Watercolor Pens

Elijah Taylor
12 min readJun 8, 2024

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Watercolor Pens: Unlocking a world of vibrant hues and expressive strokes, these art supplies deserve a spot in every artist’s toolkit. From capturing nature’s beauty to brining comic book characters to life, this roundup showcases the best watercolor pens on the market, ensuring you find the perfect one for your next masterpiece.

The Top 7 Best Watercolor Pens

  1. Vibrant Watercolor Marker Pens for Adults & Kids Color Palette, Includes 72 Pieces & Flexible Brush Tips — Unleash your creativity with the versatile GC 72 Colors Dual Tip Brush Pens, offering 72 brilliant colors and innovative tools for artistic expression including Watercolor Pens!
  2. 12-Piece Set of Micro Pens for Watercolor and Sketching — Unleash your artistic side with TWOHANDS’ Set of 12 Archival-Quality Ink Pens, designed for watercolor, sketching, and technical drawing with fade-resistant, quick-drying, and waterproof ink.
  3. 100 Color Duo Tip Brush Markers for Calligraphy and Art — Transform your art with vibrant colors and precise detail using ZSCM’s non-toxic, watercolor brush markers and fineliner pens, perfect for adult coloring books and seasonal gifts.
  4. Artavalon Watercolor Brush Pens for Artists of All Ages — Create stunning, layered artwork with the Artavalon Watercolor Brush Pens, perfect for artists of any skill level and ideal for both kids and adults alike!
  5. Realistic Watercolor Brush Pens for Artistic Creations — Experience the ultimate in watercolor artistry with ArtShip Design’s 50 Bonus Pack Watercolor Brush Pens — the ultimate blend of convenience and performance.
  6. MAIKEDEPOT Watercolor Brush Pens: 120 Artistic Markers, Water Brush Pens for Painting, Tutorial Included — Discover versatile and vibrant colors with the MAIKEDEPOT Watercolor Brush Pens, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists alike!
  7. High-Quality Watercolor Brush Pen Set — Experience exceptional watercolor artistry with Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens, offering 6 versatile tip options for various applications, and effortless filling for a durable and sturdy performance.

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Reviews

Vibrant Watercolor Marker Pens for Adults & Kids Color Palette, Includes 72 Pieces & Flexible Brush Tips

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I recently had the pleasure of using the GC 72 Colors Dual Tip Brush Pens for my latest art project. The moment I held these pens in my hand, I knew they were special. The dual tip design allows you to switch between a fine tip for precise lines and a brush tip for expressive strokes, giving you endless creative possibilities.

One feature that stood out to me was the fact that these pens are highly pigmented, ensuring the vibrancy of the colors stays true throughout your project. It was a delight to use them for my coloring book, and there was no skipping or ink flow issues to worry about.

The inks used in these pens are acid-free and non-toxic, making them perfect for both adults and children. The fast-drying ink further adds to the convenience of using them, as the ink doesn’t smudge once it’s dry, which is always a relief for a sloppy artist like me.

While the quality of these pens is impressive, I did notice that the closure could have been better when replacing the cap. A simple click lock mechanism would have been a perfect addition to the pen’s design.

Overall, the GC 72 Colors Dual Tip Brush Pens are an excellent addition to any artist’s collection. With a wide range of vibrant colors, the pen’s dual tips offer versatility, making them perfect for various art projects like drawing lines and details, painting, and sketching.

12-Piece Set of Micro Pens for Watercolor and Sketching

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I recently tried the TWOHANDS Set of 12 Micro Pens, and I must say, they truly are a game-changer for both my personal and professional projects. The pens have a sleek and comfortable design, perfect for ambidextrous users like me.

What stood out to me the most was the archival quality ink, which is not only waterproof but also resistant to chemicals, fading, and bleeding. This makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, from watercolor to technical drawing.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the labeled pen caps, making it super easy to organize my drawing pens. Additionally, the set comes with a handy storage pouch, which is great for keeping everything organized and neatly tucked away when not in use.

As someone who loves gifting unique and thoughtful presents, these pens are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. The set of 12 pens offers versatility and a wide range of sizes to suit different artistic needs.

Overall, I highly recommend the TWOHANDS Set of 12 Micro Pens for anyone seeking high-quality, versatile, and long-lasting inking pens.

100 Color Duo Tip Brush Markers for Calligraphy and Art

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I’ve been using the 100 Colors Duo Tip Brush Markers pens by ZSCM for quite some time now, and let me tell you, these little beauties have been a game-changer for my art projects. I’ve used them on various types of paper, including thin ones, and they work like a charm. I actually found drawing the outline with the fineliner tip and then filling it with the bigger jumbo tip to be quite satisfying, giving my art a professional look. The ink, although not waterproof, is water-based and non-toxic, making it safe to use and clean up.

