Beginner’s Guide to Adult Coloring: How to Start and Enjoy Coloring for Relaxation”

There are daily discussions on various social media platforms each day about what Colouring Pens or pencils should I use for Adult (or teen) Colouring.

About 50 plus years ago, when I started colouring, you had a choice of a pack of 6-8 felt tip pens or a slightly larger set of colouring pencils from the local stationery shop. There was no internet, no Amazon, Temu or large stores that now grace our cities and towns.

My suggestion is that if you are new to adult colouring or are starting it after being away from the books for many years (like I was), buy a cheaper set (with fewer colours first) and then see what you do and don’t like about them.  The outcome will also depend on the paper and materials that you will use the pencils with.  

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• • Fineliners – These are very fine tipped pens, usually 0.3 to 0.40 mm in print,  They are used for very small spaces or fine detail.  Some popular brands are: Staedtler, Triplus and Stabilo
  • Waterbased pens– This ink does not bleed through most papers and is ideal for double-sided books (always check first as paper quality varies). The ink doesn’t blend and can look streaky. Waterbased pens are cheaper than other inks. Popular brands: Staedtler Triplus, Tombow, Crayola Supertips.
  • Alcohol markers– This ink will bleed heavily through most papers     but has excellent blending capability and colour range. Crafters use these types of pens as they give seamless colour and don’t streak. Popular brands: Spectrum Noir, Promarker, Copic, Touch, Chameleon.
  • Wax based pencils- A wax core is very common in coloured pencils. They’re often cheaper and can develop a ‘wax bloom’ over time (a milky film). However, they are mostly soft, rich in pigment and blend well. Popular brands: Prismacolor Premier, Staedtler Ergosoft.
  • Oil based pencils– These pencils are less common. The lead is harder than wax, but this makes them stronger, and they blend and layer well. Popular brands: Faber Castell Polychromos, Marco Raffine. 
  • Watercolour pencils– Water can be added to these pencils to create a watercolour effect, either using a paintbrush, water-filled aquabrush or by dipping the pencil directly into water. Popular brands: Derwent Inktense (this is actually an ink pencil), Faber Castell Albrecht Durer, Staedtler Karat Aquarell.

• • Gel pens– Gel ink. Lays down thickly on the paper and has to be left to dry otherwise smearing will ensue. There are loads of different types of gel ink and they are widely available. Popular brands: Uniball Signo, Sakura Gelly Roll.

• • Chalk Pastels- These  are  what most people use to create those lovely soft subtle backgrounds. Not to be confused with oil pastels which won’t have the same effect. Popular brands: Inscribe, PanPastel.

Open Stock– This means buying single pencils individually rather than in sets. I often recommend you try a few open stock before purchasing a set, especially with the more expensive pencils like Polychromos, just to ensure you get on with them before laying lots of money out.

Some of the more expensive brands of markers and colouring pencils now manufacturer single pens or pencils as replacements or refills to go into the more expensive sets.