Watercolor pens are a popular choice among artists and hobbyists who want to create beautiful and vivid watercolor paintings without the hassle of traditional watercolor paints. These pens come in various colors and types, and they offer a convenient and mess-free way to create stunning watercolor artworks.
When looking for the best watercolor pens, it’s essential to consider the type of pen tip, ink quality, and color range. The type of pen tip determines the stroke width and the level of control you have over the pen. Ink quality is crucial for achieving vibrant and long-lasting colors, while a wide range of colors allows you to create a diverse and colorful artwork.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various watercolor pens to identify the best ones available. We considered factors such as tip type, ink quality, color range, and ease of use to provide you with a comprehensive guide on the best watercolor pens. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, our top picks will help you create beautiful watercolor paintings with ease.
Best Watercolor Pens
We have researched and tested various watercolor pens to bring you the best options available in the market. Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, these pens will help you achieve your desired watercolor effects. We have considered factors such as color vibrancy, durability, ease of use, and affordability to compile this list. Here are our top picks for the best watercolor pens.
1. Reaeon Watercolor Brush Pens
We highly recommend the Reaeon Watercolor Brush Pens for anyone looking to purchase high-quality watercolor pens that are perfect for various techniques.
Pros
- The pens offer 29 vibrant colors, all with non-toxic, odorless, and water-based ink.
- Each pen has a soft, supple tip that is flexible to make fine, medium, and broad strokes.
- The ink has a precision control that is perfect for watercolor techniques, creating your own variants of color from bold to pastels.
Cons
- The brush markers are not as intense as more expensive ones.
- Two of the markers were dried out when received.
- Watercolor markers need watercolor paper.
These watercolor pens are perfect for artists of all skill levels, students, and kids who want to enjoy sketching, drawing, painting, calligraphy, free form watercolor, manga art, adult and children coloring, and more. The pens also come with one water blending pen for creating washes, gradients, or shades effect.
The Reaeon Watercolor Brush Pens are of high quality and blendable, with no bleed, no smear, and no mess. The pens are also well packaged before shipping, and if there are any problems, you can contact customer service without hesitation.
In conclusion, the Reaeon Watercolor Brush Pens are a great investment for anyone who wants to explore their creativity with watercolor techniques.
2. ARTEZA Real Brush Pens
If you’re looking for high-quality watercolor pens that offer exceptional versatility, then the ARTEZA Real Brush Pens are the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The pens come in an incredible range of 48 diverse, vibrant colors, making it easy to achieve the perfect tone for your artistic projects.
- The flexible nylon brush tip of these paint pens allows for both sweeping strokes and fine details, ensuring a smooth and controlled ink flow.
- These watercolor drawing markers make the perfect gift for the artist in your life, inspiring creativity and expanding their color palette.
Cons
- Some of the colors are more blendable than others, depending on the type of paper used.
- The ink may come out a bit too dry at times, requiring some warming up to get the desired effect.
- The set may arrive with some missing or damaged pens, requiring a replacement.
We have used these pens for various artistic projects, including calligraphy, painting, and journaling, and we’re impressed with their exceptional quality and versatility. The pens are designed to deliver rich, continuous color without bleeding or fading, making them a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned artists.
One of the standout features of these pens is their incredible color selection, which allows you to dive into your creative projects with 48 diverse, vibrant colors. Whether you’re working on art projects, journaling, or practicing calligraphy, these watercolor brush pens make it easy to achieve the perfect tone.
We also appreciate the exceptional versatility of these drawing pens, which can be used dry for detailed sketches and bold lines or with water to create delicate watercolor effects. The flexible nylon brush tip of our paint pens allows for both sweeping strokes and fine details, ensuring a smooth and controlled ink flow.
Overall, we highly recommend the ARTEZA Real Brush Pens to anyone looking for high-quality watercolor pens that offer exceptional versatility and quality. They’re safe, convenient, and a must-have for any artist’s toolkit.