These pens are also pretty stylish and practical, boasting a round body and snap closure for easy handling. The dual-tips are great for ambidextrous users like me, plus they’re perfect for both adults and kids. Despite being small and compact, the packaging is space-saving and easy to take with you on the go. Of course, the best part is the 100 vibrant colors to choose from! So, whether you’re an artist or just someone who loves to add a bit of color to your notebook doodles, these pens deserve a spot in your pencil case.

Artavalon Watercolor Brush Pens for Artists of All Ages

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The Artavalon watercolor brush pens offer a delightful range of 24 vibrant colors, complemented by a refillable pen for endless creative possibilities. Suitable for artists of all ages and skill levels, these pens provide a smooth, flexible nylon brush tip that offers superior control while maintaining durability. Safe for young artists, the non-toxic, washable ink allows children to unleash their imagination in a fun, risk-free manner.

The water-based ink enhances the art, allowing for easy blending and layering of multiple colors, creating stunning effects. The portable, gift-ready carrying case ensures that these pens are always readily available for artistic exploration, whether at home or on the go. Suitable for a multitude of uses, Artavalon watercolor brush pens make a versatile, essential addition to any artist’s toolkit.

Realistic Watercolor Brush Pens for Artistic Creations

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The ArtShip Design 50 Bonus Pack Watercolor Brush Pens have been a game-changer in my art projects recently. It’s incredible that these brush pens use a bundle of individual nylon fibers that truly mimic a real brush for an authentic watercolor effect. Unlike traditional paint markers, these pens allow you to apply any brush technique, making them versatile and perfect for a variety of art projects.

One of the key features that stand out for me is that these pens come in a low-mess design, eliminating the need to clean up after each use. They use watercolor paint inside the brush pens, which keeps the water secure for on-demand application to any water-based art. Plus, the brush tips are shaped to behave like an artist’s brush, with the option of creating thin lines or broad strokes.

These watercolor brush pens come with two sizes — round and flat tips — and are clear, allowing for easy identification of colors. Although the box is made of a slightly weaker material, the variety of colors and easy use of the pens make this a small inconvenience. With 50 colors at your disposal, these brush pens are ideal for both beginners and experienced artists looking to create stunning watercolor masterpieces.

MAIKEDEPOT Watercolor Brush Pens: 120 Artistic Markers, Water Brush Pens for Painting, Tutorial Included

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I recently tried out the MAIKEDEPOT Watercolor Brush Pens set, and I have to say, it’s been a game-changer for my watercolor painting skills, especially for creating vibrant effects. The set comes with 120 colors of brush tip pens, and three extras water pens — perfect for filling in those tricky spots with just the right shade.

What stands out about these pens is their flexible and soft nylon tip, making it easy to blend colors and create unique effects. Plus, the water and color brush pens easily combine, allowing you to experiment with different vibrant colors.

The set is compact and easy to store, with a handle that makes it perfect for carrying around. And, with a pen for each color, there’s no chance of mixing up your brushes or having a mess on your hands.

These watercolor pen sets are ideal for both kids and adults, and even beginners can enjoy creating beautiful masterpieces with them. So, if you’re looking to up your watercolor game, give these MAIKEDEPOT Watercolor Brush Pens a try — you won’t be disappointed!

High-Quality Watercolor Brush Pen Set

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I recently tried out Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens, and I have to say, they lived up to the hype.

These pens are not only high-quality, but they also come in a variety of tip shapes, making them versatile for various art projects. One of my favorite features is that the nylon hair brush tips ensure the watercolor brush pen stays precise while in use.

However, I did notice the barrel can be a bit tricky to unscrew and refill, especially when I wanted to add more ink. But overall, I was impressed by the wide application and durability of these pens, even for more detailed work.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our buyer’s guide for watercolor pens. This section aims to provide you with essential information, considerations, and general advice to help you make an informed decision when purchasing watercolor pens. We will not be discussing specific product picks or external resources in this guide.

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Important Features to Consider

When choosing watercolor pens, consider the following features to ensure you get the best fit for your needs and preferences. These features include the pen tip size and shape, ink type, and color selection. Additionally, think about the pen’s ink capacity, packaging, and ease of use, such as the pen’s ergonomics and refill system.

Different Types of Watercolor Pens

There are two main types of watercolor pens: water-soluble markers and brush pens. Water-soluble markers typically have a round or chisel tip, while brush pens have a retractable brush tip. Both types can create stunning watercolor effects, but they have different characteristics and uses. Consider your intended application, such as sketching, calligraphy, or painting, when deciding between these two types of watercolor pens.

