Navigating the world of art supplies can be a colourful but confusing journey. If you've been looking for a versatile and affordable set of markers, you've likely come across the Ohuhu brand. With a wide array of options, from ink types to tip combinations, choosing the right set for your creative projects can feel overwhelming.
This guide is designed to clarify the key differences between Ohuhu's popular dual tip marker sets. Whether you're an adult colouring enthusiast, a budding illustrator or a dedicated journal keeper, we'll walk you through the features to help you find the perfect match for your artistic needs.
Before diving into specific sets, understanding a few key features will make your decision much easier. Here are the main points to consider when selecting your next set of drawing markers.
The most significant difference between marker sets is the ink. Each type has distinct properties suited to different techniques and paper types.
Alcohol Markers (UK): Known for their vibrant colours and superior blending capabilities, alcohol-based markers are a popular choice for illustrators and artists who want to create smooth, seamless gradients. The ink is fast-drying and permanent once dry, which helps to avoid smudging. However, it is more likely to bleed through standard paper, so using thick marker paper or cardstock is recommended.
Water-Based Marker Pens: These pens use a water-soluble ink, making them a versatile option for a range of activities. They are excellent art markers for colouring in books as they are less prone to bleeding through the page. The ink can be manipulated with water to create subtle watercolour effects, and they are generally odourless and easy to clean up. This makes them a great choice for hobbyists and those working in shared spaces.
Ohuhu dual tip markers offer different nib combinations, each designed for specific tasks.
Brush and Fineliner: This is a highly versatile pairing. The flexible brush tip allows for variable line widths, from thick to thin, making it ideal for calligraphy, expressive drawing and filling in larger areas. The fineliner tip provides precision for outlining, writing and adding intricate details. This combination is perfect for journaling, illustration and detailed colouring.
Brush and Chisel: This combination pairs the expressive brush tip with a firm chisel tip. The chisel nib is excellent for creating broad, consistent strokes, sharp lines and filling in large blocks of colour quickly and evenly. It's a favourite among designers, comic artists and anyone who needs bold, impactful coverage.
Ohuhu offers sets ranging from a few dozen to over a hundred colours. A smaller set, like 60 colours, is a great starting point and can cover most projects. Larger sets of 100 or more provide a much wider palette, offering more subtle shades and gradients straight from the pen, which can be a huge time-saver for serious artists. All Ohuhu markers are formulated to be non-toxic art supplies, making them a safe choice for your home studio.
Here are a few standout Ohuhu sets, each catering to different artistic styles and preferences.
Why It Stands Out: With a massive range of 100 vibrant colours, this water-based set offers incredible creative freedom. The dual-tip design combines a flexible brush with a precise fineliner, making it a true workhorse for almost any paper-based craft.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Adult colouring enthusiasts, journal keepers and calligraphers who want a vast colour palette and the versatility of both brush and fine tips in one pen.
Why It Stands Out: This set features an upgraded water-based ink formulated to be "paper-friendly," meaning it's designed to minimise the paper pilling or fluffing that can occur with repeated strokes. It's an excellent choice for those who work on thinner paper, such as in journals or colouring books.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Bullet journal artists, students and hobbyists who need reliable blendable colouring pens that perform well on a variety of paper types without causing damage.
Why It Stands Out: This is a comprehensive drawing markers set for artists who demand professional-level blending and colour saturation. The alcohol-based ink flows smoothly for seamless gradients, and the combination of a brush and chisel tip provides maximum coverage and versatility.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Illustrators, comic artists and designers who need a wide range of colours and the smooth blending performance that only Ohuhu brush markers with alcohol ink can provide.
While these sets represent some of the most popular choices, your perfect art supply might be something else entirely. If you're searching for different set sizes, other types of pens or complementary materials like sketchbooks and paints, there's a wider world to explore.
Browse our full collection of Painting Supplies & Tools to find everything you need for your next creative project.
1. Are Ohuhu markers good for beginners? Yes, Ohuhu markers are widely considered a great option for beginners. They offer a good balance of quality and affordability, allowing newcomers to experiment with a high-quality tool without a significant financial commitment. The water-based sets are particularly user-friendly due to their low odour and minimal bleed-through.
2. How do you stop Ohuhu markers from bleeding through paper? For alcohol-based markers, the key is to use appropriate paper. Look for heavyweight paper specifically designed for markers (often over 100gsm) or smooth cardstock. Always place a spare sheet of paper or a blotter card behind your artwork to protect the surface underneath. For water-based markers, bleeding is less of an issue, but using thicker paper will always yield better results, especially if you plan to blend with water.
3. Can you blend Ohuhu water-based markers? Absolutely. You can achieve smooth blends with water-based markers in a few ways. You can work quickly, layering colours while the ink is still wet. Alternatively, you can use a colourless blender pen (included in some sets) or a slightly damp paintbrush to go over the area where two colours meet, which will soften the transition and create a watercolour-like effect.