so it gets used up quickly - Lines smudge easily if the piece is handled before glazing Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0044SGQ1G ### 4. ChiPigments Underglaze Pencils - Shadows 5-Pack (Dark Blue, Gray, Dark Green, Brown, Black) Ceramic Decorating Tools, Lead-Free, Non-Toxic Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) ChiPigments' Shadows 5-Pack underglaze pencils in dark blue, gray, dark green, brown and black, lead-free and non-toxic. Pros: - Dark shadow colors are ideal for outlines and shading - Lead-free, non-toxic pencils suit classroom and home use - 5-Pack focuses on the most-used drawing colors Cons: - No bright colors, so vivid designs need another set - Fewer colors than the full-palette underglaze pencil sets Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0BNLP5N6F ### 5. Pasler Underglaze Pencil, Pottery Pencil for Ceramic Pottery Bisque, Greenware - Pack of 2 Black Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Pasler's underglaze pencil pack of 2 in black for ceramic pottery bisque and greenware. Pros: - Works on bisque and greenware for flexible decorating - Pack of 2 black pencils lasts longer than a single pencil - Black is ideal for signatures and line drawings Cons: - Black only, so no color options in this pack - Greenware drawing can be faint on damp clay Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0CXDDV47V ### 6. SHAOQINLIN Underglaze Pencil, 10 Color Underglaze Pencils for Pottery Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) SHAOQINLIN's 10 color underglaze pencils for drawing and shading designs on pottery before firing. Pros: - 10 colors allow multicolor drawings directly on bisque - Pencil control is easier than brushes for fine lines - Great for sketching designs before glazing Cons: - Pencil lines can smudge before a clear glaze is applied - Run a test tile to confirm color results before full use Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0BW5MYHN9 ### 7. gisgfim 10 Pcs Water-Based Underglaze Pencil Set for Pottery Ceramic Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) gisgfim's 10-color water-based underglaze pencil set with a case, sharpener and eraser, made for drawing on bisque and rated in the listing for firing between 1100 and 1300 C. Pros: - Ten colors in one set: yellow, orange, red, coffee, black, gray, two blues and two greens, enough for line work and simple shading - Listing states the pigment cores withstand firing from 1100 to 1300 C, which covers mid and high fire glaze schedules - Comes with a storage case, a sharpener and an eraser, so fine tips and corrections on bisque need no extra purchases Cons: - Little-known brand, and the spec sheet gives no cone chart or fired color samples for each pencil - No single-color refills are mentioned, so replacing one worn pencil likely means buying another full set Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0GGX289HN ### 8. CXGMYLZZ 2Pcs Underglaze Pencils for Decorating Fused Glass and Under Glaze Ceramics, Black Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) CXGMYLZZ's 2Pcs black underglaze pencils for decorating fused glass and under glaze ceramics. Pros: - Works on both fused glass and ceramics for mixed media artists - Black pencils are the most used color for outlines - 2Pcs pack gives a spare as the first wears down Cons: - Black only, so color designs need another set - Unclear firing range for different kilns Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0D1QN5SWB As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.