Watercolor Marker Comparison: Karin, Tombow, Arteza and More! | Collab with Dana Joy

Dana Joy's Video reviewing Watercolor Paper: • Full Watercolor Paper ...
Today I’m comparing the following watercolor markers:
-Karin Brush Marker Pro, Tombo Markers, Arteza TwiMarker, Gen Crafts Real Brush, Arteza Real Brush, and Zig Clean Color Real Brush
Dana Joy and I are collaborating with these comparisons. I will be reviewing the markers and she will be taking a closer look at the best watercolor cardstock.
Join me on other platforms and shop affiliate links! linktr.ee/mary...
--SUPPLIES--
BRUSH MARKERS:
Karin Brush Markers:
--- shrsl.com/2cpj0 [Blick Studios]
--- amzn.to/2BzcECI [Amazon]
Tombow Dual-Tip Markers:
--- shrsl.com/2cme3 [Scrapbook.com]
--- shrsl.com/2cpj2 [Blick Studios]
--- amzn.to/2Yurwve [Amazon]
Arteza Dual-Tip TwiMarker Set of 100:
--- arteza.com/pro...
REAL BRUSH PENS:
Arteza Real Brush Pens: Set of 96
--- arteza.com/col...
Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers:
--- shrsl.com/2cme9 [Scrapbook.com]
--- shrsl.com/2cpj7 [Blick Studio]
--- amzn.to/2CwdrEJ [Amazon]
Variety of Real Brush Pens
--- amzn.to/3exDZ6W [Amazon]
CARDSTOCK:
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad, 9"x12" 20 Sheets
--- shrsl.com/2cpjg [Blick Studios]
---amzn.to/2y7btGt [Amazon]
Canson XL Watercolor Pad, 9"X12
--- shrsl.com/2cpjk [Blick Studios]
--- amzn.to/2yqxwL1 [Amazon]
RECORDING SETUP:
Camera Mount- Arkon Pro Phone/Camera Stand:
--- amzn.to/345oVJd [Amazon]
Lighting: Emart 60 LED Table Top Studio Light Lamps (2 count)
--- amzn.to/2wVxWIG [Amazon]
Softbox Photo Lighting Kit 800W (2 count)
--- amzn.to/3bKA9W0 [Amazon]
Microphone: Yeti Blue Microphone:
--- amzn.to/2UA9PYR [Amazon]
Some product links used are compensated affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time you click through and purchase the product(s) listed and note, there is no additional cost to you.

[@cynthiaporitz1459]

I bought the Arteza Real brush pens after your recommendation from before, and I have been very happy with them. I have purchased Arteza's alcohol ink markers, glitter and mica powders, as they are the most affordable, and the colors are beautiful, heck I have purchased frames, papers, palette pads too, as I have never been disappointed, fast and free shipping, loyalty points to use on future purchases. Great comparison of the products, and it reinforces my decision to purchase Arteza, as lower costs mean I can buy more! Thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh you have a ton of goodies from them. Yes they have always been great for me to work with. I love all their coloring mediums so much. And I so appreciate how affordable they are.

[@laurenfouts]

I am a self-confessed art products addict, having 9 sets of colored pencils, 4 sets of watercolor pencils, and now 7 sets of markers! Absurd, I know, but it has been such a blessing during the pandemic isolation. I have not yet purchased the Zigs or the Karin... your review likely saved me a pot full of money! Thanks for the illustration and reviews...much, MUCH appreciated!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh I'm so happy it was useful! THanks for letting me know. I too, have that same issue. lol I got rid of a lot lately though

[@maylynncupp6653]

This was a great video i have the same problem full set syndrome but they all are great markers, you did a great job on explaining all of the tyfs

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy it was helpful!

[@michelegourd5742]

Great video!! I like it that you are honest about the products and that we don't need all the products!! Just what fits us and our budget!! I don't like it when someone makes you fell that you have to have a certain name brand!! Not everyone can do that and you show how you can make it work with other brands!! Thanks so much!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much!! This feedback means so much to me because I really want to do reviews for US more than anything. And I think because i feel the same as you, i try to encourage us to try less expensive alternatives.

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Thanks Mary!! My Zigs using wet on wet on Bristol or watercolor paper ( Arches or Strathmore 400 series cold press paper) rule my craft room! Awesome review and TFS!! 😘✨👍🏾

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES! I love it! Also Arches seems to be out of stock everywhere and I'm devastated. I watched Dana's video yesterday and wanted to buy some and to no avail! :(

[@handiscandi]

I've been jonesing for the Karin markers...I have the Arteza and love them...but i think I need the karin in my life, too. Thanks!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I hear you; I used the excuse of this review to get them so where there's a will...there's a justification. haha

[@kimgrimes632]

I haven’t watched it yet, any second now-I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! I was waiting to do it too, I was really curious to see what I would find!

