inkinupstamps
01-08-2007, 10:35 AM
Several people have commented that their prismacolor pencil "leads" (actually wax but you know what I mean) break everytime they sharpen them. When I got my big box last week I began sharpening right away and had some trouble with the first few, so I decided it must be my sharpener and went to the art supply store to ask them about this.
The clerk was quite knowledgable about prismacolor pencils and the problem some people have. She did tell me a couple of useful tips:
1.) As you sharpen your pencil be sure that you are not twisting your sharpener and your pencil. Hold your sharpener steady on the table or in your hand and turn the pencil gently and smoothly. It is the twisting of the sharpener in one direction and twisting your pencil that causes the lead to break;
2.) Don't use a lot of pressure when sharpening your pencil;
3.) Use a sharpener with a good, sharp blade, and
4.) For a nice, fine sharp point or to gently reshape your lead as it wears down a bit, use a sanding pad like people who do drafting use for their pencils.
I came home and began to sharpen. Not a problem at all with breaking by just following her advice.
The twisting action is really almost a subconcious thing I think I was doing. I don't remember doing it but I do know that I'm now conciously keeping the sharpener steady and turning only the pencil.
I hope this helps. Like I said, following these tips, I've not had a bit of problem.
The clerk was quite knowledgable about prismacolor pencils and the problem some people have. She did tell me a couple of useful tips:
1.) As you sharpen your pencil be sure that you are not twisting your sharpener and your pencil. Hold your sharpener steady on the table or in your hand and turn the pencil gently and smoothly. It is the twisting of the sharpener in one direction and twisting your pencil that causes the lead to break;
2.) Don't use a lot of pressure when sharpening your pencil;
3.) Use a sharpener with a good, sharp blade, and
4.) For a nice, fine sharp point or to gently reshape your lead as it wears down a bit, use a sanding pad like people who do drafting use for their pencils.
I came home and began to sharpen. Not a problem at all with breaking by just following her advice.
The twisting action is really almost a subconcious thing I think I was doing. I don't remember doing it but I do know that I'm now conciously keeping the sharpener steady and turning only the pencil.
I hope this helps. Like I said, following these tips, I've not had a bit of problem.