Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. Adults everywhere are picking up pencils and markers to relax and get creative with coloring books. But if you’re new to this or just want to make your hobby even better, figuring out which supplies to use can feel tricky. Don’t worry! This guide is here to help you pick the Perfect tools for your coloring book. We’ll look at what’s great (and not so great) about each one, how to match them to your coloring pages, and why paper matters, especially if you’re printing your own designs. No matter any time of year, this simple advice will keep you coloring happily all year long!
How to choose coloring supplies for you coloring pages
Exploring Your Coloring Tools
Let’s start with the three main tools you’ll see in stores: colored pencils, markers, and gel pens. Each one has its own superpowers and a few quirks, so you can choose what fits your style best.
Coloring supplies
Colored Pencils: The Easy All-Rounder
Colored pencils are like the friendly helper of coloring. They’re awesome for mixing colors together (called blending) and adding shadows to make things look real. You can layer them to turn a plain flower into something with depth, and if you mess up, it’s no big deal to fix. They won’t leak through the paper either, so they’re safe for books with pictures on both sides. The catch? Filling big spaces takes a bit more work, and cheap ones might not give you bright colors. They can feel waxy instead. For prettier results, try nicer brands like Prismacolor or Faber-Castell.
Markers: Bright and Fun
Markers are all about big, bold colors that make your pages stand out. They’re super easy to use. Just glide them on, and you’ve got a bright, even look fast, like coloring a sunny sky in no time. You can find them in tons of shades, from loud neons to deep colors. But watch out. They can bleed through thin paper and leave spots on the other side. Blending them isn’t easy unless you get special ones like Copics, and for tiny details, grab fine-tip markers (0.4mm or smaller) so you don’t cover too much. Try them on a spare piece of paper first to see how they behave. It saves your book from surprises!
Gel Pens: Perfect for Little Details
Gel pens feel smooth and fancy, like writing with a magic wand, and they’re awesome for small, tricky spots. Their ink is thick and sometimes sparkly, so it shows up great on any page, light or dark, and they’re perfect for adding little shines or coloring tiny lines, like a butterfly’s wings. You can get them in cool colors like metallics or pastels. But heads-up: they might smear if you touch them too soon (wait a sec to let them dry), and cheap ones can skip or stop working. They’re not the best for big areas because they take longer, but for details, they’re your best buddy.
How the main coloring media compare:
| Medium | Best for | Paper needed (gsm) | Blendable | Bleed risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coloured pencils | Shading, layering, detail | 80-120 | Yes (layer + burnish) | None |
| Gel pens | Highlights, sparkle, tiny areas | 120-160 | Limited | Low |
| Fineliners | Fine lines, patterns, outlining | 120-160 | No | Low |
| Felt-tip markers | Bold, fast fills | 160-250 (cardstock) | Some | High |
| Alcohol markers | Bright, smooth gradients | 160-250 (cardstock) | Yes (wet-into-wet) | High |
| Watercolour pencils | Washes plus line work | 200+ (mixed-media) | Yes (with water) | Medium |
Picking Supplies for Your Pages
The trick to choosing supplies is looking at your coloring book. Are the pictures super detailed or more open and simple? Here’s how to decide.
If your pages have lots of tiny lines, like twisty mandalas or detailed flowers, go for fine-tip markers or gel pens. They let you color those small spots without making a mess, unlike pencils which can feel too big. Look for marker tips 0.4mm or thinner, or gel pens with a fine point. But if your pages are simpler with big, open spaces, like a happy spring field, colored pencils are great for shading, or use broad-tip markers to fill in fast with bright colors. Some books mix both styles, so why not use all three? Pencils for shadows, markers for pops of color, and gel pens for extra sparkle. Check out your book first, and let the pictures tell you what to grab!
Why Paper Matters
Your supplies won’t work their magic if the paper’s no good. Especially if you’re printing pages from places like Trending Coloring. Thin paper (standard printer paper is about 70-80 gsm) can’t handle markers. It’ll bleed through or even rip if you press hard with pencils. For felt-tip and alcohol markers, use 160-250 gsm cardstock, or print on just one side so the back stays clean. Colored pencils like paper with a little roughness. It helps the color stick better for blending. Gel pens need smooth paper so they don’t get stuck. If you’re printing at home, export the PDF at 300 DPI, print at 100% (Actual size, not Fit to page), and try cardstock for a sturdy feel. Our guide to printing coloring pages at home walks through the settings. Good paper makes your coloring look amazing, not annoying!
A Fun Idea: Mix Them Up!
Here’s a cool tip. You don’t have to pick just one! Try using pencils for a soft start, markers for bright bursts, and gel pens for shiny touches. It’s like making a colorful sandwich. Each layer adds something special. Test it on a spare page to see what you like, and your pictures will go from nice to wow!
Start Coloring Today
Picking the right supplies for your adult coloring book is all about what you love, what your pages need, and using good paper. Colored pencils are great for blending, markers make things bright, and gel pens nail the details. Each one’s a winner in its own way. Match them to your book’s style, and don’t skip on paper quality, especially for printable pages. Want to jump in? Head to Trending Coloring for fun coloring pages, and pair them with your new supplies. Grab your tools, and let’s make something beautiful together!