[@created2bless322]

2nd time watching because I have 2 generic sets and a Tom Bows. I was water coloring with them yesterday. Now I see why I was having so much trouble!!! Thank you again Mary, BTW, your videos never get old nor do I tire of watching them. Happy Labor day! Have a great one!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wow, June, what a great compliment; thank you so much! I so appreciate you.

[@created2bless322]

Mary Polanco 😊💝

[@stanky6261973]

I don't know how I missed this video!! I love your comparison videos they're always so complete and comprehensive that everyone should watch this channel for the information they need. Thank you, Mary :).

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much!! I'm so glad they are helpful! You are so kind to let me know! :)

[@stanky6261973]

@@marypolancodesigns You are the coolest lady :)

[@midnightcrafter1618]

Thank you, Mary!!! As always, you totally ROCK these reviews and they are so helpful and informative! I look forward to your reviews every time. Thank you!❤️❤️❤️

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for letting me know. I really appreciate that!YAY

[@brandewester-inkspireart3195]

I ALWAYS love your comparison videos and the end results. Thanks for all the FUN work you put into these. *I admit* I have full set syndrome too, but that's ok!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much Brande! I really appreciate that. Yes full set syndrome is a real thing. hahah I'm so glad these videos are helpful; thanks for letting me know.

[@Squabetty]

This was so helpful! I have ummed and awed over Ateza vs zig for months without jumpin in and now I can confidently click to buy! Thank you!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! YAY

[@mandy.austin]

Thanks mary... this has been a burning question for me lately. I love painting with tombows on watercolor paper using my TH glass mat as a palette. Tombows do not like getting their brush wet. They have a little tantrum. I recently ordered the full set of the new staedtler brush pens from england, because its a high pigment pen and a smaller brush ... plus people in europe are raving over them.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I love that you said they throw a little tantrum.....perfect description. hahah

[@leannemitchem8865]

Great review. Thank you for sharing.

[@marypolancodesigns]

thank you so much Leanne! My pleasure!

[@KathyaKalinine]

Thanks so much for this wonderful video, Mary! I have the zigs, but it is awesome to know what to shop for next! 🥰

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! I love them all! Glad i have them all but it just makes it harder for me to choose when coloring. haha

[@created2bless322]

3rd time watching this one, haha I ordered the Gen crafts set of 20 today for 15.00 dollars on Amazon with a $5.00 coupon and they were on sale too! WooHoo

[@marypolancodesigns]

WElcome back and YAY that is a great deal!

[@reneekennedy393]

Thank you so much for this video! I always love when you do the comparisons videos. Great job

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much Renee! I really learn so much by doing them as well. I am so glad they're useful!

[@HeidiLilley]

Awesome video, I just got the Karin markers, I had a really hard time doing direct to paper with the grays (all of the grays) to have them blend out. I had to have the water on the paper first. And I was about 1/2 way thru swatching them out when I said to myself "self, you should have done this on bristol smooth instead of watercolor paper, duh", and you just proved that point. I do love them though, and their vibrancy is not to be outdone. I had NO luck whatsoever with the tombows and got rid of all of them (donated to women's shelter) but i love my twimarkers and my zigs. TFS all this great information, going now to watch Dana's video.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for sharing your take on them. I love hearing how others are using them best. Dana's video is great !

[@TheLpage]

Your comparisons are always so helpful. Thanks

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! thank you so much for letting me know. YAY

[@created2bless322]

Thank you Mary!!!! I love your reviews ALWAYS!!! I must play today! Love you🌺

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you so much June! You're the best! I'm so glad you liked it

[@cljordison]

Great comparison video. I find I get the best blend using Bristle Smooth. Thanks for the great video. 💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@EvryNameIsTakn]

Great review! Thank you Mary! You have a great group of markers (Tombow dual, and Karin) to start hand lettering.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Well Margo now you are just holding me accountable to trying sommething I have been wanting to for YEARS! LOL You are so so right. I need to dive in finally! THank you for the push

[@Kimmcdougalcrafter]

Thank you Mary for this awesome comparison! I bought the Zigs a long time ago and they're still my favorite, but I was curious about the Arteza's so I bought a few of them and I like them too. Now, the Karin's I'm interested in now! LOL, I love having choices :) And, yes the Bristol Smooth is my favorite paper for watercoloring!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahah..you sound exactly like me. lol They are all really great markers and I enjoy them all; I can see great results with different techniques with them.