3. CHROMATEK Watercolor Pens Set
If you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality watercolor pens set, the CHROMATEK Watercolor Pens Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The handmade paint brush tips are flexible and produce watercolor effects that are almost as good as those of traditional watercolor brushes.
- The set comes with a tutorial pad that includes 15 pages of exceptional quality Dutch, cold-pressed, acid-free artists’ watercolor paper and 12 art templates to go with the online video tutorials.
- The set includes 50 vivid and easily blendable colors and 4 blending aqua brushes that are portable and convenient.
Cons
- Some caps don’t fit right, which can cause the pens to dry out.
- The pens are very cheaply made, which may make them less durable than other watercolor pens sets.
- The set is quite expensive compared to other watercolor pens sets on the market.
The CHROMATEK Watercolor Pens Set is a great option for artists who want to experiment with watercolor painting without investing in expensive brushes and paints. The handmade paint brush tips are flexible and produce watercolor effects that are almost as good as those of traditional watercolor brushes. The set comes with a tutorial pad that includes 15 pages of exceptional quality Dutch, cold-pressed, acid-free artists’ watercolor paper and 12 art templates to go with the online video tutorials. The set includes 50 vivid and easily blendable colors and 4 blending aqua brushes that are portable and convenient.
However, some caps don’t fit right, which can cause the pens to dry out, and the pens are very cheaply made, which may make them less durable than other watercolor pens sets. Additionally, the set is quite expensive compared to other watercolor pens sets on the market. Overall, we recommend the CHROMATEK Watercolor Pens Set to anyone who wants to experiment with watercolor painting but is willing to pay a premium for high-quality materials.
4. Brusarth Precision Black Micro-Pen Fineliner Ink Pens
If you’re looking for a reliable set of watercolor pens, we highly recommend the Brusarth Precision Black Micro-Pen Fineliner Ink Pens.
Pros
- The set includes 9 unique nib sizes, from ultra-fine to brush tip, providing a variety of options for your needs.
- The waterproof pigment ink is non-toxic, odorless, and acid-free, ensuring long-lasting, vibrant colors that don’t fade, smear, bleed, or skip on most papers.
- The pens are lightweight, easy to hold, and incredibly durable, making them perfect for on-the-go use.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with leakage and drying out after a few months.
- The ink may not be completely waterproof, so it’s important to let it dry completely before exposing it to water.
- The ink may not be as smooth as other higher-end pens.
We found these pens to be excellent for drawing, sketching, and watercolor painting. The variety of nib sizes allowed us to create intricate details and bold strokes with ease. The waterproof ink held up well against watercolor washes, and the pens were comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
Overall, we highly recommend the Brusarth Precision Black Micro-Pen Fineliner Ink Pens for artists, designers, and anyone looking for a reliable set of watercolor pens.
5. ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens
If you’re looking for a set of watercolor brush pens that are flexible, non-toxic, and quick to dry, then the ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens are a great choice.
Pros
- The set includes 24 brilliant and vivid colors that can awaken your imagination and creativity.
- The durable and flexible real brush tips offer richer colors and finer, more flexible tips than you’d get with costlier brands.
- These brush pens are reliable, non-toxic, and quick to dry, making them ideal for artists of all skill levels.
Cons
- There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using these brush pens, but with practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful watercolor effects.
- Some users have reported that the ink can be a bit streaky, but this is easily remedied by using the blending brush pen that comes with the set.
- The set includes only 24 colors, which may not be enough for artists who need a wider range of colors.
We were impressed with the ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens. The real brush tips are flexible and easy to control, allowing us to create a variety of thick and thin strokes with precision. The tapered point allows for even more control, making it easy to create thin lines and brush down for thicker lines and strokes.
We also appreciated the fact that these brush pens are non-toxic and quick to dry. The large ink volume ensures a smudge and streak-free painting experience, and the set comes with a blending brush pen that makes it easy to create beautiful watercolor effects.
Overall, we think that the ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens are a great choice for artists of all skill levels. They’re easy to use, versatile, and offer a wide range of brilliant and vivid colors. If you’re looking for a set of watercolor brush pens that won’t break the bank, then we highly recommend giving these a try.
6. Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens
If you’re looking for a versatile set of watercolor pens that can be used by both amateurs and professionals, the Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens are a great choice.
Pros
- The quality nylon hair brush tips ensure that the watercolor brush pen stays intact and does not spray, spread, or smear while in use.
- The water brush pen can be filled with water to blend, or you can add your favorite ink to make your own portable brush.
- You can draw the finest line or color large lines, blend colors and create new shades. Great for solid colors or powdered pigment, use with watercolor crayons, water-soluble pencils, water-soluble pigments.
Cons
- The plastic is too soft and flimsy, making it difficult to control the flow of water or ink.
- Some users have reported that the brush tips fray easily, especially after extended use.
- The pens can leak if not stored properly, so make sure to keep them upright and tightly sealed when not in use.
Overall, the Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens are a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable set of watercolor pens that can be used for a variety of applications. The quality nylon hair brush tips ensure that the pens stay intact and do not spray, spread, or smear while in use, and the pens can be filled with water to blend or your own favorite ink to create a portable brush. While the plastic may be too soft and flimsy for some users, these pens are still a great value for the price.
7. ARTEZA Real Brush Pens
If you’re looking for a versatile watercolor brush pen set that offers premium quality at a sensible value price, then the ARTEZA Real Brush Pens are perfect for you. With 24 vibrant colors, these pens provide you with countless possibilities for artistic self-expression.
Pros
- The genuine brush tip made of flexible nylon bristles allows for precision control and gives you the ability to create light pastel washes, subtle shading, and gradients.
- The lightfast water-based ink won’t fade, bleed, streak, or smudge, ensuring excellent quality for your artistic endeavors.
- The comfortable, sure-grip handle is easy to hold and control, making these paint markers ideal for meticulous detailing and precision in all your artworks.
Cons
- Some users may find that the brush tips are too soft, making it difficult to create fine details.
- The ink may not be as vibrant as some higher-priced brands.
- The pens may run out of ink quickly if used frequently.
We’ve used these pens for various artistic and journaling needs, and we’ve found that they’re incredibly versatile and easy to use. Whether you want to create delicate watercolor effects, engage in dry-brush painting, sketching, coloring, calligraphy, or more, these watercolor brush pens allow for endless creative possibilities.
We appreciate that these pens are ACMI-certified for safety and backed by a great guarantee. They’re suitable for artists of all levels and make an inspiring gift that can help unleash the creative potential in everyone.
Overall, we highly recommend the ARTEZA Real Brush Pens for anyone looking for a versatile, high-quality watercolor brush pen set at a reasonable price.
8. Chromatek Watercolor Brush Pens
We highly recommend the Chromatek Watercolor Brush Pens for anyone looking for a set of high-quality watercolor pens.
Pros
- The individually numbered real brush tip watercolor pens make it easy to keep track of which colors you are using and are perfect for creating detailed artwork.
- The revolutionary 7 part video tutorial series is a highly structured learning system that takes you through the basics of watercolor painting and develops your skills fast. This is included with every set.
- The 27 color brush pens and 1 water blending brush are long lasting and hand made, making them perfect for professional artists.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for some budgets.
- The pens may take some time to get used to, especially for beginners who are new to watercolor painting.
- The water blending brush may not be as durable as some other brushes on the market.
We were impressed by the Chromatek Watercolor Brush Pens and found them to be easy to use and highly pigmented. The vivid, easily blended, water-based paint is bright and the artists pigments blend easily with one another and with water.
The included professional artists tutorial pad is printed on Dutch cold pressed, acid-free, 300gsm watercolor paper and is included with every set. This pad is perfect for practicing your watercolor painting skills and creating beautiful artwork.
Overall, we believe that the Chromatek Watercolor Brush Pens are a great investment for anyone looking to improve their watercolor painting skills or create beautiful artwork.
