Which markers to choose for coloring? Complete guide!

Adult coloring is a stress-relieving activity and a way to express creativity. But for optimal results, choosing the right markers is essential. Between water-based markers, alcohol-based markers, watercolor markers, and dual-tip models, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start.

In this article, we'll guide you step by step to choose the markers best suited to your coloring style , based on their type, ink, and finish. 🎨

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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 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 mixed for subtle effects
❌ May leave marks if the same area is gone over several times

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

➤ Alcohol-based markers: intense and quick-drying

✅ Vibrant and even colors
✅ Leave 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 contouring
✅ A brush or wide tip for filling surfaces
❌ Often more expensive

🔹 Examples of brands : Tombow Dual Brush, Lira

➤ Acrylic markers: optimal coverage and vibrant colors

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

🔹 Examples of brands : Posca, Arteza, Molotow

Type of felt-tip pens	Benefits	Disadvantages	Recommended examples
Water-based markers	Easy mixes, good for beginners	Possible traces	Stabilo Pen 68, Crayola Super Tips
Alcohol-based markers	Vibrant colors, quick drying	They pass through the thin paper	Promarker, Copic, Ohuhu
Watercolor markers	Gradients, artistic effect	Need for suitable paper	Ecoline Brush Pens, Faber-Castell Dürer
Double-tipped markers	Versatile (fine + brush)	More expensive	Tombow Dual Brush, Lira
Acrylic markers	Provides good coverage, opaque colors	They dry quickly, not well-suited for gradients.	Posca, Arteza, Molotow

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

Before buying your markers, here are some criteria to consider:

✔ The type of ink

• Water-based : perfect for beginners, but can leave streaks
• Alcohol-based : for a professional finish, but requires thick paper
• Watercolor paints : for gradient effects and an artistic finish

✔ The tip of the felt-tip pen

• Brush : ideal for fluid effects and flat washes.
• 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, opt for specialized markers.

✔ Sustainability

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

🏆 3. Selection of the best markers for adult coloring

📌 Best markers for a smooth, streak-free finish

✅ Lira : Various colors, double tip, leaves no streaks
✅ Tombow Dual Brush : Professional quality, original colors

🎨 Best markers for vibrant and intense colors

✅ Staedtler 120 : Rich colors, but beware of the abundant ink
✅ Faber-Castell Pitt : India ink, ideal for deep colors

🖊 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-soluble 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 (120 g minimum) to prevent the ink from bleeding through.
• Test your markers on a separate sheet of paper before you start 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.
• Avoid going over the same area too often to prevent visible lines.

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

🎨 For streak-free coloring : Opt for Lira or Tombow Dual Brush markers
💥 For intense colors : Choose 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!