Best Markers for Mandala Coloring: What I Use and Why

The finished page is only part of what I love about coloring mandalas.

I also love that moment when I focus on one tiny section of the design, then move on to the next. There are little patterns to fill, colors to choose, and lines to stay inside. And while I’m doing all of that, everything else takes up a little less space in my head.

That’s what I’m looking for when I pick up a mandala: something detailed enough to keep my mind busy and help me unwind.

But there’s something else I really enjoy. I can color similar designs again and again without ever getting the same result.

Changing the colors, the combinations, or the way I apply them can completely transform a page. In this article, I’ll show you two of my own mandalas: one colored with water-based markers and colored pencils, and another colored with alcohol markers.

As my coloring has evolved, so have my supplies. I started with Ohuhu before treating myself to Faber-Castell.

So, what are the best markers for mandala coloring?

I’d rather show you what I actually use, why I enjoy using it, and the difference it makes on my pages. For a broader look at my supplies, you can also read my guide to markers for adult coloring books.

Over Time, I’ve Learned to Choose Colors That Work Together

When I first started, I mostly picked colors because I liked them individually.

With practice, I started paying more attention to how they looked together.

Sometimes I choose two or three shades from the same color family to give a pattern more depth. Other times, I pair a light shade with a darker one or add a contrasting color to bring out certain details.

That gradually changed the way I looked at my marker sets.

I’m no longer trying to fit as many colors as possible onto one page. I’m looking for the ones that work well together.

That’s another reason I love mandalas. Before I’ve even started coloring, the palette I choose can completely change the mood of the design.

I Started With Ohuhu, Then Treated Myself to Faber-Castell

When I bought my first proper marker sets, I wasn’t ready to spend a lot on more expensive supplies.

So I chose Ohuhu.

What I appreciated was having plenty of colors to explore at a more affordable price. I could try different combinations, experiment, and gradually figure out what I enjoyed.

Then, the more I colored, the more my preferences changed.

I had a better idea of which colors I reached for, how I wanted to combine them, and what I wanted from my markers. I felt ready to treat myself to something a little more special.

That’s when I turned to Faber-Castell.

Today, I use Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua Dual Markers. I particularly enjoy the colors and the precision of the tips, which comes in handy when I’m filling the tiny sections of a mandala.

Explore Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua Dual Markers on Amazon

I also use Goldfaber Sketch Markers, Faber-Castell’s alcohol-based markers.

These brands represent two different stages of my coloring journey. Ohuhu gave me plenty of colors to experiment with without a big initial investment. Faber-Castell came later, when I wanted to treat myself to supplies I would enjoy using regularly.

But the brand is only part of the story.

Choosing water-based or alcohol-based markers can make a big difference in the finished page.

Two Mandalas, Two Ways to Work With Color

To show you the difference, I chose two of my mandalas.

I used a fairly similar palette for both: pink, turquoise, purple, and a few warmer shades.

Even so, the finished pages have a different feel.

My Mandala With Water-Based Markers and Colored Pencils

I start by laying down the color with a marker. Then I go back over certain sections with colored pencils to gradually add another shade, deepen a shadow, or give a pattern more dimension.

I enjoy working this way because I can take my time and revisit little sections until I’m happy with them.

Sometimes, as a finishing touch, I add a few white pen accents over the darker colors to bring a little light into the design.

My Mandala With Alcohol Markers

With alcohol markers, I get a different finish.

On this page, the colors look more intense and the contrasts stand out more. I can also work with several shades of the same color, blending them directly with the markers to create more depth.

That’s one of the things I enjoy most about alcohol markers: working on the shading and blends as I color.

There is one practical detail to keep in mind, though: alcohol ink can easily bleed through the paper.

I prefer using these markers on single-sided coloring pages, and I always place a protective sheet underneath.

So, Which One Looks Better?

For me, that’s not really the question.

What I find interesting is how a similar palette can create two different moods simply by changing the technique.

Some days, I want to reach for my alcohol markers and work on my shading with them.

Other days, I prefer using water-based markers and enjoying that extra step of adding colored pencil afterward.

That freedom is part of what keeps me coming back to mandalas.

How to Choose Markers for Mandala Coloring

With experience, I’ve learned to pay particular attention to three things.

The paper in your coloring book. If the designs are printed on both sides, be careful with alcohol markers. The ink can bleed through and damage the illustration on the back. With water-based markers, I also avoid repeatedly coloring over the same area when the paper is thin.

The marker tip. Mandalas often contain tiny shapes and narrow spaces. A precise tip makes those details easier to fill. A dual-tip marker can also be useful when you’re moving between small sections and larger areas.

The shades in the set. This is probably what I look at most closely now. I’d rather have shades I can combine than choose a set just because it has an impressive number of colors.

Which Mandala Markers Would I Choose?

If you’re just starting and want plenty of colors to experiment with before spending more on your supplies, Ohuhu is a brand I personally enjoyed using as a beginner.

Explore Ohuhu Alcohol Markers on Amazon

If you already color regularly and feel like treating yourself, Faber-Castell is one of the brands I enjoy using today, with both water-based and alcohol-based options.

For the water-based markers I use:

Explore Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua Dual Markers on Amazon

For the alcohol markers I use:

Explore Faber-Castell Goldfaber Sketch Markers on Amazon

But my final piece of advice would be to look beyond the number of colors in the box.

Choose markers that suit your paper, the details in your mandalas, and the way you enjoy coloring.

Over time, that’s what I’ve learned to appreciate most: finding colors that work together and exploring different ways to use them.

And that’s probably what I love most about mandalas.

Even when I reach for familiar colors, I never know exactly how the page will look until I’ve finished.

Ready to Try Your Markers?

My free printable coloring pages give you a place to try your markers, explore new color combinations, or practice your blending.

I find it helpful to make a few small experiments when I’m getting to know a new marker set or trying a different technique.

Pick a design, choose a few colors, and see where they take you.

👉 Explore my free printable coloring pages

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.