Top Blenders for Colored Pencils: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 24 May 2023 9 min read

Are you exploring the world of colored pencils and looking for ways to enhance your artwork? You've come to the right place! In this guide, we'll discuss the top blenders for colored pencils and how to use them effectively. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect blender to elevate your colored pencil masterpieces!

Types of Blenders for Colored Pencils

There are several types of blenders for colored pencils that can help you achieve various effects and finishes. In this section, we'll introduce you to three popular types of blenders: paper stumps, colorless blenders, and solvents.

Paper Stumps

Paper stumps, also known as tortillions, are tightly rolled paper sticks that can be used to blend colored pencil layers. They're an inexpensive and easy-to-use option, perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Here are some key features of paper stumps:

Control: Paper stumps allow you to have precise control over your blending, as you can apply gentle pressure and make small circular motions for a smooth transition between colors.
Reusable: You can clean your paper stumps by rubbing them on a sandpaper pad or using a pencil sharpener to remove the colored residue, making them ready for your next blending session.

Colorless Blenders

Colorless blenders are essentially colored pencils without pigment. They contain a wax or oil binder that helps to merge colors on your artwork. Here's what you need to know about colorless blenders:

Compatibility: They work best with wax-based or oil-based colored pencils, as they share the same binder composition.
Technique: To use a colorless blender, simply apply it on top of your colored pencil layers, using a back-and-forth motion or small circular strokes to blend the colors together.

Solvents

Solvents, such as rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, or odorless paint thinner, can be used to break down the binder in your colored pencils and create a smooth, paint-like finish. Here's how to use solvents with your colored pencils:

Apply your colored pencil layers to the paper, building up the desired intensity.
Dip a small brush or cotton swab into the solvent, then gently apply it to your colored pencil layers, using a circular motion to blend the colors.
Allow your artwork to dry completely before adding any additional layers or details.

Remember, solvents can be strong-smelling and might require proper ventilation, so always use them in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions.

Blending Techniques with Colored Pencils

Now that you're familiar with the different types of blenders for colored pencils, let's explore some popular blending techniques that can take your artwork to the next level. Each technique offers a unique effect and finish, so don't hesitate to experiment and find the perfect one for your masterpiece!

Layering

Layering is a fundamental technique in colored pencil art and involves building up multiple layers of color to create depth, richness, and texture. This technique works well with most types of blenders for colored pencils, including paper stumps and colorless blenders. To achieve a successful layering effect, follow these steps:

Start light: Begin with a light application of your base color, using a gentle pressure and consistent strokes to cover the desired area.
Build up layers: Apply additional layers of colors, one on top of the other, gradually increasing the pressure as you go. This will help you achieve smooth transitions and a vibrant finish.
Blend: Use your chosen blender—paper stump or colorless blender—to smoothly merge the layers together, creating a seamless and polished effect.

Burnishing

Burnishing is a technique that creates a shiny, smooth surface by using heavy pressure to blend the colored pencil layers. This method works best with wax-based colored pencils and colorless blenders. Here's how to burnish your artwork:

Apply your colors: Create your desired color layers, building up the intensity with each application.
Use the colorless blender: Apply the colorless blender with firm pressure, using back-and-forth or circular strokes. This will cause the wax binder to melt slightly, creating a smooth, glossy finish.
Polish: If needed, add more layers of color and repeat the burnishing process until you achieve the desired effect.

Keep in mind that burnishing can cause the paper to become compacted, so be gentle with your strokes to prevent damaging your artwork.

Solvent Blending

Solvent blending is a technique that uses solvents, like rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, to dissolve the binder in colored pencils, creating a paint-like effect. This method works well with both wax-based and oil-based colored pencils. Here's how to blend with solvents:

Apply your colors: Create your desired color layers, building up the intensity as needed.
Dip and blend: Dip a small brush or cotton swab into the solvent, and gently apply it to your colored pencil layers using a circular motion. This will help dissolve the binder and blend the colors together.
Let it dry: Allow your artwork to dry completely before adding any additional layers or details.

