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I've been using mineral spirits when I use my prisma color pencils, but recently heard a copic blender pen works just as well. Does it work as well, or better?
I heard that you shouldn't use Copics over colored pencils, because the wax build-up will ruin the Copic's nibs. I think mineral spirits and stumps is the cheaper route anyhow...that's what I do.
It does work. I don't use it often, but it's a nice alternative when traveling. I'm not sure about the effects on the nib, and I don't use Copics (the blender is the only Copic marker I own), but I think the formula of the blending fluid is different from the regular markers. I didn't notice any build-up.
I don't have a Copic blender pen - or any other Copics, for that matter. I have some Prismacolor art markers that are similar to Copics, including a colorless blender. I've used it with the Prismacolor pencils with great success, and haven't noticed any ill effects on the pen (so far). I always scribble on scratch paper in between colors and at the end of the project to clean off residue, anyway, so maybe that's the answer?
Alternately, if you're concerned about the buildup possibly ruining your blender pen, maybe have one dedicated to ONLY colored pencils, and the other ONLY for use with markers.
I've also used mineral spirits and the Goo Gone pen - they all work, but the advantage to the blender pen is no oily residue (which usually disappears in a short time, anyway, so not really a big deal) and - my fave - NO BLENDING STUMPS REQUIRED. I'm all about consolidating as much as possible, so not having to have the different size stumps, the emery board, the can of mineral oil, etc., makes me all kinds of happy!
I'm thrilled that someone posted about using the blender pens with the colored pencils for the reasons outlined above, and I'm going to carry on quite happily! If it kills the tip of the pen eventually, I'll just go get another one - totally worth it to me!
Marianne Walker mentioned this topic on her blog. When combining pencils with markers, she recommends doing all the marker layers first, before the pencils.
Marianne Walker mentioned this topic on her blog. When combining pencils with markers, she recommends doing all the marker layers first, before the pencils.
I read the article, and - from what I can see - the "ruined" tip was discolored (stained). My thought is that it probably doesn't affect the performance of the tip any more than stains on stamps affect their performance. True, they're not as pretty to look at, so if you're OCD or something, that might be bothersome, but as long as I retain functionality, I'm all good. If she'd said it was all gummy or mashed or something I might think again...
I have to get my Prismas out and play..they have been sitting unloved for too long. I just dont think I can ever color like some of the beautiful cards I see here.
blessings.
I love my Prismas. Did y'all know, Prisma also makes a colorless blender pencil to use w/ them? You can get a pack of 2 for a few dollars at Michael's (in the art supply section). They work wonderfully.
I love my Prismas. Did y'all know, Prisma also makes a colorless blender pencil to use w/ them? You can get a pack of 2 for a few dollars at Michael's (in the art supply section). They work wonderfully.
Good to know - I'll have to go a-lookin'! Thanks for the heads-up!
I love my Prismas. Did y'all know, Prisma also makes a colorless blender pencil to use w/ them? You can get a pack of 2 for a few dollars at Michael's (in the art supply section). They work wonderfully.
I have never had good luck with the blender pencil I don't know if I'm using it wrong? I get more frustrated with it that anything. Should maybe try again.
I was thinking of using Gamsol in an empty "water pen". It would eliminate the need for the stumps etc. They're cheap enough and with a coupon in the local craft stores they're even cheaper so who cares if it eventually gets ruined.
I was thinking of using Gamsol in an empty "water pen". It would eliminate the need for the stumps etc. They're cheap enough and with a coupon in the local craft stores they're even cheaper so who cares if it eventually gets ruined.
The first drawback that came to mind was that the Gamsol would most likely puddle and/or run. It would be a lot harder to control, and a little goes a long way, so it might be a big mess. If you put the Gamsol in, say, one of those empty refillable pens (similar to Copic - I think Ranger makes them), that might work.
The Prismacolor blender pen is around the $5 price point, and if you have a coupon it would be less. Good value and a known entity, ya know? Just a thought...
I thought exactly the same thing after I posted that comment. The alcohol ink pens that Tim Holtz has look like they'll work. He suggests using one for his blending solution. I have an empty one so I might just put a small amount of Gamsol in it and see how it works. I do have the blending pencils but haven't tried them yet.
Good morning...dumb question time. What is the purpose of the colored pencil blender pen and how do you use it? I love my PrismaColor pencils and use them often. How would that blender pen give them a different look? Thanks in advance to the talented people at SCS who will know the answer to this question!
You're so welcomed. I just got back from Michael's. I'm there so much the manager asked me why I don't work for him - lol. I'm happily retired but I would work there if I didn't have a bad back. Can't stand for hours because it would be too painful. I'd probably end up spending the paycheck there anyway.
When I purchased my Prisma pencils, I also bought a "Prismacolor Colored Pencil Accessoray Set" which came with pencil colorless blenders, A MARKER COLORLESS BLENDER, a pencil lengthener, a drawing pen, a sharpener and kneaded and white eraser.
It says this for the marker blender "Low-odor, alcohol based solovent breaks down colored pencil pigment applied to paper, certified non-toxic"
I think it was about 5 bucks for all of it (could have been on sale)
i have both the blender pencil and the blending marker and i prefer the pencil. BUT you get best results if you do your coloring on rough-ish paper rather than smooth.
Question about Prisma Color Pencils
