Best Markers for Coloring: Your Guide to Vibrant, Stress-Free Art
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.
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.
Whether it’s the Copic elitest vibes, Ohuhu’s versatility, or Caliart’s budget brilliance, these are the best markers for coloring when you want your art to stand out.
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.
Grabie Acrylic Markers are my top pick here. They’ve got this cool water-based ink that dries like paint, so no bleed-through. I love how bold the colors are, and they work great on regular coloring book paper. They’re some of the best coloring book markers for adults who want a clean finish, but they’re safe enough for kids to snag too. My five-year-old can use them with no problems. I will admit they aren’t the top choice for filling in large areas but they are dynamite for detail work or smaller designs.
Crayola Super Tips are another favorite for anyone with kids. The fine tips are perfect for tight spots, and they’re coloring book markers that don’t bleed as long as the paper’s decent. They’re washable, which is handy if you’ve got little ones around. I keep a pack on hand for quick sessions but they are not going to produce the Instagram-worthy results that you’ll get from high-quality alcohol markers.
A couple others worth mentioning are the Posca Paint Marker Pens and Tombow Dual Brush Art Marker Pens. The Posca's are going to be very similar to the Grabie Acrylics mentioned above. Tombow’s got that brush-tip magic, blending almost like alcohol markers but without the bleed. Both are 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? Grabie Acrylics and Crayola SuperTips 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.
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