Which markers to choose for coloring? Complete guide!

Adult coloring is a stress-relieving activity and a way to express your creativity. But for optimal results, you still need to choose the right markers . Between water-based markers, alcohol-based markers, watercolor markers, and even dual-tip markers, it can be difficult to find your way around.

In this article, we will guide you step by step to choose the markers suited to your coloring style , depending on their type, ink and rendering. 🎨

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🖍 1. The different types of markers for adult coloring

Not all markers are created equal, and each type has its own unique characteristics. Here are the main types of markers you can use:

➤ Water-based markers: easy to use, but can leave marks

✅ Ideal for beginners
✅ Can be blended for subtle effects
❌ Can leave marks if you go over the same area several times

🔹 Examples of brands : Stabilo Pen 68, Crayola Super Tips, Staedtler 120

➤ Alcohol-based markers: intensity and quick drying

✅ Vibrant and consistent colors
✅ Leaves no traces
❌ Can pass through thin paper

🔹 Examples of brands : Promarker, Copic, Ohuhu

➤ Watercolor markers: perfect for an artistic effect

✅ Gradient effects and subtle blends
✅ Ideal for backgrounds and shading
❌ Requires suitable paper and a water brush

🔹 Examples of brands : Ecoline Brush Pens, Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer

➤ Dual-tip markers: versatility and precision

✅ A fine tip for contours
✅ A brush or broad tip to fill in surfaces
❌ Often more expensive

🔹 Brand examples : Tombow Dual Brush, Lira

➤ Acrylic markers: optimal coverage and vibrant colors

✅ Opaque pigments , perfect for covering dark surfaces
✅ Good adhesion to different supports (paper, cardboard, canvas, glass, wood)
✅ Smudge-free paint effect
❌ Quick drying , you have to work quickly to avoid streaks
❌ Not very suitable for classic gradients, but perfect for textured effects

🔹 Examples of brands : Posca, Arteza, Molotow

Type of markers	Benefits	Disadvantages	Recommended examples
Water-based markers	Easy, blends, good for beginners	Possible traces	Stabilo Pen 68, Crayola Super Tips
Alcohol markers	Bright colors, quick drying	Cross the thin paper	Promarker, Copic, Ohuhu
Watercolor markers	Gradients, artistic effect	Need suitable paper	Ecoline Brush Pens, Faber-Castell Dürer
Double-tipped markers	Versatile (fine + brush)	More expensive	Tombow Dual Brush, Lira
Acrylic markers	Covers well, opaque colors	Dries quickly, not very suitable for gradients	Posca, Arteza, Molotow

🔍 2. What criteria should you use to choose your felt-tip pens?

Before purchasing your markers, here are some criteria to take into account:

✔ The type of ink

• Water-based : Perfect for beginners, but may leave streaks
• Alcohol-based : for a professional finish, but requires thick paper
• Watercolors : for gradient effects and an artistic finish

✔ The tip of the felt-tip pen

• Brush : ideal for fluid effects and flat areas
• Conical : versatile, suitable for classic coloring
• Fine : Perfect for small details and lettering

✔ The color palette

Some brands offer original and deep shades , while others stick to basic colors. If you like pastel shades or skin tones, choose specialized markers.

✔ Sustainability

Some markers are refillable, which helps reduce costs in the long run .

🏆 3. Selection of the best markers for adult coloring

📌 Best markers for a smooth, streak-free finish

✅ Lira : Assorted colors, double-ended, leaves no marks
✅ Tombow Dual Brush : Professional quality, original shades

🎨 Best markers for vibrant and intense colors

✅ Staedtler 120 : Rich colors, but be careful with the abundant ink
✅ Faber-Castell Pitt : Indian ink, ideal for deep shades

🖊 Best markers for precise and detailed work

✅ Stabilo Pen 68 : Excellent hold, ideal for small details
✅ Crayola Super Tips : Cheap and versatile

🌊 Best watercolor markers for artistic effects

✅ Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer : Rich, water-dilutable pigments
✅ Ecoline Brush Pens : Ultra-pigmented watercolor markers

📝 4. Tips and techniques for successful coloring

Here are some tips to optimize your coloring and avoid streaks :

• Use thick paper (120g minimum) to prevent ink from bleeding through
• Test your markers on a separate sheet of paper before starting your coloring.
• Alternate between felt-tip pens and colored pencils to create depth effects.
• Store your markers horizontally to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
• Do not go over the same area too often to avoid streaks.

The choice of markers for adult coloring depends on several criteria: your coloring style, your budget and the desired effect.

🎨 For streak-free coloring : Choose Lira or Tombow Dual Brush markers
💥 For intense colors : Prefer Staedtler 120 or Faber-Castell Pitt
🎭 For watercolor effects : Try Ecoline Brush Pens or Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer

The best way to find your ideal markers? Test and experiment!