Tombow Brush Markers & Techniques

[@SistahRev]

I watch TONS of KZbin vids about how to use various art supplies, and many are instructive and useful... but rarely do I feel compelled to do much more than click the “thumbs up” icon to register my appreciation. For THIS video, I wanted to also say “thank you!” I just obtained about 30 Tombow dual tip markers so I can begin a visual journal, and I had NO idea these markers are so versatile! I’m certainly not a serious artist, but when I do dabble, I do love to use high quality tools & supplies (hoping they’ll help compensate for my lack of training & talent! LOL!). I LOVE the visual aesthetic of watercolor painting, and am so delighted to find out that I will be able to practice creating that kind of beauty with my new markers!! Thanks for a wonderful tutorial!

[@dedesu3]

I have had my tombow markers for about 20 years got the whole set. They are still going strong.

[@crafttestdummies]

dedesu3 That is great to know!

[@marccarson7620]

+dedesu3 same here, that's funny. I bought mine in Japan and was awestruck. I just bought a couple new ones last week but mostly because I like the new packaging. :-) The old Tombows still work great.

[@lienlynadelina]

for real???????????/

[@dedesu3]

Adelina Adel yes.

[@beadcellar]

Whoa!

[@traiecto]

I have just discovered the tombow markers. I just needed brush pens but had NO idea that they were so awesome. Thanks so much for sharing this. More than two years later and you are still helping people out!

[@suzstonehemb]

This was fabulous! I am a newbie, haven't even received my pens yet. The other channels were so intimating that I had planned to send the markers back, now I believe I will keep them. Thanks times 100!

[@duchessofdp]

I'm amazed! Who knew? I've had a set of Tombow's for a decade, but never really used them until recently when I purchased some new colors. I've hardly put them down since! I'm having so much fun!

[@LilStampBug]

I personally have a testimonial for the Tombow Markers. I started stamping in '97 and the the popular markers out at that time (long before the alcohol marker trend) was Tombow and Marvy LePlume and Tombow were and are more expensive but I'll tell u what I still have my original Tombow Markers and they still work great!!! Almost 20 years and still going strong! I have thrown away most of the Marvy LePlume's... So if u were trying to decide between the 2 the Lil extra for Tombow is definitely worth it!

[@musicori67]

Lil StampBug I recently got into this "adult coloring" craze and got out all my old markers that I got for stamping. Like you I found my Tombows, which I purchased 17 years ago, are as good as new! Just wish I had more of them, or could find all the ones I have/had.

[@LilStampBug]

Awesome!!! musicori67​ *hugs*

[@barbaras.7135]

I had no idea how use these markers. You have opened a whole new world for me. Thank you.

[@michelenunyabiz7776]

Wow......you can dip these in water and it won't ruin the nibs???? I've had a full set of these for several months now but haven't quite know how to use them other than straight coloring .....this vid gave me all sorts of ideas on what I can do with them.....thank you😉

[@TawdryTempest]

Excellent. Thorough, clear, concise, lively. Thank you. Bought these pens while in Art Store Fever and then didn't know what to do with them. So many possibilities! Fun!

[@christielogan5247]

Great video! You covered everything in the videos from the company in one sitting. All the features without going beyond what a beginner needs to know. I also LOVE when people edit their videos; getting rid off all the "umms" and "ahhhs". So much nicer to watch! I look forward to checking out your other videos :0)

[@crafttestdummies]

Thanks so much- I appreciate your kind words. And I DO hope you've subscribed! :)

[@da12nvmp]

i bought these and experimented a little and still felt like i wasn't using the markers and getting the results i wanted, thank you for this, very helpful

[@kocobee]

Thank you for these ideas! They're very helpful for a newbie like me. Have a great day.

[@scrapgirl14671]

You can also use the lender own to blends colors already on paper and to get get highlights, etc. . . These markers are fantastic! Thanks for the great review!

[@bevroberts8440]

Love that cool rainbow effect! Thanks for sharing!

[@fizzynsparkles5996]

Great video on the TomBow brush markers. I bought 3 of these from Jet Pens and had no idea how versatile they were until I watched your video! You tripled the value of my markers thanks!

[@AngryBrother360]

Quality instruction and production!. EXCELLENT!.

[@crafttestdummies]

Thank you kindly!

[@joanhoward1299]

I would like to see how you actually used the pens to blend on the wheel barrow in the example. I'm having trouble blending mine when coloring an object. Thanks!

[@KetylKornDawg]

This video was very helpful!!! OMG! I almost gave up on using these type of markers. I thought blending with these markers was easy to do on paper. Thank you for sharing!

