The Best Watercolor Brush Pens in 2023

Aside from being simple to set up and carry for our art endeavors, watercolor brush pens are also wonderfully simple to use. We don’t need any extra brushes, messy blending tools, or water to make a beautiful watercolor brush.

We may do hand-lettering, floral drawings, and any type of art that we are enthusiastic about with the best watercolor brush pens. It enables us the freedom of creation, even for beginners.

If you love painting, drawing, and coloring as much as I do, the watercolor brush pens are a must-have. Continue reading to find out my insights on the top-quality items on the market, as well as a complete buying guide to help you choose the appropriate kit for you.

Top 12 Watercolor Brush Pen Reviews

1. ARTEZA Real Brush Pens

If you are in the market for watercolor brush markers that offer the fluidity and vibrancy of brush pens, look no further than the Arteza watercolor brush pens. Arteza is a reputable and well-known manufacturer of high-quality watercolor ink brush pens.

An advantage of this set is that it features a wide array of color selection that you don’t find in most brands. I love the fact that they add stunning colors to my artwork without me having to break the bank.

I am also impressed by the fact these brush pens feel like real traditional brushes. This is thanks to the soft tip that is crafted from durable nylon brush hairs, allowing you to get details of your artwork. Plus, I love that I can achieve thin lines with the tapered point as well as achieve strokes and thicker lines by brushing the pen down.

A great aspect of these brush pens is that they are highly versatile. You can use them with water to produce watercolor effects or without water when coloring, painting, calligraphy, sketching, auditing coloring books, and more.

Unlike most watercolor brush pens in the market, ARTEZA Real brush pens are very comfortable and easy to use. The grip handle is easy and comfortable on the fingers, making it very easy to use for both students and professionals.

Furthermore, these brush pens offer precision control to prevent getting the paint everywhere. You can, therefore, be assured that there will be no more fuss or mess when it comes to cleaning.

However, the downside of these brush pens is that they do not rewet well to release the colors consistently. Also, according to Arteza brush pens review, most users note that the brush pens are longer in size while some were disappointed with the storage case.

2. Benicci Artist Watercolor Brush Pens

If you are in the market for brush pens with vibrant colors that you can use for all types of art and not just watercolor markers art, then look no further than the Benicci watercolor brush pens. These brush pens can be used for all painting styles including calligraphy. This caught my attention because it meant that I could achieve a range of designs without paying for too much.

It is also a great value of money as the package includes one refillable brush pen, watercolor paper pad, ready gift paper box, and a durable fabric carrying case for easy transportation of the set anywhere you go. The refillable brush pen can be used to mix dry colors to create additional tones with no mess or fuss. With this package, it is evident that you will get the best buck for your money.

When it comes to performance, I can vouch for the performance of these ink-based watercolor brush pens. The tips are highly flexible and can produce clean thin and broad lines. They also allow for smooth transitioning in-between and can bring out the detail of your artwork.

Looking to get a watercolor brush pen set for your child but are worried about their safety? Well, with Benicci makers, you will be at peace knowing that they are 100% toxic-free and safe for kids.

However, a drawback of this product is that the colors can fade when too much water is added.

3. Reaeon Watercolor Brush Pens

Including a collection of lively colors, these brush pens can help you to create watercolor effects for a wide variety of designs on craft paper. Alternatively, one can use brush pens without water to get creative in painting, drawing, coloring, sketching, calligraphy, and more. This is a feature that I find very useful when I want my imagination to run wild.

Uniquely, these brush pens utilize water-based ink that is acid-free and non-toxic and easy to wash. The ink is perfect for creating delicate watercolor effects without bleeding through most papers. Users who like the set note that one can do everything with the brush pens including light pastel washes, subtle shading as well as gradient.

The fiber tips are highly flexible and the water brush included makes the blending of colors very easy. With the flexible tip, you can effortlessly create neat and smooth strokes that will make your work stand out. What’s more, you can use the brush pens for hand lettering without worrying about causing a muss or mess.

Nonetheless, using these brush pens right may require a bit of practice. Some users also complained that they are hard to blend. So you may want to keep this in mind before making your purchase.

4. Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens

With diverse high-quality colors, the Chalkola watercolor brush pens for artists, kids, and beginner painters to indulge their love of art. The set also includes sheet drawing pad and 2 blending brush pens with the round and flat tip.

This allows you to get creative without having to go back to your pocket to make a separate purchase. Plus, the painting pad is crafted from fine-textured and acid-free paper that can be used with dry and wet media.

What I love most about the Chalkola brush pens is that they provide a perfect solution for many styles of painting and art. Due to its great flexibility, one can use this brush in coloring, painting, calligraphy, sketching, and many more. In addition to this, the real brush tips ensure that you get fascinating effects with every application.

A spec that makes this brush pen set stand out from the competition is the fact that they dry pretty fast. The nylon brush tip is prefilled with ink that is lightfast and dries very quickly, eliminating the chances of bleeds, streaks, and smudges. I find this feature very useful for those who prefer to work on the go and don’t have much time to wait for the ink to dry out.

Overall, with the Chalkola watercolor brush pens, you can allow your creativity to run wild regardless of the skill level. So, if you are looking for the best watercolor markers for beginners, you might want to give this set a try.

If you want to surprise your child with watercolor brush pens, these are a must-have. Being water-based, the makers are free from chemicals and odors and very safe for children to use. This also makes washing off the color ink from skin and garments very easy.

5. Ohuhu Water Coloring Brush Pens

The Ohuhu set is our top recommendation for amateur artists, professional artists, and art students. This watercolor brush pen set features 3 flat tip pens and 3 point tip pens for achieving fine lines when working on an intricate art piece. The two sets of tip brush pens come in varying sizes including; small, medium, and large, to help facilitate effective blending of colors.

If you want a multicolor paint set that multipurpose, these brush pens have been tested to fit the bill. They can be used for various applications with powdered pigment and solid colors. Alternatively, you can use the brushes pencils, makers, and squash watercolor crayons to spread and smooth the colors.

Impressively, the Ohuhu brush pens can help you achieve optimal results without causing any smear, spread, or spray. This is thanks to the premium quality nylon hair brush that offers precision control and remains intact while in use.

Its ease of use is another reason why I would recommend this watercolor brush pen set. To use the brush pen, you simply need to blend with water and add ink to the barrel. I also like that it is easy to clean with water after use. I, however, dislike the fact that this brush pen set may not do very well for calligraphy. But I highly recommend it for watercolor.

6. SPREEY Brush Pens

If you are in the market for a brush pen that will help you create different watercolor techniques, I would highly recommend the Spreey brush pens. The pens make use of water-based ink while the flexible tip can produce a variety of fine and bold strokes.

The SPREEY brush pens offer great value for money with its wide array of colors. What I find most outstanding about these brush pens is they have an exceptional color blending. With just a few drops of water, the paint will easily lighten to the desired hue.

Plus, the blending of the colors to produce a surprising effect is made possible by the extra water brush included. Apart from mixing colors, the water brush can also be used to soften the edges and remove unwanted colors. Although the water brush does a great job of diluting, you can be assured that the color will remain saturated.

Being water-soluble, these brush pens are very easy to clean as they also feature a mess-free design. I love this feature because it makes my job easier and I don’t have to worry about accidentally painting my clothes or hands. Furthermore, being non-toxic and odorless, kids can safely enjoy these watercolor pens to bring out their creativity.

One downside is that some colors can be difficult to blend than others. This calls for more patience to get the desired results.

7. UBRU Watercolor Brush Pens

Whether you are a beginner, a designer, or a professional artist, the Ubru watercolor brush pens set is the perfect place to begin. Equipped with premium brush pens and 2 water brush pens, calligraphy, hand lettering, and painting enthusiasts will undoubtedly love this set. Better yet, you can use water to create interesting watercolor effects.

These watercolor brush makers feature a high quality and durable tip that is crafted from nylon brush hairs. The tapered point is perfect for creating thin lines while thicker lines and strokes can be achieved when you brush down the pen. I am also amazed by the brush pen’s elasticity as it can maintain its shape even after several uses.

