Can You Use Colored Pencil Over Acrylic Paints?
Color pencils and acrylic paint are two famous types of coloring mediums. But is it possible to use colored pencils over acrylic paint?
Might seem a bit risky but to clear all your doubts, I am sharing every possible information regarding this below.
Can You Use Colored Pencils Over Acrylic Paints? Of course, you can use colored pencils of all shades over acrylic paint. But the impact may vary depending on the dry or wet state of acrylic paint and the surface you are working on. Because a non-porous surface is the best fit for the colored pencil to work on.
Keep reading the article if you are here to know in detail. I believe you will love exploring the facts that I mentioned below.
Can You Use Colored Pencils Over Acrylic Paints?
Color pencils come in different types. Some are suitable to work on your acrylic paint and some can be a bit of a mess.
- If you are using wax-based colored pencils over acrylic, then wait for the acrylic to dry. Thus the wax of the pencil will get a grip to stick firmly without any mess.
- But if you have a set of oil-based colored pencils then it is better to avoid such over acrylic paint when it is wet.
- A water soluble color pencil works fine on both wet and dry acrylic paint. You need to decide what sort of effect you want.
But the most interesting fact is that though colored pencil blends on acrylic well, the surface differs the impact of paint.
The process will go smoothly if you have a non-porous or primed surface. But if you are working on glass or any slippery area then the color pencil may not work straight.
Benefits Of Using Colored Pencil Over Acrylic Paint?
People consider colored pencils over acrylic paint for drawing outlines or giving details, but I am aware of some other benefits. These benefits of colored pencils on acrylic are:
- You can make fine line strokes to draw hair or eyelashes etc.
- With the help of colored pencil you can add depth and dimension to an acrylic painting
- If you want to try cross-hatching shading or some other shading on acrylic then colored pencils are a better option.
- Color pencils come in multiple colors and have metallic options that can give an extra effect to your drawing.
How To Use Colored Pencils Over Acrylic Painting?
Well, applying colored pencil over acrylic is not a tough job, yet you might need to consider a few facts while doing so. I will guide you to this exciting drawing technique below in detail.
Step 1: Grab All Tools
As I have said, this is an easy process but you need to assemble some tools to do this job. All you will need are:
- Colored pencils or water-soluble colored pencils
- Acrylic Paint
- Canvas
- Pencil
- Palette
- Disposable cups
- Brushes
Step 2: Prime The Canvas
First, take a canvas and prime it with a gesso or other primer that will allow the acrylic paint to sit nicely.
Step 3: Draw Outlines
Take a pencil and draw a picture outline so that you get a guide for applying acrylic paint.
Step 4: Apply The Acrylic Paint
Now, dip your brush in water and take some acrylic with it. It is time to paint your desired scenery with acrylic paint.
Step 5: Let It Dry
Next, let the paint dry for hours. This will help the colored pencils to get a grip over the acrylic.
Step 6: Draw With Color Pencil
Now take out your beautiful set of colored pencils and start applying in different places to add depth.
Will The Pencils Over Acrylic Paint Fade Over Time?
If you are worried whether the colored pencil will fade away over time, then relax because they will not.
But for that, you will need to apply it on a non-porous surface and, for better results, seal it afterward.
Yet you need to keep such paint away from the sunlight. Because when the sun’s rays hit your color, it will get damaged. So keep it in a shade if you want it to last long.
How Do You Seal Colored Pencils Over Acrylic Paint?
A sealer or a varnish is a perfect finisher for any of the acrylic projects you work on. Like other pen ink, a sealer protects the colored pencils over the acrylic paint.
It will help the strokes to resist water and avoid smudges. You can use a spray sealer Rust-Oleum Matte Finish Spray. But wait for 2-3 days before you use the sealer on it.
Suggested Materials You May Need
I know you are already excited to try out color pencils over acrylic paint. But before that you will need some products to work with.
Though some of the tools you will find in your house, there are a few products that I will recommend to you.
#1 Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils Set : (Recommended Color Pencil Over Acrylic Paint)
Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils Set is something that you should add to your art desk. Because it is famous for its durable fin tip that can tolerate any sort of harsh usage.
This wax-based colored pencils spread out rapidly and do not allow the strokes to fade away due to UV rays and water.
I prefer this product as it comes in a set, and the pencil has strong pigment. Most of its users shared that they use this on any surface and acrylic paint is not an exception.
Hurry up and grab this amazing set of color pencils at a very reasonable price.
#2 Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover : (Recommended Varnish)
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover is the best for sealing your color pencil over acrylic paint. It makes it possible with its fine spray nozzle.
I personally prefer them for their easy grip. Their fin tip will help to spray over smoothly. Some of the artists believe that it has less odor which makes it safe for everyone’s use.
Try out these amazing spray varnish and make your color pencil and acrylic paint a bit exciting to look at.
Over To You
To sum up my discussion, colored pencils serve the best result on your acrylic paint. If you know how to manage the paint, you are good to go.
I have tried to explain every possible information above to help you. Yet if you notice I have missed something important, please let me know in the comment section below. It will help other readers too.
Do you have any queries? Let me know below if you do.
Further Readings
How To Use Colored Pencil Over Acrylic Paint For Effect
How To Use Colored Pencils For Details In An Acrylic Painting
Color Pencil Over Acrylics?