[@kerimarie5834]

OMG JENNY, Thank you thank you so much for doing a review of the Tombow markers! this video was absolutely awesome! as far as a suggestion for another video I suggest maybe you could do a video of a comparison of the Zig Real Brush markers vs the Tombow markers, that would be awesome! Hope you have a great creative weekend! With love from one of your many number one fans!

[@crafttestdummies]

Keri Riley I'm working on a comparison of water-based markers now. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@kerimarie5834]

CraftTestDummies you are beyond awesome Jenny! Its awesome that you respond to your fans the way you do, it's so wonderful, thank you!

[@cindyhutchinson654]

CraftTestDummies find please

[@tinakloepfer1581]

I've just started using TomBow markers. They work great! Thanks for exploring the use of water and a brush or spray bottle. It looks pretty and painterly. I will try it sometime soon. I like to use the TomBow Clear Blender marker with watercolor pencils. Works like a charm on stamped images and easier to control in tight spaces. So far the tips work fine, so I don't think the WC pencil will ruin the tips. I learned that tip from Lindsay The Frugal Crafter :)

[@amberschnarr3633]

This was so helpful!!!!! Thank you sooooo much! I got the "portrait palette" and now I want one with more color! Thank you for the tips!!!!

[@AngieHernandez365]

I just started bullet journaling and making TN inserts - can't wait to purchase these markers! Your video confirmed I need these ASAP :) :) :)

[@tomgorski8795]

I was frustrated when my alcohol based markers would bleed through, so I switched to using the Tombow markers and absolutely LOVE the results!

[@lucaspsm125]

This video was very useful, thank you!!

[@hazielanath]

What kind of paper are you using? I have tried watercolor and mixed media paper and both have peeled using tombo

[@Danellr007]

Thanks you so much for this review, It was very through and now I need to have all of these. And I am just interesting in doing coloring!! Live all of the options that you discovered that these pen can be used for.

[@Camila-hp1vq]

I really enjoyed this video thank you!!! Helped me a lot!!!!

[@dennisangell9917]

I bought the Tombow marker by mistake -- thinking it was like a micron pen. Micron didn't have any yellow, so I grabbed one of these! I didn't have a clue, so tried dipping the "brush" end in water . . . Your video was great! Thank you so much. Ignorant no more (of Tombow)

[@crafttestdummies]

+Dennis Angell It shouldn't hurt the pen- just work the brush tip back and forth on paper until the yellow is vibrant again. It's water-based ink, so it's compatible.

[@jlroussin]

Very informative and creative techniques! Thanks!

[@claireding6652]

thank you so much for making this video!! I just got a few of these markers and was wondering how to start, and this video really helped!!!

[@christianhernandez4810]

I'm just starting with this markers and your video has been very helpful to understand and to known the right use of these. Thanks a lot :D

[@oliviarinaldi5963]

I love this video. It is so helpful. I am a new sub. I mostly work with Prismacolor pencils, but wanted to add other things. I have a couple of the Tombow sets and I have a box of 6 black Tombows. What are some ideas I can do with the black? Thanx for the video.

[@rmtagasa]

Hi! Thanks for the woderful tips! I just bought my first set of 10 last night and wanted to learn more about the product. May I ask what kind of paper you used for the demo?

[@annachristinagonzales2310]

Hi Keri! Thank you so much for replying back. I've ben meaning to get the Kuretake one....but after watching this vid and your insight, I think My goal has changed. 😀

[@kerimarie5834]

Oh your very Welcome! Also the Tombows are so much more easier to get then the Zig Real Brush Pens!

[@taracrespo4189]

I saw these used at a craft expo and loved what she did (some of what you showed). they look just like Stampin' Up markers. they say they are water-based dye ink. but when I use them (Stampin' up markers) they seem more like regular markers: strong, heavy color and not much blending. I haven't tried the plastic technique or water and paintbrush yet. have you ever used the Stampin' Up markers? could you do a comparison?

[@paytonjonesie2287]

THANKYOU! you are a craft queen.

[@debbievanhorn6205]

Great explanation of blending - TFS.

[@mikemangarella21]

I also had these Pens for a while just sitting here because I was scared to ruin the tips, other brands after 2 uses the Tips are messed,, so now after I watched you basically beat these pens up, I have done my Lettering and art the way I do knowing I won't mess up the brush,, Thanks

[@prudentobserver9778]

Excellent video. It was very helpful. Thank you!

