best solvent for colored pencil Worth Buying

As an artist who’s spent countless hours with colored pencils, I know the magic that happens when you achieve those super smooth blends and rich, layered textures. But sometimes, colored pencils can feel a little chalky or resistant to blending on their own. That’s where a good solvent for colored pencil — or a highly effective blending tool — comes in. It can truly elevate your artwork, making colors melt into each other seamlessly and bringing your pieces to life. I’ve explored various options to find what truly works, and in this guide, we’ll dive into some key products that can transform your colored pencil experience.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil…	View on Amazon
	KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists – Rich Pigment Soft…	View on Amazon
	Dermatograph Colored Grease Pencils – Peel-Off China Makers…	View on Amazon
	Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad 9″X12″-30 Sheets…	View on Amazon
	101 Textures in Colored Pencil: Practical step-by-step…	View on Amazon

Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender Pens

The Speedball Finesse blender pens are a fantastic tool for anyone looking to achieve seamless blends with their wax-based colored pencils without the mess of traditional liquid solvents. Think of these as your go-to for localized blending, allowing you to smooth out harsh lines and create a more polished finish. Their double-tipped design means you have control for both broad strokes and fine details, making them incredibly versatile. Plus, being acid-free and odor-free, they’re a joy to use in any environment, and I love that they won’t bleed through my precious paper.

• Key features that stand out:

  • Colorless blender pen for wax-based colored pencils.
  • Double-tipped applicator features bold and fine tips.
  • Acid-free, odor-free, fast-drying.
  • Will not bleed through paper.
  • 3 pen value pack.

• Pros:

  • Excellent control for precise blending.
  • No strong chemical odors, great for indoor use.
  • Doesn’t damage or bleed through paper.
  • Achieves a smooth, painterly effect.

• Cons:

  • Primarily for wax-based pencils; results may vary with oil-based.

• Best for: Artists seeking controlled, mess-free blending and smooth transitions in their colored pencil artwork.

• Expert Opinion: These blender pens are an ideal alternative to liquid solvents for those who prefer a pen-like application. They offer impressive control and deliver smooth, vibrant blends, effectively minimizing graininess and improving color saturation.

KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists – Rich Pigment Soft

While not a solvent itself, the quality of your colored pencils dramatically impacts how well any solvent for colored pencil or blending tool will perform. The KALOUR 180 set offers a stunning array of colors with rich, soft, and highly pigmented cores that are a dream to blend. I’ve found that pencils with this level of pigment and softness respond incredibly well to blending pens and even traditional solvents, allowing for deep layering and beautiful color saturation. The sheer variety ensures you always have the perfect shade, and the organized tin case is a nice bonus.

• Key features that stand out:

  • Vivid vibrant color: 180 unique professional colored pencils.
  • Rich pigments: Silky smooth, velvety soft core lays down vivid color.
  • Premium colored pencils: Easy to sharpen, unique number/color name on each pencil.
  • Non-toxic and safe, conforms to U.S. ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3.
  • Portable case for organization and protection.

• Pros:

  • Extensive color range fosters creativity.
  • Smooth application and excellent for layering.
  • High pigment load responds well to blending tools.
  • Durable, break-resistant cores.

• Cons:

  • The vast color selection might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.

• Best for: Artists and hobbyists looking for a comprehensive set of high-quality, blendable colored pencils.

• Expert Opinion: A good set of pencils is the foundation for any successful blending technique. Kalour’s vibrant and soft pencils are an excellent choice because their high pigment concentration allows for smooth layering and impressive results when used with a solvent for colored pencil or a blending pen.

Dermatograph Colored Grease Pencils – Peel-Off China Makers

Dermatograph pencils offer a completely different experience than traditional colored pencils, and understanding their unique properties is key. These aren’t typically blended with a solvent for colored pencil in the same way wax or oil-based pencils are, as they’re designed for superior compatibility on a wide variety of surfaces, including non-porous ones. Their long-lasting, non-fading texture and moisture resistance mean they lay down a solid, opaque line that’s perfect for marking, tracing, or adding bold accents where traditional blending isn’t the goal. The convenient peel-off design is also a clever touch!

