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Home / Craft Product Reviews / Comparisons / Comparison of Ways to Blend Colored Pencils

Comparison of Ways to Blend Colored Pencils

September 16, 2014

Last week I spent time reviewing Gamsol and then comparing which colored pencil brands worked best with it. Now I’m working in the other direction- what other ways can we blend colored pencils?

Ways to blend colored pencils; comparison of blending mediums

For this round, I compared Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits), Turpenoid Natural (non-toxic version of turpentine) and Baby Oil (mineral oil.)

I also used a higher-quality pencil (Prismacolor) and a lower-cost one (Crayola) so that you could see the difference in pencil, if any.

Let’s take a look!

 

Ways to blend colored pencils; comparison of blending mediums

Comparison of blending with GAMSOL

Gamsol is clear and water-like- but don’t let the lack of odor fool you. It releases toxic fumes (you just can’t smell them) and it is highly flammable. Not for use with children. 

Ways to blend colored pencils; comparison of blending mediums

Blending colored pencils with Turpenoid Natural

Turpenoid Natural is a turpentine substitute that is actually an oil paint thinner and brush cleaner. However, since it’s a natural product it’s certified non-toxic. It’s also non-flammable. You can see that it has an amber tint but that didn’t seem to alter the color of my images. It has a mild citric smell.

Ways to blend colored pencils; comparison of blending mediums

Blending colored pencils with Baby oil!

Baby Oil is…..baby oil! It’s actually a mineral oil with a light fragrance. It’s safe for folks and has no fumes, and the light scent is pleasant to most. This is certainly safe enough to use with the kiddos, as well. 

I did make you a little video, as well.

Lastly, I went to the two extremes- the highest-quality pencil and the most expensive blending medium, verses Dollar Store pencils and baby oil, blended with a cotton swab!

Ways to blend colored pencils; comparison of blending mediums

I feel like this proves that beauty (and art) is subjective! While the Prismacolor pencils are more vibrant, I felt that they blended as well with baby oil OR Gamsol.

So whatever combo of materials you use, practice and have fun!

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Posted in Comparisons, Paints, Inks & Dyes | 6 Comments

Comments

  1. Susan says

    September 16, 2014 at 12:06

    Did the baby oil leave an “oily” residue? I remember that it always left an oily residue – that’s what it’s meant to do. So was the paper oily, or did it soak into the paper? It’s been a reeaally long time since my kiddos were babies. Sorry to be so wordy. If it doesn’t leave a residue, why use anything else? Especially since it smells so good. Does the baby oil odor last? That might be very cool, especially on a baby card…. Thx for the videos. Great reviews.

  2. Jenny says

    September 16, 2014 at 13:40

    Susan- here’s the deal with baby oil: 1) the smell doesn’t last. 2) if you use a lot it can soak through to the back (and Gamsol will as well.) 3) It does not leave an oily residue or halo, and it seems to evaporate or dissipate after a short while. The samples I did a week ago show no signs of oil on the back.

  3. Mary Lee Chivetta says

    September 17, 2014 at 07:40

    Normally I wouldn’t leave a comment. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you! I know you need clicks and likes, so keep commenting on their lack. But never think you aren’t appreciated by your fans. Mary Lee

  4. HeidiSue says

    June 17, 2015 at 10:21

    Great ideas for blending colored pencils. I appreciate the info. There are a couple of things that I think would make it even better.

    First of all, I’d love to see a before and after of any of the samples. Also, there is no information at all about how much of any of the solutions to use. I’m imagining baby oil just soaking through the paper and making an oily blotch on the back, or around the edges of the image.

    It would be very helpful to see a video of the process. Baby oil on a q-tip? How much? is there much pressure involved, pushing down and rubbing a lot, or is it pretty quick with just a dab and a light touch? Stuff like that would help complete newbies like myself.

    thanks!

  5. Ann Fennell says

    January 18, 2016 at 22:09

    Thank you Jenny, this website was helpful. A video showing the blending in action would also be very helpful. What about the Caran D’ache Full Blender (no wood casing). Do you know if it has anything in it that is toxic (in handling)? Thanks, –Ann

  6. Jenny says

    January 19, 2016 at 11:18

    I am unfamiliar with those, but I’ll check into them for you!

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Hi! I’m Jenny, the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS and the Head Dummy behind CraftTestDummies.com where you’ll find craft product reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news.

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Jenny Barnett Rohrs is Head Dummy and Pied Piper behind CTD, which focuses on reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news. Jenny has appeared on HSN, Scrapbook Soup PBS series, and is currently the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS.

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