If you’ve ever taken my free calligraphy course (or honestly, any beginner brush lettering class), you’ve probably heard me recommend Tombow Dual Brush Pens. And almost every single time I do, I get the same follow-up question:
“What about the clear blender pen? Do I need it? What is it for? Should I buy it too?”
So let’s finally answer that – clearly, practically, and without overcomplicating things.
Supplies Used
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens (any colors you want to blend)
- Tombow Blender Pen (optional)
- Smooth lettering paper (marker-friendly, minimal bleed)
- Scrap paper (for cleaning pen tips while blending)
- Optional:
- Small paintbrush
- Water
- Plastic surface or palette (for mixing colors)
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Why People Think They Need the Blender Pen
Tombow Dual Brush Pens are water-based, which makes them incredibly versatile. You can:
- Blend colours together
- Use them like watercolour with water
- Layer colours without bleeding through most paper
Because they come in so many colours, blending is one of the most popular techniques people want to try – and that’s where the blender pen enters the picture.
The idea is simple: the blender pen helps soften transitions between colours.But here’s the thing…
There are multiple ways to blend Tombows – and the blender pen is only one of them.
Technique #1: Blending With the Blender Pen
To demonstrate, I wrote the word “hot” and blended it to look like fire.
Here’s how the blender pen works:
- Write your word in the lightest colour (yellow).
- Add darker colours below it (orange, then red).
- Use the blender pen to trace over the edges where the colours meet.
- Drag the darker colour into the lighter colour.
- Scribble on scrap paper to clean the blender pen when it picks up too much pigment.
This does work – it softens harsh lines and creates a smooth transition.
But…
- It can chew up the paper a bit.
- It slightly dulls the colour.
- You’re pushing pigment around instead of adding more.
Which leads us to the next option.
Technique #2: Blending Without the Blender Pen (My Preferred Method)
Instead of using a clear blender, you can use the lighter colour marker itself as the blender.
Here’s how:
- Lay down your darker colour (red).
- Add your mid-tone (orange).
- Take the lighter colour (yellow) and dip it slightly into the orange.
- Pull that colour upward with uneven, jagged strokes.
- Clean the tip as needed on scrap paper.
This creates:
- Softer transitions
- Brighter, more vibrant blends
- Less damage to the paper
When you compare the two side by side, they look almost identical – but the version blended with actual colour usually looks richer.
This is the method I use most often.
Technique #3: Mixing Colours on a Palette With the Blender Pen
Another popular way to use the blender pen is on a plastic or palette surface.
You can:
- Scribble two colours next to each other on plastic.
- Use the blender pen to mix them together.
- Letter with the mixed colour directly from the blender pen.
This creates a cool effect where:
- The colour starts darker
- Gradually fades as pigment washes off the pen
- Great for long words or ombré effects
The upside? You can create endless custom colours.
The downside? The blended colour still tends to be softer and less vibrant than using the markers themselves.
Technique #4: Blending With Water (No Blender Pen Needed)
Since Tombows are water-based, you can also blend them with:
- A tiny paintbrush
- A small amount of water
This gives a watercolour-style effect and blends extremely well – but it does change the overall look. If you use water, you’ll want to apply it to the entire word so it looks intentional and consistent.
This works beautifully, but it’s more of a stylistic choice than a default technique.
So… Should You Buy the Blender Pen?
Here’s my honest answer: No – you don’t need it.
I rarely use the blender pen in my own work. I almost always prefer:
- Blending with the lighter colour marker
- Or using water when I want a watercolour look
That said… If you:
- Love the fade-from-colour-to-clear effect
- Enjoy mixing custom colours
- Already have one in a starter set
Then absolutely experiment with it. There’s nothing wrong with it – it’s just not essential.
That’s a Wrap – Want to Learn Brush Lettering From the Ground Up?
If you’re watching this because you’re into brush pens and lettering, I have a free calligraphy course that walks you through:
- Supplies
- Stroke basics
- Practice drills
- Full printable worksheets
It’s designed specifically for beginners, and it’ll give you a strong foundation before you start worrying about blending tricks.
Bottom line: The blender pen is fun – but it’s optional. Your regular Tombow markers can already do more than you think. 💛
And finally, your dad joke…
Have you heard the rumor going around about butter?
Never mind… I shouldn’t spread it.
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