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Tips for Using Watercolor Pens

To get the best results from your watercolor pens, follow these tips: start with dry brushing to lay down color, then apply water gradually to achieve a watercolor effect. Be cautious when using watercolor pens on textured paper, as it may cause the ink to bleed or smudge. Always clean your brushes and tips after use to prevent clogging and ensure smooth performance.

Maintenance and Storage

Proper maintenance and storage are crucial for preserving the quality and performance of your watercolor pens. Store your pens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Regularly clean your brushes and tips, and consider using a protective pen case or sleeve to keep the ink from drying out.

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FAQ

What are watercolor pens?

Watercolor pens are a versatile art supply that combines the benefits of both traditional ink pens and watercolor paints. They provide a wide range of colors and are perfect for creating detailed and blended artwork. Watercolor pens can be used on various surfaces, including paper, canvas, and even fabrics.

Many artists prefer watercolor pens because they allow for precise and intricate details, blending colors, and creating unique textures in their artwork. Their use is not limited to professional artists; they are also suitable for beginners and hobbyists seeking to enhance their drawing and painting skills.

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What materials are watercolor pens made from?

Watercolor pens are typically made from a combination of materials such as water-based ink, pigments, and a plastic or metal holder. The ink is water-based, which means it will not bleed or smear excessively when used on absorbent surfaces like paper. This is an advantage over traditional watercolor paints, as it eliminates the need for blotting or using specific paper formats.

The pens come in either a pen nib or brush-like tip. The pen nib provides precise lines, while the brush-tipped pens enable an artist to create a variety of blended effects, similar to conventional watercolors. The pigments used are high-quality and provide vibrant colors, ensuring long-lasting, fade-resistant artwork.

Can watercolor pens be used on different types of surfaces?

Yes, watercolor pens are quite versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as paper, canvas, fabric, wood, and even plastic. The durability of the artwork may vary depending on the surface and the type of pen used. For example, using a watercolor pen on an absorbent paper like watercolor paper would result in a higher-quality, long-lasting artwork than using it on standard printer paper.

It is essential to consider the surface’s absorbency and texture when working with watercolor pens. Water-resistant surfaces may not absorb the watercolor pen’s ink sufficiently, resulting in a watermark-like appearance or bleeding through to the reverse side of the paper. Proper preparation of the surface and selection of the appropriate pen material will yield the best results when using watercolor pens.

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Should I use watercolor pens on thicker or thinner paper?

It is generally best to use watercolor pens on thicker paper, as thinner paper may not be able to handle the ink’s water content. Thinner papers can cause the ink to bleed through, and the artwork may not be as vibrant and long-lasting as it would be on thicker, more absorbent paper. Watercolor paper is specifically designed for watercolor mediums, ensuring a bright, vibrant, and well-preserved artwork.

When creating artwork with watercolor pens on thicker paper, it is essential to apply pressure to create the desired line thickness and intensity. With practice, you can develop the technique to create beautiful, detailed artwork using watercolor pens on various paper types. Regardless, using high-quality watercolor paper will provide the best overall results and minimize the risk of any issues that may arise due to material choices.

What are some tips for using watercolor pens effectively?

To maximize the creative potential of watercolor pens, it is essential to employ specific techniques and guidelines. First and foremost, ensure the surface you are working on is clean and dry. This will help prevent smudging, bleeding, or any undesired outcomes. To protect your artwork, consider using a protective spray or medium that is suitable for watercolor pens to facilitate blending and minimize bleeding.

When blending colors, start with light strokes and gradually increase the pressure as needed. Blend colors in small sections, ensuring that the colors are well-pigmented. To achieve different effects, such as blending or dry brushing, alter the angle at which you hold the pen or the amount of pressure you apply. Experimenting with various techniques will allow you to find the perfect way to work with watercolor pens while developing your artistic style.

How do I clean watercolor pens?

Like other ink-based art supplies, watercolor pens need to be cleaned properly to ensure their longevity and performance. Ideally, the pen tip should be cleaned after each use, regardless of whether you are finished with the artwork or not. To clean the pen tip, you can use a clean cloth or tissue to gently wipe off any residual ink.

If the pen tip becomes clogged or dried out, try soaking it in a small container of water overnight. Afterward, use a soft, clean cloth or brush to remove any remaining ink and residue. If the pen tip is damaged beyond repair, consider using a replacement nib or tip. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your watercolor pens to ensure optimal functionality and performance.

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