Artists, both professionals and enthusiasts, cherish watercolor markers for their user-friendliness, straightforward clean-up, and the bright, intense colors they produce. Yet, not all of these markers are composed the same way—differences in pigment quality, blending capabilities, lightfastness, and other elements are noticeable. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose watercolor markers that meet your specific needs.
The best watercolor markers should have highly pigmented, lightfast inks that are blendable and react well to water. They should also be sturdy and reliable, with a long lifespan. Using substandard watercolor markers can lead to dull, lifeless colors, poor blending, and premature marker death.
When choosing watercolor markers, you should focus on the quality of the pigment, the longevity of the marker, the ease of blending, and the comfort of the grip. The marker should also be dual-tipped, with a brush tip for flexible lines and a fine tip for detail work.
In this article, we will share our insights gained from testing a range of watercolor markers, presenting to you the best options available. Our research and actual usage experiences have yielded markers that stand out for their quality, vibrancy, blending capabilities, and overall value. By the end of this article, you will have all the necessary knowledge to find the best watercolor markers for your projects.
Best Watercolor Markers
Choosing a worthy watercolor marker is crucial to your art and crafting journey, and not doing so can limit your creative scope. Quality pigment, durable marker tips, lightfastness, and ease of blending are just a few of the essential features a watercolor marker should possess. The market offers a plethora of options, making it quite an ordeal to find the best one. In this article, however, we’ve done the leg work, put various markers to the test, and handpicked the best options, providing an in-depth analysis to help you make an informed decision.
ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens, 24 Colors Flexible Real Nylon Brush Tip Pens for Watercolor Painting, 1 Blending Brush, Paint Markers for Artists and Beginner Painters Coloring Books, Calligraphy
If you’re looking for a versatile set of watercolor brush pens, the ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The set includes 24 vibrant and easy-to-blend colors, making it perfect for both professionals and beginners.
- The flexible nylon brushes provide excellent control and create a variety of line widths, making it easy to achieve different effects.
- The pens are suitable for various painting techniques, including calligraphy, blending, and shading, making them a great all-around tool.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the ink can bleed through paper if it’s not heavyweight enough, so you may need to use a separate sheet for blending.
- The pens may not be as waterproof as some other brush pens on the market, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a set that can withstand getting wet.
- While the set includes a blending brush, some users have found that it’s not the highest quality and may not hold up as well as the other pens.
Overall, the ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens are a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile set of brush pens. While they may not be perfect for every use case, they offer a great balance of quality and affordability, making them a great option for both beginners and experienced artists.
Gift Box : 48 Premium Watercolor Brush Pens, Highly Blendable, No Streaks, Water Color Markers, Unbelievable Value, Water Brush Pen, for Beginner to Professional Artist (48 Colors Brush Pens)
If you’re looking for a versatile set of watercolor pens, the Gift Box 48 Premium Watercolor Brush Pens might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The set comes with 48 highly blendable colors that can create a wide range of shades and tones.
- The brush tips are made of durable nylon bristles that won’t shed or wear out easily.
- The pens are non-toxic and odorless, making them safe for children to use.
Cons
- The ink may bleed through thin paper, so it’s best to use these pens on heavier weight paper.
- Some users have reported that the pens may dry out if not stored properly.
- The set may not be ideal for professional artists who need a wider range of colors or more advanced features.
Overall, we found the Gift Box 48 Premium Watercolor Brush Pens to be a great value for beginners and hobbyists. The set is easy to use and produces high-quality results, making it a great choice for anyone looking to experiment with watercolor painting.
The brush tips are flexible and allow for precise control, making it easy to create fine details and shading. The pens are also non-toxic and odorless, which is a plus for anyone who works with children or in a shared workspace.
However, it’s worth noting that the ink may bleed through thin paper, so it’s best to use these pens on heavier weight paper. Additionally, some users have reported that the pens may dry out if not stored properly, so it’s important to keep them in a dry, secure place when not in use.
Overall, we would recommend the Gift Box 48 Premium Watercolor Brush Pens to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use set of watercolor pens.
Norberg & Linden Real Waterbrush Set – 48 Watercolor Paint Markers, 1 Refillable Water Brush, Painting Pad – Nylon Tips for Drawing & Calligraphy – Coloring Pens for Professional & Beginner Artists
If you’re looking for a complete set of watercolor pens that includes a refillable water brush, then the Norberg & Linden Real Waterbrush Set might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The set includes 48 vibrant colors that are perfect for blending and shading.
- The refillable water brush is designed with a non-slip grip and has a removable cap for easy cleaning.
- The nylon bristles of the water brush are durable and can hold a lot of water.
Cons
- The paint can sometimes bleed through the pages of the sketchbook provided.
- The brush tip of the water brush can become misshapen after prolonged use.
- The set is a bit pricey compared to other watercolor pen sets on the market.