[@StampNStitch]

I love these markers. I had also learned a few more tricks from you. I'm wondering if you could do a review on Lindsy's Stamp Gang products. I'm very curious about 2 toned embossing powders and their sprays. Thank you, keep up the great information coming!

[@crafttestdummies]

StampNStitch I'd love to....but I don't have a contact at Lindly's stamp gang.

[@carrot7868]

Question. Can you use ink while drawing with those? For the lines. Or will it ruin the brush?

[@jeanieferretti4203]

I did not know you could do all that with those markers. Great video! thanks :-)

[@debiv7834]

Thank you for all the info. So embarrassed I bought these, had no clue they were water reactive. I tried "coloring" stamped items with them and couldn't get them to blend nice. Great colors though. Thank you again!!😃

[@katherinesmith1439]

They really work best on the smooth side of watercolor paper!

[@niharikajaisudan]

this review was so elaborate. you covered every doubt possible...awesome job

[@catcollins2284]

Thank you for this great video! I'm so glad I found it! Super helpful!

[@hahaok7244]

I personally have tombow markers, and I don't Know how to use it. So this video really help me to improve and practice more

[@taliesin_qd]

Which colours do you recommend buying first? I'm just getting into using these, more for calligraphy and manga than anything else. Thanks x

[@lizdouglas1952]

thank you so much! I just received my markers and my plan was to use them for Christmas cards using a reindeer stamp. Can I mark the reindeer in different colors then stamp? Or wd I stamp the image using a light color stamp pad? These are watercolor cards and I don't want it to bleed. Thank you! Liz

[@leven04]

I have these markers and this is really helpful thank you!!!

[@sadieadler3065]

WOW! Thanks so much this REALLY helped!! :D I had no idea you could touch the tips - just like chameleons!

[@KaBoom.V]

Do you have any videos about stamping and distressing using markers? That would be so helpful

[@crafttestdummies]

Krazzy Kraffter great idea! Let me work on that for you. But I do have a whole markers/coloring playlist for you to check out in the meantime!

[@KaBoom.V]

CraftTestDummies thank you ❤

[@9critterchris877]

Very helpful. Thank you. I’m trying to decide between investing in the Tombows or the Marvy Le Plumes... because they have an even finer tip end. I’ve watched Bonnie Kreb use the Le Plumes with the Art Impressions watercolor techniques, so I’m just wondering what your opinion is between the two. Thanks.

[@crafttestdummies]

I have limited experience with the LePlumes- but I can tell you that I've had my Tombow markers for YEARS and they are still juicy and the nibs are good!

[@kimperfectcreations5725]

How have i been bulletjournaling for 2 years and never realized the small cap can stick on the back too 😂😂😂😂 you’re a genius

[@lcarlson1538]

What type of paper are you using? Very informative video! Thanks!

[@crafttestdummies]

I generally use One Sheet Wonder- it's a 120 pound smooth white paper. It's perfect for stamping and coloring.

[@cardsbycolie]

CraftTestDummies I struggle with putting the marker directly on the paper and seeing any blend it stays a very bright sharp line. Ive have the best luck picking up color from plastic and applying with waterbrush. I feel i don't get good results on watercolor paper. I'll look for the one sheet wonder and hope that works. Thanks!

[@clarapodhany9218]

Hi Jenny, how would you seal the artwork when you're finished, in order to protect from accidental exposure to water?

[@crafttestdummies]

maybe krylon sealant? I'm really not sure with a water-based media. Frame under glass!!

[@jvackieyt857]

Do U have to put water on the tomboy markers to keep them alive or working

[@pamelasertich9850]

I wanted to know if I could store them vertically?

[@crafttestdummies]

Pamela Sertich honestly- I do. Maybe just flip them every couple of months.

[@jyotsnasridhar3628]

You can store them in any orientation

[@soucky1]

Hi, i bought the Tombow Brush Markers and i would like to know if it's a good Brush to make Backgounds to colouring Books??? Thank You so much for this great tutorial!

[@crafttestdummies]

Sure!

[@soucky1]

Thank You so much!

[@janadean1646]

Great information. Does the 96 set include the flesh tones?

[@crafttestdummies]

I don't know- I don't have a set that large! Perhaps ask Tombow via their social media sites.

[@claudiacarrera8463]

What paper do you use?

[@sweet158]

hi. love you videos! I was wondering, which watercolor marker brand you like the most? Zig, distress markers, tombow? can we mix and match with all 3? is there a difference between the 3?

[@crafttestdummies]

+sweet158 there are many differences! I will be doing a comparison soon. Thank you so much for your comment, and reminding me that I need to get that completed. LOL!

