10 Best Colored Pencils For Blending (2025 Update)

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When it comes to creating beautiful artwork, colored pencils are a popular choice for many artists. However, not all colored pencils are created equal, especially when it comes to blending. If you're looking for colored pencils that are ideal for blending, there are a few key points you should keep in mind.

Firstly, it's important to look for pencils that have a soft and creamy texture, as these types of pencils tend to blend more easily. Secondly, opt for pencils that have a high pigment concentration, as this will ensure that your colors are vibrant and rich. Thirdly, consider the color range that the pencils offer, as having a good selection of colors to work with will allow you to create more complex and nuanced blends.

Fourthly, look for pencils that are easy to layer, as this will allow you to create multiple shades and tones within your blends. Finally, consider the brand of the pencils you're purchasing, as some brands are known for producing high-quality pencils that are specifically designed for blending.

In summary, when looking for colored pencils for blending, it's important to look for pencils that have a soft and creamy texture, a high pigment concentration, a good color range, are easy to layer, and are produced by a reputable brand. By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect colored pencils for your blending needs and create stunning artwork that truly stands out.

10 Best Colored Pencils For Blending

1. Professional 160 Colored Pencils Set With 12 Drawing Tools And Strong Travel Bag For Artists.

Introducing the 160 Colored Pencils Set with 12 Pcs Drawing Tools, an exceptional range of artist quality colored pencils that will take your artwork to the next level. This set includes 160 vibrant colors that are numbered for easy identification, making it easy for beginners and professionals alike to achieve the desired results.

The set comes with a wooden sharpener, metal sharpener, three different sizes of blending stumps (large, medium, small), two pencil extenders, a rubber eraser, a kneaded eraser, an art knife, a sandpaper pencil pointer, and a durable nylon bag. This comprehensive set provides everything you need to create stunning works of art.

One of the standout features of these colored pencils is their high pigment content, which provides exceptional color saturation and depth. This means that you can achieve rich and vibrant colors with ease, whether you are shading, blending, or crafting.

The thick lead of these pre-sharpened art pencils allows for great blending, layering, and shading with each other and other premium brands. They are made of durable basswood with a strong core, ensuring that they are long-lasting and won't break easily.

Unlike some other colored pencils, these are non-toxic, making them safe for all ages to use. They are also versatile, making them suitable for a range of activities, including coloring books for adults relaxation, drawing, and sketching.

The set comes with a sturdy nylon bag that is perfect for carrying and storing your colored pencils and drawing tools. The bag is designed to be both stylish and functional, with compartments that keep everything organized and easy to find.

In conclusion, the 160 Colored Pencils Set with 12 Pcs Drawing Tools is an exceptional product that provides exceptional value for money. Whether you are a professional artist or just starting out, this set has everything you need to create stunning works of art that will impress everyone who sees them.

2. Professional Colored Pencil Set With Sketchbook And Accessories For Artists Of All Levels.

The H & B 76 Colored Pencils & Sketchbook Drawing Kit is a comprehensive set of artist coloring supplies suitable for adults, kids, and beginners. The kit includes 76 pieces, including 72 vivid and bright colored pencils, a zippered carry case made of nylon for easy organization, a sharpener, 30 pages A5 sketchbook, and an eraser. It is perfect for drawing, sketching, blending, shading, and adult coloring books.

The colored pencils are made of high-quality environmentally friendly wood (premium basswood), making them durable and long-lasting. The cores are made of lightfast pigment, which will not fade over time, and are break-resistant. These colored pencils are ideal for blending, shading, mixing, and layering shades, providing artists with the ability to upgrade their artwork to the level of artist grade.

The H & B colored pencils are oil-based and have a 3mm lead soft core that is soft and thick, providing a smooth writing experience and allowing different shades to be laid down easily. Each art pencil is labeled and numbered for easy color identification, making it easy for artists to find the exact color they need.

This pre-sharpened art pencils kit is the perfect gift for professional artists and art students, as well as teens, women, men, kids, boys, and girls. It is a great gift for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthday, Graduation, New Year, Valentine's, and Easter Day.