Do you hate leaving wet marks and streaking on your work? Well, I do too. Fortunately, the Ubru watercolor paint pens give you the ability to do subtle shading, light pastel washes, and gradient without streaking or causing messes. Free from chemicals, brush pens are kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by both adults and children in the family.

After using the pens, it is advisable to place the cap back. Otherwise, the brush pen is likely to dry out. These pens are also not suitable for children below 3years.

8. Doodle Hog Watercolor Brush Pens

Doodle Hog watercolor brush pens are best suited for those who are looking for a budget-friendly kit without compromising on performance. The kit comes with 48 intense colors and 2 refillable water brushes that allow you to dilute the colors and bring out your creativity. It is no wonder this brush pen set is considered a must-have for both serious and amateur artists.

If you are working on an intricate project, the flexible tips will allow you to smoothly transition between thin and broad lines. Providing controlled strokes, the soft tips are perfect for coloring and calligraphy without streaking and leaving messes. I, however, would not recommend the soft and flexible tips for hand lettering.

I am impressed by convenient these brush pens are because they can work with or without water. What this means is that the brush pens can be dipped in water to produce stunning watercolor effects. However, if you want to create fine line marker effects, using the brush pens without water would be the way to go.

Did I talk about how budget-friendly this product is? Doodle Hog brush pens are quite affordable and come in premium quality like their expensive counterparts. The feature-packed kit will give you value for money.

Even so, I dislike that a lot of patience and care is needed to execute these pens, especially when using them for intricate details. Also, it is unfortunate that the manufacturer does not provide information about the chemical makeup of the pens.

9. Craft Croc Watercolor Paint Brush Pens

Another genuine set of brush pens is the Craft Croc watercolor pens which feature vibrant colors. These colors are easily blendable thanks to the two blending brushes included. You can use the water brushes to dilute the colors with water before the ink dries out. This will create amazing watercolor effects like sfumato.

Something else that I find outstanding is the soft and flexible nylon brush tips that are designed with the real artists’ quality. Unlike most brush tips pens which are usually markers, the brush tip of these pens is real.

With the real nylon brush tip, one can effortlessly achieve a variety of painting styles such as calligraphy, hand lettering, illustrating, journaling, painting landscapes, and many more.

I believe that this is one of the best portable watercolor paintbrush sets because of the convenient hardcover case it comes in. With this sure packaging, you can take your work on the go without worrying about misplacing some of your working tools. Better yet, the hardcover travel case is very sturdy and you can throw it in your bag for easy transportation.

The water-based and non-toxic material is without doubt another plus especially for if you intend to gift your artistic child with watercolor brush pens. They are also easily washable even when the paint is smeared on your hands or clothes.

10. Sophie’s Art Supplies Watercolor Brush Pens

From Sophie’s Art Supplies are these 48 vibrant colored watercolor real brush pens. With this wide array of colors, you will have the right amount of color to cover the spectrum of your artwork. It uses water-based ink that is acid-free, non-toxic, and odorless.

Fans admit that the brush pens offer endless creative options as it allows you to do intricate illustrations, painting, and take the art of calligraphy to another level. Plus, you can use these brush pens with ease regardless of your skill level. The set is one of the best watercolor pens for beginners.

On top of the popping colors, you will be impressed to know that this set features 2 water blending brushes and an A5 watercolor sketchpad which will get you started without having to go back to your pocket again. Hence, investing in this kit is undoubtedly a smart decision.

This high-quality brush pen will give you precision control. This is thanks to the durable nylon brush tip and tampered point. The tampered point will help you draw a variety of thin and thick strokes. Better yet, you can do all this with less mess as you would expect from a conventional watercolor paint set.

Being portable and compact, I would highly suggest this set for painters on the go. And just like the Decospark watercolor brush pens, this pen set is quick-drying and very easy to use. The prefilled pens allow for a comfortable grip so you can have a hassle-free experience. Being water-soluble, washing it off is pretty straightforward.

A unique spec is the anti-roll lids that offer convenience when using the pens. However, the watercolor brush pen review for this product shows that most users had a difficult time twisting open the blending brushes. Also, one reviewer noted that the pens are very saturated with color.

