Watercolor painting is a beautiful and delicate art form that requires precision and control. While brushes are the most commonly used tool for watercolor painting, there are times when a pen can offer more precise lines and details. If you're looking for the best pen for watercolor painting, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, it's important to consider the type of pen you need. There are two main types of watercolor pens: dye-based and pigment-based. Dye-based pens are more affordable and offer a wider range of colors, but they tend to fade over time. Pigment-based pens, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer better lightfastness and are less likely to fade.
Another important factor to consider is the tip of the pen. The most common types of tips are brush tips and felt tips. Brush tips offer more flexibility and are better for creating varying line widths, while felt tips are more rigid and better for creating fine details.
When choosing a watercolor pen, it's also important to consider the quality of the ink. High-quality ink will flow smoothly and evenly, without bleeding or smudging. Additionally, the ink should be waterproof and resistant to fading.
In this article, we'll be reviewing some of the best watercolor pens on the market, taking into consideration factors such as ink quality, tip type, and affordability. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced watercolor artist, we've got you covered.
Best Watercolor Pens
If you're a watercolor enthusiast, you know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. Watercolor pens are a versatile and convenient way to add color to your artwork, whether you're working on a small sketch or a large painting. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we've rounded up the best watercolor pens available on Amazon to help you make an informed decision.
Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens
If you're looking for a versatile and refillable watercolor brush pen, the Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens are a great option.
Pros
- The package includes both point tip and flat tip brush pens, making it suitable for a variety of art styles and techniques.
- 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 barrels are easy to screw off and refill with water or ink, and you can control the ink or water flow with just a squeeze of the barrel.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty getting water to come out of the handle into the brush itself.
- The price point may be higher than other similar products on the market.
- The plastic body is thin, and the lids do not fit well.
The Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens are a great option for art students, amateur and professional artists alike. With both point tip and flat tip brush pens included, you can draw the finest line or color large areas, blend colors, and create new shades. 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 barrels are easy to screw off and refill with water or ink, and you can control the ink or water flow with just a squeeze of the barrel.
However, some users have reported difficulty getting water to come out of the handle into the brush itself, and the price point may be higher than other similar products on the market. Additionally, the plastic body is thin, and the lids do not fit well. Overall, if you're looking for a versatile and refillable watercolor brush pen, the Mr. Pen Watercolor Brush Pens are a solid choice.
ARTISTRO 12 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Brush Pens
If you're looking for a versatile watercolor marker set suitable for both beginners and pros, ARTISTRO 12 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Brush Pens is a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with 12 unique colors that can be blended with water to create amazing effects.
- The nylon brushes on these watercolor brush pens are self-moistening, self-cleaning, and won't fracture.
- The set includes a water brush pen for blending, a fineliner pen for finishing touches, and a color chart to test the paints.
Cons
- You need to work with a wet wash on your paper to get a nice blend or even coverage.
- The tip of the brush end is not as precise as some users would like.
- Some users found the colors to be not as vibrant as they expected.
ARTISTRO 12 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Brush Pens is easy to use and suitable for various art techniques, such as coloring books, painting, sketching, comic illustration, manga, and more. Each watercolor pen meets all USA and EU safety requirements and comes with xylene-free opaque ink, making them non-toxic and environmentally-friendly. Overall, this watercolor marker set is a solid choice for anyone looking to experiment with watercolor techniques.
CHROMATEK Watercolor Pens Set
If you're looking for a comprehensive watercolor pen set, the CHROMATEK Watercolor Pens Set is worth considering.
Pros
- The pens have flexible brush tips that allow for effortless blending on watercolor paper.
- The set includes 50 vivid colors and 4 blending aqua brushes for superior blendability.
- The set comes with a professional artist's tutorial pad that includes sample artwork postcards and 15 pages of exceptional quality Dutch, cold-pressed, acid-free, 300gsm artists watercolor paper.
Cons
- Some users may find the packaging to be less than ideal for carrying the pens on the go.
