Your Coloring Supplies Guide
Everything you need to color with confidence — from the media you draw with to the tools that make every session easier.
Whether you’re just starting out or building on a well-stocked kit, the right supplies make a real difference to how much you enjoy coloring — and how good your pages look. Use the sections below to find what you need.
Which Media Is Right for You?
Not sure which type of coloring media to start with — or what to add next? Here’s a straight comparison of the four main types so you can choose with your eyes open.
🖍 Colored Pencils
Best for
- Blending and smooth shading
- Fine detail and line work
- Long coloring sessions — the most ergonomic option
Heads up
- Slow for large solid fills
- Results vary depending on paper tooth
🖊 Markers & Fineliners
Best for
- Bold, vibrant solid fills
- Graphic and flat color style
- Quick coverage over large areas
Heads up
- Bleed through thin paper — always check paper weight first
- Alcohol markers have strong fumes; ventilate your space
✨ Gel Pens
Best for
- Metallic, glitter, and neon effects
- Highlights and fine detail on top of other media
- Adding sparkle to finished pages
Heads up
- Not a primary fill medium — use on top of, not instead of, other media
- Slow to dry; smudges easily on coated paper
💧 Watercolor Pencils
Best for
- Soft, painterly blends and washes
- Versatile — use dry like pencils or wet for watercolor effects
- A painterly result without brushes and pans
Heads up
- Dry use only on standard coloring book paper
- Wet activation needs heavier paper (100gsm+) to prevent warping
A Note on Paper
The media you choose affects how it performs on your paper. Colored pencils and gel pens are the most forgiving — both work fine on standard coloring book paper. Markers (especially alcohol-based) bleed through lightweight paper, so you need either bleed-proof paper or a protective sheet underneath. Watercolor pencils used wet require heavier paper to prevent warping and buckling. When in doubt, check the paper weight before switching to a new medium.
How I Test Every Colored Pencil, Marker, Gel Pen, and Watercolor Pencil
I’m not a professional artist — I’m a stressed out executive who taught myself all of this from scratch, which means I test things the same methodical way every time. Every colored pencil, marker, gel pen, and watercolor pencil review on this site uses the same test picture and the same nine colors (red, yellow, blue, etc), so you’re comparing apples to apples, not just reading my opinion. You’ll find the full breakdown — pros, cons, price range, and a color chart — on each individual review page.
More Supplies
📚 Coloring Books
Reviews and recommendations for adult coloring books across every style — from mandalas and botanicals to fantasy and animals.
Explore Coloring Books →🔧 Accessories
The tools that make coloring easier and more enjoyable — blending resources, lighting, sharpeners, erasers, and gel pen essentials.
Explore Accessories →🎁 Gifts for Colorists
Looking for gift ideas for the adult colorist in your life? Here’s a curated guide to the supplies and sets that colorists actually want.
Explore Gift Ideas →💪 Comfort & Safety
Ergonomic tips, hand care, posture, and lighting guidance to keep coloring comfortable — especially during longer sessions.
Explore Comfort & Safety →