11. Genuine Crafts Watercolor Brush Pens

The Genuine Crafts Watercolor Brush Pens is a must-have addition to any artist’s painting supplies. First things first, this watercolor brush set is very portable as it features a convenient storage case for painters on the go.

Suited for both children and adults, these brush pens are a perfect option if you have a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on lifespan and quality.

The set provides great value for money with the high-quality real brush tips that are crafted from flexible nylon. I love that these brush tips ensure a smooth transition between thick and fine strokes, something that is needed when doing calligraphy. Furthermore, the tips are very easy to care for and last for several uses without smear or spread.

Unlike most models in the market, Genuine Craft brush pens are well designed with no mess and leaks. Additionally, they are very easy and effortless to use, something that I find very important especially if you are a novice painter. In fact, I believe that they are the best watercolor pens for beginners.

Despite all these benefits, these pens have their downsides which include drying out when not stored properly. Luckily, this can be resolved by following the care instructions and placing back the cap after each use. Pre-filling the cap for the next time you use it has been made easy with just a click of the pen cap,

I have also noted that some watercolor effects are difficult to achieve when water is not added. For this reason, you will need to refill your water brush pen.

12. OOKU Watercolor Brush Pens

The OOKU watercolor brush pens are best suited for amateur and professional artists who want to perfect their art. I particularly love the dropper and tuner watercolor brushes that are included in the set that comes in handy in ensuring perfect control and water flow.

One of the advantages of watercolor brush pens is versatility, and this is no exception for these brush pens. When you have these brushes in hand, you can use them with powdered pigment, pencils, crayons, markers, and squash watercolor pens.

The nylon brush tips are soft, durable, and stay intact at all times. Therefore, as you use the brushes, you can be assured that they won’t smear, spread or spray. The tips are designed to create sleek consistent lines as well as fine, medium, and daring strokes. This makes the pens great for calligraphy, watercolor painting, and lettering.

Furthermore, they are durable and retain their pointed tip even after several uses. This means that you won’t go back to your pocket to purchase a replacement anytime soon. Also, I think it’s an excellent product because the soft heads come in different sizes to meet the needs of various artists.

If ease of use is important to you, then I would highly suggest this product. After being tested by various users, we can conclude that the OOKU watercolor brush pens are hassle-free and easy to use. To use, simply, unscrew the pen’s barrel and add ink or water. To open the barrels, you just need to twist clockwise or anticlockwise.

How to Choose Watercolor Brush Pens

Truth be told, there are several watercolor brush pens in the market, and selecting the most suitable for your painting style can be overwhelming. Below are some factors that will help you with your selection so you can make an informed buying decision.

Firmness

Before you make your buying decision of the best water color pens, be sure to consider the tip firmness. Firm felt-tip pen allows for varying degrees of hardness but does not produce a wide variety of lines. Nonetheless, they are easier to control, making them ideal for beginners and those requiring detailed and small projects.

Softer pens, on the other hand, allow for more line variation. For this reason, they are a bit difficult to control and require more practice.

Blend Ability

Basically, blend-ability is the ability for colors to mix well with each other. A perfect watercolor brush pen will have the ability to blend well when using the wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques. Blendability is an important factor to consider because brush pens that don’t blend well are unlikely to deliver professional results.

Hence, it is recommendable to read customer reviews to ensure that you choose a brush pen that can mix fluidly with other hues as well as create smooth gradients to get you the desired results.

Color Selection

Some people prefer to blend different colors to achieve the hues they want. However, if you lack the patience to mix colors to achieve the desired color, then you should opt for a brand that offers a plethora of color selections. Brush pens sets that include a variety of pre-made colors are easier to work with and tend to be cost-effective in the long run.

Before you head out shopping, list down the colors that matter to you so you can narrow down your choices. This way, it will be easier to find a set that is best suited for your needs and painting style. For instance, if you are working on a vibrant realistic portrait, you will need a set with more colors compared to when you are working on a calligraphy project.

Color Separation

Colors that are made from a mixture of multiple dyes may sometimes separate when activated with water. This separation causes an unexpected effect that will make your watercolor makers art beautiful. Therefore, if you intend to create a serendipitous effect, be sure to consider the color separation of the brush pens.

