Gel Pens are ideal sets for those eye-catching art pieces which are the dream of every artist. However, getting the best gel pens for drawing isn’t as easy as many presume. It requires patience and thorough comparison for a choice that won’t put you to regret it.
Generally, gel pens are bright, metallic, or dazzling shades that really pop off the page. Unfortunately, making a wrong choice of a gel pen can undo all constructive effects on your drawing. Moreover, achieving an even and smooth drawing with poor-quality gel pens can prove to be quite challenging.
So, to save you from the struggle of comparing the many models in the market today, we’ve compiled a list of ergonomic gel pens with smooth ink ideal for all drawing and coloring needs. Be keen to get the features offered by each.
Our Favorite Best Gel Pens for Drawing
Best Gel Pens for Drawing Special Features
| Product | Description |
| Aen Art 30 Colors Gel Pens | Brand: Aen Art Point type: Fine Material: Plastic Ink color: Multicolor |
| Daskid 96 Color Artist Gel Pen Set with Case | Brand: Daskid Point type: Fine Material: Metal Ink color: Multicolor |
| TANMIT 33 Color Fine Point Colored Gel Pens | Brand: Tanmit Point type: Fine Material: Gel Ink color: Multicolor |
| Boxun Premium 3 Colors Gel Pen Set | Brand: Boxun Point type: Fine Material: Gel Ink color: White, gold, and silver |
| Feela 360 Colors Gel Pens | Brand: Feela Point type: Fine Material: Gel Ink color: Multicolor |
| Niutop 32 Colors Gel Pens | Brand: Niutop Point type: Medium Material: Metal Ink color: Multicolor |
| Taotree 32 color glitter and neon glitter gel pens | Brand: Taotree Point type: Fine Material: Gel Ink color: Multicolor |
| Soucolor 120 Pack Glitter Gel Pens with 60 Refills | Brand: Soucolor Closure type: Snap Material: Gel Ink color: Black |
| Castle Art Supplies 100 Gel Pens | Brand: Castle Art Supplies Point type: Fine Material: Gel Ink color: Multicolor |
| Art-n-Fly White Gel Pens for Artists | Brand: Art-n-Fly Point type: Fine Material: Rubber Ink color: White |
What are Gel Pens Used for?
Gel pens are like every other pen; only that gel pens use pigmented water while regular pens use ink. They are used for drawing and illustration. This is because pigmented water is denser and flows more easily than ink. It’s also opaque, making it ideal for writing over other inks and shiny surfaces, which you cannot do with regular ink pens.
Top 10 Best Gel Pens for Drawing
1. Aen Art 30 Colors Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Books
This set of 30 gel pens is our top pick for the best gel pens for drawing. If you are an artist or a professional looking forward to putting down your art with ease, this should be your best companion. It comes as a pack of 30 colors divided into 5 ink types. This comprises 6 fluorescent, glitter, and pastel, 8 metal, and 4 classic colors meaning that your expression of creativity is not limited.
Another thing we like about these pens is their effortless grip. You’ll not feel overwhelmed or fatigued because it has a comfortable grip and a great durable tip of 0.8mm-1mm. You can put down fine details on your art. And for reliability, Aen Arts gel pens come with 40% extra ink, so there is no need to run for refills while working. Generally, this affordable set is our priority for drawing, crafting, art designs, journaling, writing, doodling, and other projects of your choice.
Key Features
- Reliable quality: Comfortable soft grip and 0.8m-1mm long-lasting tip giving smooth color deposit and precise fine detail.
- Durability: The pens come with 40% extra ink for refills, so there is no need to rush for refills when the pen is empty
- Performance: Highly affordable and non-toxic. They are tested for non-smear, anti-fade, and non-skip.
Specifications
- Measurements: 13 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Colors: 30
Pros
- Superior quality
- Versatile color options
- Very durable
Cons
- Some people get challenges to start up
2. Daskid 96 Color Artist Gel Pen Set with Case
Elevate your drawing with this kit of p6 colors that come in a kit. These high-quality ink pens come in 4 ink types and 48 matching color refills. These comprise 24 glitter pens, 6 pastels, 6 neon, and 12 metallic gel pens. No more surprise ink outages as you will have the refills for an option.
Another reason why we have these drawing gel pens as a run-up is their advanced comfort. They not only offer a perfect color-coded comfort grip, but they are also easy to move around thanks to their durable travel case. And for smooth grinding on the drawing surface, the gel pens are built with a 0.8mm-1mm fine point. There is also no need to worry about contamination as the ink is non-toxic and safe for both kids and adults.
Key Features
- Durability: The pens are labeled and come with a matching color refill; thus, they last long
- Reliability: A travel case is included for easy organization of colors and mobility
- Performance: A set of 4 different ink type gel pens and a 0.8mm-1mm fine point for smooth and precise detailing
Specifications
- Measurements: 10 x 6 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.45 pounds
- Colors: multicolor
Pros
- Fantastic and variety of colors
- Easy to refill
- Lightweight and portable case
Cons
- Some colors can be inky, so be careful if coloring
3. TANMIT 33 Color Fine Point Colored Gel Pens
As an artist, you can never go wrong with these best colored gel pens by TANMIT. They feature a comfortable soft grip and are highly durable, thanks to the packed extra 40% inks. The refills make one feel like receiving a free ink supply right from the pack when the pen dries. Nothing can beat this feeling when you do not need to rush for refills in the middle of a project.