[@meghancook2858]

Wonderful tips! I just purchased mine but am kind of scared because I keep hearing stories of folks who have bought them but they end up being completely dry! Do you have any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

[@crafttestdummies]

I haven't heard of this issue- but he best way to solve it is to purchase from a reputable retailer like Amazon, Michaels, or hobby lobby. If you have issues with the markers after purchasing from these retailers, you can always go back and ask for a replacement or refund. Be careful of buying on dodgy Internet websites!

[@flykick1231]

Thank you for that! I went to this art store and wondered what the hell that translucent tombow pen was for lol! Now I know it's a blender!

[@carolynking4814]

How do you seal your painting when it's finished? Would spray fixative work ?

[@crafttestdummies]

Traditionally you don’t “seal” water color media. As long as you don’t get it wet it will be fine. It is recommended however to frame under glass.

[@GenyFANgirl]

This was helpful thank you! Although, when I do multiple layers of colors, the paper starts scraping away and I am not pressing hard. Do I have to wait for it to dry a little? Or am I using the wrong paper? I use multimedia paper which has worked with copic markers so I am confused with why it does that with these.

[@crafttestdummies]

GenesisNotExodus You are using the right paper. The problem is that watercolor markers- ANY brand- eventually will saturate the paper and begin "pilling" or breaking down the paper. (The water in the markers is the culprit.) Copic markers are ALCOHOL based and therefore will not break down the paper. Hope this helps!

[@GenyFANgirl]

CraftTestDummies ooooh!! So yes, I should let it dry a bit inbetween or would that still not help?

[@crafttestdummies]

GenesisNotExodus You CAN let them dry a bit, but they still will eventually saturate with color. Here's a little video I made JUST FOR YOU! :) thanks for inspiring my content! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2Goc5-Jl9SloNU

[@rinka687runescape4]

i have 4 different sets of generic brushtip markers i have over 300 right now i think can i do same as tombow i do stress relief coloring an made a 45 double sided card stock pages at fedex

[@marilucaycho]

Love your video......So specific.....thanks !

[@deborahanne9793]

Does Smooth Bristol work with Tombow markers. I have trouble getting the blender pen to hold as much color as you did. Thank you

[@ep8470]

That's what I was told, along with watercolor paper, Bristol is fine... I have to use thick paper cuz I also paint with my tattoo ink...but I am dign these Tombows

[@anabella1184]

Really helpful!! Thank u but what paper did u use?

[@crafttestdummies]

Bellaatm Atm I usually use a heavy-weight cardstock- 90 or 110 lbs. Watercolor paper also work beautifully, but many crafters use heavy card.

[@Skinnychelle48]

I like these based on what I see here. Are there other water based markers u would suggest for adult coloring books?

[@magical571]

+Yvette Williams sakura koi brush pens

[@laurajoyce4008]

Good stuff. I just subscribed and it looks like I have some late night watching to do! Do you know if the blender pen for the Tombow works with other watercolor based pens, like the Le Plume II?

[@crafttestdummies]

Laura Joyce They should work, indeed!

[@LilStampBug]

Absolutely Yes!

[@polydragon1]

Are the Tombow Brush Markers refillable, do they sell refills? Thanks!

[@crafttestdummies]

+polydragon1 No- they are not refillable. They are at a very modest price point as a result.

[@littlelivi2468]

So if you keep going with the touch technique for the gradient effect, it will never stain the tip🤔 just something id be worried about

[@crafttestdummies]

Nope! The ink flowing out cleans it off. Four years later, no staining and still juicy!

[@bars4fd]

can you color with prismacolor markers and tombow in the like same picture? and can the blender also be used for prismacolor markers xD

[@dixieparsons2469]

What is the best way to store them--horizontally or vertically?

[@crafttestdummies]

Dixie Parsons You'd have to ask the manufacturer that. I store them vertically because that's what I have. :)

[@WTFPikaFacts]

Horizontal. It keeps the ink/water even.

[@annaliselindsay7228]

Looks great! Thanks so much for doing this! One question.. What paper were you using @CraftTestDummies ?

[@crafttestdummies]

+Annalise Lindsay I often use One Sheet Wonder- it's a smooth and heavy card stock great for card-making.

[@rory9134]

Does anyone know if Artists Loft's watercolor dual tip markers work the same way?

[@bellepollak4619]

can these markers be uesed in coloring books? my grandkids love to color with me.

