Quick Answer
Draw directly with OOLY Smooth Stix watercolor gel crayons, then brush water over your marks to transform them into paint. The more water you add, the softer the wash; less water keeps colors intense and defined.
Why Use Gel Crayons Instead of Traditional Watercolors?
Gel crayons give you the control of a crayon with the fluid finish of watercolor. Kids can draw precise lines first, then decide how much to dissolve with a wet brush—something not possible with pans or tubes.
OOLY Smooth Stix are water-soluble and washable, making cleanup forgiving. The set includes a brush and a reusable travel case, so you can switch between dry and wet techniques without a separate palette.
Which Paper Works Best?
Use thick watercolor paper (at least 98 lb / 200 gsm) to prevent buckling when wet. The crayons glide smoothly on any paper, but thinner sheets may warp or tear with repeated water layers.
If only regular drawing paper is available, keep water application light and limit to one or two passes.
Step-by-Step: Using OOLY Smooth Stix Watercolor Gel Crayons
- Draw Your Design with Dry Crayons: Press as lightly or firmly as you like. Lighter strokes give pale lines; heavier strokes deposit more pigment that will later dissolve into richer color. Outline first, then fill in large areas. Common mistake: pressing too hard on thin paper can leave wax buildup that resists water. On thick paper, heavy layers are fine.
- Dip Your Brush and Activate the Color: Dip the included brush into clean water and gently stroke over the crayon marks. The pigment immediately dissolves into a watercolor wash. Rinse the brush between colors to avoid muddying. Checkpoint: Use a separate cup of water for rinsing. Muddy water dulls your colors.
- Layer for Depth and Gradients: Let the first wash dry, then draw a second layer of crayon on top. Brush water only over the new marks—they will reactivate and blend softly with the dried layer underneath. Common mistake: brushing too hard over a dry layer can lift the first wash. Use light, even strokes.
- Add Fine Details with Dry Crayon: Once your washes are dry, use the crayons directly for sharp lines, highlights, or textures. The crayons stay put on dry paper and won't bleed. The smooth texture glides easily over painted areas. Checkpoint: For best results, wash and dry the brush first so no water accidentally reactivates the new marks.
- Clean Up While Colors Are Still Wet: Because the crayons are washable, rinse your brush and wipe any crayon smudges from table or hands with soap and water immediately. Dried crayon may need a little more scrubbing. Common mistake: letting crayon dry on a brush stiffens the bristles. Rinse thoroughly after each use.
Product Used in This Guide
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OOLY Smooth Stix Watercolor Gel Crayons - 25 PC Set: Set includes 24 watercolor gel crayons in different vibrant colors, and a paint brush. Water soluble and washable. Includes reusable travel case with handle. You get a full rainbow plus a brush in one box, so there is no need to buy extra supplies. The travel case makes it easy to take art on the go.
OOLY Smooth Stix Watercolor Gel Crayons - 25 PC Set
