How to blend colored pencils
Blending is what turns a flat coloring page into something that glows. You need no special tools: light pressure, a few layers and the right order. Play with the demo to see why.
Several light layers mix optically: each color shows through the next one, which gives that soft, glowing blend.
1. Layer with light pressure
Hold the pencil further from the tip and color in small circles with very little pressure. Add a second color on top the same way. Light layers leave the paper’s tooth open so the next color can grab it: five light layers always beat one heavy one.
2. Overlap dark and light
Put the darkest shade where the shadow is, the lightest where the light hits, and overlap both in the middle. The overlap is where the blend happens.
- 1Petal centers: darkest layerStart each petal with your darkest shade near the center, where the petals overlap.
- 2Petal edges: lightest layerPull a light color from the edge toward the center so the two layers overlap in the middle.
- 3Leaves: two greensA yellow-green on the lit side, a blue-green on the shadow side, overlapped along the vein.
- 4Vase: burnish lastA smooth surface like ceramic is where burnishing shines. Keep it for the very end.
3. Burnish to finish
Once the area is full, press firmly with the lightest color or a white pencil. This flattens the paper’s texture and fuses the layers into a smooth, shiny surface. Always do it last: nothing sticks on top of a burnished area.
4. Use a colorless blender
A colorless blender pencil is a pencil with no pigment. Rubbed over two colors, it pushes them into each other without changing the hue. It works best on wax-based pencils.
5. Try a solvent, carefully
Odorless mineral spirits, or even baby oil on a cotton swab, dissolve wax-based pencils for a painterly blend. Use very little, on paper of at least 160 gsm, and let it dry before adding more color.
Common mistakes
- Pressing hard from the start: the paper is full after one layer and nothing blends.
- Blending colors far apart on the wheel: red and green make brown. Blend neighbors, see the color wheel.
- Dull pencils on small areas: sharpen often for petals and leaves.
Step by step
- 1Apply a light first layer. Color the whole area with light pressure and small circles.
- 2Add the shadow color. Layer a darker shade where the shadow falls.
- 3Overlap in the middle. Bring the light color over the transition zone so the two blend.
- 4Repeat light layers. Add two or three more light layers until the paper grain disappears.
- 5Burnish. Finish with firm pressure using the lightest color or a white pencil.
Questions
Why do my colored pencils not blend?
Usually too much pressure on the first layer. Start very light and build up with several layers.
Can I blend colored pencils with baby oil?
Yes, a tiny amount on a cotton swab blends wax-based pencils. Use thick paper and let it dry.
What is burnishing?
Applying a final layer with heavy pressure to fuse the colors into a smooth, shiny surface.
