DELI Watercolour Pencils Review: Nusign NS731 & Arte Nuevo — The UK's Best Value Professional Pencil Sets
Jun 18, 2026
DELI has built a reputation in the UK stationery market for producing design-led, quality tools at prices that make professional-grade equipment genuinely accessible. Their watercolour pencil range is a prime example: two distinct lines — the premium DELI Nusign NS731 Premium Watercolour Pencils in 48 or 72 colours and the versatile Deli Arte Nuevo Watercolour Pencils in 24, 36, or 48 colours — that together cover every level of watercolour pencil practice from beginner to professional.
DELI Nusign NS731: Premium Performance, Accessible Price
The Nusign NS731 is DELI's flagship watercolour pencil — a premium product designed to compete with established European brands at a significantly lower price point. The NS731 is available in 48 or 72 colours, both housed in the distinctive Nusign packaging that has become a hallmark of DELI's design-led approach.
What Makes the NS731 Premium?
- High pigment concentration — rich, vibrant colour that activates beautifully with water
- Smooth laydown — the pencil glides across paper with minimal resistance, allowing for smooth, even colour application
- Strong watercolour activation — the pigment dissolves readily with water, producing genuine watercolour effects rather than just slightly softened pencil marks
- Lightfast pigments — colours that resist fading over time, suitable for artwork intended to last
The 72-colour NS731 set is particularly impressive — a comprehensive palette that rivals sets costing significantly more from established European brands.
Deli Arte Nuevo: The Accessible Entry Point
The Arte Nuevo range in 24, 36, or 48 colours is designed for artists who are exploring watercolour pencils for the first time, students who need a reliable set for coursework, and anyone who wants quality watercolour pencils without the investment of a premium set.
Choosing Your Arte Nuevo Set Size
- 24 colours — the ideal starter set; covers the primary and secondary colours with key earth tones and neutrals; perfect for children and absolute beginners
- 36 colours — the most popular size; adds additional shades and specialty colours to the essential palette; suitable for most hobby and student use
- 48 colours — the comprehensive Arte Nuevo palette; approaches the NS731 in colour range while remaining in the accessible price tier
Which DELI Set Is Right for You?
The choice between the NS731 and Arte Nuevo comes down to your level of practice and your expectations of the medium. If you're new to watercolour pencils and want to explore the medium without significant investment, the Arte Nuevo 24 or 36 is the right starting point. If you're a serious hobbyist or professional who wants the best performance DELI can offer, the NS731 48 or 72 is the clear choice. Both sets represent exceptional value in the UK watercolour pencil market. Browse our full DELI range at TTPEN UK.
Professional quality. Accessible price. Shop the DELI Nusign NS731 and Arte Nuevo Watercolour Pencils today.
Free UK delivery on qualifying orders at www.ttpen.co.uk.
