How to Empty Prismacolor Pencil Sharpener: Step-by-Step Guide

It was a chill Tuesday morning. My Prismacolor Premier pencils were laid out like a rainbow, my sketchpad was wide open, coffee was within arm’s reach, and music softly hummed in the background. Pure creative bliss.

And then snap. The tip of my crimson pencil broke. Okay, no big deal sharpen and move on, right?

Wrong.

Because when I picked up my trusty Prismacolor sharpener and twisted it, I was met with resistance. Followed by a burst of fine, multicolored pencil dust that shot out like a party popper.

That, my fellow artists, was when I realized I had never emptied my Prismacolor pencil sharpener.

So if you’re here wondering how to empty Prismacolor pencil sharpener before it explodes like mine did or worse, jams permanently you’re already smarter than I was.

Let’s go step-by-step, and I’ll walk you through how to clean, maintain, and preserve your sharpener like the creative boss you are.

1. Why You Should Never Ignore a Full Sharpener

If you think of your sharpener as a mini trash can for colorful wood curls and waxy pigment, it needs regular cleaning.

But let’s break it down artist-style.

When your Prismacolor sharpener is complete:

• Shavings jam the blade, causing frequent pencil breaks
• Dust particles coat the blade, dulling the edge
• Waxy buildup from soft-core pencils (like Prismacolor) gunks up the mechanism
• And let’s not forget the funky smell that happens over time. (Trust me on this.)

Moral of the story? Learning how to empty Prismacolor pencil sharpener is part of being a pencil artist. It’s like cleaning your brushes you gotta do it.

2. Get to Know Your Sharpener (Yes, Seriously)

Before you can clean it, you’ve got to know what you’re working with.

Prismacolor offers a few different models:

• Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener – the clear, oval, double-holed favorite
• Scholar Sharpener – smaller, typically single-holed, used by students
• Electric-compatible options – usually off-brand but designed for Prismacolor pencils

We’re focusing on the Premier model, which most artists use for this guide because it handles fine and broad tips.

Have something different? Don’t worry the cleaning process is similar. Check if yours is electric; you’ll want to skip any moisture-based cleaning.

3. Supplies You’ll Need to Clean It Like a Pro

Don’t worry you don’t need a hazmat suit. Just gather a few simple, budget-friendly tools:

• A soft brush (small paintbrush, old makeup brush, or dusting tool)
• Cotton swabs
• A microfiber cloth
• A small bowl or trash bin
• Optional: compressed air or a toothpick for tight crevices

These are either already in your art space or easily found under $10. Sustainability win? Affordability win?

4. How to Empty Prismacolor Pencil Sharpener (Step-by-Step)

Ready to dive in? Here’s your complete walkthrough.

Step 1: Head to the Trash Bin

Always start by holding your sharpener over a trash can. Otherwise, Prismacolor pencil shavings are sneaky and will end up in your sock.

Step 2: Gently Twist the Container Off

Most Prismacolor sharpeners have a transparent casing that twists off the blade housing. To remove it, grip it gently and twist counterclockwise.

If it’s stuck, don’t force it try warming it in your hands to soften waxy residue.

Step 3: Dump It Like You Mean It

Empty all shavings directly into the trash or compost. (Yes, pencil shavings are compostable as long as there’s no plastic mixed in!)

Bonus tip: Save colored shavings for creative upcycled art think mixed media, resin coasters, or textured backgrounds.

Read More: Who Made the Pencil Sharpener? The Surprising Inventor Behind It

Step 4: Clean the Blade Housing

Take your soft brush or cotton swab and carefully clean out leftover bits around the blades. Prismacolor pencils are smooth and wax-based, so buildup is normal.

If you see sticky residue, dab a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe. Don’t oversaturate moisture is the enemy of metal blades.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior

Use a microfiber cloth to give the outside a quick clean. You’d be surprised how much smudge builds up from creative fingers.

Step 6: Snap It Back Together

Once everything is dry and spotless, twist the clear container back on. Give it a test sharpen for good measure.

Boom. You now know how to empty Prismacolor pencil sharpener like a true art warrior.

5. How Often Should You Empty It?

It depends on your drawing habits, but here’s a rough guide:

Usage Type	Recommended Cleaning
Light doodling (once/week)	Every 2–3 weeks
Moderate use (daily hobbyist)	Once a week
Heavy use (art students/pros)	Every 2–3 days

If the shavings reach halfway up the chamber don’t wait. Clean it out.

6. What to Avoid When Emptying Your Sharpener

Here’s what not to do, unless you enjoy frustration and possibly ruining your sharpener:

• Don’t rinse it with water (rust risk!)
• Don’t use sharp tools to poke around the blades
• Don’t bang it on a surface to shake it loose
• Don’t store it half-full (spillage risk!)
• Don’t leave it in a humid space

Treat your sharpener like your pencils gently, and with lots of love.

7. Keeping It Clean Between Emptyings

Let’s take it one step further. Want to extend your sharpener’s life? Try these mini habits:

• Tap the sharpener upside down after every use
• Use a small brush to do a 10-second weekly clean
• Store your sharpener in a sealed pouch or pencil case
• Never over-sharpen soft-core pencils (they break more easily)
• Rotate between large/small holes to distribute blade wear

Bonus: Your Prismacolor pencils will thank you for it.

8. What Can You Do With the Shavings?

Don’t toss them just yet!

Pencil shavings can be:

• Composted (if wood-based)
• Used as fire starters for cozy nights
• Reused in mixed media projects
• Mixed with resin to create funky jewelry or accessories

One artist’s trash = another crafter’s treasure.

9. Budget-Friendly Tools That Help

Want to maintain your sharpener without breaking the bank? These tools are non-affiliate, purely informational, and artist-approved:

• Mini brush set for electronics – under $7, perfect for blades and crevices
• Makeup brush cleaning cloth – great for wiping pigment residue
• Craft drawer organizer – keep your pencils + sharpener, + brush all in one place

Most are reusable and eco-friendly, making them ideal for sustainable creators.

Read More: Can You Bring a Pencil Sharpener on Plane? TSA Rules

🎯 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know it’s time to empty my Prismacolor sharpener?

If the shavings chamber is halfway full or your pencil keeps breaking it’s time.

2. Can I use water to clean the inside?

Nope! Water can rust the blades. Stick with dry brushing or light alcohol swabs.

3. What if the shavings container is stuck?

Try gently twisting or warming it in your hands. Avoid using force.

4. Are the shavings biodegradable?

Yes! Most are wood-based and compost-safe avoid plastic bits.

5. How often should I replace the sharpener itself?

With regular cleaning, it can last a year or more. If blades dull or housing cracks, it’s time to upgrade.

Expert Thoughts: Artistic Wisdom

Whether illustrating a children’s book, journaling with colored pencil flair, or doodling away your stress, your Prismacolor sharpener deserves a little TLC.

By learning how to empty Prismacolor pencil sharpener correctly, you’re doing more than preventing jams you’re extending the life of your art tools, reducing waste, and improving the quality of every stroke.

So keep creating. Keep cleaning. And keep those pencil points as sharp as your imagination.

About the Author

Alice Caitlin

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