14 Best Markers For Coloring In 2023: Top Picks Plus Tips And FAQ
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With the recent trend for adult coloring projects for enjoyment and therapy, coloring markers became a must-have for adults. This blog post has reviewed 14 of the best markers for coloring projects in this blog post. We also included tips for choosing the right coloring markers that suit your projects and the best brands to consider to make your work look flawless.
Our Top Picks
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Best overall: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers• Quick-drying alcohol inks |
Runner-up: Crayola Fine Line Markers• Non-toxic inks |
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Best Budget: Caliart Dual-Tip Art Markers• Free replacement nibs |
1. Ohuhu Alcohol Markers - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
Though expensive, Ohuhu alcohol markers not as expensive as Copic markers. The product is perfect for advanced drawing and coloring. The canvas bag is also not the best quality. You'll need to reinforce the bag so the contents don't fall off when the bag is open.
Why We Think It's Great
Ohuhu Markers have brush and chisel-tip markers filled with quick-drying alcohol inks, which means no smudges or smears. The inks are also waterproof, so even if you accidentally spill water on your work, you won't get streaks, and the inks won't run.
The color-coded caps make it easy to find the right shade, and they blend seamlessly, creating beautiful effects. They blend well like Copic coloring markers, though some users still encounter issues while blending them.
The set has 120 markers in various color families, organized in a zippered canvas bag.
Who Should Buy It
These markers are one of the best alternatives to Copic markers, so if you're looking for alcohol markers for adult coloring books that hold well against accidental splashes of water, this is it.
2. Crayola Fine Line Markers - Runner-up
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What Customers Have to Say
Some artists find the set too disappointing for a Crayola product because they bleed a lot. The set has 40 bold colors, all vibrant and of good quality. Many users agree that these markers are worth the money.
Why We Think It's Great
Crayola Fine Line Markers are the perfect addition to any artist's toolkit. These markers have non-toxic inks that are safe for kids 12 years and older, and they come in a variety of colors that are perfect for all sorts of projects.
The fine tips make these markers great for detailed work, and you can use these markers on various surfaces. The ink is permanent, making it the right choice for coloring books, drawing, hand lettering, and other similar projects.
Who Should Buy It
Crayola Fine Line Markers is an excellent gift for moms and grandmothers who are into adult coloring projects. However, since they're non-toxic, they're safe enough for kids to use.
3. Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
These fantastic markers work better for writing than for coloring, but the felt tip markers work well in adult coloring projects because they don't bleed. According to most users, they’re also ideal for mandalas and other fine detail coloring projects.
Why We Think It's Great
These Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens are perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of color and style to their work. The super-fine tip lets you create precise lines and details, while the acid-free ink ensures your creations will last.
Even if you leave the pen uncapped for a few days, the ink won't dry up. And if you make a mistake, the ink washes off most textiles. The ergonomic design makes it easy and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The 20-pen pack includes a rainbow range of colors plus a brown, gray, white, and black with a desktop box that you can prop on the table for easy reach.
Who Should Buy It
This fine liner pen set is an excellent choice for artists who need a reliable pen with a fine tip. While you can't directly use it for coloring, it makes an excellent outline to fit your coloring projects.
4. Shuttle Art Gel Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Some artists needed lots of colors for their coloring projects, so they purchased this set perfect for detailed art projects.
Why We Think It's Great
The Shuttle Art gel pen pack is perfect for anyone who loves to color and express their creative side. The pens apply smoothly, making them perfect for fine detail projects.
The set has 120 individual pens classified into seven types: 13 standard gels pens, 17 neon glitter pens, 29 regular glitter pens, and 19 neon pens. Meanwhile, the gel pen category includes 21 metallic gel pens, 17 pastel gel pens, and 4 swirl gel pens.
The gel inks are non-toxic and acid-free. They conform to ASTM D-4236 standards for non-toxicity. The pack comes covered with excellent customer service who will respond if you have any complaints.
Who Should Buy It
These gel pens are best for bullet journal artists, doodlers, coloring, underlining, and highlighting. It includes standard pens, neon glitter pens, neon pens, pastel pens, metallic pens, glitter pens, and swirl pens with different colors in one pen.