- While the set comes with dozens of video tutorials, some users may find the tutorials to be too basic.
- The pigments may not be as lightfast as some other professional-grade watercolor pens.
If you're a beginner or intermediate watercolor artist looking for a versatile and comprehensive set of watercolor pens, the CHROMATEK Watercolor Pens Set is definitely worth considering. The flexible brush tips make blending on watercolor paper effortless, and the set includes a wide range of vivid colors and blending aqua brushes. The tutorial pad is also a nice touch, providing artists with a professional-grade paper to practice on and sample artwork postcards for inspiration. However, some users may find the packaging to be less than ideal for carrying the pens on the go, and the pigments may not be as lightfast as some other professional-grade watercolor pens.
Arteza Real Brush Pens, 24 Watercolor Markers for Watercolor Painting, Drawing, and Calligraphy, Flexible Nylon Brush Tips, Ideal Drawing Pens for Artists, Journalists, and Beginners
If you're looking for a versatile set of watercolor brush pens, the Arteza Real Brush Pens may be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- These watercolor brush pens are perfect for a wide range of artistic endeavors, including watercolor effects, dry-brush painting, sketching, coloring, calligraphy, and more.
- With 24 diverse colors, these pens provide richer shades and more flexible nylon tips than many higher-priced brands.
- Enjoy precision control for creating light pastel washes, subtle shading, and gradients with these paint markers.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty controlling the pens, with some producing splotchy and dry results.
- While the pens are suitable for artists of all levels, beginners may require some practice to achieve the desired results.
- The set includes only two yellow shades, which may not be enough for some artists.
These Arteza watercolor brush pens are crafted by artists, for artists, and are designed to enhance your creativity and bring your artistic vision to life. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, these coloring markers are an inspiring gift that can help unleash the creative potential in everyone.
In summary, if you're looking for a versatile set of watercolor brush pens with a wide range of colors and precision control, the Arteza Real Brush Pens may be the perfect fit for you.
CHROMATEK 30 Watercolor Brush Pens
If you're looking for a comprehensive set of watercolor brush pens, the CHROMATEK 30 Watercolor Brush Pens might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Individually numbered real brush tip watercolor pens
- Revolutionary 7 part video tutorial series included with every set
- Vivid, easily blended, water-based paint
Cons
- 27 colors may not be enough for some artists
- Some users have reported issues with the pens drying out quickly
- The tutorial pad may not be suitable for all skill levels
These brush pens are designed to help artists develop their watercolor painting skills quickly. The real brush tip allows for more control over the paint, while the water-based paint is easily blended and vivid. Additionally, the 7 part video tutorial series provides a highly structured learning system to guide you through the basics of watercolor painting.
The set includes 27 color brush pens and 1 water blending brush, all of which are long-lasting and handmade. The professional artists tutorial pad is printed on Dutch cold-pressed, acid-free, 300gsm watercolor paper and is included with every set.
While these brush pens are a great choice for artists looking to improve their watercolor skills, some users have reported issues with the pens drying out quickly. Additionally, the tutorial pad may not be suitable for all skill levels, and the 27 colors may not be enough for some artists.
Overall, if you're looking for a comprehensive set of watercolor brush pens with a structured learning system, the CHROMATEK 30 Watercolor Brush Pens might be a great choice for you.
AROIC Watercolor Paint Set
If you're a beginner or an art lover looking for a watercolor paint set, the AROIC Watercolor Paint Set is an excellent option to consider.
Pros
- With 48 different bright and beautiful colors that are soluble in water, this watercolor paint set can meet your strong demand for color.
- The set comes with a high-quality refillable water brush and a high-quality oil painting brush that you can use to describe the details of your paintings.
- The watercolor pigment set is safe and non-toxic, so you can use it without any worries.
Cons
- The packing box is made of strong plastic, which is convenient for storage and carrying, but it may not be as environmentally friendly as some other options.
- Some users have reported that the colors are not as vibrant as they expected, which may be a concern if you're looking for highly pigmented watercolor paints.