[@Kimmcdougalcrafter]

@@marypolancodesigns I watched Dana's video which was also so informative and girl, I was looking at my paper stash and found a tablet of Canson watercolor paper that I hadn't even used!!!! I couldn't believe it! LOL You should've seen the look on my face! Totally agree that all these markers are great and it's good to have a variety for different techniques!

[@traveldreamer4616]

Thank you. I use Arteza real brush. I am happy with the price point over the zigs. Your review was nice😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! And I agree with that! More for your money

[@shennahull2183]

Thank you, I truly appreciate the information, Have a Beautiful Blessed Day !

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome; I'm glad it was useful! YAY

[@cherij9008]

Such a great collaboration!!! I've watched both twice (& saved) During the live I had two active grandkids running around, so it was hard to concentrate. I have full sets of Arteza reals & Tombows....think that will do!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much Cheri! We had fun making this collab; we are better when we work together! :)

[@gayle1055]

Hi Mary, great informative video. I have the Zig Real Brush Markers and yes I also have full set syndrome lol. I love them and from day 1 I couldn’t believe how good my coloring looked lol surprised myself. Going to watch Dana’s video now.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES! I feel the same about real brush pens. I have watched myself over the last couple years and can see how much better my coloring is. I love that medium and find that it's faster than alcohol markers, although the moment i pick those back up, I am in love with them as well! HAHA

[@DanaJoy]

Love this video. How did I not know to use the tip to tip method like we do with Copics? Brilliant babes.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Right? I was blown away; so cool!

[@RoseD2016]

Thank you Mary for a honest comparison as always! Xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@RoseD2016]

Mary Polanco yes I have the Arteza and wondered if any were better! You saved me some money! Thanks! Now am way Dana’s video.

[@michelleyungbauer9327]

Thank U for the video.... amazing comparisons! I’m a Zig Real Brush girl, using Bristol. 🥰

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES isn't Bristol just game changing! I love it so much. I think I buy two reams of it everytime I'm at the craft store. lol

[@amandaherrera1268]

Great video Mary. I own a set of Tombow markers. I can't wait to try the tip to tip method to get that cool effect. Tfs!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome It's so super fun! YAY

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Great comparison video 😍 I have both of the Arteza, so I think I have enough to color with lol ❤ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes you have lots of good stuff to play with. Any one of these will give good results!

[@JoanOrloffDK]

@@marypolancodesigns yes, thanks to you 👍😉

[@rosacaban9708]

Thanks Mary, you da best! I love your videos!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much Rosa! I really appreicate that! So kind of you!

[@deedeeriggs]

Thanks for the review. I just bought a large set of Arteza real brushes & I think I based that on the fact I thought you had done a video a long time ago & loved them---so I was almost afraid to watch this review. LOL. I still haven't received them, yet, though! I always heard Zigs were really good, but have to order them online if I want them. TFS

[@marypolancodesigns]

You made a GREAT choice with the Arteza rest assured!!!

[@deanandreoli1975]

nice use of the "Chameleon marker" technique! it's so boss. great video!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh wow thank you for that compliment! I really appreciate it!

[@wandaradler6718]

Nice review and comparison. I have Tombow and Zig and I think I am good!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are totally good! Awesome markers! Thanks Wanda!

[@teresahall8377]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You're so welcome! My pleasure!

[@jihanmargarette748]

Can u please do the best value in tombow, Karin,arteza twinmarker and ecoline plsss. And I really love your videos

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Jihan, I thought I compared the prices of those markers in this video? Let me know what specifically you are looking for that I didn't cover here. I don't have the ecoline though

[@maryfiona7641]

I found the Karin markers to blend very well. I did not get a hard line blending with Karin if I used a high quality watercolor . The exception are the grays. They do not blend well on dry paper but do well on wet. paper.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I just couldn't get them working the best; i have to try again. Thank you for sharing!

[@oceandreamer1958]

Thanks, Mary! Great review!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank you!!

[@michellewseashellcreations6133]

Thanks Mary, great review!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! I learned a lot too! Thank you!

[@Fit_Kitty]

Great comparison, Mary! I always love these kinds of videos! I have the Tombows from a very long time ago and I also have the Zigs from a few years ago. I tend to reach for the Zigs but I have more colours in the Tombows. I haven't done any watercolouring in ages so I guess I should dust off these babies! Thanks for the video!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES! You should get in there and have some fun. I loved playing with all of these. And coloring all those balloons was the best part. lol

[@McCreaFamilyHomestead]

I just bought GenCrafts water color brush pens on Amazon and love them.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Aren't they great? I love those markers!

