Glitter pens look so satisfying in the pack, but it can be hard to know where they actually fit on a coloring page. This glitter pens tutorial shows you where to add sparkle, and how to keep your coloring page looking cute instead of too shiny. 

Layering

Layering means adding a thin coat of glitter over an area that is already colored in. Instead of making the whole section fully sparkly, this technique creates a softer shimmer that blends into the base color and catches the light when the page moves. It is often used to give objects a more glowing, textured, or slightly reflective finish.

Tips: 

• For this technique, use light pressure and build the sparkle slowly instead of filling the area all at once. 
  
• Let each layer dry before adding more, so the glitter stays cleaner and does not turn patchy or too thick. 

Blending 

Blending means using two glitter pen colors together to create a softer transition. This technique helps the sparkle look smoother and gives objects a more dimensional or gradient-like finish.

Tips: 

• Work while the first color is still slightly wet, so the second color blends more easily. 
• Try using similar shades first, since colors that are too different can look muddy or uneven once the glitter dries. 

Highlighting 

Highlighting uses small glitter details on spots where light would naturally hit, helping objects look shinier, rounder, or slightly reflective without covering the whole area in glitter. 

Tips: Try thin highlights first, then add more if you want a stronger sparkle effect. 

Texture and Detailing 

Texture and detailing focus on using small glitter pen strokes, dots, or repeated marks to mimic the surface of different objects. Instead of adding sparkle evenly, this technique creates visual texture that can make things feel softer, rougher, shinier, fluffy, watery, or more layered depending on the pattern you use.

Try this: Short lines can create fur or grass textures, and curved strokes can help scales, leaves, or wings feel more dimensional. 

Painting with a Wet Brush 

Painting with a wet brush means using a damp brush to pull color from the glitter pen and spread it softly across the page. Instead of a bold glitter line, this creates a lighter, watercolor-like wash with a soft shimmer. It works well when you want the sparkle to feel gentle, airy, and less defined.

Tips:

• Start by scribbling the glitter pen on a small plastic palette or spare sheet, then pick up the color with a damp brush. 
  
• Keep the brush lightly wet, not dripping, so the paper does not get too soaked or wrinkly.
  
  

Tips and Storage 

• Drying time: Glitter ink usually takes longer to dry than regular pens. Let it dry fully before touching or closing the page to help prevent smudging.  
• Storage: Always close the cap tightly after use so the ink does not dry out. Many glitter pens also work better when stored horizontally to help keep the ink flowing evenly.  
• If the ink stops flowing: Try gently shaking the pen first or scribbling on scrap paper to restart the ink flow. For some brush-style glitter pens, lightly cleaning the tip with a damp cloth can also help remove dried ink buildup. 
• Avoid pressing too hard: Too much pressure can damage the tip or make excess glitter ink come out unevenly. 
• Wipe the tip occasionally: Glitter buildup around the nib can affect ink flow and make lines look uneven. 
  
  

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