Welcome to the trending hobby of adult coloring books. It is a simple hobby that comes with the nostalgic feeling of childhood. To get started, you need to find yourself a coloring book that suits you and something to color with. Markers are a vivid and fun tool to include in your coloring supplies.
Please note that the best markers for coloring books depend on your budget and how seriously you take your hobby. You can spend a lot of money on markers of the best quality, upwards of thousands of dollars and you can find decent markers for cheap too. Let me get you started with a little bit of info about different marker types. There are Water Based markers and Alcohol Based markers:
Water-based markers don’t bleed as easily however they are more difficult to blend and need a trained hand. Water is also a great choice if you like watercolor paintings. Alcohol-based markers are more vibrant but tend to bleed and sometimes have a strong smell. They are also the most common markers that you can refill. So if you are looking to be environmentally conscious this is something to keep in mind.
When choosing a set for the first time consider the range of colors you will be using the most to achieve the best value for your money spent. Also, you want to consider the quality of the coloring book you are using. Is it thicker paper, or are you very concerned about your markers bleeding through that thin paper and ruining the image behind it? This article focuses a lot on finding markers that don’t bleed. Even so, it is still a good practice to lay another piece of paper behind what you are working on, because after all we are working with markers, and things happen.
Let’s start with some of the more affordable marker options:
There are so many markers available on the market I wanted to provide you with a wide range of variety. The prices of the markers are listed next to them based on their Amazon price.
1.) Ohuhu – $49.99 (set of 72)
Oftentimes these are considered a cheap alternative to Copic markers, they are both easy to blend and are alcohol-based, however, they are less vibrant than Copic. These markers have a bullet and chisel nib. They come in a set of 72 colors with replacement tips included, there are also a lot of other set sizes. They are a fast-drying marker and have little bleed-through.
2.) Crayola Fine Line Markers – $13.49 (set of 40)
This Crayola marker set comes in a box of either 24 or 40. It is a great set for those who are beginners, as they are affordable and water so they do not smell. Crayola Fine Line marker is great for blending, creating added depth to a piece and color gradation. The ink dries evenly with minimal streaks and/or dark spots. The colors they produce are vivid and the marker itself is a thin circular barrel which is comfortable.
3.) Arteza Real Brush Pens – $33.99 (set of 48)
This is a unique, but affordable marker to add to any list. These markers are easiest to blend when you add water. This may be difficult for beginner artists, but there are a lot of tutorials out there to help you through the learning curve. The markers have a nylon fiber brush tip to make crisp lines and are non-toxic. The weight balance of the marker is great and the clear cap makes them easy to use.
4.) SouColor Dual Tip Brush Markers – $5.99 (set of 32)
These markers come in a starter set of 32. They have little bleed-through and are very affordable. This is a long-lasting, water-based, and vibrant marker. Soucolor gives off a smooth color and with their barrel shape, they feel good in your hand. Also, the brush tip is great for filling in backgrounds.
5.) Bianyo – $27.99 (set of 72)
Bianco is a marker that when you first apply looks very bright, once the ink dries the color becomes less vivid. So make sure to try the markers out before buying. The makers don’t have much bleed-through, but they don’t dry as fast as other markers. Not as easy on the hands either. A point goes towards convenience though because the tips are labeled on both ends so you don’t get them mixed up also they are a cheaper marker brand.
6.) Sakura Koi Coloring Brush Pen Set – $29.99 (set of 24)
These are a water-based marker set that comes with brush tips. They are an affordable marker and don’t have an issue with bleed-through. You can also easily blend the colors by touching the tips of the pens, giving you a lot of variance in your color range. To get rid of the access ink and return the marker to its original shade draw on a piece of paper until the new color disappears. Keep in mind the colors once put to paper do fade easily with sun exposure.
7.) Aen Art Dual Tip – $8.99 (set of 24)
This set comes with 24 markers you can also find them in sets of 18. Each marker has its distinct color. One side of the marker has a brush nib, the other is a fine nib. They are water-based markers and have no smell.
8.) Color-It – $16.99 (set of 24)
This is a marker that does bleed but has a lot of other pros so I wanted to add it in here. It’s great for layering, and alcohol-based, and is one of the most blend-able alcohol markers available. This is a marker that is ergonomic and doesn’t have a strong odor. Color-It also works on metal and glass.
9.) Tanmit Dual Tip Brush Marker Pens – $12.99 (set of 40)
This Marker has a fine tip and a brush tip end. The brush can be too soft for some, so it’s best if you can try the marker before purchasing. It also may bleed through some thin paper, but they are very smooth to color with. The markers also come with a decent carrying case.
10.) Platinum Fineliner Color Pen Set – $7.99 (set of 24)
This marker is perfect for details. They only have one side a fine tip. When you buy a set they come with an aluminum case. They are water-based markers and come with a guarantee to not dry out.
Here are some of the more expensive marker options: Keep in mind a lot of the costly markers tend to bleed because they usually are alcohol-based.
11.) Copic Ciao Markers – $280.80 (set of 72)
This is a brand I’m sure a lot of you are familiar with, Copic is a trendy name, this is probably because it is one of the highest-quality marker brands. They are alcohol-based with both a brush and chisel nib. Copic feels great to use, is easy to blend, and comes in a variety of set sizes. They are pricey but the ink is refillable so they can last a long time. Also make sure to use them with a piece of paper behind what you are working on, just in case because they do have some bleed-through.
12.) Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen – $59.50 (set of 24)
Faber-Castell is a marker that has little bleed-through. They are water-based but still have a great pigment. These markers are not dual-sided, they only come with a brush tip which is typically the favored end of a marker anyway. Smooth in application, also they are thin and easy to use. Also, as a side note the plastic material they are made from is environmentally friendly.
Markers can be more complicated than pencils, you need to consider bleeding and they make a more permanent mark. However, if you master markers you will produce vivid colors in your works, that bring a boldness to any piece. Choosing the right marker for you can be tricky. There is a lot to be considered, such as price, application, and what type of marker works with certain types of paper. Coloring books do come with many different qualities of paper, so it may be best to have a coloring book in mind before choosing a marker to use on it.
There are so many markers out there, the list above is limited to the type which does not tend to bleed. A popular marker that I did not include is Sharpie. Great for bold designs, but bleeds horribly. So keep an open mind to what you use, it all depends on what you want to get from your markers.
Markers are truly fun to use, with their childlike appeal and bold colors they offer a lot of variety to your creations. Just keep in mind when you color to stay inside the lines with a marker don’t color up to the black outline of the page, instead go close to it. If bleeding occurs your piece will not be sloppy. It will instead have a depth to it, an interesting look. Because even if the coloring job isn’t perfect having something bold can be more appealing.
Check out our recommendations for coloring books HERE.
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