5. Tanmit Dual Brush Marker Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
These marker pens are perfect for coloring, according to many customers. The colors are amazing, and many users think this is an excellent beginner set.
Why We Think It's Great
These Tanmit Dual Brush Marker Pens are perfect for artists, students, and anyone who loves doodles. The dual-marker tips let you create thin and thick lines with ease, and the water-based inks flow smoothly across the paper.
Best of all, these pens are non-toxic and acid-free so that they won't damage your artwork. They're odorless so that you can enjoy your creations without any distractions.
The set has 36 greens, yellows, purples, reds, browns, grays, blacks, and skin tone markers.
Who Should Buy It
These double-ended art markers are best for illustrators, doodlers, journal artists, and colorists. It's best for hobby coloring projects. It also makes an excellent gift for anyone who loves to color.
6. Caliart Dual-Tip Art Markers - Best Budget
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What Customers Have to Say
The markers have numbers that you can use as reference when drawing with them, which is an excellent feature, especially when swatching, to identify each color quickly. The colors are also vibrant and apply smoothly, a plus for many users.
Why We Think It's Great
Caliart Dual-Tip Art Markers are perfect for artists of all levels! These markers provide unparalleled versatility and control with both a brush and fine tip. The odorless, water-based inks are quick-drying and easy to clean.
The cylindrical box has a cute pink floral design, perfect as gifts for International Women's Day, Mother's Day, and birthdays. The box is also very sturdy, both as an organizer or a carrying case when traveling.
Each box has 72 pens in fine and brush tip markers and comes with an extra 3 brush tips and 2 fine tips for replacement should you find any tip damaged after prolonged use. It also has a color card that you can use to swatch your colors for reference.
Caliart backs its products with a 100% satisfaction warranty, so you're sure you'll only get top-quality markers for your drawing and coloring projects.
Who Should Buy It
These are the best-colored markers for gifts because of the cute packaging. The markers themselves are great to use for coloring and drawing with markers.
7. Soucolor Dual-Tip Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Many artists used these marker pens for their bullet journals, but some think the brush markers are too soft for real marker coloring jobs. Others believe these markers are best for all their coloring projects.
Why We Think It's Great
Soucolor Dual-Tip Markers are perfect for artists, students, and creative professionals. These markers have water-based inks that produce consistent lines with no bleeding.
The barrel has a large ink capacity that ensures you'll never run out of ink in the middle of a project. The brush tip of the pen is best for working with faux calligraphy, and the fine-tip pen is best for details and drawing.
The set has 34 markers that you can use for coloring books, writing down notes, and other graphic work. The odorless markers won't give you any issues while working with them.
Who Should Buy It
Aside from coloring, you can use these markers for your faux calligraphy art and other similar projects. If you're into these projects, you'll greatly love these markers.
8. Bianyo Classic Series Alcohol-Based Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Many users are very happy with these markers because of their exceptional quality. Bianyo markers are comparable with other alcohol markers, only without the added pressure of a high price tag. Even kids as young as 5 years old can use them without any serious issues because of the non-toxic certifications.
Why We Think It's Great
Bianyo Classic Series Alcohol-Based Markers are the perfect art tools for creative types. With several non-toxic certifications, large ink capacity, and very affordable prices, these markers are a favorite among artists of all ages.
The set has 72 markers with a fantastic collection of colors that you can use for crafts for various seasons. These markers work perfectly whether you're making cards for Memorial Day or Mother's Day.
If, in any case, you want to raise some concerns, Bianyo has a fantastic customer service team who's always there to help you with any questions or issues you may have.
Who Should Buy It
The Bianyo Classic Series are excellent adult coloring book markers that everyone should have in their art space. The fine tip markers are best for finer details, while the broad tip is best for coloring and filling in.
9. Pentel Color Pen
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What Customers Have to Say
Many users think these are perfect markers because they have excellent colors and apply smoothly. The colors are bright, and the pens are perfect for every craft they're doing.
Why We Think It's Great
Each Pentel Color Pen has its personality. The water-based inks are consistent and durable and are perfect for precision drawing and writing. The medium-fine bullet tips create clean lines, while the snug caps keep your markers fresh.
