Felt-tip pens for colouring: how to choose the right models for your needs

Between brightly coloured sets, tips marketed as indestructible and inks promised to wash out easily, choosing the right colouring felt-tip pens can quickly become a headache. An appealing set is not necessarily suited to its intended use: children’s colouring, note-taking, detailed drawing, lettering or marking a particular surface.

Before placing your order, three common mistakes are worth avoiding:

• Confusing the number of colours with versatility: a set of 40 shades will not necessarily replace double-ended or brush-tip pens.
• Relying solely on the word ‘washable’: ink that washes off skin or most textiles may still leave a mark on delicate fabric, furniture or porous paper.
• Underestimating the importance of the tip and paper: a tip that is too soft for a child, too broad for lettering or too wet for a thin notebook can quickly make using the pen unpleasant.

Criteria to check before buying

1. The type of tip

The tip directly affects precision, filling speed and line style.

• Fibre-tip pens, with a bullet or conical end, are suitable for writing, outlining and everyday colouring. A width of between 0.7 and 1 mm produces a clearly visible line without being too thick.
• Double-ended pens generally combine a fine tip with a broad one. They let you switch from detail work to filling large areas without having to juggle several tools.
• Brush-tip pens have a flexible end. The pressure applied changes the width of the line, making them particularly suitable for lettering, manga drawing and calligraphic effects.
• A reinforced or spring-mounted tip can be useful for children’s felt-tip pens, as it better withstands the sometimes uneven pressure applied by young users.

For versatile use, look at the tip’s shape, width and stated durability rather than relying solely on the product’s commercial name.

2. The ink composition and the surface used

Water-based inks are common in colouring markers, school stationery and pens intended for bullet journals. They are generally suitable for paper and may be easier to clean, depending on their formulation.

However, ‘water-based’ does not mean ‘will not bleed through the paper’. For a notebook or diary, always test the colour on a sheet with a similar paper weight. Thin paper absorbs ink easily, particularly when filling large areas.

Marking objects follows a different set of requirements. Alcohol-based permanent markers are designed to leave a water-resistant mark after drying on a range of surfaces, including plastic, glass, metal, cardboard and paper. They can permanently stain textiles and must never be used on skin.

3. Storage, drying and safety

Even a well-chosen felt-tip pen will quickly become less comfortable to use if its cap does not close properly or its tip is left exposed. To extend its lifespan:

1. Replace the cap immediately after every use.
2. Store the pens horizontally, unless the manufacturer states otherwise.
3. Keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
4. Store sets in a pencil case or holder that makes it easier to sort the colours.

Caps and certain small parts may present a choking hazard. Felt-tip pens are not suitable for children under 3 years of age unless specifically stated otherwise. For younger children, adult supervision is still recommended, including when using washable felt-tip pens.

Our selection for different users

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget

Maped Color'Peps Brush Felt-Tip Pens, Pack of 10, Washable

Why this choice suits this user profile : This set of 10 colours is an easy way to get started with drawing, calligraphy or colouring without investing in a large palette. Its flexible brush tip allows you to create two types of line, depending on the pressure applied.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details state that the water-based ink washes off skin and most fabrics. Nevertheless, it is best to treat stains promptly and test the tip on the chosen surface.

Main benefit and key features

2.8 mm brush tip, ergonomic grip area and 10 assorted shades.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts

STAEDTLER Design Journey Dual-Tip Fibre Markers – 36 Colours

Why this choice suits this user profile : With its 36 colours, this palette is ideal for projects requiring a wider range of shades: illustrations, lettering, creative journals or decorative work.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The two tips are clearly differentiated: one is fine for outlines, while the other is broad for filling large areas. The choice is therefore based on a genuine difference in use, not simply on the number of shades.

Main benefit and key features

36 colours, a fine tip and a broad tip on each pen, water-based ink and pigments stated to be non-toxic.

Recommended for : Specialist uses and intensive users

STAEDTLER Lumocolor Permanent Marker 1 mm Green, Pack of 10

Why this choice suits this user profile : This pack is suitable for regular marking in a workshop, office, classroom or storage area, whenever writing needs to remain legible on several surfaces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify that this is an alcohol-based permanent ink that is water-resistant once dry. This sets it apart from coloured pens designed for paper and washing out.

Main benefit and key features

Fine 1 mm tip, stated quick-drying performance and compatibility with plastic, metal, glass, cardboard and paper.

Frequently asked questions about colouring felt-tip pens

Which felt-tip pens should you choose for a nursery or primary-school child ?

Choose children’s felt-tip pens that are easy to hold, with a tip that withstands pressure and ink stated to wash off skin and most textiles. Check the recommended age and keep caps out of reach of children under 3 years of age.

How long do fibre-tip pens last in storage ?

It depends on the ink formulation, how often the pens are used and how well the caps close. Some models feature anti-drying technology, but the best habit is still to recap each pen after use. Storing them horizontally at a moderate temperature also helps maintain a consistent ink flow.

Which felt-tip pens should you use for bullet journalling and lettering ?

For a bullet journal, a medium tip is suitable for headings, lists and colour coding. For lettering, it is best to choose brush-tip pens or double-ended pens with a fine end. Always test the ink on a page at the back of the notebook to check its transparency and the risk of bleed-through.