• Key features that stand out:

  • Endless possibilities: Perfect for painting, drawing, marking, construction, and more.
  • Superior compatibility: Works on glass, ceramics, plastic, wood, fabric, metal, stone, leather, vinyl.
  • Non-sharpening tip: Simply peel off the paper wrapping.
  • Bright and vibrant colors: 12 pencils in 6 vivid colors.
  • Long-lasting, non-fading texture: Made with high-quality wax, moisture-resistant.

• Pros:

  • Incredibly versatile for multi-surface applications.
  • Produces sharp, opaque, and durable markings.
  • Mess-free, no sharpening required.
  • Moisture-resistant for lasting results.

• Cons:

  • Not designed for traditional blending techniques with solvents.

• Best for: DIY enthusiasts, crafters, or professionals needing a reliable, multi-surface marking tool rather than a blendable art medium.

• Expert Opinion: These grease pencils fill a specific niche. Their wax-heavy composition provides a distinct, durable mark on challenging surfaces where traditional colored pencils and their accompanying solvents would simply not adhere or perform effectively. They are a tool for precision and durability, not for nuanced blending.

Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad 9″X12″-30 Sheets

You can have the best solvent for colored pencil and the most vibrant pencils, but without the right paper, your art won’t reach its full potential. The Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad is truly excellent for use with colored pencil. Its clean white, toothy surface is specifically designed to grab and hold pigment, which is crucial for building up layers and achieving smooth blends with any blending tool or solvent. I particularly appreciate that the durable surface stands up to repeated erasures and reworking, which is a lifesaver when you’re experimenting with blending techniques.

• Key features that stand out:

  • Excellent for use with colored pencil; also great for graphite, charcoal, and sketching sticks.
  • Smooth, even coverage can be achieved.
  • Durable surface stands up to repeated erasures and reworking.
  • Micro-perforated wire bound sheets.
  • Provides a clean white, toothy surface ideal for various colored pencil techniques.
  • Acid-free; Made in the USA.

• Pros:

  • Optimized texture for colored pencil blending and layering.
  • Withstands heavy application and reworking without pilling.
  • Acid-free for archival quality.
  • Spiral-bound for easy use and display.

• Cons:

  • Might be too textured for artists who prefer ultra-smooth surfaces for very fine detail.

• Best for: Any colored pencil artist, from beginner to professional, who wants a reliable and forgiving surface for their artwork and blending experiments.

• Expert Opinion: The paper is often an overlooked component in colored pencil art. This Strathmore pad is a prime example of how the right surface can enhance pigment adherence, facilitate seamless blending with a solvent for colored pencil or blender pen, and greatly improve the overall artistic experience and final outcome.

101 Textures in Colored Pencil: Practical step-by-step

Having the right tools is one thing, but knowing how to use them effectively is another. “101 Textures in Colored Pencil” is an invaluable resource for any colored pencil artist looking to deepen their skills, especially when it comes to mastering techniques that can be enhanced by a solvent for colored pencil or blending pen. This book guides you through various textures and effects, implicitly teaching you how layering, pressure, and blending tools can be combined to achieve stunning results. It’s like having a master class at your fingertips, inspiring you to push the boundaries of what your colored pencils can do.

• Key features that stand out:

  • Practical step-by-step guidance for creating various textures.
  • Focuses on colored pencil techniques.
  • Inspires creativity and skill development.
  • A comprehensive guide for artists of all levels.

• Pros:

  • Breaks down complex textures into manageable steps.
  • Helps artists understand how to manipulate their medium.
  • Great for expanding creative potential and trying new techniques.
  • Provides long-term value as a reference.

• Cons:

  • Requires active practice and experimentation to fully benefit.

• Best for: Colored pencil artists of all skill levels who want to learn advanced techniques for creating realistic textures and improving their overall artistry.

