How to Find the Best Brush Pens

If you have ever considered taking up calligraphy but have found that the tools and techniques are a bit overwhelming, you may want to consider brush pens instead.  As a modern way to write in calligraphy, brush pens offer artists a lot of advantages.  Here are four reasons why brush pens may be better than a traditional calligraphy pen and a bottle of ink:

1. Brush pens contain a reservoir of ink inside their barrels, so there is no need to dip their tips into a bottle of ink.  
2. Brush pens are made in a wide variety of colors that are not regularly offered in calligraphy ink.  
3. Brush pens are sold in sets, which makes it quick and convenient to collect a wide variety of colors.  
4. Brush pens are designed for color blending, which is not an option with calligraphy pens.

These are wonderful writing tools that everyone will enjoy using.  They are also a fun way to test the waters of calligraphy without feeling hemmed into a certain artistic style.  

If brush pens have captivated your attention and you would like to find a set to try, we would love to help you through the process.  Craft & Stitch takes great pride in offering artists and crafters of every taste, every art and craft, and proficiency level helpful guides for their favorite creative outlet.  If you’re ready to learn all about brush pens and how to find the best ones on the market, then let’s begin.

Significant Features of Brush Pens

Before you head out shopping for a set of brush pens, read through the following features of brush pens.  This list will help to streamline the shopping process.

Blending

Since these are designed for color blending, make sure you get a set of brush pens that will blend colors well.  Even if this isn’t the primary reason you purchase brush pens, you may want to eventually try some color blending techniques, so don’t skimp on this feature.  A flexible brush offers more variety in brush stroke styles than a brush that is firm.  

Brush Tips

Consider how you plan to use your brush pens so that you can select the best brush tips for your projects.  If you are uncertain about the different usages of brush pen tips or how to use them, opt to get both a flexible and fine tip.

Colors

Make sure to get a set that includes all the colors you want to use.  

Ink Flow

If possible, sample the brush pens you are interested in purchasing so you can experience how well the ink flows.  This will probably be a preference-based decision, but you will want something with a consistent flow.

Water-resistance

This feature will be determined by the person who is using the pens and what they plan to do with their completed artwork.  If you plan to use the pens on works of art that are meant to last for a long time, then you should select a set of water-resistant brush pens.  This type of ink is durable and will last longer than any ink that does not have this feature.

Conversely, any ink that is not water-resistant is a great option for children since it will not stain clothing.  The artwork will not last nearly as long, but the trade-off is well worth it.

The Top Ten Brush Pens on the Market

Now that we have covered the basic features that make a brush pen an excellent product, we can begin looking at brush pens on the market to find the best.  We have collected the top ten brush pens for your consideration.  These recommended products were gathered using the following criteria:

• Features – The list of recommended products will include a wide variety of key features so that every crafter should find a brush pen that is compatible with their style and the types of projects they typically create.
• Price Range – To accommodate everyone’s budget, the list of recommended products will range in price from splurge-worthy to budget-friendly.
• Ratings & Reviews – Every product on this list will come with at least a 4-star rating.

The Best Brush Pen for Color Options

Arteza Real Brush Pens

This set offers everything a crafter could want from a brush pen.  There are 96 non-toxic colors in this set, with one of them being a water brush designed for color blending.  A set like this one is ideal for calligraphy, coloring, sketching, and painting.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.7-star rating
• Includes 96 colors
• Non-toxic

Cons

• Some customers have commented that they take time to learn how to properly use
• Some customers have commented that blending colors is difficult
• Slightly expensive

The Best Brush Pen for Sketching

Ohuhu Brush Tip & Fine Tip Markers

With this set of 60 markers, graphic artists and coloring hobbyists will be pleased by all they can accomplish.  Each marker is dual tipped with a fine tip and a brush tip making it easier to accomplish every type of project.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.6-star rating
• Reasonably priced
• Contains 60 different colors
• Includes fine and brush tip options

Cons

• Some customers have commented that they bleed a lot
• Some customers have commented that the lids can damage the pen tips

The Best Brush Pen for Kids

Hethrone Colored Markers

This is a set that any artistic child will want, and every parent will be happy to purchase.  The markers are non-toxic, resistant to bleeding, and dual-tipped.  Along with all these positive aspects, the key selling point is that there are one hundred unique colors in the set.  This set will allow every kid artist to accomplish their dream projects.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.6-star rating
• Reasonably priced
• Contains non-toxic and odorless ink
• Each marker is designed with both a fine tip and a brush tip

Cons

• Some customers have commented that the brush tip bleeds a little
• Some customers have commented that the markers dry out quickly
• Some customers have found that the marker color does not match the cap color