Remember to always use solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions to protect yourself and your artwork.

Top Brands of Blenders for Colored Pencils

As you experiment with different blending techniques, you might be wondering which brands offer the best blenders for colored pencils. In the next section, we'll introduce you to three top brands and their popular blender options. Stay tuned!

Top Brands of Blenders for Colored Pencils

Now that we've explored various blending techniques, let's dive into the world of top brands offering high-quality blenders for colored pencils. These brands are well-known for their exceptional products, and you're sure to find the perfect blender to enhance your artwork. So, without further ado, let's get acquainted with these fantastic brands!

Prismacolor

Prismacolor is a renowned name in the world of art supplies, and their blenders for colored pencils are no exception. They offer two main types of blenders:

Premier Colorless Blender Pencil: This wax-based blender pencil is perfect for those who prefer a traditional pencil format. It's excellent for burnishing and seamlessly blending colored pencil layers, resulting in a smooth, polished finish.
Premier Colorless Blender Marker: If you enjoy working with markers, this alcohol-based blender is a great choice. It works wonders on paper, effortlessly blending colors together and softening edges for a more natural look.

Prismacolor blenders work best with their own line of colored pencils, but feel free to try them with other brands as well—you might be pleasantly surprised by the results!

Derwent

Derwent is another trusted brand in the art community, known for its high-quality colored pencils and blending tools. Their blenders for colored pencils include:

Blender Pencil: This colorless blender pencil smoothly combines layers of colors without altering their hues. It works exceptionally well with Derwent's range of colored pencils, providing you with a seamless blending experience.
Burnisher Pencil: The burnisher pencil is a unique tool that adds a glossy finish to your colored pencil artwork. Use it after blending to create a shiny, polished effect that's bound to impress.

While Derwent blenders are specifically designed for their own colored pencils, they can also be used with other brands to achieve fantastic blending results.

Caran d'Ache

Caran d'Ache is a Swiss brand celebrated for its premium art materials, and their blenders for colored pencils live up to the reputation. They offer a fabulous colorless blender:

Full Blender Bright: This colorless blender stick is made of a unique blend of oils and waxes, providing artists with a smooth, easy-to-use tool for blending and burnishing. It's compatible with both wax-based and oil-based colored pencils, making it a versatile choice for any artist.

Caran d'Ache's Full Blender Bright is a fantastic option for those seeking a high-quality, versatile blending tool that's compatible with a wide range of colored pencils.

Choosing the Right Blender for Your Colored Pencils

With so many great brands and blenders for colored pencils available, you might be wondering how to choose the perfect one for your artistic endeavors. In the next section, we'll discuss some essential factors to consider when selecting the best blender for your colored pencils. Stay tuned!

Choosing the Right Blender for Your Colored Pencils

Now that we've familiarized ourselves with the top brands and their fantastic offerings, it's time to tackle the task of choosing the right blender for your colored pencils. In this section, we'll discuss key factors to consider when selecting the perfect blending tool for your creative journey, ensuring that you make an informed decision that suits your unique artistic style and needs.

Compatibility with Your Pencils

First and foremost, you'll want to consider the compatibility of your chosen blender with the colored pencils you use. Although many blenders for colored pencils work well with a variety of brands, some may be specifically designed for their own line of pencils. For instance, Prismacolor and Derwent blenders are known to work exceptionally well with their respective pencils, but they can also produce excellent results with other brands.

On the other hand, Caran d'Ache's Full Blender Bright is a versatile option compatible with both wax-based and oil-based colored pencils. When choosing a blender, keep in mind the type of colored pencils you work with most often, and look for a blending tool that will complement them nicely.

