Caran d'Ache Technalo Water-Soluble Graphite Pencil

The Caran d'Ache Technalo is a professional water-soluble graphite pencil that functions as both a precision drawing tool and a watercolor wash medium in a single barrel. Used dry, the 3mm aquarelle lead performs as a standard high-quality graphite pencil — clean hatching, fine line work, and structural layouts with consistent point retention. Activate with a wet brush and the lead dissolves instantly into fluid, luminous grayscale washes, allowing sweeping background values, atmospheric shadows, and deep tonal gradients without switching tools.

Available in three standard graphite grades — HB for balanced medium work, B for soft rich greys, and 3B for dark charcoal-style rendering — plus three specialty RGB tinted variants: Carmine Lacquer, Dark Phthalo Green, and Prussian Blue. The RGB grades behave as standard dark graphite when used dry but reveal deep muted color tones when activated with water. The extra-fine carbon base disperses completely in water without chalky deposits or rough marks on the paper surface. High lightfastness across all grades keeps monochromatic shading and washes stable and UV resistant over time. Hexagonal FSC-certified cedar barrel sharpens cleanly and prevents rolling on drafting tables.

Specifications

• Available grades: HB, B, 3B (standard graphite) — Carmine Lacquer, Dark Phthalo Green, Prussian Blue (RGB tinted variants)
• Core diameter: 3 mm
• Core type: Water-soluble aquarelle graphite — high break-resistance
• Wash properties: Extra-fine carbon base — full water dispersion, no chalky deposits
• Casing: Hexagonal FSC-certified incense cedar wood
• Lightfastness: High across all grades — UV resistant
• Origin: Swiss Made, Geneva

FAQ

• What is the difference between the HB, B, and 3B grades? HB is a medium-balanced grade suited for general sketching and line work. B produces a softer, richer grey ideal for shading and mid-tone work. 3B is extra soft with a dark, charcoal-like output — best suited for deep shadow rendering and expressive mark-making.
• How do the RGB tinted variants differ from the standard graphite grades? The RGB variants — Carmine Lacquer, Dark Phthalo Green, and Prussian Blue — appear as standard dark graphite marks when used dry. When activated with water, a deep muted color tone is revealed, adding a subtle chromatic quality to watercolor wash work.
• What surfaces work best with the Technalo? Watercolor paper and mixed-media paper with light to medium tooth perform best for wet wash activation. Smooth papers work well for dry pencil use but may not absorb washes as evenly.
• Can dry pencil work be applied over dried Technalo washes? Yes. Once a wash has fully dried, dry Technalo marks can be layered on top for fine detail and structural line work — the same mixed dry-and-wet technique used with watercolor pencils.