How to Blend Colored Pencils (With and Without Solvents)
Blending is one of the most important skills in colored pencil drawing. It helps create smooth transitions, rich color, and a polished look—especially in animals, portraits, and nature art. The good news is that you don’t need fancy tools to blend well. You can achieve beautiful results with or without solvents, depending on your style and comfort level.
What Blending Really Means
Blending isn’t about removing pencil strokes completely. It’s about softening transitions between colors while keeping the drawing lively. Some visible texture is natural and often adds realism, especially in fur, feathers, and organic subjects.
Blending Without Solvents (Beginner-Friendly)
These methods rely only on pencils and simple tools, making them perfect for beginners.
1. Layering Colors Slowly
The easiest way to blend is by layering colors with light pressure. Start with your lightest color and gradually add darker shades. Overlapping layers naturally soften transitions.
Best for:
Beginners
Subtle shading
Maintaining texture
Image idea: Light layering vs heavy pressure comparison
2. Burnishing with a Light Pencil
Burnishing means pressing harder with a light-colored pencil (like white or cream) to smooth and blend layers. This fills the paper’s texture and creates a polished look.
Use sparingly: Burnishing too early can flatten the drawing and make it hard to add more layers.
Image idea: Burnished vs non-burnished area
3. Blending with a Colorless Blender
A colorless blender works like a pencil without pigment. It pushes pigment into the paper for smooth transitions without changing color.
Best for:
Small areas
Controlled blending
Image idea: Blended edge using a colorless blender
Blending With Solvents (For Smoother Results)
Solvents dissolve the binder in colored pencils, creating a soft, paint-like effect. This method is great for early layers.
4. Blending with Mineral Spirits ( My fav)
Mineral spirits are a popular solvent for colored pencil artists. Applied with a soft paintbrush, they smooth early layers beautifully.
How to use:
Apply light layers of colored pencil
Dip a brush lightly in mineral spirits
Gently brush over the area
Let dry completely before adding more layers
Best for:
Base layers
Large areas
Smooth backgrounds or fur
Image idea: Before and after mineral spirits blending
Important Solvent Tips
Always test on scrap paper first
Use in a well-ventilated area
Avoid heavy application—it can damage paper
Never blend final details with solvent
Choosing the Right Blending Method
GoalBest MethodSoft transitionsLight layeringSmooth finishBurnishingEarly base layersMineral spiritsFine controlColorless blender
Common Blending Mistakes
Pressing too hard too soon
Overusing solvents late in the drawing
Blending everything (some texture is good!)
Final Thoughts
Blending is a skill that improves with practice. Try combining methods—blend early layers with mineral spirits, then refine with layering and burnishing. Over time, you’ll develop a blending style that feels natural and enjoyable.
