Pencil slats from California incense cedar are highly valued. These pencil slats have a distinct fragrance and sharpen easily. The fine grain of these pencil slats allows smooth sharpening.
Artists prefer pencil slats from old‑growth cedar for their consistent hardness. Pencil slats from incense cedar resist splitting during sharpening. The density of pencil slats affects the feel of the pencil.
Pencil slats for colored pencils are made from softer basswood. Basswood pencil slats accept dye coatings more evenly. The lower density of basswood pencil slats reduces hand fatigue.
Pencil slats are graded by the number of knots per board foot. Grade A pencil slats have no visible defects. Pencil slats with minor imperfections are used for economy pencils.
The moisture level in pencil slats is kept below 8% to prevent warping. Pencil slats are stored in climate‑controlled warehouses. The thickness of pencil slats varies by pencil type (round vs hexagonal).
Premium pencil slats are often coated with a primer before painting. The coating helps the paint adhere to the pencil slats. Pencil slats from sustainable forests are increasingly in demand. Many artists seek pencils made from high‑quality pencil slats.
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