11 Best Watercolor Brush Pens
Here are the best watercolor brush pens to use. Looking for a fun way to paint without the mess? Watercolor brush pens are a great choice for beginners and experienced artists.
They give you the soft flow of watercolor with the control of a pen, making them perfect for coloring with watercolor or adding detail to your favorite pages. There are so many sets out there, so I put together this list of the best watercolor brush pen sets to help you choose.
I love using these pens because they’re easy to travel with, and you don’t even need a water cup. I keep a set on my desk for quick painting breaks and also use them for the printable coloring pages on this blog with watercolor paper. You can blend colors right on the page or use a water brush for softer looks.
what are watercolor brush pens
Watercolor brush pens are markers filled with water based ink that acts like watercolor paint. They have soft, flexible tips that feel like a paintbrush. You can use them dry for bold lines or add water to create a soft, blended look. They’re great for coloring, painting, hand lettering, and more without the mess of traditional paints.
best watercolor brush pen sets
Keep in mind that some of these sets come with the blender, and others you will need a watercolor blender or paint brush to blend the colors together. Watercolor brush blenders can be purchased on Amazon.
1. GenCrafts Watercolor Brush Pens
GenCrafts watercolor brush pens are super fun to use and come in a lots of colors in this set. The brush tips are soft but give you good control, especially for blending. You can use them for floral pages or when you need smooth gradients.
2. chromatek 108 Watercolor Pens Set
These pens come with a helpful blending water brush and are great for beginners. The colors are bright and build nicely with layers. They work best on thicker paper to avoid pilling. That goes for pretty much all watercolor brush pens.
3. Arteza watercolor brush pens
Arteza is one of the most popular brands. The pens are juicy, vibrant, and easy to use. They blend beautifully with just a little water. If you’re just starting with watercolor brush pens, this set is one to try for sure.
4. Hippie Crafter Watercolor Brush Set
I’ve worked with Hippie Crafter many times and always trust their quality. Their watercolor brush pens feel professional and are great for detailed art or coloring pages. They even have an Etsy shop, which I love supporting.
5. sakura koi brushes
This is one of the brands I reach for almost every day as I use their micron pens for outlines. The tips feel smooth, and the colors dry with a soft finish that looks hand-painted. They’re great for travel sketchbooks or quick washes of color.
6. Primrosa Watercolor pen set
Primrosa pens have a fresh, light feel that’s perfect for pastel lovers. The ink flows well and blends easily with a water brush. These are a great choice if you like subtle tones or soft backgrounds. They also have some of the nicest packaging which makes for a great gift.
7. Faber-Castell water art markers
Faber-Castell is a high end brand, and their brush pens live up to the name. The pigment quality is excellent and works beautifully on watercolor paper. They’re great for detailed art, journaling, or layered painting.
8. Kuretake Zig watercolor brush pens
I’m a big fan of Kuretake Zig and have used their products for years. They also make the Wink of Stella shimmer pens, which pair perfectly with the watercolor brush pens for adding sparkle over watercolor pigments after they are dry.
9. creativepeak watercolor brush pens
CreativePeak pens are a good budget friendly set. They’re easy to control and great for both writing and coloring. You can use these for lettering practice and coloring small details.
10. artistro watercolor brush pens
I love Artistro products, they always feel thoughtfully made. Their sets come in rich colors and layer well without bleeding. They’re great for both beginners and more advanced artists looking for consistent ink flow. I also love to use the Artistro watercolor sets, their products have good pigment load.
11. Norberg & Linden Real Waterbrush Set
Norber & Linden pens feel like a hidden gem. The color range is fun and slightly different from most sets, which makes them great for experimenting. I like using these for unique color palettes and background washes.
I hope this list of the best watercolor brush pens helps you find a set you’ll love. They’re such a fun and easy way to explore painting, especially if you enjoy coloring with watercolor or working in watercolor coloring books.
More coloring ideas
Free coloring pages for alcohol markers
Zentangle practice sheets to print
Don’t forget to subscribe to the DIY Coloring Artistry YouTube channel for coloring videos, pen tests, and tips on using these tools. And if you want to show off your work, come join the DIY Coloring Artistry Facebook group where we share our favorite pages and supplies. If you found this post helpful, please share it with a fellow art friend!