This set has 36 markers with vibrant colors that you can use for various projects. The colors are perfect for various illustrations, including children's coloring books. However, note that the markers are not refillable.
Who Should Buy It
These permanent markers have brilliant colors that you can use for drawing, coloring, and decorating posters. Every crafter should have a set of these markers.
10. Aen Art Dual-Brush Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Aen Art markers apply smoothly like a paintbrush, especially if you're doing faux calligraphy and brush painting. The downside to these markers is that the barrels can sometimes dry out, but Aen Art's customer service is excellent, and they are willing to send you a new barrel free of charge.
Why We Think It's Great
The ink in these markers is water-based and non-toxic, so it's safe for adults and kids. The dual tip coloring markers make it easy to create different strokes, and the vibrant colors are ideal for any project.
The marker set has 24 colored markers that you can use for various projects, including note writing, designing, illustrations, and other bullet journaling.
The customer service is excellent if you have any problems with your markers.
Who Should Buy It
Aen Art markers are perfect for anyone who loves to draw or color. Kids love to use these markers because they are odorless and non-toxic.
11. Hethrone Dual-tip Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
The customers are happy to switch from a fine stroke to a broad stroke in one marker. It's a great product and has an amazing collection of colors. Some basic colors like true red are not in the set, though. Many users love these markers for their quality and price.
Why We Think It's Great
Hethrone Dual-tip Markers are perfect for doodling and other art projects on the go with the easy-to-organize metal case. The non-toxic, odorless inks won't bleed through paper, even if you're using cheap printer paper.
The 0.4mm fine liner pens are best for making accurate lines, while the flexible brush nibs are best for faux calligraphy projects, coloring, filling in, and blending. The nylon fiber tips stay pristine for a long time.
If you happen to get a defective pack, the company will replace it or refund your purchase in full.
Who Should Buy It
This 100-piece colored marker set is the perfect premium gift for kids and adults alike. The metal case is an excellent organizer for your markers so that you can travel with them without any issues.
12. Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
These markers are very good for shading and have fantastic bright colors. However, blending can be difficult for newbie artists. Overall, they work great for bullet journaling and other similar projects.
Why We Think It's Great
Tombow's Dual Brush Pens are versatile markers with a durable fiber brush tip and fine tip, making them perfect for everything from detailed illustrations to lettering.
The blendable ink allows you to create beautiful gradients, and the self-cleaning feature keeps your colors looking vibrant. The set has only 9 bright colored markers and a colorless blender marker that lets you soften and blend colors for a watercolor effect on your artwork.
The inks are acid-free and non-toxic, and since they don't bleed, you can use them on ordinary coloring books or printer paper.
Who Should Buy It
Tombow is an excellent set of fine art markers that you can use for coloring and blending, therefore creating a watercolor effect on your projects. You need to get this marker set if you want that watercolor effect.
13. Arteza Real Brush Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Some users say these markers are not for beginners because you may have issues blending them. They're good for the money, and the colors flow smoothly. They even look good on canvas.
Why We Think It's Great
Arteza Real Brush Pens are the perfect way to unleash your creativity. The highly pigmented, water-based inks create beautiful, vivid, and precise strokes.
The inks are non-toxic and mess-free, so you can focus on your art without worrying about making a mess. It doesn't have a natural watercolor effect, though. The set has 47 colorful pens and a blank brush pen for blending the colors.
Arteza has excellent customer service to help you with your issues if you ever have any questions or problems.
Who Should Buy It
If you're looking for mess-free brush pens to use for your art projects, Arteza got you covered. These high-quality water-based markers are best for creating watercolor effects on your coloring projects.
14. Sharpie Color Burst Permanent Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Some artists used sealants on their rock paintings and realized that these markers don't work very well, even on very porous surfaces. These markers are great for school projects, coloring, drawing, and making posters.
Why We Think It's Great
Sharpie Color Burst Permanent Markers feature fade-resistant inks that apply smoothly and come in an array of bold colors. The AP-certified and fast-drying inks allow you to work on your project quickly.
The set has 24 fine-point markers that you can use on various surfaces, including rocks, metal, glass, and other porous and non-porous surfaces.
