Are Watercolour Markers and Water-Based Markers the Same?

When shopping for art supplies, you might come across both watercolour markers and water-based markers. While they may sound similar, they have distinct properties and uses. Understanding their differences will help you choose the right tool for your creative projects.

What Are Watercolour Markers?

Watercolour markers are specifically designed to mimic traditional watercolour paint in a convenient marker form. They contain water-soluble ink that reacts with water, allowing artists to create fluid, blended washes similar to watercolour paintings.

Features

• Blendability: The ink dissolves when water is added, enabling soft transitions and layering effects.
• Transparency: Similar to watercolour paints, the colours are buildable and can be layered for depth.
• Paper Sensitivity: Works best on watercolour paper or mixed media paper to prevent warping and achieve the best blending results.
• Brush Tips: Often equipped with a flexible brush tip for expressive strokes, similar to a paintbrush.
• Professional Use: Suitable for artists who want a portable alternative to traditional watercolour paints.

Best Uses

• Creating watercolour effects without the mess of tubes and palettes.
• Blending colours seamlessly using a water brush or wet paintbrush.
• Illustrations, hand lettering, and artistic sketches.

What Are Water-Based Markers?

Water-based markers refer to a broader category of markers that use water as a solvent instead of alcohol or oil. While they may not always be designed for watercolour techniques, they are generally more beginner-friendly and versatile.

Key Features

• Non-Toxic & Odourless: Safer for children and casual users.
• Less Bleeding: Unlike alcohol-based markers, water-based markers do not bleed as much through paper.
• Limited Blendability: Some water-based markers can blend slightly, but they do not dissolve as smoothly as watercolour markers.
• Various Tip Options: Fine, bullet, and brush tips are available.
• General-Purpose Use: Great for colouring, journaling, and casual drawing rather than professional watercolour techniques.

Best Uses

• Colouring books, bullet journaling, and scrapbooking.
• Everyday drawing and sketching.
• Lettering and calligraphy (depending on the tip style).

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Watercolour Markers	Water-Based Markers
Ink Type	Water-soluble dye/pigment	Water-based dye/pigment
Blendability	Excellent with water, creates washes	Limited, may streak
Paper Type	Works best on watercolour or mixed media paper	Works on standard paper, cardstock, etc.
Usage	Artistic painting, blending, and layering	Colouring, journaling, and general drawing
Professional Use	Suitable for artists and illustrators	More beginner-friendly and versatile

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you love watercolour painting but want a more convenient tool, go for watercolour markers.
• If you need versatile markers for casual use, water-based markers are a better option.
• If you enjoy blending and layering, watercolour markers provide more control and artistic flexibility.
• If you are using regular paper, water-based markers will work fine without much bleed-through.

Final Tip

If you’re unsure, try testing both! Many brands offer water-based markers with slight blendability, giving you a taste of both worlds.