How to Use Water Brush Pens with Your Markers

Quick answer

Water brush pens let you turn regular marker strokes into soft watercolor washes by adding water directly through the brush tip. Use them right after applying marker ink to blend and soften edges without needing a separate water pot.

Step-by-step: Blending markers with a water brush pen

1. Apply marker ink to your paper: Color the area you want to blend using your water-based marker. Work quickly while the ink is still wet for the smoothest blend. If the ink dries, you can still reactivate it with water, but the effect will be less even.
2. Fill the water brush pen: Unscrew the barrel, fill it with clean water, and reassemble. Gently squeeze the barrel until a drop of water appears at the nib. Don't overfill—too much water will flood the paper and wash away the marker color.
3. Touch the marker stroke with the water brush: Lightly drag the damp nib from the edge of the marker stroke outward. The ink will follow the water, creating a soft gradient. Use a pointed nib for small areas and a flat nib for larger washes. Test on scrap paper first.
4. Let the layer dry before adding more: Allow the first wash to dry completely before applying another layer of marker or water. This prevents muddy colors and keeps your edges clean. Use a heat tool or hairdryer on low to speed up drying if you're impatient.
5. Clean the nib between colors: Wipe the nib on a paper towel or rinse with clean water until no color remains. This avoids contaminating your next color. If the nib stains permanently, it's harmless—the brush will still work fine.

Product used in this guide

• Crafter’s Companion Tool - Water Brush Pens 4 Pack: Includes two pointed nibs for fine detail and two flat nibs for broader strokes and washes. You can choose the right nib for your project without buying separate tools—pointed for precise blending, flat for smooth washes.