The H & B 76 Colored Pencils & Sketchbook Drawing Kit comes with a convenient zippered carry case to store and protect your coloring pencils. The layered design of the case helps you find and organize your pencils easily. You can take your premium set of 72 assorted colored pencils with you for travel or outdoor sketching anytime.

In conclusion, the H & B 76 Colored Pencils & Sketchbook Drawing Kit is a high-quality set of artist coloring supplies that provides everything an artist needs to create beautiful and vibrant artwork. Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, this kit is perfect for you. It comes with a zippered carry case for convenience and is an excellent gift for any occasion.

3. Professional 150-Color Pencil Set In Tin Box For Adults – Soft, Thick Core For Vibrant Blending, Shading, And Layering. Ideal For Ultra-Smooth Coloring And Artistic Work.

The Master 150 Colored Pencil Mega Set is a comprehensive collection of 150 unique, richly pigmented light-fast premium color pencils that offer superior artist quality. The pencils are organized efficiently in an elegant tin box with 5 levels of individually slotted trays that each hold 30 pencils, making them perfect for traveling and immediate use.

The colored pencils feature superior soft, thick 4 mm cores that are ultra-smooth and lay down color evenly, allowing for effortless blending, shading, shadowing, and layering. They are also chip, crack, break-resistant, and hold a true point, making them ideal for adult coloring books. Additionally, the colors blend well with other brands of pencils.

The pencil tops are numbered and colored to match the color of each pre-sharpened pencil lead directly, so you can quickly identify all the colors in the master marker color series. The pencils are non-toxic and conform to ASTM D4236 certification for art products.

These versatile pencils can be used for drawing, illustrating, coloring, crafting, sketching, designing, scrapbooking, cartoons, anime, and filling in adult coloring books. They offer unlimited opportunities to showcase your creativity and produce stunning artwork.

The Mega Pencil Set makes an excellent gift item for birthdays and holidays. The set is backed by a satisfaction guarantee, and if you're not satisfied with them at any time, a full refund will be provided.

In summary, the Master 150 Colored Pencil Mega Set is a comprehensive and versatile set of pencils that offer superior artist quality. The set is organized efficiently in an elegant tin box, making it perfect for traveling and immediate use. The pencils feature soft, thick 4 mm cores that allow for effortless blending and layering, and they are chip, crack, break-resistant, and hold a true point. The set is ideal for various art forms and makes an excellent gift item.

4. Prismacolor Blender Pencils 2-Packs Of 2 Pencils (4 Pencils Total)

Prismacolor Blender Pencils are an essential tool for artists who want to bring their artwork to life with a smooth, professional finish. These non-pigmented, wax-based pencils are specifically designed for blending and softening the edges of colored pencil artwork without altering the original color palette.

Each pack contains two pencils, and this bundle includes two packs for a total of four pencils. These pencils are sold individually or can be purchased with select Prismacolor Premier Soft Core and Premier ArtStix colored pencils.

When using Prismacolor Blender Pencils, artists can achieve a range of effects, from subtle color blending to bold color transitions. These pencils are perfect for creating smooth gradients, mixing colors, and achieving a variety of textures and finishes.

The Prismacolor Blender Pencils are easy to use and offer excellent control over the blending process. Simply apply the pencil to the area you want to blend and use a light touch to create a smooth, even finish. These pencils work best when used with Prismacolor Premier Soft Core and Premier ArtStix colored pencils, but they can also be used with other colored pencils.

One of the benefits of using Prismacolor Blender Pencils is that they are non-pigmented, which means they will not alter the original color palette. This allows artists to blend colors without changing the overall color scheme of their artwork.

Prismacolor is a trusted brand among artists, and their Blender Pencils are no exception. They are made with high-quality materials and are designed to last. Each pencil is smooth and easy to sharpen, making them a reliable tool for any artist's toolkit.

In conclusion, Prismacolor Blender Pencils are an essential tool for artists who want to achieve a smooth, professional finish in their artwork. They are easy to use, offer excellent control over the blending process, and are designed to last. Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, these pencils are a must-have for any colored pencil artwork.

5. Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender, 3-Pack

The Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender is a must-have tool for artists who work with wax-based colored pencils. This colorless blender pen is designed to help artists achieve smooth, seamless blending and layering effects with their colored pencils.