[@tcconnection]

Love comparisons!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much!

[@carolynpicken6949]

I gave my zigs away..prefer Arteza and to bow, (which I have been using about 8 years). Always using Bristol for great results

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you for sharing this; i wonder how others fair. I am probably going to destash my zigs because i love the Arteza so much!

[@elizabetheddy1073]

Awesome comparison video as usual! I was debating on buying the newer Karin pens, but I already have 3 of the sets you used in the comparison!! Lol I love my Zigs, but always forget about the tombows I have!! Thank you so much, I hope you all have a beautiful weekend! Liz😊💗👍🏼

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm so glad it helped! I really can't advocate for the Karin if you have any of these other markers but as always it's a personal choice. :)

[@lizziedae91]

This was a very nice video

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you!

[@heidilentz4406]

Thank you this is so helpful. 💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm so glad! Thank you for letting me know. I learned a lot along the way

[@nesyacollings119]

I have tried and tried to get my Arteza markers to work well with no success - I keep going back to my Zigs. I have seen several people who do great with them, but not me. Because of the price I don't have nearly as many colors in the Zigs. TFS

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh no! Hmmm....and you are using Bristol smooth cardstock, not Bristol Vellum? What kind of trouble do you have with them?

[@nesyacollings119]

@@marypolancodesigns yes, I have tried my Bristol Smooth and Cannon water color paper (maybe should get arches). I can't get a smooth blend, or any blend. I've tried all the ways you used! In all honesty, I'm not that good to begin with with Zigs either, but keep practicing right!! Zigs are fun to practice with, Arteza is not.

[@kimgrimes632]

Very helpful-thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You're welcome! I'm so glad!

[@Dania0629]

The zig blender is a game changer. :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

It really is; I can't believe i forgot to mention it! Thank you!

[@cindym9851]

Super helpful!! Thanks

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! YAY!

[@CreativeTimewithME]

I love my Arteza Real Brush Pens!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Same...my go to

[@geritress2327]

Great comparison darling

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad you liked it! YAY

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Great comparison! 😊 Are any of these pens actually watercolour or are they just waterbased inks?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you so much! I actually don't know the difference, I'm so sorry. I'm still an amateur.

[@tcconnection]

Using the Tombow blender eats up the paper. Even the markers can do that, either end. And that's not overdoing the motion or number of strokes.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tips; thank you so much! I appreciate that so much

[@tcconnection]

@@marypolancodesigns ❤

[@laurenfouts]

What do you suggest for a mixing palette? It appears, perhaps, you are using a fairly thin sheet of plastic?

[@marypolancodesigns]

If I remember correctly, that is a plastic cutting mat from the Dollar Tree that I cut down and rounded the corners.

[@laurenfouts]

@@marypolancodesigns Your are marvelously helpful...I couldn't find a ceramic palette that will seal. Marvelous suggestion! Thank You! I am experimenting with watercolor brush markers, obviously stumbling along the way, BUT learning through the process! (I am trying to be honest with myself, using three different "kinds" of surfaces (marker paper...not good, cold press watercolor as well as hot press watercolor...all three "journals, so I can...hopefully, seeing development of skill AND can't hide the faux pas!). Thank you!

[@laurenfouts]

I should NEVER try to "write" this time of night...my vocabulary, spelling, and syntax are atrocious, YET, I wanted to convey my appreciation!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much, Lauren! I really appreciate you asking this question and then letting me know about what you're learning. I have done a lot of comparison videos because of the same reasons so hopefully they help where you need it.

[@pink25poppies1]

So i am looking for a great marker to color stamped images. The cheap "kid" markers don't blend well; nor do i like the ohuhu alcohol markers. What do you suggest i try to get good coverage & easy blends?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm not really sure because I'm a huge fan of the Ohuhu for blending. It's possible you are not using the best paper for alcohol marker coloring. Have you tried another one by chance?

[@pink25poppies1]

@@marypolancodesigns i also tried a few arteza on bristol & neenah. It colors smoothly but not sure how to blend it well. I used the ohuhu on neenah 110lbs In general are watercolor or alcohol markers better for stamped images?

[@Protiger5670]

Nice vid would you use the watercolour uhuhu brush nib for colouring without blending or would it not work and I should stick to the normal felt tip style head?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm not sure I understand your question. I don't think i showed Ohuhu watercolor markers in this video.

[@elizabethk8938]

Thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure!