- If you encounter any quality problems with the product, you'll need to contact customer service for assistance.
The AROIC Watercolor Paint Set is a great choice for beginners and art lovers who are looking for a versatile and affordable watercolor paint set. With 48 different colors, a high-quality refillable water brush, and a safe and non-toxic formula, this set has a lot to offer. However, the plastic packaging and less vibrant colors may be a downside for some users. Overall, if you're looking for an excellent value for your money, the AROIC Watercolor Paint Set is worth considering.
Golden Maple Artist Paint Brushes
If you're looking for a high-quality watercolor paintbrush set, the Golden Maple Artist Paint Brushes are a great option.
Pros
- The natural characteristics of the red sable hair offer excellent liquid holding capacity and an easy, smooth flow of paint.
- The polished birch wood handles and high-grade copper ferrules give the brushes a luxurious feel and excellent durability.
- The brushes are visually attractive, spread smoothly and evenly, and have good shape holding properties.
Cons
- The brushes may shed a few hairs during use.
- The sizes may not be suitable for all painting needs.
- The price may be higher than some other options on the market.
These brushes are perfect for watercolor, acrylic, and gouache color painting. The round brush set comes in sizes #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, and #12, providing a good range of brush strokes and techniques to produce your work of art. The fine point tip, smooth paint flow, and brushstroke control make this a professional artist quality set.
The polished birch wooden, long handles have a luxurious feel and are easy and delightful to use. The ferrules are double crimped and secure to the handle so there is no wiggling, and they are tight enough to prevent paint creep. The brushes are well balanced, and the bristles are sturdy, making them a great investment for any artist.
In summary, if you are looking for a high-quality watercolor paintbrush set that has a luxurious feel and excellent durability, the Golden Maple Artist Paint Brushes are a great option to consider.
Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen
If you're looking for a convenient and mess-free solution for touch-up work, the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen may be worth considering.
Pros
- Refillable design for long-term use
- Pro-quality precision for accurate touch-ups
- Comprehensive kit includes everything you need
Cons
- Pens are one-time use only
- Some users experienced issues with breakage
- Messy to fill with paint
These versatile and easy-to-use fillable paint pens are perfect for quick fixes on walls, trim, and more. The innovative design keeps your paint fresh for years, making these refillable paint pens perfect for long-term use. Achieve professional-like results with the precision paint touch-up pen for walls. Whether it's filling in scuffs or tackling those hard-to-reach spots, these pens deliver exceptional accuracy for all your touch-up work.
The comprehensive kit includes refillable paint pens, specially designed paint touch-up pens for walls, filling syringes, brush-tips, and protective caps. However, keep in mind that the pens are one-time use only and can be messy to fill with paint. Some users also experienced issues with breakage.
Overall, if you're looking for a convenient and mess-free way to touch up paint in your home, the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen may be worth considering.
Grabie Watercolor Brush Pens
If you're looking for a versatile and safe watercolor pen set that can help you unleash your creativity anytime and anywhere, then the Grabie Watercolor Brush Pens are a great option to consider.
Pros
- Enjoy the unprecedented painting charm by experiencing various watercolor effects with Grabie versatile watercolor pen set
- Carefully selected high-quality nylon brush tip that brings you closer to the texture of a real brush while remaining vegan
- Meticulously designed to cater to artists of all levels, these pens feature premium water-based ink, ensuring they are certified non-toxic
Cons
- The markers are easy to dry out, but that just might be how you're storing them at this moment
- The set contains 36 colors, but some users may prefer more variety or options
- The saturation in the pens are great, but you need to shake them well before starting, or the paint will be separated
These watercolor brush pens offer a dozen usages, including using them directly, gradient smudge, or diluting with water. They are portable and contain your basic art needs, making them perfect for scrapbooking decoration, greeting card making, calligraphy art cursive, and more. With just one box of watercolor brush pens, you can effortlessly unleash your creativity and enjoy the pleasure of painting anytime, anywhere.
