A process for the production of pigment-bearing and/or effect substance-bearing leads, comprising the following steps: a) pigments and/or effect substances are at least partially mixed with a fluid wetting agent so that a kneadable material is produced, b) further ingredients and optionally remaining pigments and/or effect substances are added and the resulting material optionally homogenised, c) the material obtained in b) is extruded to afford extrusions of predetermined diameter, and d) the extruded portions are dried to a constant weight optionally after adjustment of the extrusion length.