Tool Toxicity

This is generally the number of chemicals used in the production of a watercolor brush pen. Due to the advancement in technology, most brush pens are non-toxic and emit minimal fumes and odor. Nonetheless, there are still brush pens that contain high levels of chemicals and odors which can be potentially dangerous when used by children.

In such a case, it is best to purchase from brands that are renowned for their low tool toxicity. Also, before making your purchase, see to it that you research the details of the product for their toxicity level.

Material and Size of Tip

Watercolor brush tips are crafted from different types of materials depending on the expected results. Bristle-tip brush pens have a feel like that of regular paintbrushes as they offer coverage for large areas and give brushy effects.

Felt-tip brush pens are usually made from plastic and are more firm than bristle-tip brush pens. They are easier to control and do a good job of producing consistent lines.

When it comes to the size of the tip, brush pen tips can either be broad or fine. Fine tips are great for smaller applications and doing minor detailing while broad tips come in handy when you want to make bold strokes.

Can you use Brush pens as Watercolor?

Yes, brush pens can be used to produce watercolor effects. Indeed, you should select a brush pen collection that is rich and vibrant in color and capable of bringing out the desired textures.

Check out the following techniques for using your brush pens in situations where you don’t have access to watercolor pens.

Create an atmospheric watercolor texture

You will need a thin plastic baggie, a water brush, and some of your brush pen colors, such as blue, purple, and pink.

Just draw various shapes with varying colors onto the plastic bag surface.

Then, use the water brush to prepare the paper surface. As the paper is ready, place the plastic bag surface drawn with various colors onto it.

You can now use your hands to press down freely and smear onto the other side of the bag, so the colors stick onto the paper and create dreamy textures.

Create gradient watercolor effects

Bring out three colors that will form your gradience. First, you want to use the brush pen with the lightest color to create strokes on the paper.

Then, use the next colors to create some overlaps at the edges of the first color strokes, and you can do the same for the next color.

Finally, use the water brush again to create a seamless blend. You can use a paper towel to absorb the color from the waterbrush, so it’s clear and ready to blend the next sections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is This for?

Watercolor brush pens are for anyone that is into art whether for professional or recreational purposes. There is no restriction as to who can use these pens as people of all ages can use them to get the best from the world of art. So whether you want to get one for yourself or your child, this tool can help you achieve beautiful and professional results at all times.

Plus, if you are working on small and detailed projects and you are not yet able to achieve the strokes of a conventional brush, a watercolor brush pen will come handy.

What are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Watercolor Brush Pens?

Although watercolor brush pen sets are widely used by artists to provide fine artwork, there are still some cons of using them. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using watercolor brush pens:

Advantages:

Cons:

How do I Use Watercolor Brush Pens?

Using watercolor brush pens is not very different from using other markers. To produce colorful effects, here are some steps that you can follow when using watercolor brush pens:

Where to Buy?

While it is difficult to purchase watercolor brush pens directly from the manufacturers, there are numerous retailers and online platforms where you can easily make your purchase.

Examples of such independent retailers are Amazon and Walmart. Both stores offer a plethora of brush pens from various brands. With just a click of the button, you make easily place an order for your desired product.

Also, stores like the home depot and Lowes are great places where you can find high-quality watercolor brush pens suited for your painting style and budgetary needs.

How to Care?

Taking care of your watercolor brush pen helps to prolong its life. Even so, it’s still very important to know how to properly clean your brush pens to keep happy and extend their life.

Here are some steps for cleaning your watercolor brush pens:

Apart from cleaning, there are several things that you can do to care for your brush pen. They include:

Conclusion

By this time, I believe that you now know more about watercolor brush pens including their pros and cons. Above are just some of the finest watercolor brush pens that you can choose for your artwork project. When it comes to choosing the best watercolor brush pens, the choice comes down to your needs, skill level, and the desired effect.

Make sure that you evaluate the pros and cons of each product and keep factors such as blendability, firmness, the material of tip, and color separation in mind. This way, you will easily select the watercolor set that is best suited for you.