With a double-tipped applicator featuring both bold and fine tips, this blender pen allows artists to blend and layer colors with precision and control. The bold tip is perfect for covering large areas quickly, while the fine tip is ideal for adding fine details and highlights.

One of the standout features of the Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender is its fast-drying formula. This means that artists can blend and layer colors without having to wait for the ink to dry, making the process more efficient and streamlined.

Another benefit of using this blender pen is that it is acid-free and odor-free, making it a safe and non-toxic option for artists of all ages. Additionally, it will not bleed through paper, ensuring that artists can achieve the desired effects without worrying about ruining their work.

This 3-pen value pack is a great choice for artists who want to have multiple blender pens on hand for their work. The pens are easy to use and provide consistent results, making them a valuable addition to any artist's toolkit.

Overall, the Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender is a high-quality, reliable tool that can help artists achieve professional-looking results with their colored pencil art. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, this blender pen is sure to become a favorite in your collection.

6. Sj Star-Joy Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils For Adult Coloring Books, Premier Set For Layering, Shading, And Blending. Ideal For Artists And Drawing. Oil-Based. Great Holiday Gift.

The SJ STAR-JOY Gold Edition 120 Colored Pencils are a premier coloring set designed for adult coloring books and professional artists. The product was developed with feedback from thousands of colorists and artists in mind, resulting in a high-quality and versatile colored pencil.

Featuring a strong and reliable 3.8mm lead core, these colored pencils are designed to guard against frustrating breakages during use and sharpening. They are made up of quality pigments and an oil binder, allowing for smooth blending and layering. The basswood and special glue craft ensures that the lead core is tightly held in place for consistent coloring.

The Gold Edition set is numbered in consecutive order, with each pencil placed according to its analogous trio on the color wheel. Each pencil has a consecutive number, color name, and code for the undertone color, making matching pencils for seamless blending as simple as reading the number on the pencil.

These colored pencils are perfect for gifting to children, friends, or professional artists. They come in a creative tin box with trays that keep the colored pencils organized and protected. This set is an amazing gift for special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, or birthdays.

SJ STAR-JOY stands behind the quality of their Gold Edition colored pencils and offers a satisfaction guarantee. They are confident that this resourceful range of 120 colors will eliminate any drawing or painting restrictions and make creating beautiful art easy and fun. If for any reason customers are not satisfied with the product, SJ STAR-JOY will comply with their return or exchange policy.

7. Crayola Signature Blend & Shade Colored Pencils – 24 Count Tin Gift Set With Soft Core.

The Crayola Signature Blend & Shade Soft Core Colored Pencils in Tin, Gift – 24 Count, Blend & Shade Colored Pencils is a set of 24 blending and shading colored pencils that come in a decorative tin case. These soft core pencils have highly pigmented cores that provide a smooth color laydown, making them perfect for both beginners and professionals.

One of the unique features of these colored pencils is that they show up with clarity on both dark and light paper backgrounds. This means that users can experiment with different backgrounds and get stunning results every time.

The sophisticated matte black wooden barrels with color-dipped ends and names listed on each pencil make it easy to identify the colors. This not only adds a touch of elegance to the set, but it also makes it easier for users to find the color they need quickly.

The included decorative storage case makes it a great gift for lovers of adult coloring. The beautiful case and quality colored pencils inside make it an ideal gift for moms, crafters, and everyday creatives. Additionally, it pairs well with the Blend & Shade Inspiration Pad (sold separately), which provides users with inspirational ideas and techniques for using the colored pencils.

These colored pencils are safe and nontoxic, making them suitable for kids and adults ages 9 and up. The soft cores and smooth laydown make them easy to use, and the color variety allows for endless creative possibilities. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced artist, the Crayola Signature Blend & Shade Soft Core Colored Pencils in Tin, Gift – 24 Count, Blend & Shade Colored Pencils is an excellent choice.

8. Prismacolor Colorless Blender Pencils, 12/pk (3503)

Prismacolor Colorless Blender Pencils are a must-have for any artist who wants to achieve stunning shading and blending effects. This set of 12 pencils (model number 3503) features soft, thick cores that are specifically designed for creating shadows and shading. These pencils are perfect for artists who want to add depth and dimension to their artwork.

