Best Markers for Coloring: Your Guide to Coloring Book Supplies
If you’re searching for the best markers for coloring books, you’re in the right place. After testing the most popular marker brands, I found that Ohuhu brush tip alcohol markers offer the best combination of quality and affordability. This makes them a top choice for artists of all levels. In this article, you’ll learn why Ohuhu markers stand out and how they compare to other popular brands.
My top pick for best markers on Amazon: Ohuhu Brush Tip Alcohol Markers (48 pack)
I got totally hooked on coloring books last year, and it led me down a path to finding the best markers for coloring. My coloring journey started as a random way to relax, but soon I was filling pages every chance I got. The more I colored, the more I realized my cheap markers weren’t cutting it. Colors were dull, or the ink was streaky, and it drove me nuts. My pages weren’t looking the same as all of those videos I saw on TikTok or Instagram.
So, I went deep into research mode, spending days to figure out what supplies actually work well and which ones should be avoided. The full testing process went on for months but I finally got a good grasp on the world of coloring. I wanted the best markers for coloring, and now I’m sharing all of those tips I learned along the way. This article’s your quick guide to the good markers for coloring I’ve tested and loved. No need to slog through months of trial and error. Let’s get you set up with the good stuff right away. Ready to dive in? Here we go.
Exploring Alcohol Markers: The Top Choice for Vibrant Coloring
Alright, let’s talk about alcohol markers. If you’ve ever seen those jaw-dropping coloring pages online with smooth gradients and crazy bright colors, chances are alcohol markers were involved. They’ve got this fast-drying ink that blends like a dream, making them the best markers for coloring in my book. I love how they feel like you’re painting without the mess.
If budget is no concern for you and you just want the best of the best then run, don't walk, and grab some Copic markers. They’re the fancy ones you see artists raving about as the best alcohol markers for coloring. The colors are so rich, and you can swap out nibs or refill the ink, which is clutch if you’re in it for the long haul. Downside? Still, if you want the best alcohol markers for coloring books and don’t mind splurging, Copic’s where it’s at.
For most, budget is a serious concern, though, which is where Caliart comes in. When filtering for quality and longevity, these are the most affordable, high-quality alcohol markers that I’ve found. The Caliart dual-tip markers are perfect if you’re just starting out but still want good markers for coloring without feeling guilty about the cost. I find the colors to be very vibrant and bold so make sure you swatch them to know how they will actually dry on the paper.
Then there’s Ohuhu. These are my sweet-spot pick. They’re not cheapo markers, but they won’t drain your bank account like Copic either. The Ohuhu brush tips are what comes in as most popular as they are just a lot fun to use compared to most standard marker tips. To me, they’re some of the best markers for coloring books because they balance quality and price so well. I’ve used them on everything from doodles to those detailed floral pages, and they never let me down. The Ohuhu pastel set is one of my favorites because you can blindly grab a color and it will likely mesh well with any other marker from the set.
I have also tested the bargain-bin brands and where these brands above differ is they won’t dry out after only a month or two. So my advice would be if you are looking to save money then don’t go too cheap with an off-brand marker or you’ll end up spending more money in the long run as you’ll find yourself replacing sets more often. My one exception to that is the Colpart Brush Tip Markers as they stack up very well compared to the expensive brands.
Here’s the catch with alcohol markers: they can bleed through thinner paper. When you are buying your coloring books on Amazon, chances are the paper will be thinner in nature. The best coloring books for markers will come on thicker paper but it’s still safest to put a sheet of paper behind your page when coloring.
For a deeper dive into my top alcohol marker brands, check out my full alcohol marker guide.
Summary of Best Alcohol Marker Options
Best Overall Alcohol Markers: Ohuhu Brush Tip
Best Budget Alcohol Markers: Colpart Brush Tip
Best Alcohol Markers if Budget is no concern: Copic Sketch
Markers That Don’t Bleed: Perfect for Coloring Books
As a parent with young children, I don’t always want to leave alcohol markers lying around. That’s where markers that don’t bleed come into play on our coloring journey. They’re a lifesaver for double-sided books, and they’re kid-friendly too, since they’re not alcohol-based.
When it comes to coloring with acrylic markers, it is Posca Paint Markers that deserve the first mention. Their smooth, bold paint flow makes it easy to fill a coloring page quickly while creating that slightly raised, 3D-like finish acrylic markers are known for. Just as important, the paint sits on top of the paper instead of bleeding through, so you can work confidently on regular coloring book pages without worrying about damaging the next sheet.
Grabie Acrylic Markers are my go-to choice for saving a coloring page. They excel at highlights, corrections, and touchups thanks to their water-based ink that dries like paint and does not bleed through the page. The colors are bold and opaque, making it easy to clean up edges, restore outlines, or add bright highlights after a heavy fill. While they are not ideal for filling large areas, they are outstanding for detail work and smaller designs. They strike a nice balance for adults who want a clean, finished look and are safe enough that even my five-year-old can use them without issues.
Another water-based option worth mentioning is Tombow Dual Brush Art Marker Pens. Tombow’s have that brush-tip magic, blending almost like alcohol markers but without the bleed. Posca, Grabie, and Tombow are all solid choices if you’re after best markers for coloring books that play nice with your pages. If you’re new to coloring books and want more tips, check out our Beginners Guide to Coloring Books for a great starting point.
Don't sleep on Ohuhu when looking for a bleed-free option, either. They are a brand that has cemented themselves as a high quality name. Don't expect the same results that you'll get from their alcohol markers, but you also won't pay as much. These come in forms such as glitter markers or dual-tip washable fineliners. Ohuhu even offers washable dot markers for the tiniest of tots.
They’re not as flashy as alcohol markers, but they’re good markers for coloring books when you want simplicity and no fuss. Great for kicking back or sharing with the family.
Recapping the Best Markers for Coloring
So, there you have it. My take on the best markers for coloring. If you’re into bold, blendable colors then alcohol markers like Copic, Ohuhu, and Caliart are tough to beat. Want to keep it clean and easy? Posca, Grabie and Tombow water-based markers are your markers that don’t bleed for coloring. Whatever you’re feeling, there’s a marker out there to make your coloring time awesome.
I’ve spent way too many hours testing these out (tough job, I know), and at JMC Colors, we’re hooked on helping you find good markers for coloring that fit your style. So go grab some nice coloring markers and see what you can create. Got a favorite I didn’t mention? Tell me about it below, I’m always up for trying something new.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
