Aquapainter vs. Blender Pens

[Crafty Math Chick]

Hi Everyone!

I was wondering if some of you more experienced demonstrators could advise me of the uses/benefits of SU's aquapainter vs. blender pens. I have the aquapainter and really like it to use it with the watercolor pencils. Even if the brush is stained by colors I've blended before it doesn't come off on the paper in future uses.

How would you clean the blender pens? Do former colors come off in future uses?

Thanks in advance everyone! Have a great weekend!!

[ArtofLove]

I'm interested in hearing the difference too. When I want to watercolor something how do I choose between using the aqua painter versus the blender pen? A lot of times, my watercoloring looks like just coloring.

[myangels]

I only got the blender pens when I became a demo. I personally hate them. I never could clean them thoroughly. I thought the colors looked "muddy", so I went back to using a paint brush dipped in water. Finally, I ordered the Aqua Painters and was so glad I did. I have never had a problem with colors looking muddy, I feel I have better control with them, and I think they blend better. JMO.

[Sadie Lady]

I think the answer is what you like best. I LOVE the blender pens. I keep a lid of water handy and after I use it to add one color I dip it in water and wipe on a cloth. The next color picks up fine with no bleading from before. I pick up ink for the pads themselves, or use them with watercolor pencils and watercolor wonder crayons.
Most of my tips are red but are find if I use yellow. I have aqua painters
but are still in the package.

[mamie114]

I use both and love both. I really like the blender pens for staying in the lines, and the aqua pen, when I am going for a more water colored look, but I use them interchangeably for the most part.

[Judyw]

I think it all depends on the job you have to do and which method you prefer. I use the aqua pens when I want a softer look, but someone else may use them differently. I think you have to try both and see what you think. I bought my aqua pens at Michaels with a coupon and they appear to be just like the SU ones.

[dottiejdavis]

I rinse my aqua painter out in clear water with each change of color and it works beautifully. No problem. I haven't tried the blender pens much...because I found the aqua painter so good with watercolor crayons and pencils.

[Suzy_H]

DOH! *facepalm*
I shoulda known!
Thank you *blush*

[stamp2u]

I've found that the blender pens work great for more intense color but I like the aquapainter for a softer watercolor feel. I read a tip on a website (sorry, I don't remember which one) about watercoloring that said the easiest way to blend colors is to use a wet on wet technique. Take a paint brush and clean water and go over your whole image then use your aquapainter and pick up color and just touch the tip to the wet paper and your color will spread all by itself. This is great to get natural shading. You do have to use watercolor paper though. Regular SU cardstock doesn't stand up well to being that wet. Also it helps if you emboss your image so that your colors stay in the area they are meant to be in.

Here are 2 of my cards that use the wet on wet technique.

Watering can
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