Discover the creative possibilities of Multi Ink blending liquid
Mix colours & create colour transitions
Create colour gradients as well as watercolour and ombré effects
Brighten colours, create light reflections & even correct minor errors
How do I use Multi Ink blending liquid?
There are 2 ways to apply the Multi Ink blending liquid to your artwork:
Apply with a brush
Apply it with a water brush
Discover more about the innovative pigment arts pen range!
The range includes high-quality ✓ brush pens, ✓ soft brush pens, ✓ calligraphy pens and a ✓ pigment pen with round tip.
FAQs
Blenders contain a colour-neutral liquid that allows you to mix colours and create smooth transitions between different colours. Here are some applications for blenders or Multi Ink blending liquid:
- Colour mixing: Blenders can be used to mix colours on paper. This can help create soft colour transitions or mix different shades together.
- Brightening colours: They can also be used to brighten colours or create highlights in an image by moving the blender or blending liquid over a colour that has already been applied.
- Correction and detail improvement: Blenders can also be used to remove excess paint and make small corrections or to sharpen details in drawings.
- Advanced effects: Some artists use blenders to create special effects in their artworks, such as imitating watercolour and ombre effects or creating shading and light reflections.
Multi Ink blending liquid can be applied in different ways:
Either simply apply the blending liquid with a brush or pour it into the tank of a water brush using the handy dosing tip. Then sweep the (water) brush over the surfaces to be blended until the desired effect is achieved. This works even if the Multi Ink has already dried.
No, the Multi Ink blending liquid dries clear.
Yes, this does not impair its properties.
Unfortunately, no general statement can be made here - the quantity depends on the surface and the size of the surface to be blended.
We can only guarantee solubility for STAEDTLER Muti Ink. However, blending liquid may also work with other pigment and dye inks - but we cannot guarantee this. This should be tested in advance on an inconspicuous spot.
The blending liquid dissolves Multi Inks when both dry and wet - even after several hours or even days. However, the blending effects are especially effective when the ink is still damp.
The use of the blending liquid does not affect the properties of the Multi Ink, in particular:
- Exceptional colour brilliance
- Colour accuracy
- Extreme lightfastness
- No penetrating through the paper
- Smudge-resistant on most surfaces
After using the blender, the “waterproof” property of the Multi Ink can no longer be guaranteed - this depends heavily on the amount of blending liquid used & the surface. Instead, we recommend protecting the painted object with a fixative (see also FAQs on Multi Ink).
Both the Multi Ink blending liquid 893 and the Multi Ink blending pen 893 BP allow you to reactivate and blend Multi Ink colours, creating smooth transitions and unique effects.
- The Multi Ink blending liquid is particularly suitable for larger colour areas and techniques that require a greater amount of liquid. It offers flexibility in application and is ideal for creating soft gradients and watercolour-like effects.
- The Multi Ink blending pen, on the other hand, allows for more precise and controlled application. It is especially convenient for blending smaller areas, adding details and creating smooth colour transitions directly on paper.
Both options complement each other, giving artists greater flexibility to explore different blending techniques and creative effects.
Optimal results can be achieved on watercolour paper as well as on non-absorbent or low-absorbent substrates. Blending liquid also works on other surfaces, but not as well. One solution would be to prime the surface with blending liquid. This closes the pores, preventing the ink from penetrating too deeply into the surface.
It’s as simple as that: Apply blending liquid to the entire surface, allow it to dry and then use the STAEDTLER pigment arts pens. The blender can then be used as usual.
This type of application offers the following advantages:
- Significant improvement in watercolour paintability
- Watercolour-paintable even on highly absorbent substrates (consider priming several times)
- Better colour brilliance and colour intensity on absorbent substrates
The solubility of the permanent Multi Ink by the blender is comparable to the water-soluble systems, i.e. far exceeds the achievable effect of blenders of permanent, alcohol-based dye inks.
Blending liquid combines the contrary properties of “permanent & watercolourable/soluble” - this represents a real innovation and creates a considerable extension of all the ways it can be used.
It is essential not to leave the vial open and always close it tightly. The evaporation of the liquid could otherwise clog the nozzle.
The Multi Ink blending liquid is also great for using in a water tank brush. Here, too, it should be ensured that the brush cap is properly sealed.