9. Arteza Real Brush Pens
If you’re looking for a watercolor pen set that offers a wide range of colors and brush tips, then Arteza Real Brush Pens might be the perfect option for you. These pens have a flexible nylon brush tip that allows you to create fine, medium, or bold strokes, making them ideal for calligraphy, lettering, and watercolor painting.
Pros
- The set comes with 96 vibrant colors that are perfect for blending and layering.
- The brush tips are durable and easy to clean.
- The pens are water-based, non-toxic, and odorless.
Cons
- The ink can bleed through thin paper.
- The caps can be difficult to remove.
- The brush tips can fray if not used carefully.
We’ve been using Arteza Real Brush Pens for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with their performance. The colors are bright and vivid, and the brush tips are easy to control. We’ve used them for a variety of projects, including coloring books, greeting cards, and watercolor paintings, and they’ve worked well for all of them.
One thing to keep in mind is that the ink can bleed through thin paper, so you’ll want to use a thicker paper or a sketchbook specifically designed for watercolors. We’ve also noticed that the caps can be difficult to remove, especially if you have arthritis or other hand mobility issues.
Overall, we think that Arteza Real Brush Pens are a great choice for anyone who wants to experiment with watercolor painting or brush lettering. They’re affordable, versatile, and easy to use, and they come in a wide range of colors that will inspire your creativity. If you’re looking for a high-quality watercolor pen set, we highly recommend giving these a try.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best watercolor pens, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you get the product that fits your needs. Here are some features to consider:
Tip Size
Watercolor pens come in various tip sizes, from fine to broad. The tip size you choose will depend on the type of project you are working on. For detailed work, a fine tip is ideal, while a broad tip is suitable for large areas.
Ink Quality
The quality of the ink is crucial when choosing a watercolor pen. You want to make sure the ink is vibrant, long-lasting, and doesn’t bleed through the paper. Look for pens that use high-quality, acid-free ink.
Color Range
The color range is another important factor to consider. Some watercolor pens come in a limited range of colors, while others offer a wide selection. If you plan on using the pens for a variety of projects, a broader color range will be more beneficial.
Water Solubility
Watercolor pens are designed to be water-soluble, meaning that you can blend and mix colors with water. However, some pens dissolve more easily than others. Look for pens that are easy to blend and create a smooth, even color.
Packaging
The packaging of the watercolor pens is also a consideration. Some pens come in a set, while others are sold individually. Sets are more cost-effective and offer a broader color range, while individual pens allow you to purchase only the colors you need.
By considering these factors, you can find the best watercolor pens for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there is a watercolor pen out there that will help you create beautiful works of art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good watercolor marker brands for beginners?
There are several watercolor marker brands that are perfect for beginners. Some of the popular brands include Tombow, Winsor & Newton, Arteza, and Faber-Castell. These brands offer a variety of colors and tips that are perfect for experimenting with different techniques.
What are some pros and cons of using watercolor pens?
One of the advantages of using watercolor pens is that they are portable and easy to use. They are also great for creating detailed artwork and can be used on a variety of surfaces. However, some of the downsides include the limited color selection and the fact that they can be more expensive than traditional watercolor paints.
How do you use watercolor markers effectively?
To use watercolor markers effectively, it is important to use high-quality paper that can handle the water. Start by testing the colors on a separate piece of paper to see how they react with water. Use light strokes and build up the color gradually. You can also blend colors together by layering them on top of each other.
Are watercolor pens a good investment for artists?
Watercolor pens can be a good investment for artists who want to experiment with different techniques and create detailed artwork. However, they may not be necessary for all artists and can be more expensive than traditional watercolor paints.
What type of paper is recommended for watercolor markers?
It is recommended to use a high-quality watercolor paper that can handle the water and prevent bleeding. Cold-pressed watercolor paper is a popular choice for watercolor markers because it has a slightly textured surface that can hold the color well.
What are some differences between watercolor brush pens and regular watercolor markers?
Watercolor brush pens have a flexible brush tip that can create a range of strokes, from thin lines to broad strokes. Regular watercolor markers have a firm tip that can create consistent lines. Brush pens are also easier to blend and can create a more natural watercolor effect.
