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Blending Brushes-Tips And Ideas




Tonic Studio Blending Brushes Are Made To last



If you are like me, you use a lot of the distress inks, glitter and other mediums. In order to get the best results form these products, you need the right tools- namely blending brushes. In my book, why spend money on different mediums if you cannot apply them the right way. This is my review, tips and ideas on Tonic Studio Blending Brushes.

There are all different kinds, types and quality of blending brushes. I would suggest that you purchase the best brushes that you can within your craft budget.

The best platform for using these brushes is either a craft mat or a glass mat.


Stencil Brushes



These brushes create backgrounds and washes. They can also be used for blending. So, these brushes, while an investment, have multiple uses. The Tonic Studio brushes come in a pack of 4 in different widths. They have a comfortable wood handle and a stainless-steel handle to make them retain their shape and last for a long time. 

Stencil Tips


  • Always tape your stencil down with low tack tape like painter's tape or washi-tape
  • If your stencil has fine details, hold the piece with your finger.
  • Always use a craft mat. glass mat or another smooth surface to stencil on.


Dual Ended Blender Brushes



These brushes are used to create all types of mediums. You get two brushes that have dual ends. There is also a package available in sets of three. So you get four brushes. I like that they can be used for things like blending hybrid inks, mousses and Distress Inks. They are also my personal favorite for use on gilding flakes. I also like that they have a lightweight handle. This is a good starter set. It is a good buy for any level of crafter.


Precision Blender Brushes



This is a set of two brushes as the basic set. These are two sizes to get you started blending seamlessly. There is another set that has a set of four. The soft bristles oif these sets place the ink or other medium right where you want it. Perfect for small areas where you just need a small touch of color. 

Blender Brush Tips


  1. Since some inks will stain your brushes, lots of people have to designate some brushes just for their hybrid inks.
  2. Store single ended brushes upright.
  3. Store dual ended brushes flat or upright if the brushes have covers.
There are several options when it comes to work surfaces when it comes to ink blending and working with other media.

One you might consider is a type of watercolor mat. It holds the paper and is very easy to clean up. Tis mat allows you to scoop up the ink that comes when you are working with distress and oxide distress inks. 

A glass mat is probably the most common surface for any kind of media blending.


Ink Blending Tips


  • Always start off the surface, dab some ink off the brush and work your way inward.
  • Paper quality matters. You need a smooth heavy paper to get the right blend.
  • Use painter's tape to hold your paper down.
  • Build your color. Start off light and gradually build your color up till you get the tone you need.
  • Protect your paper. Where your other hand is, place a piece of scrap paper under your hand so you do not get smears.


Caring For Your Blender Brushes


For dye-based ink or pigment ink, this is easy. You just wash them with mild soap and warm water. Dry upright in the air.

If you are using hybrid inks, it is more than likely to stain the bristles. That is normal. You can use a baby wipe or a microfiber cloth to wipe the ink away.

Do not use any stamp cleaner or any paint brush cleaner.

Store them upright.




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