Junreox Watercolor Brush Pens
If you are looking for an affordable watercolor brush pen set that is safe for kids, easy to use, and has a variety of brush sizes, the Junreox Watercolor Brush Pens might be a good option for you.
Pros
- Comes with 12 brush pens in 3 sizes with both fine point and flat tip
- Safe for kids with non-toxic materials
- Easy to use and control water flow with soft barrel
Cons
- Some users reported leakage issues
- Unscrewing the pen barrel might be confusing for some users
- Brush tips might not be as durable as other high-end brands
The Junreox Watercolor Brush Pens set includes 12 brush pens with different sizes and tips, making it a versatile option for various watercolor painting techniques. The brush pens are made of high-quality plastic and nylon hair bristles, ensuring that they are safe for kids and do not smear or spread while in use.
One of the advantages of this set is its ease of use. The soft barrel is easy to control and allows users to adjust the water flow by gently squeezing it. The brush pens are also easy to fill with water, and users can unscrew the pen barrel to fill in water up to 2/3 of the pen tube.
However, some users reported leakage issues, especially when filling the pens with water. Additionally, unscrewing the pen barrel might be confusing for some users, as it is opposite to what most people are used to. Finally, some users found that the brush tips might not be as durable as other high-end brands.
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable and versatile watercolor brush pen set that is safe for kids and easy to use, the Junreox Watercolor Brush Pens might be a good option for you.
UPINS 6 Piece Water Color Brush Pen Set
If you're looking for an affordable set of watercolor brush pens, the UPINS 6 Piece Water Color Brush Pen Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 6 brushes in 3 different sizes, making it suitable for artists of all levels.
- The quality nylon hair brush tips ensure that the pens do not spray, spread, or smear while in use.
- The pens are easy to use and control, allowing you to draw fine lines or color large areas with ease.
Cons
- Some users have reported leaks and difficulty with cleaning the pens.
- The pens may not work well with certain types of paper.
- The water container portion of the pens screws on in the opposite direction than expected, which may take some getting used to.
If you're a beginner or on a budget, these watercolor brush pens are a great option. They're easy to use and control, and the quality nylon hair brush tips make them a reliable choice for creating beautiful watercolor art. However, some users have reported issues with leaks and cleaning, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.
ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens
If you're looking for a versatile set of watercolor brush pens, ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens may be a good choice for you.
Pros
- 24 brilliant vivid colors to create different effects like coloring, illustrating, painting, sketching, and blending and doodling
- Durable and flexible real brush tips offer richer colors and finer, more flexible tips than you'd get with costlier brands
- Reliable, non-toxic, and quick to dry, offering artists of all skill levels a smudge and streak-free painting experience
Cons
- Some users reported that the pens dried too quickly and they were not able to achieve the color palette and blend they wanted because they couldn't activate them with water after they dried
- A few users found that the tips frayed after a few uses
- Some users reported that the ink ran out too quickly
These watercolor brush pens come with premium soft supple bristles that allow a variety of thick and thin strokes with precision control. The tapered point allows you to create thin lines, while brushing down for thicker lines and strokes. You can use the blending brush pen to create beautiful watercolor effects, such as color washes, gradients, ombre effects, or simply layer to experience a deep, intense colorful result.
These pens are ideal for on-the-go artists of any age, as they are compact and mess-free. They make the ideal gift for all artists - uses include coloring, painting, creative lettering, designing, and doodling, among others.
In summary, if you're looking for a versatile set of watercolor brush pens that offer a variety of brilliant vivid colors, durable and flexible real brush tips, and reliable, non-toxic, and quick-to-dry ink, ParKoo Watercolor Brush Pens may be a good choice for you.
Watercolor Brush Pens, Real Brush Pen, 30 Watercolor Painting Markers with Flexible Nylon Brush Tips for Coloring, Calligraphy and Drawing (1 Water Brush Pens for Blending)
If you are looking for a versatile set of watercolor brush pens, then the Watercolor Brush Pens by Reaeon might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The set includes 29 vibrant colors and 1 water blending pen for creating washes, gradients, or shades effect.
