Stationery pens and markers: how to choose the right supplies for every use

With pastel shades, erasable inks and multi-purpose nibs to choose from, finding your way around the world of stationery pens and markers is not always easy. A student, parent, journaling enthusiast or beginner artist will not all have the same requirements. A pen that is perfect for annotating notes may not be suitable for calligraphy, while a highly pigmented marker could bleed through the pages of a notebook with thin paper.

Before placing an order, three common mistakes are worth avoiding.

Common pitfalls before buying

• Relying solely on the colour shown on the packaging: the result varies depending on the paper, the transparency of the ink and its drying time. A pastel highlighter may look very subtle on white paper and almost illegible on coloured paper.
• Underestimating the importance of the nib and paper: a nib that is too broad will make note-taking more difficult, while a fine nib will slow down colouring. Liquid or heavily pigmented ink can also bleed through the page and show on the reverse.
• Confusing quantity with versatility: a 20-piece double-ended marker set will not necessarily replace an assortment of brush pens for lettering. Similarly, several pens in similar shades may not be enough to organise a bullet journal.

To avoid purchases that end up at the back of a drawer, start by defining your main purpose: writing, highlighting, drawing, correcting, decorating or gifting.

Technical features to check

1. The nib and line width

The shape of the nib has a direct impact on ease of use. A chisel tip generally allows you to vary the line thickness according to the angle at which you write. The Deli highlighter, for example, states a line width of between 1 and 5 mm. This means it can be used both to underline a line and to highlight an entire passage.

For everyday writing, a nib of 0.5 to 0.7 mm is a common compromise between precision and smoothness. The M&G erasable gel pens featured here have a 0.5 mm nib, while the blue M&G gel pens use a 0.7 mm nib. For details on dark paper, the Ohuhu metallic gel pens use an extra-fine 0.8 mm nib.

2. The type of ink and the surface

• Water-based ink: common in pastel highlighters, brush pens and some colouring markers. It is well suited to creative activities, although thin paper may absorb more liquid.
• Gel ink: appreciated for its smooth glide and intense colours. However, its drying time can vary depending on the shade and type of paper.
• Thermosensitive erasable ink: useful for correcting a note or changing an appointment book, but best avoided on official or archival documents. Check the manufacturer's recommendations before use.
• Opaque pigmented ink: particularly suitable for metallic gel pens intended for black, kraft or coloured paper. It generally offers better visibility than transparent ink.

Before decorating a notebook, always test the pen on a separate sheet of paper. This will allow you to check for any smudging, bleed-through and drying time.

3. Design, storage and safety

A cap that closes properly helps reduce the risk of the ink drying out. Retractable models are practical for students and anyone who often writes with one hand: there is no cap to misplace. For children, check the recommended age, whether any small parts are present and the manufacturer's warnings. The Bruynzeel Kids set is suitable from age 5, while some products containing small parts are not suitable for children under 3.

The presence of an established responsible person in the European Union, the manufacturer's contact details and safety instructions are also details to check on the product page. They do not replace reading the usage recommendations carefully.

Which selection is right for your profile?

The products below combine practical features with clearly defined uses. Check the relevant product page to confirm the available colours, set contents and terms offered at the time of purchase.

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget

Deli Chisel Tip Highlighter Marker Pen, Pastel Colors, 4-Pack

Why this choice suits this profile : This set of four pastel highlighters is suitable for lecture notes, lists and the first pages of a bullet journal, without requiring you to buy multiple different products.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated 1 to 5 mm width lets you adapt the highlighting, rather than using a different marker for every task.

Main benefit and key features

Chisel tip, water-based ink and PP/ABS barrel.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts

STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL NatureCOLORS Wildflower

Why this choice suits this profile : A harmonious palette for anyone who wants to keep their desk, notes or notebook perfectly organised.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies a line width of between 2 and 5 mm, as well as the transparent nature of the water-based ink.

Main benefit and key features

Four floral shades, a chisel tip and a cap designed to help prevent the ink from drying out.

Recommended for : Specific uses and intensive users

WRITECH Arts Sign Brush Pen, 12 colours

Why this choice suits this profile : Calligraphy, journaling and creative stationery enthusiasts can vary the line width by changing the pressure applied to the flexible brush tip.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies a felt brush tip and water-based ink: much more useful information than a simple promise of versatility.

Main benefit and key features

12 pastel colours, a flexible tip and the stated option of diluting the ink with water.

Recommended for : Children and family activities

Bruynzeel Kids Twin Tip Felt-Tip Markers, pack of 20

Why this choice suits this profile : This set is suitable for children aged 5 and over, and for families who want to switch from colouring large areas to adding fine details without changing markers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Each marker combines a fine tip with a broad tip, so there is no need to buy two separate ranges.

Main benefit and key features

20 double-ended markers, water-based ink and tips described as reactivatable with a little water.

For other stationery uses

More specific needs may lead you towards other product categories:

• To correct notes or work with a colour-coding system, the M&G erasable gel pens sold in packs of six have a 0.5 mm nib and an integrated eraser. However, they are not designed to replace permanent ink on important documents.
• For black paper and scrapbooking, the Ohuhu metallic gel pens offer white, gold and silver inks, with 12 pens and a 0.8 mm nib.
• For a gift idea, the Harry Potter-themed pens and Disney pens focus primarily on their decoration and official licensing, rather than a particular technical feature. Check the type of ink, the number of pieces and the recommended age.
• For younger pupils, the Topwrite children's ballpoint pens combine four colours with a barrel designed for small hands.
• For a bright, vibrant palette, the MAPED Fluo’Peps fluorescent highlighters offer six shades and a chisel tip. WRITECH retractable models are useful when caps have a habit of disappearing.

Frequently asked questions about stationery pens and markers

Which pens should you choose for a bullet journal?

Combine a fine pen for outlines and text, a chisel-tip highlighter for structuring pages and, if needed, a brush pen for headings. Test each ink on your notebook paper to minimise smudging and bleed-through.

How can you extend the life of markers?

Replace the caps immediately after use, store markers horizontally when recommended by the manufacturer, and avoid heat and direct sunlight. Do not moisten a dry tip without checking the product instructions: only certain models are described as reactivatable with water.

Are erasable gel pens suitable for all documents?

No. They are mainly useful for exercises, diaries and personal notes. As their ink is designed to be erased, choose permanent ink for forms, contracts and any documents that need to remain legible over time.