Sparkle, Shade & Scribble: Must-Have Coloring Tools for Adults
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into adult coloring or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, having the right coloring supplies can make a big difference in your experience.
4/8/20265 min read
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into adult coloring or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, having the right coloring supplies can make a big difference in your experience. Different tools produce different effects, feel differently in a hand, and may be better suited to certain styles of coloring. This guide will help you understand the top tools — colored pencils, markers, acrylics, and gel pens — for adult coloring, so you can choose what fits your style and goals best. Remember that with any tool, all of those talked about here will have a learning curve. Practice makes progress!
🎨 1. Colored Pencils — The Classic Choice
Why Adults Love Them
Colored pencils are often considered the go-to supplies for adult coloring because they give you control, blending ability, and subtle shading options. They’re perfect for detailed designs like mandalas, florals, or intricate patterns.
What to Look For
Soft, pigmented cores for smooth color application
Good color range (sets of 36, 72, or even 120 pencils)
Durable wood casing that resists breakage
Key Advantages
Great for layering and shading
Easy to blend using a blending pencil or light pressure
Precision on fine details
👉 Ideal for mandalas, landscapes, and adult coloring books that emphasize subtle color variation and narrow coloring spaces.
What I Use
What I've heard are also good
🖊️ 2. Markers — Bright, Bold, and Expressive
Why They’re Popular
Markers bring vibrant, solid color to your pages. If you want bold hues that really pop, markers are an excellent choice. They come in a range from fine tips to brush tips, offering versatility between detail work and larger color blocks.
What to Look For
Alcohol-based markers: smooth blending, rich pigments
Water-based markers: less bleed, paper-friendly
Dual-tip markers: fine point + brush tip in one
Key Advantages
Intense, bright colors
Fast coverage for large spaces
Great for expressive, bold designs
Caution: Some markers (especially alcohol-based) can bleed through thin paper. Use with thicker paper or place a protective sheet underneath. I use several pieces of cardstock to prevent bleed-through ruining the next page.
👉 Ideal for bold designs, expressive color statements, and creative mixes.
What I use:
Ohuhu 320 Honolulu B Alchohol Markers make my soul happy! I have ordered this set 3 times and love them. They have both a brush and fine tip. The fine tip is great for getting small spaces and fine-line details like wood grain, but I use the brush tip the most. It almost makes me feel like I'm an artist painting! I cannot recommend these enough. Did I mention I love these markers!?
What I've heard are also good:
🖌️ 4. Acrylic Paints — Color With Texture & Depth
Why You Might Try Acrylics
While not a traditional adult coloring tool, acrylic paints bring a whole new dimension to your coloring practice — especially if you enjoy mixed-media pages or want to add texture and depth to your designs. Acrylics are vibrant, opaque, and fast-drying, making them ideal for heavier, thick-paper books or coloring canvases.
Benefits of Acrylics for Adult Coloring
Rich, opaque color that stands out
Textural effects — think layering and brush strokes
Covering black lines and accidents
Works on mixed-media or heavyweight paper
Great for creative experimentation beyond pencils and markers
Helpful Tips
Use thicker paper so paint doesn’t warp or bleed through
Start with a small palette and choose a shade close to the base layer
Add details with fine brushes once base layers dry
Pair with colored pencils or gel pens for multi-layer effects
👉 Ideal for colorists who want a painterly experience or enjoy mixed-media art.
What I use:
Languo 288 Colors Acrylic Paint Markers are ready to go with no shaking required. They have a fine tip and offer a wide variety of colors.
Gethpen White Ink Pens for white highlights and more. This set comes with 3 gel pens in 1mm, .8mm, and .5mm tips, two acryclic paint markers with a brush or fine tip paired with a dot tip. It also has two brush-tip acrylic markers that you must shake before using.
What I've heard are also good:
✨ 3. Gel Pens — Glitter, Shine, and Details
Why They’re Fun Gel pens add unique finishes — smooth metallics, sparkles, neon hues, and shimmering effects — that colored pencils and markers can’t replicate. They’re especially delightful for intricate sections and embellishments.
Types to Try
Metallic gel pens
Glitter gel pens
Neon gel pens
Pastel gel pens
Key Advantages
Adds shimmer and shine
Great for fine details and highlights
Works on darker paper too
👉 Excellent for details, accents, and adding flair to coloring pages.
What I use:
🧰 Bonus Tools That Make Coloring Easier
Beyond the main tools, these accessories can elevate your experience:
Drawing tools: Pencils or stumps for smooth transitions, including charcoal
Colorless blender markers: For marker art blending
High-quality card stock: Thicker sheets prevent bleed and warping
What I use:
What I want to buy:
🧠 How to Choose What’s Right for You
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
Your Priority = Best Tool
Smooth shading & soft gradients = Colored Pencils
Bright, bold coverage, coloring books = Markers
Sparkle, shine, and accents = Gel Pens
Mixed media & creative freedom = Acrylic Markers
Coloring is both relaxing and expressive — and the right tools help unlock that experience.
🎉 Final Tip: Try a Variety Pack First
If you’re new to coloring or just exploring, consider trying smaller sample sets of each tool type. Many brands offer cost-effective starter packs so you can see what feels best in your hand and on your pages before investing in larger sets.
Try Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip: 168-Color Double Tipped Art Marker Set for Artist
👀 What's Next?
I'll be sharing all things coloring books! Stay tuned...
References
McCabe, S. (2023). Understanding Art Mediums for Adult Coloring. Journal of Creative Arts.
Lee, A. (2022). The Psychological Effects of Coloring for Mindfulness and Relaxation. Journal of Adult Education.
Taylor, B. (2021). Exploring Different Coloring Tools: Pencils, Markers, Gel Pens. Coloring Today Magazine.
Williams, R. (2024). Tips for Choosing Coloring Supplies That Fit Your Style. Creative Mind Journal.