[@ingridb3272]

At the risk of sounding completely clueless, what is the difference between 'Brush Marker' and 'Real Brush Pen'? Is it a synthetic vs non-synthetic nib? TIA

[@marypolancodesigns]

Ingrid, this is a safe space for all questions. The Real Brush pens look like a paint brush, where they bristles spread as you color. The Brush Marker tips are usually nylon or felt material and are firm and don't spread. A Copic marker would be an example of brush marker, but a Zig clean color real brush would be the real brush.

[@ingridb3272]

Mary Polanco ahhhh, clear now 😁❤️

[@MegaMiaow]

Mary I think the Bearly Art glue for Amazon is linking to the Art Glitter glue. Why is this better than the Art glue by the way?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Which video are referring to for the incorrect link. This is the marker review video and I didnt like glue in this one. Bearly Art glue and Art Glitter are identical except that Bearly Art can thaw of it freezes but not the AGG.

[@MegaMiaow]

Oops sorry my mistake it was supposed to be the sunny studios mini stamp video. Not sure if its not linking properly because Im from the UK though.

[@mignonalverson655]

Can you color with the twimarkers without water?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes you can, I find that they blend really well on Bristol Smooth paper but you just can go over the area too many times

[@madelinelittman1863]

Thanks for the review! I have the zigs. The colors on my swatch chart fade after a while. Do you know if the other brands fade too?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Not that I know of Madeline. Are you keeping your swatch charts away from the sun? I keep mine in a drawer and haven't noticed fading.

[@barbaralassiter259]

@@marypolancodesigns These markers contain dye inks and not pigments so will fade after a while. The only markers of this type that contain watercolor pigments are the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolour markers and they are rated as to their light fastness properties. I think there are only 30 colors thus far and they can be purchased individually. I purchased mine individually to get the colors I wanted. I have a lot of the Tombow markers but wanted to try these because they were real watercolors. I like them and hope they will have more colors.

[@TheJad1224]

i like tombow mzrkers

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes they were great to play with!

[@tcconnection]

My Karin pack didn't come with any blender

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hmmmm....and you got the same amount that i show in the video? That's odd

[@tcconnection]

@@marypolancodesigns I'm not sure how many was in your pack, mine was around 15.

[@PapercraftsbyCindyellen]

so here's my real questions: if the Arteza real brush work well for me tchnique wise (i like the colors and the results) but they make my fingers REALLY tired. someone suggested it's because theyre too skinny. do you think the Genuine markers would work the same? they look the thickest?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I never thought about the thickness of the marker affecting hands; but yeah that could be the reason. The Gen crafts are the thickest of the 3 but they are not available on Amazon anymore. They are a great markers; not the least expensive an I only had 20 colors but i do recommend them.

[@PapercraftsbyCindyellen]

Would the Karin work well then??

[@Charliemmh921]

You may want to try a pencil grip on your marker. They are inexpensive and make holding the marker easier.

[@NoDontLikeIt]

Michele H thanks, Michele that’s what I was going to say. I have rheumatoid arthritis (it began when I was a juvenile) so I’m always looking for hand grips, or things that make a grip softer, etc. If I can’t find a pencil grip big enough, I will use a thin foam and wrap it around my pencils and markers (you can even find foam that has adhesive on the back already, or just use some tape). I also buy 100 pencil grips at a time on amazon for very cheap, but often you have to look for the big packs specifically or you’d never know they exist. And the pencil grips that fit on the huge round pencils that preschoolers/kindergarteners use will often fit great on markers.

[@sherieblack9561]

Good video.. Have you ever used Spectrum Noir markers?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes I have. The new and improved markers are much better than the old. I've tried their brush tip and their triblend. Here is a video with them in it if you want to have a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKWqnYVjj7CLfc0

[@sherieblack9561]

@@marypolancodesigns thank you so much. I'm new to your channel. Really like your style. Wil watch more

[@cherij9008]

Hi Mary, I tried the link for Dana Joys watercolor paper review, but I get a message it's private???

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Cheri the videos will be live on Saturday at 8:00am EST.

[@tcconnection]

So all in all, one is not better than the other?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Correct, that is my assessment. If you are using the right paper with the least expensive of them, you should get great results.

[@norinemueller4588]

Do you find that that the Tom bow markers dry very easy very disappointed in them

[@marypolancodesigns]

Not yet but I only have one set and haven't had them that long.

[@shirleydesrochers4947]

Did I miss the live again? Bummer.

[@marypolancodesigns]

It was a premiere video and was only 13 minutes long; you didn't miss much!