Lyra Super Ferby Lacquered 12 Metallic Pencils

This pack holds 12 thick, triangular Super Ferby pencils with metallic leads. The shades run through metallic brown, yellow, green, lilac, blue, pink and turquoise plus champagne, bronze, copper, gold and silver. Unlike the standard range, the shafts here are lacquered, so the barrels carry a painted finish.

Lacquered means the wooden barrel is coated and painted rather than left bare. It gives a smooth, glossy surface, which pairs with the shiny metallic leads. The unlacquered Super Ferby keeps its natural wood by contrast. The build and thick core are the same; see the bare wood set at /products/lyra-super-ferby-unlacquered-18-in-a-tin.

Metallic shades stand out most on dark or coloured paper, where the sheen catches the light against the background. On white paper they still read as rich colour but with a softer shimmer. Black, navy or kraft card make gold, silver and copper stand out, which is why these suit cards and festive art.

Metallics work best as accents and highlights rather than filling a whole picture: think stars, jewellery, trims, lettering and seasonal cards. Laid over or beside standard colours they add sparkle and contrast. Many artists keep a metallic set alongside a normal one and dip into it for finishing touches.

Yes, they keep the chunky, three sided Super Ferby barrel with an extra thick core. The triangular shape helps with grip and the wide lead lays down plenty of colour. The main difference from the everyday sets is the metallic pigment and the smooth lacquered coating on the outside of the barrel.

Use a jumbo, wide hole sharpener as you would with any thick Super Ferby, and turn the pencil gently. A slightly rounded point spreads the metallic sheen better than a fine tip. Sharpen lightly so you do not waste the soft, shimmering lead, and clear the shavings as you go.

Yes, the barrel is the same easy to hold, chunky triangular shape, so children can use them like any Super Ferby. They are especially fun for making cards and decorations because of the shine. As with all thick pencils, they need a wide sharpener rather than a standard one.