One of the standout features of Prismacolor Colorless Blender Pencils is their lightfast, richly saturated pigments. These pigments allow artists to achieve strong, bold colors that are fade-resistant and long-lasting. Whether you're working on a drawing, sketch, or painting, these colorless blender pencils will help you to achieve the perfect look.

In addition to their rich pigments, Prismacolor Colorless Blender Pencils are also ultra-smooth, making them easy to blend and layer. The even color laydown ensures that artists can achieve the precise look they're going for, whether they're working on a fine line or a broad stroke.

Another key feature of these pencils is their thick, robust leads. These leads are designed to resist cracking and chipping, ensuring that they will last for a long time. This is especially important for artists who use their pencils frequently or who work on large projects that require a lot of shading and blending.

Finally, the set includes one Colorless Colored Pencil, which can be used to blend and soften colors together. This pencil is perfect for creating smooth transitions between colors and achieving a seamless look in your artwork.

Overall, Prismacolor Colorless Blender Pencils are an excellent choice for artists who want to achieve stunning shading and blending effects in their artwork. The combination of rich pigments, smooth laydown, and robust leads make these pencils a must-have for any artist's toolkit.

9. Misulove Professional Charcoal Pencils Set With 12 Skin Tone Colors For Sketching, Drawing, Shading, And Coloring.

The MISULOVE Professional Colour Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is an excellent choice for artists of all levels who want to create perfect portraits. The set includes 12 of the most popular skin and hair tone color shades, providing artists with a range of vivid, richly pigmented light-fast premium color charcoal pencils. This product is perfect for drawing, sketching, and illustrating realistic portrait art.

The set is designed to last longer, thanks to the superior thick 0.4mm cores. The soft thick lead cores are ultra-smooth and lay down color evenly, allowing artists to blend, shade, shadow, and layer effortlessly. The thicker robust leads are chip, crack, and break-resistant, making them ideal for adult coloring books. The Flesh Light Color Watercolor Pencils Skin Tone Lead Core Pencil for Portrait Comic Adult Coloring Books Artist Coloring Drawing Sketching Blending is perfect for artists who want to produce high-quality artwork.

The charcoal particles used in these pencils are mixed with the finest clays and wood encased. Our charcoal pencils contain flexible charcoal of the highest quality for scratch-free marks. These charcoal drawing pencils are safe, non-toxic, super pigmented, smooth, layered nicely, none cracked, and easy to sharpen. Pencils are non-toxic and conform to ASTM D4236 certification for art products.

The MISULOVE Professional Colour Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is versatile and can be used for drawing, illustrating, coloring, crafting, sketching, designing, scrapbooking, cartoons, anime, and filling in adult coloring books. It is great for figure, portraits or still life drawings and fantastic for the school classroom. This colored charcoal pencil set is an excellent Birthday and Holiday gift item!

The set comes with a purchase without risk guarantee. MISULOVE is so confident that you'll be delighted with these colored charcoal pencils that if you don't feel satisfied, you can email them freely. They promise a replacement or an immediate refund. There is no risk of buying these drawing pencils from their store. If you love it, add it to your cart today!

10. 72 Watercolor Colored Pencils For Adult Coloring By Arteza. Bright Shades For Blending, Layering, And Watercolor Techniques. Ideal Art Supplies.

The ARTEZA Watercolor Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring is a set of 72 high-quality colored pencils that are perfect for artists who want to add depth and drama to their artwork. These professional colored pencils allow you to blend, layer, and create unique effects with just a dab of a wet brush.

The colored pencils are highly pigmented and come in 72 shades that give you limitless creative freedom. The soft and break-resistant cores are made from lightfast pigment that won't fade over time, ensuring your artwork will look vibrant for years to come.

The set comes in a protective tin case that is ideal for storing and transporting the pencils. This means that you can take your art supplies with you wherever you go, and the pencils will be protected from damage.

ARTEZA is passionate about creating products that inspire artists. They believe that art is an expression of the human experience, and they work to make their art supplies accessible to all people. The company was built on providing quality painting, drawing, and art supplies for all ages and levels.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, the ARTEZA Watercolor Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring set is perfect for you. The set is designed and created by artists, so you can trust that you're getting a product that has been tested and approved by professionals.

