Try using straight vodka for blending it works a treat. Or a high % medical/ rubbing alcohol will also do the job well too for blending of pencils. Im interested on how you will find the portafino paper as i recently bought a rather large A1 or A2 5 piece set of sheets of this paper on a special at my local art supplies store after a demonstration class
I use the Grizaye blender pencil. Its awesome. If you don't have enough layers down the Meltz won't work very well. The meltz will give it a watercolor look. It's not the same as blending with Gamisol. Try using the Meltz with a softer pencils. I like them with Holbein or Prisamacolor. They work ok the Polychomos. I like to use hotpress Arches paper and I use several different brands of pencils on the same piece.
Meltz works best with oil- based colored pencils instead of wax- based colored pencils. I'd bet the SB pencils you chose were wax-based. Try it with a Polychromos or Derwent Lightfast pencil and see what you think!
I use the Derwent Blender pencil...now I just use my pencils in my colouring books...it works great and blends my pencils seamlessly...don't know if it helps or not...I also use GoldFaber pencils I am starting to collect some of the Prismacolored pencils...I am starting with a few prisma colors first to see if I like how soft they are...Have a great Sunday...HUGS HIGS HUGS
