Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black Pencil: A Carbon-Based Alternative to Graphite Pencils

The Staedtler Mars Lumograph black pencil boasts a smooth matte finish, thanks to its high carbon content which gives it a deep and intense black hue. Using graphite pencils often results in a shiny finish, but this is eliminated when using the Lumograph black carbon pencils.

Carbon and charcoal-based pencils are ideal for drawing, hatching, and creating expressive sketches and portraits. They produce deeper blacks than graphite pencils, making them a valuable addition to any art kit.

In this article, we analyse their effectiveness and the different features they offer for graphite-based artwork. Our aim is to allow you to determine if they would make a useful addition to your own art kit.

​Qualities:

• High quality drawing pencil​
• Special lead formulation containing a high proportion of carbon for matt, jet black results
• High break-resistance through special lead formulation and super-bonded lead
• Available in 6 finely graded consistent degrees: 8B, 7B, 6B, 4B, 2B, HB
• Lead diameters: 8B: approx. 4.5 mm, 7B/6B/4B/2B/HB: approx. 3.6 mm
• Lines reproduce well
• Wood from PEFC-certified, sustainably managed forests

---

How do carbon based pencils compare to the graphite pencil?

GRAPHITE PENCILS

• Much easier to blend
• Smudges less than charcoal/carbon
• Darker grades are much softer and more likely to break
• Not as dark
• A lot of shine
• ​Smaller core takes longer to cover larger areas

CARBON PENCIL

• Harder to blend due to their firm core
• Smudges easier than graphite and will transfer onto clothes. Skin etc.
• Harder, so less breakages
• Better coverage in darkness
• Virtually no sheen
• Larger core allows for fuller coverage 

 We compared Staedtler Mars Lumograph black carbon pencils to graphite pencil brands Derwent and Faber Castell 9000. The HB grades appear similar, but the Lumograph black pencils' B grades are markedly darker than any graphite pencil we measured. 

ERASING

When it comes to erasing, it's important to note that not all pencils are created equal. Carbon pencils, (specifically, Mars black), tend to be much harder to erase than your standard graphite pencil. In fact, the difference is quite noticeable - just take a look at the comparison of the two samples side by side. Carbon pencil on the left and graphite on the right. So, if you're working with a darker lead pencil, be prepared to put in a bit more effort when it comes to erasing any mistakes.

Carbon sample on the left, graphite on the right

How do carbon based pencils compare to charcoal based ones?

Carbon pencils should not be mistaken with charcoal pencils. Charcoal is created by burning wood or other organic materials in a container with minimal airflow. The charcoal is then mixed with a binder, such as clay, wax, or gum. Carbon pencils are created by burning carbon instead, then mixed with a binder such as clay and lamp black, but may also be blended with charcoal or graphite depending on the darkness and manufacturer (source). They produce darker marks than graphite pencils, but feel smoother than charcoal, which can be gritty.

---

OVERVIEW
The composition of these pencils contain some graphite but are primarily carbon-based, resulting in a matte finish that diminishes the typical luster found in graphite pencils. Additionally, they are notably resilient, even in the darker grades, and do not flake during use. However, it is important to note that they are not well-suited for blending and cannot be fully erased.
If you want to achieve a dark and matte finish in your artwork, blending graphite and carbon pencils can be a great technique to try out. These two types of pencils can be combined to create a unique and striking effect that will enhance the overall look of your work. They work best for techniques like hatching or stippling that don't require blending. Why not try them and see how it can elevate your art to the next level.

---

Customer feedback:
(Via Amazon)

" The pencils are lovely, but because they are difficult to completely lift with an eraser. I'm not sure if they would be suitable for my daily sketches. I think I would sketch in a regular pencil first and then use these once I'm committed. "

" Great pencils.... I've always disliked how I'd get a shiny graphite tone when using 6B+ grades. I found charcoal and charcoal pencils don't blend with graphite to get black blacks but these do. "

" Leads are good and don't break readily. Would recommend. "

" After years of using graphite and carbon for drawing, I constantly look for new products. While the Staedtler 7B and 8B provide contrast, I found the Lyra and Faber Castell PITT Oilbase carbon pens more suitable. The Mars Lumograph black still feels like a graphite pencil and the degrees of hardness are unequal, for example, the 2B felt visibly harder than the HB. The 4B broke often, whilst the 6B was fine. However, they still have that shimmer found in graphite blends. The 7B and 8B pencils were harder than expected for their grade level. The level of graphite was noticeable, resulting in shades that are appropriately black. These pencils are unsuitable for my needs as they do not produce my desired effect and have unpredictable degrees of hardness." Translated from German

Staedtler Mars Lumograph standard versus Lumograph Mars black

Are these pencils significantly different from the standard blue Mars Lumograph pencils comparing same grades and is it worth owning both?
Answer:
Yes, They are significantly different. The black option is much darker and produces far less shine. Having both is a good choice.
Question and answer from the Amazon webstore.​

---

Wood from certified, sustainably managed forests.

---

Have you tried these pencils yet? please share your own personal opinions of them in the comments below.