Prismacolor Clear Blender Blunder...

[Stoic_Soldier]

This has probably already been posted in the past, but I wasn't able to find it... so..

I am a new person to Prismacolor markers, but I have enjoyed for a while.

however, I am starting an important project concerning them and am having problems, mainly with the clear blender marker.

I think I may be applying too much, but it won't blend colors. All it seems to do is just fade the colors right out and leave a greasy spot on the paper.
Is it the paper that keeps it from blending?

If you don't mind, I would like advise on how to use it to get it to blend it the way I need it to. Everything is appreciated. :^^;:

[Datameister]

I've never gotten the Colorless Blender to work correctly. As you said, it just kind of fades the colors and leaves a greasy mark. I much prefer burnishing, using white or another light color to blend. Boy, it's been a while since I've done much with Prismacolors...

Does anyone have a secret trick to using the blender pencil?

[Stoic_Soldier]

At least I can see that I'm not alone in that situation...

Well, my last project that I used the clear blender marker on, it did blend colors. The thing is that I drew it on posterboard instead. That's why I think that it depends upon the type of paper you use to get it to blend. Perhaps it requires absolutely no bleeding effects in order to work right...

I dunno, I'm just pulling out guesses.. :^^;:

[Stoic_Soldier]

Just trying to bring this back to the front so people can see it...

Please guys, this project is important and the deadline is incredibly close! I need your help. *begs* :nohope:

[Brad Wagner]

You have to work quickly with markers. Lay down a light color and have the next marker that you are going to use already opened and ready to go. You then can blend them together while they are still wet instead of using that crappy blender. When you get used to that, give that blender marker a proper burial. :^^:

[Elwell]

What kind of paper are you using? It sounds like it's too absorbent. The blender marker really only works on smooth papers that don't suck up the ink. Try something specifically labeled as "marker paper".

[Stoic_Soldier]

According to the front page of the sketchbook, I'm using a bright white medium tooth surface suitable for charcoal, pastel, and pen. DOH!!! >:{

Oh well. I've already spent weeks making the drawing perfect, I'll just have to deal with getting more accurate colors and mixing them without the blender.

Thanks for the help guys, it was really useful! :)

[Craig Houghton]

What kind of paper are you using? It sounds like it's too absorbent. The blender marker really only works on smooth papers that don't suck up the ink. Try something specifically labeled as "marker paper".

I know it's too late for your project, but I just wanted to emphasize how correct he is. Actual marker paper is very very thin. Your markers last a lot longer and blend much more easily. They're also more vibrant and there isn't as much of a value shift. Unfortunately marker paper is also usually translucent, expensive, and it doesn't mix well other media.

-Craig

[Datameister]

Whoops, I misread the initial post and I was talking about Prismacolor colored pencils. :nohope: But I've worked with Prismacolor markers before, and the colorless blender seems useless for them, too. Like Brad Wagner said, you have to work quickly when you want a smooth effect. I find it very easy and satisfying to lay down shading by building up "washes" of one or two colors very quickly. This works especially well with the gray markers.

What frustrates me is the inability to blend the lightest markers into the white of the paper. Let's say I have an area of 10% Cool Gray, and I want to fade the edge all the way to white. Very difficult, if not impossible, to pull off.

[Elwell]

What frustrates me is the inability to blend the lightest markers into the white of the paper. Let's say I have an area of 10% Cool Gray, and I want to fade the edge all the way to white. Very difficult, if not impossible, to pull off.
That's where the clear blender is really useful, but, as has been mentioned, it only works on the right kinds of paper.