Though not crucial for doodles or writing in a journal, permanence is a necessity for use with watercolors. Inspired by Teoh’s pen comparison, I tested some brush pens that contained their original inks.
After allowing the ink to dry for a minute or two, I applied water to the right side of the swatches to see which ones would move. Two were not waterproof. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it can be exploited to make shadows or to add color to objects. Those that are waterproof won’t mix with paint placed next to or over them. That opens up a wealth of possibilities.
The test paper is Bee 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper. Though I use brush pens more often in a sketchbook, watercolor paper provides a better surface to test a pen that will get used with paint.
For drawing, the Kuretake 630-8670 due to its brush-like nib was the best for my purposes. Unfortunately, it seems to have been discontinued.
The Kuretake Cambio is readily available and comes in different nib widths and colors which makes it a bit more interesting for my doodle notebooks. It also has excellent flow and coverage. When I need to purchase another brush pen, the Cambio will be the one.
From top to bottom: Kuretake ZiG Cambio Shu-Boku in vermilion, Sakura Pigma Sumi Brush XSDK-TA, Sakura Pigma Brush sdk-br#49, Kuretake 630-8670, Pilot S-50FDF-B, Tombow ABT N15.
A few of the brush pens tested are available at Amazon. Inkophile earns a tiny commission when you use these links to make your purchases.
Kuretake ZIG XO50-10B Cambio Medium Brush Pen, Black
Kuretake Zig XO50F-10B Cambio Fine Brush Pen, Black
Kuretake ZIG XO50-070B Cambio Shu-Boku Medium Brush Pen, Vermillion
Kuretake ZIG XO50-091B Cambio Usuzumi Medium Brush Pen, Gray
Sakura Pigma Black Paint Brush Pen (XSDK-BR-49)
Tombow Dual Brush Pen, N15 – Black, Brush and Fine Tip Marker
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