The Derwent Burnisher, according to the Derwent website, is a hard colorless pencil that provides an excellent, polished finish when used over layers of pigment. The blender pencil is soft and colorless and allows a blend of two or more colors together to create new, exciting colors.
The Derwent blender is used to create a beautiful “watercolor” blend and soften the colors used without changing the tones of the colors, while the burnisher is used to add the polished, “matte” finish. The burnisher does not change the colors, but only adds a type of waxy sheen that can be seen when light hits your artwork.
The burnisher is used to blend to a “certain degree” but it is not supposed to be used to soften the edges of the details; that is what the blender’s job is for. Make sure to not mix up the two. With using the blender, it is important to look at how you apply your colors; and layer your colors, so you don’t end up with hard lines that you cannot blend at all.
With the burnisher, there is no blending that can occur. Well, it can blend depending on what you want the outcome to look like. If you want harsher lines instead of a more polished finish, then you can manipulate the blender to your advantage.
For example, if you apply a dark and light color together with messy lines, then the result might not appear as smooth as you would like it to be. Even if you blend it, it will show up chunky with spots that don’t have lines at all.
When you blend, it can diminish any “blooming” that might happen. This can happen with certain colored pencils. It almost appears chalky and goes from light to dark. This can happen and the burnisher can still create a shiny finish, but it does not change the chalky appearance of the colored pencil strokes.
How can I use a Derwent burnisher effectively?
The best way to use the burnisher is to push the burnisher hard enough into the paper to create a nicely pigmented, “photo-like” finish. The waxy-like texture and hard appeal of the pencil help the image appear polished and easily reflected in the light. That same finish is sealed with the weight you apply of the burnisher to the paper, making the pigment shine.
Another use of the burnisher pencil is the ‘wax resist technique,’ which is the act of drawing your art/design with the burnisher pencil first, then adding your graphics or color. The act of using the wax-like texture of the burnisher pencil first, and then adding your colors, will “resist” the graphic/colors you incorporated, and leave part of your art the color of your surface, according to Pencils 4 Artists.
Now that you know a bit about how to use a Derwent burnisher pencil correctly, let’s move on to how to use the Derwent blender effectively. Because the blender is a bit of the opposite, it takes a different approach with different results.
How can I use a Derwent blender effectively?
The Derwent blender is a soft, colorless pencil, the opposite of the burnisher, which is hard. The blender is best used to blend two or more colors. The soft application and the easy glide of the colorless pencil allow a new color creation to occur. You want to make sure to approach the art gently. The softer touch smoothies the colors, so the slow strokes of the pencil smooth out the hard edges.
Now that you know how to use the blender effectively, let’s look deeper into the details that surround Derwent pencils. This is important to look deeper into because it could alter how your design/artwork turns out for the better.
What are other pencil blenders?
Let’s look at some other pencil blenders and how they compare to our obvious favorite: Derwent blenders.
- Prismacolor Blender– Colorless pencil that is also wax-based. This pencil also allows the same matte finish as Derwent pencils allow, but it is thinner. Yes, it is thin, but it is the same thickness as the Derwent pencil. It comes individually and unsharpened. This may be an annoyance for some, but it may help with the longevity of the pencil.
- Lyra Rembrandt Splender Blender– Get a load of that tongue twister: the Splendor Blender. This blender is oil-based (ooh, fancy!) and it is best to use with an oil-based color pencil, typically from the Rembrandt brand. This blender tends to have a glossy finish rather than the typical matte one, sort of like a “burnishing shine.”
- Caran D’ache Full Blender Bright– Colorless oil and wax-based that tends to have a blending and burnishing effect. This blender is a bit more heavy-duty because it is not encased in wood. This allows blending on different surfaces like fabric, wood, and pottery. Even stone can offer a great surface to blend/burnish on with this tool. This tool can be used with colored pencils, wax pastels, and even graphite, according to Step By Step Art. This pencil also can increase “lightfastness!” This means it helps in decreasing the ability to fade. It can be more resistant when exposed to light and this pencil increases that ability! Because this tool is oil and wax-based, it can be used with other similar oil-based colored pencils. This pencil can also be used as a wax resistant so you can seal your work better! If you love Derwent, this pencil may have it all and more!
Best ways to use Derwent Blender
The pack of classic pencils is almost always packaged as a pair. Included with the back are an eraser and a pencil sharpener. Although they are colorless and only used to enhance designs, the pencils are bound the same as colored pencils. Let’s look into some great tips that will help any artist happy. First, the best practices for using a Derwent blender are as follows:
- Always apply gentle pressure on whatever colored utensil you choose to blend. Make sure to start with colors that are light first, then dark.
- When applying the color, and then blending, use gentle, circular motions – this will avoid any harsh or rough edges that might be harder to smooth out later on.
- Blend the colors once you have arranged all and any colors that might be harder than the rest to apply. Remember, the blender acts as a sealant for the design! That is why it is best to be prepared with how you arrange the colors/design. If you make this minor mistake and still want to add more colors, apply a spray fixative on top of the color, and then add more layers if needed.
- Blend your colors, and then apply the Derwent Burnisher on top for an added, picturesque finish and shine.
- Lastly, ensure you clean the tip of the blender pencil between each and/or any color change. This avoids ruining, or making a mess of other parts that you’ve worked hard on!
Check out more information on Burnisher HERE.
Best ways to use Derwent Burnisher
A Derwent Burnisher is designed to create a picturesque finish and a shiny result. The best ways to use a Derwent burnisher are as follows:
- The burnisher is best used with hard pressure.
- To get an even better finish, make sure your design is outlined before. The smoother you apply your colors, the better it will appear after burnishing, and then blending.
- It depends on the effect you are going for, but make sure to purchase the correct paper to complete the burnishing and blending process.
- The effects will vary depending on the colors you use. Make sure your “color lines” are distinct and able to smooth after your burnish.
Now that you know the best ways to utilize the Derwent burnisher and blender, it is time to venture off and check out the cool opportunities that Derwent products can offer you! Of course, make sure to use the burnisher with hard pressure, and the blender with soft pressure, but if you have your techniques, try them out!
“Color helps to express light—not the physical phenomenon, but the only light that exists; that in the artist’s brain.”
-Henri Matisse
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best blender and burnisher options?
Derwent is classic and always does the job, but you can always just use your hands, or look into different brands that support a similar technique as I spoke above. In our opinion, the Caran D’ache Full Blender seems to do a great job as well!
Do I have to blend before I burnish or vice versa?
No, you can use it in whatever order you choose. As we said before, you can manipulate the utensils to your liking, and what you think would fit your artwork best! Get to experimenting, we believe in you!
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