The Best Brush Pen for Beginners

Pentel Arts Sign Pen Touch

This is a great set for beginner artists.  It comes in twelve different colors, which is just enough to keep art fun without being overwhelming.  The pens are also designed for color blending and many other artistic techniques that beginners and kids may want to experiment with.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.8-star rating
• Reasonably priced 
• Customers love the vibrancy of the colors and how smooth the ink is

Cons

• Customers have commented that the ink bleeds through most types of paper
• Some customers have commented that the ink is not waterproof
• Some customers have commented that the tips are too flexible

The Best Brush Pen for Letter Calligraphy

Tombow Dual Brush Pen

While some users have stated that this pen does take some time to feel comfortable holding and using, they have also stated that once they have learned how to do so, this is their favorite calligraphy pen.  This pen is designed with a very flexible tip for easy lettering.  Also, the tip stays sharp longer than most others.  

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.8-star rating
• Available in 96 different colors
• Customers love the vibrancy of the colors

Cons

• This is a big pen and is ideal for small or detailed artwork
• The ink can bleed through lightweight paper

The Best Brush Pen for Travel

Das Kid Watercolor Brush Pen

With this set, artists can take their work with them anywhere.  The set includes 24 different colors, two water brushes for blending, and a compact carrying case for travel.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.6-star rating
• Includes 24 different colors
• Comes with a carrying case
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Some users have commented that the ink in the pens dries out quickly
• Some users have commented that the water brushes are difficult to fill with water

The Best Black Ink Brush Pen 

Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen

If your artwork requires the simplicity of black ink alone, then this is the pen you need.  It is a high-quality option designed for artists who primarily work on lettering and calligraphy, but it can also add some great effects to sketches.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.7-star rating
• Ink is fade resistant
• Ink is waterproof
• Ink is refillable

Cons

• Expensive
• Some customers have commented that it is difficult to learn how to use

The Best Budget-Friendly Brush Pen

Soucolor Brush Marker Pens

With this set of brush pens, new artists and casual hobbyists can experiment without breaking the bank.  This set comes in 34 different colors, and each color is dual-tipped for added versatility.  All these features combined make this set ideal to use in lettering, coloring, and sketching.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.6-star rating
• Very reasonably priced (under $15)
• Ink dries quickly
• Customers love the vibrant colors of the ink and how smooth the ink flows 

Cons

• Some customers have commented that the ink in the pen didn’t match the ink on the lid
• Some customers have commented that the ink bleeds through paper

The Best Refillable Brush Pen

Yunyinfeng Water Brush Pen Set

For those artists and crafters who enjoy mixing colors on their own, this is a nice set.  It allows the artist to refill their pens with water or any type of ink they prefer.  The set comes with a variety of brush tips so there should be a tip for every type of art.  When you think of ease of use and versatility, think of this set.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.3-star rating
• Very reasonably priced (under $10)
• A great option for both kids and adult artists
• Easy to clean
• Easy to refill
• Comes with six different tip sizes/shapes

Cons

• Water does not automatically seep into the brush tip but must be squeezed into it
• Some customers have commented that the flow of water is difficult to control 

The Best Splurge-worthy Brush Pen

Tombow Dual Brush Pen Set with Desk Stand

If you’re a professional artist or plan to take your art to the next level, you need to invest in high-quality art tools.  Tombow has designed this set of brush pens and a stand for organization and storage to meet this need.  Purchasing this set will definitely be a splurge, but if it helps your artwork develop better, it may be worth it.

Pros

• As of the writing of this article, customers have given this item a 4.8-star rating
• The ink does not bleed through paper
• Includes a marker stand
• Odorless
• Tips are designed to self-clean
• Designed for color blending

Cons

• These markers will tear up inexpensive paper
• Some customers have had issues with the ink drying out too quickly
• Some customers have had issues with the pen tips getting frayed

FAQs

In Conclusion

Obviously, there are some really great products out on the market today.  With so many options, it can be overwhelming, but hopefully, this guide has helped you make a decision about the type of markers you need.  For me, I am very interested in the Das Kid Watercolor Brush Pen Set.  Since this set comes with a carrying case, I feel like I can take it anywhere and not worry about the pens getting damaged.  Plus, it has great reviews.

If you’ve found a brush pen set that is ideal for your artwork, why not let us help you find some really great calligraphy paper or a sketchbook?  With these art tools, you can get all your creative ideas out to share with the world.

Research Citations

Wow Pencils

Pieces Calligraphy

Further readings:

• Best Paper for Copic Markers: Our Top Picks That Won’t Break the Bank
• Best Paint Markers That Will Not Make a Mess
• Scrapbook Ideas for Best Friend That Are a Must Try