[@brielleta2451]

+Belle Pollak Yes, definitely! I'm using Johanna Basford's Enchanted Forest - I'm by no means an artist, but here's the first page I did with my Tombow set: instagram.com/p/_PH_FVtEyU/?taken-by=farawayandfree

[@smolpeaches2634]

THANK U SO MUCH I FOUND OUT HOW TO BLEND COLORS THANK U SO MUCH!!!!

[@josefinaperez1755]

Hello! May I know what paper you used for this? 'Cos I tried the above techniques using watercolor paper and I wasn't able to achieve the ones involving brush+water.

[@bubsiemack]

+Josefina Perez She's using Card stock, you can find it in the Post Section of Michaels in backs of 50 for 5 dollars.

[@crafttestdummies]

I like "one sheet wonder" card stock.

[@giselaorellana9275]

could you ruin the tip if you use them on regular paper?

[@crafttestdummies]

I don't understand- no special paper is required for these markers. Of course, since it's watercolor, if you add too much water or ink the paper will buckle and perhaps bleed through. However, the tip/nib will not be affected.

[@geIoeschterBenutzer]

Hello, are these Markers similiar with the Toki Brush Markers? I've bought some of these...and i don't know to use them properly 😔

[@camillecruz8320]

i love your energy

[@crafttestdummies]

Thanks!

[@Tokixkitti]

OMG I learned so much from you right now!!!!!

[@annngh]

Guys how much r these? In Australian dollars, r they expensive of cheap?

[@alexandersalsman8928]

O thank you! I was using these like crayola and messing my art up on sketching paper

[@OnionGirlDenver]

Alexander Salsman saaaaame

[@annachristinagonzales2310]

What is better? This or the kuretake zig real brush pens?

[@kerimarie5834]

My vote for you is the Tombows! They are Amazingly Wonderful in every way! I do not know what I'd do without mine (I have the entire collection ). If I could literally only keep one of my art supplies (and I have a lot of art supplies ) it would hands down be my Tombows! I am a member of a group on Facebook called Art Supply Junkies Unite (there are a lot of members )we had a conversation about Tombows the other day and every single person there will tell you that when it comes to Water based markers Tombows are the way to go, there are also so many different techniques you can do with them as you can see from this awesome video! THEY ARE WORTH THE INVESTMENT! Good Luck sweetie !

[@scrapgirl14671]

I own both and I have to agree that the Tombows are fantastic. I like the Zig's, but the Tombows are so juicy and can do so much and they last forever. They also have a fantastic color range. I can't recommend the highly enough. I hope this helps.

[@crafttestdummies]

Anna Christina Gonzales Well... they are both great. Tombow's are more cost-effective, and have a felt nib. The Zigs have a brush nib, which has a different feel. I'm working on a comparison of watercolor markers right now.

[@sabelljones]

Very good info, thanks!

[@twoponypals1504]

Your an awesome artist! I'm subscribing

[@Skinnychelle48]

Can u do a flesh tone video using Tombow's?

[@crafttestdummies]

I'll have to get the flesh-tone set first. Thanks for the idea!

[@1124Julienne]

does it have a refill ink?

[@crafttestdummies]

No, these are disposable. But I will say I've had my set for over 3 years and they are still juicy!

[@Tupelo927]

Justina castillo There are several videos here on YT showing a "craft hack" to refilling them. Yes, they are marketed as disposable but hey, every dollar saved is a dollar we can spend on new crafty goodies, right? ;-)

[@cynthiadalmaso9964]

I just those today so I'm not sure how to use them in my coloring book I guess I need to get the blender where do u get the blender from

[@pineappleAR]

Cynthia Dalmaso; check on Amazon.

[@marielcarey4288]

Cynthia Dalmaso ifs fine, find a marker from a shop (try the asda 20 set felt tips (the tip is like a brush) ) pull out the tip and cartridepge, then soak in water for 1 hour, then refresh the water, and do it for another hour, assemble the marker back together and then you have a blender

[@artsengandrawings8406]

what kind of paper u use

[@peachberry4544]

what about dipping it in water the process isn't shown in the video I'm scared to destroy mine but if it works cools

[@crafttestdummies]

You can- it makes the mark very wet, like a watercolor paint with a brush. But this is probably not great to do often, as it will wick the ink out of your marker faster. But for a special effect now and then, it works!

[@ARblonde]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@UwU-uu9ep]

I have 3 markers, and I found them like, 4 months ago. They have been there for god knows how long.

[@jennydaniels7775]

loved it, thanks

[@junedonoflio8927]

Great tips. Thanks

[@mrlbattle1]

That was lovely

[@Kandicookheller]

That was great. Thank you!