The Norberg & Linden Real Waterbrush Set is a great choice for both beginners and professionals. The set includes a variety of colors that are perfect for creating intricate designs and detailed artwork. The refillable water brush is a great addition to the set, as it allows for smooth and even blending of colors.
The nylon bristles of the water brush are durable and can hold a lot of water, making it easy to create fine details and gradients. The set also includes a sketchbook made of 140lb acid-free paper, which is perfect for watercolor painting.
However, it’s worth noting that the paint can sometimes bleed through the pages of the sketchbook provided, so it’s best to use a separate sketchbook or canvas for your artwork. Additionally, the brush tip of the water brush can become misshapen after prolonged use, which can affect the quality of your artwork.
Overall, the Norberg & Linden Real Waterbrush Set is a great investment for anyone looking to create high-quality watercolor artwork. While it may be a bit pricey, the set includes everything you need to get started, and the quality of the materials is second to none.
GenCrafts Watercolor Brush Pens Set of 20 Premium Colors – Real Brush Tips – No Mess Storage Case – Washable Nontoxic Markers – Portable Painting
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use watercolor brush pen set, the GenCrafts Watercolor Brush Pens Set of 20 Premium Colors is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set comes with a variety of colors, including primary colors, secondary colors, and shades of each, allowing for a wide range of painting possibilities.
- The brush tips are made of high-quality nylon bristles, making them durable and effective for various strokes and techniques.
- The set comes with a convenient storage case, making it easy to carry and use on the go.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the ink can bleed through paper if it’s not heavyweight enough.
- The set may not be ideal for professional artists or those looking for a more advanced set of watercolor brush pens.
- The set may not be as waterproof as some other watercolor brush pen sets on the market.
Overall, we found the GenCrafts Watercolor Brush Pens Set of 20 Premium Colors to be a great option for beginners or those looking for a versatile and easy-to-use set of watercolor brush pens. The variety of colors and durable brush tips make it a great choice for a wide range of painting projects.
The set is also convenient to use on the go, thanks to the included storage case. However, it’s important to note that the ink may bleed through lighter weight paper, so it’s best to use heavier weight paper for best results.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use watercolor brush pen set, the GenCrafts Watercolor Brush Pens Set of 20 Premium Colors is definitely worth considering.
ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Brush Pens for Pros & Beginners – Consistent, Smooth, Washable, Non-Toxic, Ideal for Coloring, Calligraphy, & Manga
If you’re looking for a versatile set of watercolor markers that can be used for various art projects, then the ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Brush Pens is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set comes with 24 vibrant and rich colors that are non-toxic and safe to use.
- The markers have a unique dual-tip design, with one side being a fine point for detailed work and the other side being a brush tip for blending and shading.
- The markers are water-soluble, allowing for easy blending and creating unique textures and effects.
Cons
- The brush tips may dry out over time if not properly cared for.
- The markers may bleed through certain types of paper.
- The set may not be ideal for those looking for a more professional-grade set of markers.
We’ve used the ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Brush Pens for various art projects, including coloring books, calligraphy, and even some light painting. The markers are easy to use and have a smooth application, making it easy to create detailed and intricate designs.
One of the standout features of these markers is their dual-tip design. The fine point is perfect for detailed work, while the brush tip allows for easy blending and shading. This makes it easy to create a wide range of effects and textures, giving your artwork a more professional look.
Another great feature of these markers is their water-soluble nature. This allows for easy blending and creating unique textures and effects by mixing colors on the page. It also makes cleaning up a breeze, as you can simply rinse the marker tips with water.
While the ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Brush Pens are a great option for beginners and those looking for a versatile set of markers, they may not be ideal for those looking for a more professional-grade set. The brush tips may dry out over time if not properly cared for, and the markers may bleed through certain types of paper. However, for the price and quality, these markers are a great choice for those looking to experiment with watercolor markers.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying watercolor markers, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve used and tested various brands and have found that the following features are important to look for.
Tip Type
The tip of a watercolor marker can make a big difference in how the marker performs. Some tips are designed for fine details, while others are better for covering larger areas. Look for a tip that matches the type of artwork you plan to create.
Ink Quality
The quality of the ink is another important factor to consider. High-quality ink will be more vibrant and will blend smoothly. Look for markers with archival-quality ink to ensure that your artwork will stand the test of time.
Color Range
The range of colors available is also important. Look for markers that offer a wide range of colors, including primary colors, secondary colors, and shades of each. This will give you the most flexibility when creating your artwork.
Water Solubility
Watercolor markers are designed to be water-soluble, but the level of solubility can vary from brand to brand. Look for markers that are highly soluble to achieve the most realistic watercolor effects.
Packaging
Finally, consider the packaging of the markers. Look for markers that come in a sturdy case or container to protect the tips from drying out. Additionally, consider the size of the packaging and whether it will be easy to transport and store.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best watercolor markers for your needs.
