I use 13 methods to blend colored pencils when I color a picture. Which method is best? They are all effective, and everyone has their favorite. I recommend practicing on scratch paper or less favorite pictures to improve your technique.
13 Methods of Blending Colored Pencils
The Paper
The paper I am using is from the Colorist Palette Reference Book by Ligia Ortega. It is “normal” adult coloring book paper – a bit thin and not much tooth. If you are using toothier paper, your results will vary a little.
The Pencils
I choose Arteza Professional Colored Pencils for this demonstration. These techniques will work with any brand of pencil. Read my colored pencil comparison post to find out how four popular colored pencil brands compare.
Blending and Layering Tools and Supplies
Here are the primary tools that I use for my 13 blending methods. For your convenience, I’ve provided Amazon affiliate links to the products that I will discuss.
Click here to find out which coloring supplies are my favorite.
Tools for Blending Colored Pencils
Blending Technique
I use the same coloring technique no matter which blending method I plan to use.
With a light touch, apply several layers of color. Too much color can cause wax bloom, and pressing too hard can burnish the paper so that you cannot add more color or blend effectively.
Keeping your pencil sharp helps fill in the little dips and valleys (the tooth) in your paper for better coverage.
Overlap the colors depending on how subtle you want the color to change.
After at least 6 or 7 light layers have been applied, start blending. There needs to be enough color applied for the blending medium to work.
Apply more layers of color if needed and blend again if needed.
Color Little Circles
Instead of long, heavy strokes, color in light, small circles and short lines with a sharp pencil. This will allow you to fill in the color without leaving harsh lines that are difficult to blend away. It is the best method to get thorough coverage and pigment build-up for blending. Here is a short video to show how I do it.
The 13 Methods of Blending Colored Pencils
The 13 methods of blending colored pencils can be broken down into two categories: wet blending and dry blending.
13 Methods of Blending Colored Pencils
Dry Blending
Except for the powder blender, applying dry methods for blending is just an extension of using your pencils. Use a light touch so that you don’t break down the tooth of your paper.
Use a brush to remove debris or powder build-up from your page. Using your hand can cause smears, and blowing on your paper can cause you to inhale particles.
Colored Pencils. The easiest method is to apply light layers of your desired colors and overlap as needed to blend. However, you can overapply the color and end up with wax bloom. If my color starts getting too thick, I use another method to finish blending. Check out this colored pencil comparison.
White Pencil. Surprising, isn’t it? But it works! Use a less opaque white pencil unless you want to lighten the picture. I usually use the white pencil in whichever pencil set I’m using. However, my favorite white pencil is the Derwent Drawing Chinese Pencil.
Prismacolor Blender Pencil. My favorite, but it can discolor lighter colors. For the best result, keep sharp and make sure the tip is clean when changing colors.
Derwent Blender and Burnisher Pencil Set. I don’t see much difference between the results of blending and burnishing pencils. Do you? Basically, burnishing is breaking down the tooth of the paper so that no more color can be added. This can be accidentally done with any pencil – especially on paper with less tooth – so be careful.
Creative Art Materials Caran D’ache Full Colorless Blender - Bright. I didn’t realize I was supposed to sharpen these when I first tried them. They work much better sharpened. Your regular pencil sharpener will work fine. Also, be careful about dropping them. They are very brittle.
Powder Blender. Not my favorite. I’ve applied it with disposable eyeshadow sponges, and a Foam Covered Pan Pastels Knife. It works okay but leaves a very fine dust residue. If you’ve used this method, let me know how you used it and what you thought of the results.
An Eraser – any eraser will do, but my favorite is the Faber-Castell Triangular Grip 2001 Eraser. Lightly remove color a layer at a time, being very careful not to damage the paper. It’s also a great way to add highlights.
An Example of Dry Blending
Blending with a Blending Pencil
Wet Blending
Using wet methods of blending can be tricky. Using too much product can give a mottled or faded look which can be quite pretty but not necessarily what you want.
To restore a more vibrant, consistent color after using a wet blending method, apply one or two more light layers after the color. Experiment to find out how the color and blending change when you apply more color when it’s wet versus dry.
Another problem is that you can accidentally drag color into areas you didn’t want it. Look at the Odorless Turpenoid and Petroleum Jelly sections below. Notice how the darker color is smudged into, the lighter color? A great effect, if you want it. Avoid this by keeping your blending tool clean and being aware of the direction of your blending.
Blending a Darker Color into a Lighter Color
Another challenge of wet blending techniques is using too much and discolor the paper or bleed through. Keep in mind that you can always use more, but it’s much harder to fix your picture if you used too much.
Caution: If you like to leave pictures in their books, make sure to put a plain piece of paper between the page you are coloring and the next picture. The “wet” methods of blending can bleed through.
Always let the wet blended area dry before deciding if you like how it looks. Usually, they look better when they have dried.
Wet Blending Products Used in This Example
Moisturizing
Argon Oil (Also great on dry hair.)
I’ve also heard of people using canola or olive oil. Any moisturizing or oil product should work similarly.
Chemical
Using these types of solvents can be dangerous to your health. Always use a small amount in a well-ventilated room and keep it sealed when not using.
Wet Blender Application
Except for the blending marker, wet blending methods need a tool to apply it to the picture. You can use a Q-Tip or Eye Tees, but I prefer stumps or tortillions.
To avoid unwanted color transfer, use a paper towel or rag to wipe off your stump or tortillion when changing colors. The tip of a blending marker also needs to be cleaned. Additionally, you will need a sandpaper pencil sharpener or pumice stone to maintain a pointed end on the stump or tortillion.
Here is an example of how to apply Gamsol or any other wet blending method to your project. Notice that I keep checking the tip and turning or cleaning it as needed. I also re-wet the tip as needed.
Gamsol Application with a Stump
Click here for a full version of this coloring and blending with Gamsol.
Wet Blenders Storage
Sometimes the wet blenders come in large containers, which can be unwieldy. I place a cotton ball in a glass container with a secure lid and add just enough solvent to dampen the cotton ball. It allows you to control the amount of product on your stump, which is harder to spill.
Storing Gamsol
What Do I Use When Blending?
I prefer the dry methods. Typically, I will layer the colors. But if I’m not happy with the outcome, I usually reach for my Prismacolor Bender Pencil, a white pencil, or a Creative Art Materials Caran D’ache Full Colorless Blender.
I often alternate between one or more blending methods to achieve the look I want, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.
I recommend that you practice with whichever method appeals to you. In the end, they all produce similar results. Remember, it’s in the technique, not the product.
So those are my 13 methods of blending colored pencils. What is your favorite method of blending colored pencils? Do you use a different method? Do you use one of these products differently? Tell me in the comments.
Want some more tips on blending? Visit my blog on How to Color Beautiful Faces.
Deirdre Gamill-Hock is a lifestyle/wellness coach and freelance writer/editor who writes engaging content for blogs and small businesses. Contact her at deirdre@deirdrehock.com or click here.
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