How to Blend Crayola Markers Easily? – 5 Methods

Step 1: Choose two colors

To start, choose two colors. You can use complementary colors like yellow-purple, blue-orange, and red-green or analogous colors like green-yellow-orange. If having trouble deciding on your own, get some ideas from this color scheme generator or this color mixing guide.

Once you know what combination you want to have on paper, proceed to the next step!

Step 2: Transfer the darker color to the lighter-colored marker

Uncap both markers and use the darker-colored one to color the tip of the lighter-colored one. You do not have to worry about this ruining your markers. Their water-based nature will ensure that they return to what they were originally.

However, you should be careful to prevent causing damage to the tips. Use light motions and avoid applying too much force.

Step 3: Start lettering, drawing, or coloring

Now, take your “newly-inked” marker and start creating your art. The color that comes from the marker will be a blend of the two colors you have chosen at the start. Hence, in a way, it does the blending all by itself. It’s hard to go wrong with this method!

Step 1: Grab two colors

Like the previous method, you will begin by choosing two Crayola colored markers.

Step 2: Bring in the plastic

The second technique requires the help of a sheet/ piece of plastic. You can use any as long as it is not absorbent.

Lay it flat on your work surface and color a patch of it with your darker-colored marker. You just need to get a large inked area.

Step 3: Pick up the dark colorant with your light-colored marker

Pick up your light-colored marker and run it over the dark inked area you have made. When you do this, the tip of the light-colored marker should be dyed darker.

Once the tip has absorbed the dark colorant, you can move on to the next step.

Step 4: Go ahead and write, draw, or color

Use the light-colored marker to write, draw, or color. You will be able to see the gradient/ ombre effect right away. If the dark color is not apparent, you can repeat the process and transfer more of the hue to your light-colored marker’s tip.

Step 1: Pick two colors

Again, choose two colors to make Crayola markers blend in this approach. You can consider bold combinations or pick one color and get a lighter or darker shade of it.

Step 2: Start lettering, drawing, or coloring with the light-colored marker

Out of the two colors you have chosen, use the lighter one first. Draw everything you want the blending effect to be on with the light-colored marker.

Step 3: Go over the light-colored ink with the dark-colored marker

Then, use the darker-colored marker to layer on top of it. Do not worry about the marker picking up color. You just need to rub it off on a separate piece of scrap paper.

Step 4: Blend the two colors with overlapping strokes

Grab your light-colored marker again. Go over where the two colors meet with the marker. Make sure you use soft strokes as you overlap the colors. Do not use deep straight lines, as they will be visible and difficult to blend smoothly.

Do this until you achieve your desired results.

This technique takes a bit more time and effort on your end. But that’s the fun of it! After all, art is all about the process.

We suggested two colors because it is easier to start small. But once you are comfortable with this method, feel free to add more colors.

This method will show you how to use this along with Crayola blending markers.

1. Create your drawing or lettering as normal with the Crayola markers.
2. Grab the colorless blender and drag it over the two colors you want to blend.
3. Use feather-like strokes and repeat as many times as necessary to get a smooth gradient.
4. Make sure you do not press down too hard and go too quickly to achieve neat results.

What we specified is a general step that should work for most blenders, but each colorless blender will come with its own maker instructions.

1. Color with Crayola markers like you normally would.
2. Dip your thin brush in water.
3. Press your brush lightly against a tissue to ensure it is not dripping wet.
4. Brush over the colored areas you want to blend. Use short strokes and avoid going over the same spot many times. This might soak the paper and cause it to tear. Also, try not to stroke back and forth. Your paper can fluff up as a result.
5. Repeat until you achieve the desired gradient or ombre effect. Feel free to dip your brush in water throughout the process, if needed.