Sharpening Prismacolor pencils requires a gentle approach due to their soft, wax-based cores. Using the right tools and techniques helps preserve the pencil and prevent core breakage.
Understanding the Challenge
Prismacolor colored pencils feature a unique soft, wax-based lead (or core). This gives them their rich color laydown and blendability but makes them more prone to breaking or crumbling during sharpening compared to harder graphite pencils.
As highlighted in the provided reference, electric sharpeners can sometimes pose a challenge for these pencils. The reference states, "The motor warms the blades. And the blades grab onto this wax based product and pull the core. Out." This describes how the heat generated by the electric sharpener's motor can soften the wax core, and the sharp blades can grip the softened wax, leading to the core being pulled out or breaking off unevenly.
Because of this, many artists prefer alternative methods over electric sharpeners for their valuable Prismacolor pencils.
Recommended Sharpening Methods
Choosing the right tool is crucial for a clean, even point without excessive waste or breakage.
Here are commonly recommended methods:
1. High-Quality Manual Handheld Sharpeners
- Why they work: These are portable, inexpensive, and offer precise control. Look for sharpeners with sharp blades specifically designed for colored pencils (often indicated by a wider angle or a sharper cut).
- Tips for use:
- Hold the pencil firmly but gently.
- Insert the pencil and turn it smoothly and evenly in one direction.
- Avoid applying too much pressure.
- Stop as soon as you achieve the desired point.
- Empty the shavings frequently.
2. Desk-Mounted Crank Sharpeners
- Why they work: Some crank sharpeners are designed with adjustable settings or specific mechanisms suitable for colored pencils, offering more stability than handheld versions.
- Tips for use:
- Ensure the sharpener is clean.
- Use a low-pressure setting if available.
- Turn the crank steadily. Listen to the sound to gauge when the pencil is sharp and stop immediately.
3. Craft Knife or Blade
- Why they work: This method offers the most control over the shape and length of the point, ideal for artists who need a long, fine tip for detailed work. It requires practice and careful handling.
- Tips for use:
- Use a very sharp blade (e.g., X-Acto knife).
- Hold the pencil in one hand and the knife in the other, away from your body.
- Shave the wood and core carefully in small strokes, rotating the pencil as you go.
- Always sharpen away from yourself.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Cheap Sharpeners: Dull or poorly made sharpeners can chew up the wood, break the core, or sharpen unevenly. Invest in quality sharpeners with sharp blades.
- Forcing It: Never force a pencil into a sharpener or apply excessive pressure while turning.
- Over-Sharpening: Only sharpen enough to get a working point. Repeatedly sharpening a slightly dull point wastes pencil.
- Dirty Sharpeners: Shavings and wax residue can build up, making sharpeners less effective and potentially damaging pencils. Clean them regularly.
Choosing the Best Method for You
The "best" way depends on your personal preference, budget, and how you use your pencils. Many artists keep a high-quality manual sharpener handy for quick touch-ups and use a blade for creating long points.
Regardless of the tool, always sharpen gently and inspect the point periodically as you work.
