How to Use Metallic Color Pencils on a Sketchbook

By eeBoo Piece and Love | Unique Puzzles & Games by | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn step-by-step techniques for drawing with metallic color pencils on a sketchbook, including tips for blending and layering to create shimmering effects.

Quick answer

Use metallic color pencils on a sketchbook by layering them over a dark base color and applying even pressure to bring out their shimmer.

Why dark paper or a dark base layer matters

Metallic color pencils rely on a dark background to reflect light and show their sparkle. On white paper, the metallic particles are less visible and can look like regular pencils. A dark sketchbook page or a layer of black pencil underneath makes the metallic effect pop.

Trade-off: light pressure vs. heavy layering

Applying light pressure with metallic pencils creates a subtle sheen, while heavier layering builds a bright, foil-like finish. The trade-off is that heavy layering can fill the paper tooth quickly, reducing the ability to add more layers. For best results, start light and build up gradually.

Step-by-step techniques for metallic pencils

Step 1: Prepare your sketchbook page: Open your sketchbook to a clean page. If the paper is white, shade the entire area where you plan to draw with a dark color (black or deep blue) using even pressure. This creates a base that makes the metallic pencil shimmer. Check that the base layer is smooth and free of streaks before moving on.
Step 2: Outline your design lightly: Use a regular graphite pencil or a light-colored metallic pencil to sketch your design. Keep lines faint so they don't show through the metallic layers. A common mistake is pressing too hard, which creates grooves that are hard to cover later. If you press too hard, gently erase the line and redraw with a lighter hand.
Step 3: Apply the metallic pencil in layers: Start with light, circular strokes to deposit a thin layer of color. Add more layers gradually, increasing pressure each time. For the brightest shimmer, use the side of the pencil tip for broad areas and the sharp tip for details. Stop when the paper texture feels full; adding more layers may cause the color to flake off.
Step 4: Blend with a colorless blender or your finger: Use a colorless blending pencil or your fingertip to smooth the metallic pigment. This step helps the particles align and reflect light more evenly. A common mistake is using water or a solvent, which can dull the metallic finish. Test blending on a scrap area first to see how the metallic effect changes.
Step 5: Add highlights and final details: Go back over the brightest parts of your drawing with fresh metallic pencil using heavy pressure. This creates a polished, shiny highlight. Leave some areas lightly colored to create contrast and depth. Step back and check the drawing from different angles to see how light affects the shimmer.

Product facts

Unicorn Metallic Color Pencils and Sketchbook: This bundle includes the Unicorn Sketchbook and 12 metallic color pencils. The sketchbook has 60 matte 95lb pages and durable spiral binding. The matte, heavyweight paper supports multiple layers of metallic pencil without tearing, and the spiral binding lies flat for easy drawing.
Unicorn Metallic Color Pencils and Sketchbook