Felt-tip pens and highlighters for colouring: how to choose the right selection for your needs

Whether you’re a student, teacher, office worker, bullet journal enthusiast or a parent looking for washable markers for children, choosing from the many felt-tip pens and highlighters available can quickly become a headache. Sets often promise a generous palette or vibrant colours, without necessarily specifying whether their tips are suitable for the paper you use, the level of precision you’re after, or how often you’ll be using them.

Before placing an order, three mistakes crop up particularly often.

The pitfalls to avoid before buying

1. Confusing palette richness with versatility

A set of 60 or 100 shades may look appealing, but it won’t necessarily replace a fine 0.4 mm pen, a chisel-tip highlighter or a brush pen. For annotating a lesson, line width and readability are often more important than the number of colours available.

2. Underestimating the importance of ink and paper

Water-based ink can be pleasant to use, but the result depends heavily on the paper’s weight and porosity. On thin paper, it may bleed through or leave a mark on the reverse side. For colouring, lettering or watercolour effects, also check whether the ink is described as washable, blendable or water-soluble.

3. Confusing a decorative tip with a precision tip

A brush tip lets you easily vary line thickness by adjusting pressure. It’s ideal for expressive lettering, but less comfortable for small characters and detailed diagrams. Conversely, a fine-tip pen offers excellent precision but takes longer to fill large areas. The best choice therefore depends above all on the stroke and the result you’re aiming for.

The technical criteria to check

The tip: width, shape and stroke control

• Chisel tip: this generally allows you to underline with a fine line and highlight with a wider line. The STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL offers a width of 2 to 5 mm, while the STABILO swing cool indicates 1 and 4 mm.
• Fine 0.4 mm tip: suitable for annotations, outlines, mind maps, diagrams and felt-tip pens for bullet journals. The STABILO point 88 and some dual-tip models combine this fineness with a second, wider tip.
• Brush tip: flexible, it moves from a light stroke to a thicker one depending on the pressure applied. It lends itself particularly well to felt-tip pens for lettering, calligraphy and illustrations.
• Acrylic tip: acrylic markers can have a round, chisel or dual tip. They can be used on a variety of surfaces such as wood, glass, ceramic, metal or paper. Testing on an inconspicuous area is still advisable.

The ink: choose according to use and look after it well

For taking notes, a transparent water-based ink helps maintain good readability. Pastel highlighters generally attract less attention than fluorescent models, which make text stand out more.

For creative activities, pay close attention to the features stated:

• Washable ink: it’s practical with children, but ‘washable’ doesn’t guarantee that all stains will disappear from every fabric. If a spill happens, act quickly.
• Acrylic ink: it can offer opaque coverage, even on dark surfaces. However, it may stain clothing and requires the cap to be replaced without delay.
• Water-soluble ink: on sufficiently thick paper, it can produce effects similar to watercolour, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Water or light resistance: these properties should be checked on the product sheet. They don’t automatically apply to an entire range.

The set and storage conditions

A well-organised case, a colour chart or numbered colours make storage easier and help you quickly find the right shade. To preserve ink flow, carefully replace the caps after each use. Some manufacturers also recommend horizontal storage, particularly for acrylic markers and dual-tip sets.

For products intended for young children, check the recommended age, the possible presence of small parts and the supervision instructions. Even colouring pens described as non-toxic should not be put in the mouth.

Our selection according to your profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget

Deli Highlighter Pens, Office and School Supplies, Set of 4 Assorted Colours

Why this choice suits this profile: With its four colours, this set lets you get started with note-taking, organising your lessons or marking documents without stockpiling lots of references.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its deliberately limited format stops you paying for shades that would sit unused at the bottom of your pencil case when your goal is simply to highlight every day.

Main advantage and key features

Four assorted colours in a format suited to school and office supplies.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts

STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel, Highlighter Set, Pack of 15

Why this choice suits this profile: Those who like to make their notes look polished have 14 pastel shades for lessons, planners and bullet journals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its chisel tip offers two line widths, so you don’t need to buy a separate tool for underlining and another for highlighting.

Main advantage and key features

Transparent water-based ink, 15 pieces, 2 to 5 mm tip and claimed anti-dry-out technology for up to 4 hours without the cap.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users

Ohuhu Maui Dual Tip Brush Pens, Set of 100 Artist Felt-tip Pens with Dual Tips

Why this choice suits this profile: Colouring, illustration and calligraphy enthusiasts benefit from a 0.4 mm fineliner tip and a 1 to 6 mm brush tip on every pen.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The two tips cover complementary uses: no need to buy multiple sets for details and large areas.

Main advantage and key features

100 numbered colours, colour chart, five replacement tips and water-based ink described as blendable on suitable paper.

Which materials to choose according to the activity?

• Revision and office work: go for fluorescent or pastel highlighters with a chisel tip, offering both a fine and a wide stroke.
• Bullet journal: combine a subtle highlighter with fine 0.4 mm pens for borders and small annotations.
• Lettering: choose brush pens with a flexible tip and always test the paper’s reaction before layering colours.
• Creative colouring: dual-tip felt-tip pens offer more possibilities, while acrylic markers are suitable for non-porous surfaces, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Children’s activities: look for washable markers for children, check the recommended age and choose a tip wide enough to be easily gripped.

FAQ on felt-tip pens and highlighters for colouring

How can I stop felt-tip pens bleeding through the paper?

Always test the colour on the last page of your notebook or on a sheet of the same weight. For very liquid inks and water effects, choose thicker paper and slip a protective sheet underneath the page you’re working on.

How long can opened felt-tip pens be kept?

It all depends on the type of ink, storage conditions and how often you use them. Replace the caps after each session and keep the pens away from heat and sunlight. Anti-dry-out claims made by a brand apply to specific usage conditions: they don’t remove the need to put the cap back on properly.

Are washable markers suitable for all children?

Not necessarily. Check the recommended age, warnings about caps and the possible presence of small parts. An ink described as washable may still leave marks on some fabrics or materials. When the instructions recommend it, use these products under adult supervision.