In conclusion, if you're looking for high-quality colored pencils that allow you to create unique effects and add drama to your artwork, then the ARTEZA Watercolor Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring set is the perfect choice for you. With 72 shades, a protective tin case, and a passion for inspiring artists, ARTEZA is the perfect brand to help you unleash your creativity.

Best Colored Pencils For Blending FAQs

Are oil-based or wax-based colored pencils better for blending?

When it comes to blending colored pencils, both oil-based and wax-based pencils can work well. However, there are some differences in how they perform that may make one type of pencil more suitable for your needs than the other.

Oil-based colored pencils tend to be softer and more pigmented than wax-based pencils. This can make them easier to blend, as the colors will mix together more readily. They also tend to be smoother to work with, which can be helpful when you want to create a more even or gradient effect.

Wax-based colored pencils, on the other hand, may be better for certain types of blending techniques. They can be great for layering colors and building up depth and texture in your artwork. They also tend to be more resistant to breakage than oil-based pencils, which can be helpful if you tend to apply a lot of pressure when you work.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and the techniques you want to use. Experiment with both types of pencils to see which ones work best for you, and don't be afraid to mix and match to create unique effects in your artwork.

Can you blend different brands of colored pencils together?

Yes, you can blend different brands of colored pencils together. However, the results may vary and depend on the quality and type of the pencils used. While some brands may blend well with each other, others may not, resulting in uneven color and texture. It's essential to test the colors and brands before mixing them to ensure that they blend well and produce the desired effect.

When blending different brands of colored pencils, it's crucial to consider the type of paper used. Some papers are more suitable for blending than others, such as those with a higher tooth or texture. Additionally, the pressure and technique used when blending can also affect the outcome. Experimenting with different combinations and techniques can help achieve the desired results.

In conclusion, blending different brands of colored pencils is possible, but it requires careful consideration of the quality and type of pencils, paper, and techniques used to achieve the desired effect.

How do you blend colored pencils to achieve a smooth transition between colors?

To blend colored pencils and achieve a smooth transition between colors, there are several techniques artists can use. One method is to layer the colors on top of each other, using a lighter pressure for the first layers and gradually increasing pressure with each subsequent layer. This creates a buildup of pigment that blends the colors together. Another technique is to use a colorless blender pencil or a solvent like rubbing alcohol to dissolve and mix the pigments. This creates a smooth, even layer of color that blends the colors seamlessly. Additionally, artists can use a blending tool like a blending stump or tortillon to smooth out the colors and create a soft transition between them. It's important to experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for your particular style and preferences. Practice and patience are key to achieving a beautiful, blended look with colored pencils.

What are the best colored pencils for blending?

When it comes to blending, the best colored pencils are those made from high-quality pigments and have a soft core. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, and Caran d'Ache Luminance Colored Pencils are among the top choices for blending. These pencils are known for their smooth and creamy texture, making it easy to blend colors seamlessly. They also have a wide range of colors, allowing artists to create various shades and hues.

In addition to the brand and quality of the pencils, the technique used in blending also plays a significant role. Layering colors and using a blending tool, such as a blending stump or brush, can help achieve a smooth and seamless blend. With the right tools and techniques, artists can create stunning works of art using colored pencils.

What techniques can you use to blend colored pencils for realistic shading and depth?

As an artist, there are several techniques you can use to blend colored pencils for realistic shading and depth. One of these techniques is known as layering. Layering involves building up layers of color on top of each other to create depth and texture. You can use light pressure to create a base layer and gradually increase pressure with each subsequent layer to create a darker shade.

Another technique is known as burnishing. Burnishing involves using a colorless blender or a lighter color pencil to smooth out the surface of the paper and blend the colors together. This technique creates a smooth and polished finish, making the colors appear more vibrant and lifelike.

Lastly, you can use blending tools such as blending stumps or tortillons. These tools are made of rolled paper or felt and can be used to blend colors together and create a smooth transition between different shades.

By utilizing these techniques, you can create realistic shading and depth using colored pencils.

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