• Expert Opinion: Understanding technique is just as crucial as having quality tools. This book acts as a fantastic companion, teaching artists how to leverage the properties of their colored pencils, blenders, and even paper to achieve diverse textures and effects, which can significantly benefit from the proper application of a solvent for colored pencil for smooth transitions.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When choosing the best solvent for colored pencil or blending solution, it’s really about pairing your tools with your artistic goals. The Speedball Finesse Blender Pens offer a highly controlled, mess-free way to achieve solvent-like blending, making them ideal for detailed work and artists sensitive to odors. For those looking to maximize their blending potential, investing in KALOUR 180 Colored Pencils is a smart move, as their soft, rich pigments are incredibly responsive to blending tools. Remember, Strathmore Colored Pencil Paper is the unsung hero; its durable, toothy surface ensures your blends look smooth and polished, regardless of the blending medium you choose. The Dermatograph Grease Pencils stand apart as a specialized marking tool, not intended for traditional blending, offering durability over blendability. Finally, a resource like 101 Textures in Colored Pencil is invaluable, teaching you how to apply blending techniques effectively with all these tools. Each product plays a unique role in enhancing your colored pencil art, either directly by facilitating blending or by providing the optimal foundation and knowledge.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right tools to elevate your colored pencil art, especially when it comes to blending, is a journey of discovery. While traditional liquid solvents like mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol exist, the products we’ve explored offer fantastic alternatives or essential companions for achieving seamless results.

For sheer blending performance and convenience, the Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender Pens take the top spot in offering a ‘solvent-like’ effect without the typical fuss. They provide precision and an odor-free experience that many artists will appreciate.

If your priority is vibrant color that’s truly blendable, then the KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists set is an outstanding investment. The quality of these pencils makes all the difference when you’re trying to achieve those smooth transitions with a blender pen or even a liquid solvent.

And don’t underestimate the foundation: the Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad is a non-negotiable for serious colored pencil artists. It creates the perfect canvas for layering and blending, ensuring your efforts with any solvent for colored pencil yield professional results.

While the Dermatograph Grease Pencils serve a different, specialized purpose, and “101 Textures in Colored Pencil” is a fantastic learning resource, the combination of quality blendable pencils, effective blending tools, and the right paper is what will truly transform your colored pencil artwork.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the best solvent for colored pencil for achieving smooth blends?
A1: While traditional liquid solvents like Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits) or rubbing alcohol are popular, products like the Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender Pens offer a mess-free, odor-free alternative that achieves very smooth, controlled blends, especially with wax-based colored pencils.

Q2: Can I use rubbing alcohol as a solvent for colored pencil?
A2: Yes, isopropyl rubbing alcohol can work as a solvent for colored pencil, particularly for wax-based pencils. Apply it sparingly with a cotton swab or brush. Be aware it can cause paper buckling or feathering, so it’s best to test on scrap paper first.

Q3: How do blender pencils or pens compare to liquid solvents?
A3: Blender pencils and pens, like the Speedball Finesse, offer more control and less mess than liquid solvents. They are excellent for precise blending and don’t require drying time or special ventilation. Liquid solvents, however, can often dissolve pigment more aggressively, allowing for smoother, broader washes of color and deeper saturation, but with less control.

Q4: Does the type of colored pencil matter when using a solvent for colored pencil?
A4: Absolutely! The quality and composition of your colored pencils significantly impact how they react to solvents. High-pigment, soft-core pencils like the KALOUR set tend to blend much more smoothly and dissolve better with solvents or blender pens compared to harder, less pigmented pencils. Wax-based pencils usually respond best to mineral spirits, while oil-based pencils might require different solvents.

Q5: What kind of paper is best when using a solvent for colored pencil?
A5: A high-quality paper with some tooth and durability, like the Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad, is ideal. The tooth helps hold multiple layers of pigment, and the durable surface prevents pilling or tearing when wet with a solvent or worked with a blender. Acid-free paper is also important for archival quality.

Q6: Are there any non-toxic alternatives to traditional solvents for blending colored pencils?
A6: Yes! Blender pens and pencils (like the Speedball Finesse) are excellent non-toxic alternatives. Additionally, some artists use baby oil or vegetable oil very sparingly, though these can leave a greasy residue over time and should be tested carefully. Always prioritize proper ventilation if using any liquid solvent.