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Pens and felt-tips for drawing and colouring: how to choose the right set

A set of pens and felt-tips for drawing and colouring can quickly become cumbersome if the nibs, inks and uses don't match your needs. Between felt-tips marketed as all-purpose, brush pens with dozens of shades and gel pens claimed to work on any paper, there are certain features worth checking before you place your order.

Whether you're preparing for the new school term, a journaling notebook, illustrations or lettering projects, three common pitfalls keep cropping up.

The pitfalls to avoid before buying

1. Mistaking the number of colours for versatility

A set of 60 or 100 shades gives you a generous palette, but it doesn't necessarily replace several different nib types. For writing small notes, a fine-tip felt pen will be far more practical than a brush pen. Conversely, colouring large areas calls for a wider, more consistent nib.

So take a proper look at what the set actually contains: distinct colours, a colour chart, replacement nibs and a storage system.

2. Assuming water-based ink works on all papers

Water-based ink is generally easy to blend and clean up, but how it performs varies a lot depending on the surface. On thin paper, it can bleed through or leave halos. For watercolour effects, it's best to choose thick paper. On black, kraft or coloured paper, go for metallic gel pens or opaque pigmented ink instead.

The term "washable" usually refers to stains on certain surfaces or fabrics. It doesn't guarantee complete removal in every situation.

3. Overlooking nib care

A cap that isn't properly closed speeds up drying, especially with brush pens and artist markers. Some models include an anti-dry system, but the best habit is to put the cap back on after every use. According to the manufacturer's recommendations, storing them horizontally can also help maintain a steady ink flow.

The technical features to compare

The nib: precision, coverage or line variation

  • Fine nib from 0.38 to 0.5 mm: ideal for notes, outlines, details and small motifs.
  • Medium nib around 0.7 to 1 mm: suited to colourful writing, visible outlines and bullet journaling.
  • Flexible brush nib: brush pens let you vary the line width by adjusting pressure. They're particularly well suited to lettering, calligraphy and expressive washes.
  • Dual-tip felt pens: these often combine a fine tip and a brush tip, so you can cut down on the number of tools you need to carry.
  • Bullet or chisel wide nib: handy for colouring and filling in large areas.

The durability of the nib matters just as much. For frequent use at school or in the office, a locked or reinforced nib reduces the risk of it being pushed in under pressure.

The ink type and the finish you're after

Pigmented inks are generally chosen for their opaque colours and their claimed permanence once dry. Gel inks offer a smooth glide and come in white, gold or silver for working on dark surfaces. Acrylic felt-tips produce a finish close to paint and can be used on paper, wood, glass, metal or ceramic – provided you test the surface first.

For everyday writing, erasable gel pens use thermosensitive ink. Friction allows you to correct mistakes, but this type of ink isn't suitable for documents that need to stay permanent, nor for receipts printed on thermal paper.

The paper and the environment you'll be using

Before ordering, identify the surface you'll mainly be working on:

  1. Standard notebook or sheet: choose a medium nib and fast-drying ink to minimise smudging.
  2. Thick sketchbook: brush pens, artist markers and blendable inks are ideal.
  3. Black or coloured paper: go for gel pens and metallic or opaque inks.
  4. Varied surfaces: opt for acrylic felt-tips, after testing on an inconspicuous area.
  5. Children's activities: check the grip, ventilated cap, recommended age and safety warnings.

Selection by user profile

The models below cater to different uses. Their features are given according to the information provided on the product pages.

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
MAPED Color'Peps Maxi Jumbo Felt-Tip Pens – 12 Colours

MAPED Color'Peps Maxi Jumbo Felt-Tip Pens – 12 Colours

Why this choice suits this profile: Its jumbo triangular shape makes it easy for young children to grip. The 12-colour set is perfect for first colouring activities, both at home and at school.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 5 mm nib is locked in both directions and the water-based ink is claimed to be ultra-washable with soapy water on most fabrics and on skin.

Main advantage and key strengths

Wide body, triangular shape, 12 shades and recommended age from 12 months. Adult supervision is still essential.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Brush set of 12 markers

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Brush set of 12 markers

Why this choice suits this profile: This set of 12 brush pens is aimed at illustrators, calligraphy enthusiasts and anyone looking for a flexible nib to vary their strokes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flexible fibre nib is designed to hold its shape. According to the manufacturer's page, the pigmented ink is water-resistant once dry and lightfast.

Main advantage and key strengths

12 basic colours, odourless ink and a nib suited to lettering, illustration and detailed sketching.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users
Ohuhu Maui Dual Tip Brush Pens - 100 Colour Art Markers Set

Ohuhu Maui Dual Tip Brush Pens – 100 colours

Why this choice suits this profile: Regular drawers, art students and colouring enthusiasts get two nibs per marker, so they can switch from detail to broad coverage without changing tools.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The colour chart to fill in helps you identify the actual shades, while the replacement nibs mean you don't have to stop working if one wears out.

Main advantage and key strengths

100 numbered shades, a fine nib of 0.4 mm, a brush nib from 1 to 6 mm, a colour chart card and a storage case.

Recommended for: Creations on black paper
Ohuhu Gel Pens Gold Silver White 12 Pens

Ohuhu Gel Pens – Gold, Silver & White, 12 pens

Why this choice suits this profile: Card makers, scrapbookers, illustrators and decorators can enjoy shades that show up clearly on black paper, kraft paper and other dark surfaces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 0.8 mm metal nib and the highly opaque pigmented ink are designed for details and contrast, rather than for general use on white paper.

Main advantage and key strengths

Six white pens, three gold and three silver, with claimed fast drying and tips protected by caps with an internal seal.

Looking for other options?

We've put together a comprehensive selection, updated in real time, of products that meet these demanding criteria and European safety standards.

Frequently asked questions about pens and felt-tips

How many colours do you need to start drawing and colouring?

A set of 12 felt-tip pens is enough to learn how to blend shades, do school exercises or start journaling. A palette of 60 or 100 shades becomes interesting when you want to minimise mixing and achieve more subtle gradients.

Are erasable gel pens suitable for drawing?

They're mainly suited to annotations, preparatory sketches and planners. Their thermosensitive ink can be erased by friction or heat, so it's best to avoid them for a piece you intend to keep long-term or for an official document.

How can you extend the life of felt-tips?

Close each cap immediately after use, avoid heat and direct light, and follow the recommended storage orientation. With dual-tip felt-tips, keep an eye on both ends for signs of drying. Using suitable paper also reduces the pressure on the nib and helps maintain a consistent line.