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What exactly is it? I went looking for it, and couldn't find it. I know it is an odorless mineral spirit, does that mean an odorless solvent? If that's the case, Michaels has a whole bunch of brands but not the Gamsol one.... Do you use something other than Gamsol?
I have only used Gamsol. To find it I searched for true art supply stores and called. I found only one in the Birmingham Alabama area. It is very cheap about $10 for a very big can. I have used the same can for about four years. I first thought about ordering it online, you can find it but it is extremely expensive to ship.
When I lived in Dallas, Hobby Lobby had it in the counter with the expensive fine arts supply.
I love my Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol.
If you buy stumps do not use the ones made in China the are very hard and difficult to blend with. Look for the ones made in Taiwan. The are the same price. I can buy them at Hobby Lobby.
PS Gamsol has no smell. Like some alcohol markers.
LOL It dries quickly so you can go back to add more color to and area you just colored.
Tana in Alabama
Gamsol is simply a brand name of odorless mineral spirits.
At Michael's, the Hampton Arts Mona Lisa brand is comparable to Gamsol. They may also carry the Winsor & Newton brand, but that will probably run a bit more expensive than Mona Lisa.
What exactly is it? I went looking for it, and couldn't find it. I know it is an odorless mineral spirit, does that mean an odorless solvent? If that's the case, Michaels has a whole bunch of brands but not the Gamsol one.... Do you use something other than Gamsol?
Yes ... it is a solvent ... but "odorless" makes a big difference when you're using it, as we tend to be very close to our coloring work. ;)
I've never spotted the Gamsol brand name at my HL.
I purchase my Gamsol from Inky Antics. It comes in a super little bottle with an applicator tip that allows us to easily dampen the tip of the stumps without a potential mess. And yes, other 'brands' of odorless mineral spirits work the same with Prismas & other colored pencils. ;)
another question about the stumps..... I wasn't able to find ones made in Taiwan... I was wondering if the fantastixs would work? I realize that a concern is that the colors won't be able ot be removed, but really, if you put a little thinner on it, it will dissolve anyway right?
Hmmmmm ... I don't know if Fantastix would work. Stumps are made from a paper product, and respond to the OMS in a likely different way the the non-paper Fantastix. If you have a spare laying around, it might be an interesting trial.
Okay, so I tried out the Fantastixs. The brush tip, works great for a little while, but then becomes soft and is hard to work with. I did not run into this problem with the little round one, however, it would not work for detail, probably just large areas, which is fine by me. I am having a hard time finding blending stumps made in Taiwan, everything here is made in China. I'm wondering if maybe there is some variation quality between the brands?
I sharpen and remove the previous color on my stumps with the nail buffing block uses at nail salons. One last a long time too. You can buy them in a pack at Sally's. They are great for smotthing the ruff edges of your finger nails too. LOL
I have also used sand paper on a wood boeard from craft stores or just a fine sheet from my hubby.
I truly prefer the stumps made in Taiwan ... although I do have stumps from China as well. The Chinese stumps are "harder" ... the movement of the pigment across the cardstock "feels a bit scratchy", if that makes sense. As with my Gamsol, I purchase Taiwanese stumps from Inky Antics.
Actually, once you get a few (or several, depending on your preference), the stumps last & last. This is not a supply that you need to replenish on a frequent basis. ;)
Do you have a Hobby Lobby nearby? They sell Taiwanese blending stumps. They also carry a variety pack that has several sizes or you can buy a pack of 2 of each size. Also, you might want to try googling art supply stores near you. There's a tiny hole in the wall one close to work, they specialize in selling to college students and they carry OMS and blending stumps at a reasonable price.
I bought the stumps that were made in China and have to say, they work just fine for me. I also use baby oil instead of Gamsol and like that best. No extra chemicals around the house, it's super cheap and easy to find!
I bought the stumps that were made in China and have to say, they work just fine for me. I also use baby oil instead of Gamsol and like that best. No extra chemicals around the house, it's super cheap and easy to find!
I agree about the stumps from China. They work fine for me. I haven't used baby oil, but I did try out Goo Gone and it works great too.
Gamsol
I just received some Prisma pencils from my mom, so I am wondering how and what to use to blend them 
Fantastixs are way too soft
