Layering colored pencils is one of those techniques that sounds complicated until you actually try it. Then you realize it’s less about talent and more about patience. If you’ve ever pressed hard, filled in a page, and wondered why your colors look flat or patchy, layering is the missing piece.
In the video below, you’ll see how simple layering can completely change how your coloring looks. Watch it first, then come back and try it along with your own page.
What Layering Really Means
Layering just means building color slowly instead of trying to get full coverage in one pass. Colored pencils are designed to be used this way. When you apply light layers, the pigment sits in the texture of the paper, allowing you to add depth, smooth transitions, and richer color over time.
Think of it like adding coats of paint. One thin layer won’t look like much, but several light layers create something much more polished.
Start Light and Stay Patient
The most important rule of layering is to start with light pressure. Let the pencil glide across the page. Don’t worry about filling every white space right away.
Use small circles or soft back-and-forth strokes. This helps the pigment settle evenly into the paper’s texture and prevents harsh lines.
You can always add more color. It’s much harder to fix a section that’s been pressed too hard too early.
Use Multiple Colors, Not Just One
Layering isn’t just about adding more of the same color. It’s also about mixing shades.
For example, instead of using one green, try layering a light green, a mid-tone green, and a darker green. Even if they’re close in color, they’ll add dimension and keep your coloring from looking flat.
The same idea works for flowers, skies, skin tones, and backgrounds.
Build Depth With Pressure Changes
Once you’ve laid down a few light layers, you can start varying your pressure. Press slightly harder in areas you want darker, like edges or shadowed spots, and keep a lighter touch in areas meant to stay bright.
This gradual change in pressure is what gives your coloring a soft, blended look rather than obvious blocks of color.
Let the Paper Do Some of the Work
Colored pencils rely on the paper’s texture, often called tooth. As you layer, the tooth slowly fills with pigment. That’s why heavy pressure too early can flatten the paper and stop you from adding more layers later.
If you feel the pencil starting to slide instead of grip, that’s a sign you’ve reached the limit of what the paper can handle.
Use a Light Pencil to Blend
One simple trick many people don’t realize is that you can blend darker colors using a lighter pencil from the same color family. Lightly go over the transition area and let the lighter pigment pull the darker color along with it.
This creates smoother blends without needing special tools.
Keep Your Pencil Sharp
A sharp pencil helps the pigment reach into the tiny grooves of the paper. Rotate your pencil as you color to keep the point from flattening too quickly. You’ll get more even coverage and cleaner layers.
Final Thoughts
Layering colored pencils isn’t about speed. It’s about slowing down and letting the color build naturally.
If your first attempts don’t look perfect, that’s normal. Each layer teaches you something. With a little patience and practice, your coloring will start to look smoother, richer, and more intentional.
Watch the video, grab your pencils, and enjoy the process.