- Each pen has a flexible real brush tip that can make fine, medium, and broad strokes, allowing you to do all sorts of creative designs like illustrations, color washes, splatter effects, layer effects, and so on.
- The brush paint pen has high-quality and blendable ink that is perfect for watercolor techniques. You can gently press two brush tips together and create your own variants of color from bold to pastels. No bleed, no smear, and no mess.
Cons
- The set might not be suitable for professional artists who need more color options and higher-quality materials.
- Some users might find the brush tips too soft or too flexible, which can affect the precision and control of their strokes.
- The set might not come with enough instructions or tips for beginners who are new to watercolor painting.
The Watercolor Brush Pens by Reaeon are a good choice for kids, students, and artists of all skill levels who want to enjoy watercolor brush pens for sketching, drawing, painting, calligraphy, free-form watercolor, manga art, adult and children coloring, and more. The set is well-packaged before shipping, and if there are any problems, you can contact the customer service without hesitation.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best pen for watercolor, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some essential features to look at:
Tip Size and Shape
The tip size and shape of your pen are critical factors to consider when choosing a watercolor pen. The size of the tip determines the width of the lines you can draw, while the shape determines the type of lines you can create. For instance, a pointed tip allows you to create fine lines, while a brush tip enables you to create thicker lines and shading.
Ink Quality
The quality of ink used in watercolor pens is essential for achieving the desired results. You should look for pens that use high-quality, water-based ink that is lightfast and fade-resistant. This ensures that your artwork remains vibrant and does not fade over time.
Color Range
A wide range of colors is important when choosing a watercolor pen. This allows you to create a variety of shades and tones in your artwork. Look for pens that offer a broad range of colors, including primary colors, secondary colors, and pastels.
Water Solubility
Watercolor pens that are water-soluble are ideal for blending and creating beautiful watercolor effects. This feature allows you to create different textures and gradients in your artwork. You should look for pens that are easy to blend and do not bleed through the paper.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is an essential factor to consider when choosing a watercolor pen. You should look for a pen that is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. A pen with a comfortable grip and a balanced weight distribution can reduce hand fatigue and improve your overall drawing experience.
When choosing the best pen for watercolor, consider the features mentioned above to ensure that you get a product that meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pen is best suited for use on watercolor canvas?
When it comes to watercolor canvas, it's important to choose a pen that won't bleed or smudge when it comes into contact with water. Watercolor pens that are water-resistant or waterproof are the best options. Additionally, pens with fine tips are recommended for precise lines and details.
Which pens are recommended for creating outlines with watercolors?
For creating outlines with watercolors, pens with fine tips and waterproof ink are the best options. Pens with pigment-based ink are also a good choice as they won't bleed or smudge when used with watercolors.
How do you select a pen that won't smudge when used with watercolor paints?
To select a pen that won't smudge when used with watercolor paints, look for pens with waterproof or water-resistant ink. Pigment-based ink pens are also a good option as they won't bleed or smudge when used with watercolors.
Are there specific pens that are ideal for line and wash watercolor techniques?
When it comes to line and wash watercolor techniques, pens with fine tips and waterproof ink are ideal. Pens with pigment-based ink are also a good choice as they won't bleed or smudge when used with watercolors.
Is it possible to use watercolor over a permanent marker like Sharpie?
While it is possible to use watercolor over a permanent marker like Sharpie, it's important to keep in mind that the marker ink may bleed or smudge when it comes into contact with water. It's recommended to test on a small area first before applying watercolor to the entire piece.
What characteristics define the best waterproof pens for watercolor writing?
The best waterproof pens for watercolor writing have ink that is water-resistant or waterproof, and won't bleed or smudge when used with watercolors. Additionally, pens with fine tips are recommended for precise lines and details. Pigment-based ink pens are also a good choice as they won't bleed or smudge when used with watercolors.