Who Should Buy It
Everyone who loves Sharpies will love these colorful permanent markers. The inks are fade-resistant and can be applied to various surfaces. The colors are bold and vivid, and the inks dry quickly.
Coloring Marker Buying Guide
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Type of Ink
Choose the right ink for your projects. Water-based markers are best for newbie work. However, they don't blend when applying multiple layers well, but they're generally odorless, making them best for younger artists to use.
On the other hand, alcohol-based markers are best for professional artists because they blend well, unlike water-based markers. Because of the alcohol content in these markers, they're notorious for the smell.
They dry quickly, though, so you won't experience excessive smudging or smearing when working with alcohol-based markers.
Solvent-based markers usually have petroleum-based inks and may have strong fumes. People with allergies or respiratory issues should stay away from solvent-based markers.
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Marker Nibs
Marker nibs come in bullet, chisel, and brush tips. Bullet nibs are best for detail work because of the round tips of the nibs. Bullet nibs come in extra-fine, fine, and medium.
Chisel tips are best for filling in because of the broad tip. It comes in different sizes - wide and extra wide. On the other hand, brush nibs are best for faux calligraphy, coloring, and detail work.
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Budget
Water-based markers are the cheapest, and alcohol-based markers are the most expensive of all the markers. Use the marker type that corresponds to your specific needs.
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Longevity
Alcohol-based markers last longer than other markers. Some brands are refillable, but you can also revive your dried-out alcohol markers by adding alcohol on the nibs and into the barrel. Most alcohol markers are also lightfast.
Coloring Marker FAQ
1. How do you remove permanent markers from any surface?
Permanent markers are notorious for stains on various surfaces. But you can still remove them on any surface if you have the right material on the right surface.
- You can use aerosol hairspray, distilled white vinegar, or sunscreen on leather. Apply the solution to the stain, then blot off the stain with a paper towel. Repeat if necessary. However, the longer the stain stays on leather, the harder it is to remove it.
- On concrete walls, you can use rubbing alcohol, aerosol hairspray, regular toothpaste, Magic Eraser, lemon essential oil. Apply the product you want to use with a clean towel, dab the stain, but don't rub it to avoid spreading the stain.
- On carpet, rubbing alcohol, distilled white vinegar, aerosol hairspray, and shaving cream are effective when applied to a stain on the carpet. Dab off the stain with a clean, damp cloth to remove the stain from the carpet.
- On a whiteboard, you can remove permanent markers with a Dry-Erase marker. Write over the permanent marker with the dry-erase marker, then clean it.
- To remove permanent markers on paper, use a nail polish remover. Wet a clean towel with nail polish remover, then apply it on the mark, careful not to oversaturate the paper. Use a dry towel to soak up the nail polish remover. Repeat the process if necessary.
- Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, hairspray, nail polish remover, or non-gel toothpaste can easily remove the permanent markers from the fabric. Dab hairspray on the stain. Let it soak for a while before throwing it into the wash.
2. How do you prevent markers from bleeding through paper?
To prevent markers from bleeding through paper, use a marker with quick-drying ink and thicker paper. Use another piece of paper under the sheet you're working on to prevent the ink from bleeding through the next pages.
3. Are markers good for coloring?
Markers are great when working with adult coloring books. There are different kinds of markers: water-based, alcohol-based, pigment-based, and oil-based. Each of them has its peculiarities and achieves a different result on your projects. Ultimately, these markers can be combined for a mixed media effect.
4. Are gel pens better than markers for coloring?
Gel pens don't work very well for coloring because of their fine tip. They're best for making details and outlines.
Conclusion
Coloring is an excellent hobby and therapy for adults. We highly recommend Ohuhu Alcohol Markers as the best overall coloring markers in this review. These markers have quick-drying and smudge-free inks that blend seamlessly.
The runner-up as the best overall markers is Crayola Fine Line Markers. These are permanent markers using non-toxic inks safe for kids 12 years and older.
If you're looking for a budget alternative, Caliart Dual-tip Art Markers is the best choice. The water-based markers have quick-drying, odorless inks for better quality and free replacement nibs if you encounter issues with your nibs.