The Best Markers for Coloring
The type of markers you use for coloring can make a big difference in the look of your finished coloring pages! After trying dozens of different marker brands, here are my recommendations for markers you should use with your Elyse Breanne Design coloring book.
What I look For in a Pack of Markers
1. Ink Type. I prefer alcohol-based markers, but also use water-based markers occasionally!
2. Number of colors vs. cost. I always want to maximize the color options I have to choose from when coloring, so I'm always looking for packs that have the most colors I like to use (usually pastel colors for me!) versus the cost of the pack.
3. Dual Tips. I love markers that have two tips: usually a fine tip or brush tip and thicker tip on the other side. I like to have the option to use the thicker end for larger spaces and the finer end for smaller spots.
4. Fine Tips. Even if a marker doesn't have dual tips, a finer tip is non-negotiable because my coloring books have fairly fine lines, and a thicker-tipped marker will make it a lot harder to stay in the lines!
Two Main Types of Markers
Alcohol vs. Water-Based Ink
Alcohol ink is the ink used in Sharpie Brand and other permanent markers. It is also available in art marker brands like Copic and Ohuhu. Some professional artists use alcohol ink markers as their primary medium! Overall, these markers have a really smooth, blended look when the ink is dry.
Most people will recognize water-based ink as the ink in Crayola Brand markers. Water-based ink is more common in markers as it is washable, safer for children, and less expensive than alcohol ink. Overall, water-based markers leave a streaky finish and tend to show every stroke.
Water-Based Markers
Washable
Safe for children
Inexpensive & accessible
Less likely to bleed through the page
Streakier appearance
Alcohol-Based Markers
Permanent
Not safe for children
Often expensive and harder to find
Likely to bleed through the page
Refillable marker bodies, therefore less waste
Less streaky, smoother, professional-looking finish
My Picks: Alcohol Markers
Copic Markers
Most expensive option, but most loved by professional artists. These are also the only alcohol markers I have found with a brush tip, which is really nice to color with!
Ohuhu Markers
A far cheaper option that allowed me to get more colors for the same price as Copics. I really enjoy using these, although I miss the brush tip that Copics have!
Ohuhus are my overall pick!
Caliart Markers
The cheapest option I have found! They look very similar to Ohuhu markers, but I have not personally tried them myself.
My Picks: Water-Based Markers
Ooly pastel Hues
Smaller, less expensive pack of dual tip markers that include my favorite colors to use while coloring!
My overall pick for water-based markers!
Crayola Brush & Detail Dual Tips
Classic Crayolas but in dual tip form! Each side is a different color so you get 32 colors in only 16 markers. These are more traditional, bolder primary colored markers.
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