Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore—it’s a full-on relaxation experience, a creative outlet, and (if we’re being honest) totally addicting. If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the pages of a Sticker and Shade coloring book, you know that the right tools can make all the difference. But with so many options out there, which coloring medium should you choose? Let’s break down five of the best ones, featuring some of the top brands we all know and love.

1. Alcohol Markers – Smooth Blending and Vibrant Colors

If you love bold, professional-looking colors with seamless blending, alcohol markers are your best friend. Brands like Ohuhu, Copic, and Arrtx are favorites among artists and hobbyists alike.

• Ohuhu markers are a fantastic budget-friendly option with a smooth, juicy ink flow that blends beautifully.
• Copic markers are the gold standard in the industry—refillable, long-lasting, and insanely vibrant.
• Arrtx markers provide a solid middle-ground, offering a great selection of colors with impressive blending capabilities.

Alcohol markers work best on thick, marker-friendly paper to prevent bleeding. If you’re using them in your coloring books, just slide a sheet underneath the page to protect the rest of your masterpiece!

2. Colored Pencils – Layering and Fine Detail

For those who love precision and rich color layering, colored pencils are a dream come true. They let you control shading, depth, and detail in a way that no other medium can.

• Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are beloved for their soft, creamy cores that blend effortlessly.
• Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils offer oil-based pigments that create rich, smooth colors without the waxy buildup.
• Crayola colored pencils provide an affordable, beginner-friendly option with decent layering ability.
• Castle Arts pencils are another great choice, known for their strong pigmentation and smooth application.

These are perfect for Sticker and Shade’s bold, easy-to-color designs, allowing you to shade each section to perfection. Plus, they travel well, making them ideal for coloring on the go.

3. Acrylic Paint Markers – Bold, Opaque, and Unique

Looking for something a little different? Acrylic paint markers give you an opaque, painterly look without the mess of traditional paint. They’re great for layering over darker pages or adding striking details to your artwork.

• Posca paint pens are a go-to choice for their smooth application and ability to work on multiple surfaces.
• Artistro and Grabie markers offer a fantastic range of colors with great coverage.

These markers are an exciting way to mix up your coloring routine and give your Sticker and Shade pages a fresh, bold touch.

4. Gel Pens – Shimmer, Shine, and Fine Lines

If you love adding sparkle and detail, gel pens are where it’s at! Perfect for embellishments, highlights, or even full-color pages, they’re a must-have in any colorist’s collection.

• Sakura Gelly Roll pens are famous for their smooth ink flow and gorgeous metallics, glitters, and pastels.
• Shuttle Art gel pens offer a huge variety of colors, including neon and glitter options.
• Grabie gel pens provide rich, smooth ink flow and vibrant shades that work beautifully on Sticker and Shade’s bold designs.

These are perfect for enhancing details in Sticker and Shade books—think adding a pop of shimmer to a butterfly’s wings or creating eye-catching highlights on bold designs!

5. Crayons – Classic, Nostalgic, and Fun

Never underestimate the power of crayons! Whether you’re coloring with kids or just love their nostalgic charm, crayons bring a playful and textured look to your pages.

• Crayola crayons remain a household favorite, offering a smooth, waxy texture and a rainbow of colors.
• Faber-Castell beeswax crayons provide a slightly richer pigment and a smoother application.

Crayons may not blend as easily as markers or pencils, but they bring a charming, handmade feel to your Sticker and Shade pages. Plus, they’re affordable and widely available, making them a fantastic choice for all ages.

Find Your Perfect Medium for Sticker and Shade!

At the end of the day, the best coloring medium is the one that sparks joy and lets you unleash your creativity. Whether you prefer the smooth blending of alcohol markers, the precision of colored pencils, or the boldness of paint markers, Sticker and Shade coloring books are designed to pair beautifully with them all.

Ready to put your skills to the test? Grab your favorite coloring tools, pick up a Sticker and Shade coloring book on Amazon, and let your creativity run wild!