Desired Effect and Finish

Next, think about the specific effects and finish you want to achieve in your artwork. Different blenders for colored pencils can produce varying results, such as:

Smooth blending: If your primary goal is to blend colors seamlessly without altering their hues, a colorless blender pencil, like the ones offered by Prismacolor and Derwent, might be the perfect fit.
Burnished finish: For a shiny, polished look, consider a burnisher pencil, like Derwent's Burnisher Pencil. This unique tool can add a glossy finish to your artwork after blending.
Marker-like blending: If you prefer working with markers, Prismacolor's Premier Colorless Blender Marker is an excellent choice for achieving a more natural look and softening edges.

Keep your artistic goals in mind when selecting a blender, and make sure to choose a tool that helps you achieve the desired effect and finish.

Personal Preference and Comfort

Lastly, but equally important, is personal preference and comfort. Blenders for colored pencils come in various formats, such as traditional pencils, markers, or blending sticks like Caran d'Ache's Full Blender Bright. Each format offers a unique blending experience, and what works best for one artist might not be the perfect choice for another.

Take some time to experiment with different blending tools to discover which format feels most comfortable and enjoyable to work with. Remember, the best blender for you is the one that not only produces great results but also inspires you to create and explore your artistic potential.

Tips and Tricks for Using Blenders for Colored Pencils

With the knowledge of how to choose the perfect blender in hand, you're well on your way to mastering the art of blending with colored pencils. In the next section, we'll share some practical tips and tricks to help you make the most of your blending tools and elevate your artwork even further. Stay tuned for more valuable insights and advice!

Tips and Tricks for Using Blenders for Colored Pencils

As promised, let's dive into some handy tips and tricks to help you make the most of your blenders for colored pencils. Armed with these practical insights, you'll be able to elevate your artwork and create stunning, seamless blends that truly bring your creative vision to life. So, without further ado, let's explore these valuable pointers!

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Blenders

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your blenders for colored pencils, proper cleaning and maintenance is key. Here are some simple yet effective ways to keep your blending tools in tip-top shape:

For blending pencils and sticks: Gently clean off any excess pigment by rubbing the tip on a piece of scrap paper. This will prevent color transfer and help maintain the blender's effectiveness.
For blending markers: Wipe the marker's tip on a clean piece of paper or cloth after each use. This will remove any residual pigment and prevent the marker from becoming stained or dried out.
For paper stumps: To clean and sharpen your paper stumps, simply use a sandpaper block or an emery board. Lightly rub the stump's tip back and forth to remove any built-up pigment and restore its original shape.

Remember, a clean blending tool is a happy blending tool—one that's ready and able to help you create your next masterpiece!

Practice and Patience

As with any art form, practice makes perfect when it comes to using blenders for colored pencils. The more you use your blending tools, the better you'll become at achieving your desired effects and finishes. Here are some suggestions for honing your blending skills:

Experiment with pressure: The amount of pressure you apply while blending can greatly impact the final outcome. Try varying the pressure you use to discover the best techniques for your unique artistic style.
Study color theory: Understanding the principles of color theory can help you make smarter blending choices and create more harmonious color combinations in your artwork.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Becoming a master blender takes time, dedication, and lots of practice—so keep at it, and you'll see improvements in no time!

Experimentation with Different Techniques

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to using blenders for colored pencils, so don't be afraid to embrace your inner artist and experiment with different techniques. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Try a mixed media approach: Combine your colored pencils with other mediums, such as watercolors, pastels, or markers, for unique and interesting effects.
Blend multiple colors together: Instead of sticking to just two colors, try blending three or more hues to create more complex and visually appealing gradients.
Use unconventional tools: Challenge yourself to blend with unconventional tools, like cotton swabs or your fingers, to discover new and exciting techniques.

By stepping outside your comfort zone and experimenting with various blending methods, you'll not only expand your artistic repertoire but also uncover new and inspiring ways to use your blenders for colored pencils. So go forth, explore, and let your creativity run wild!

If you're looking to improve your colored pencil blending skills, don't miss the workshop 'Blender for Dummies' by INTRANETGIRL. This workshop will provide you with step-by-step guidance and techniques to help you master the art of blending colored pencils like a pro.