Additionally, you can enjoy the highly performing fine tips that are durable and ideal size. Plus, there are 30 versatile colors divided into 5 ink groups. This comprises 4 classic, 6glitterand pastel, and 8 metals. Your creativity is limitless.
Key Features
- 40% extra ink: you get an extra 24 unique colors great for refilling once the pen dries up.
- Efficiency: A pack of 5 different colors for limitless possibilities
- Sustainability: The pens and the tip are durable and come in different colors featuring non-toxic ink
Specifications
- Measurements: 14 x 6 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 10.5 ounces
- Colors: 33 pcs
Pros
- Amazing color deposit
- Anti-smearing
- Great value for money
Cons
- Check the package for the correct amount of pens
4. Boxun Premium 3 Colors Gel Pen Set, Pack of 6
It really shouldn’t be a hassle to lay down your creativity with these best quality gel pens. Buxun premium comes in a pack of 3 pairs of white, gold, and silver gel pens to help scale your drawing projects a notch higher. The quality is unmatched, plus a 0.8mm fine point gives you smooth grinding on the drawing surface and colors that really pop off the page.
Additionally, the pens contain high-quality water-based ink for fast drying, non-toxic, and acid-free operation. All these together ensure a smooth, effortless, and non-skipping drawing and other artistic or writing activities.
Key Features
- Reliability: a 0.8mm fine point plus 3 different colors in one pack
- Efficiency: high-quality water-based gel ink which flows smoothly, ensuring quality, fast-drying and non-toxic
- Warranty: 90 days money-back guarantee with 24hrs online support
Specifications
- Measurements: 6.2 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 1.58 ounces
- Colors: 6 pcs (a pair of gold, white, and silver)
Pros
- Fast drying time
- High-quality, brilliant colors
- Versatile usage options
Cons
- Only three colors in the pack
5. Feela 360 Colors Gel Pens Set 180 Unique Gel Pen Plus 180 Refills
This is overwhelmingly one set of best colored gel pens that any artist would feel a pinch removing from their list. It’s a pack of 180 colored gel pens plus 180 matching refills that come in dual box packing that is break-resistant delicate, and ecofriendly.
Feela 360 gel pens are a mixture of 6 color types. This includes Neon, Glitter, Neon glitter, Swirl, Pastel, and Standard. They are ideal for all ages and feature a fine tip of 0.6mm-1mm for a smooth and fine color deposit on the ant surface.
Key Features
- Tip size: 0.6-1mm size for smooth grinding on any surface and enhanced durability
- Sustainability: It’s a pack of 180 pens plus 180 refills, making them durable and giving an excellent user experience
- Reliability: Enjoy acid-free and non-toxic pens, plus you get 24 hours online support
Specifications
- Measurements: 10.24 x 6.1 x 5.9 inches
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Colors: 180 colors and 180 refills
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Multiple ink types with excellent color selection
- Organized packaging with trays
Cons
- The pens are not labeled for color differentiation
6. Niutop 32 Colors Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Books
When drawing with gel pens comes to your mind, Niutop 32 colors gel pens should be your next big additive to your tools. These take you to a new level of unlimited creativity by using 5 different ink types, all fitted with a comfortable grip for easy working. The ink types comprise 11 glitters, 5 Pastel and Metal colors, 9 Neon, and 2 Classic colors.
The tips are built to 0.8-1mm for smooth and precise color deposit. The ink also flows smoothly and dries fast, so no more suffering from smearing and skipping.
Key Features
- Reliability: It’s a pack of 32 colors with 5 different ink types for increased reliability
- Sustainability: Comes with 40% extra ink and features a fine ballpoint tip of 0.8-1mm for smooth drawing
- Performance: Anti-smear, no skipping, dries fast, and anti-fade
Specifications
- Measurements: 5.8 x 0.25 x 0.25 inches
- Weight: 10.2 ounces
- Colors: multicolor
Pros
- Anti-smear, fade, and skip
- Excellent color selection
- Precise color deposit
Cons
- Some colors do not work well on black paper and canvas
7. Taotree 32 color glitter and neon glitter gel pens
If you are the fun of using glitter gel pens, then this is for you. Students and professionals alike will wonder how they live without Taotree glitter gel pens. The pack comprises 32 colored pens, including 19 Glitter pens and 14 Neon Glitter. The pack is simply an extra charm for your artwork.
Taotree best gel pens for an art feature soft grips for a comfortable feel, water-based ink for smooth flowing, and 40% extra ink for durability. The tip size is 1mm, thus ensuring smooth grating on any surface. You can draw perfect fine lines for those greeting cards, invitation cards, and DIY Décor.
Key features
- Sustainability: The pack comes with 32 gel pens plus 40% extra ink for an excellent user experience
- Efficiency: A 0.7-1mm ballpoint tip for smooth drawing plus comfortable soft grips for easy holding without getting fatigued
- Reliability: They are non-toxic, acid-free, smudge, and smear-resistant. It can be used for multiple tasks by both children and adults
Specifications
- Measurements: 14 x 6 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 10.5 ounces
- Colors: multicolor
Pros
- Vibrant and variety of colors
- Smooth ink flow
- Long-lasting
Cons
- It can be a bit pricy
8. Soucolor 120 Pack Glitter Gel Pens with 60 Refills
Take the guesswork out of drawing with these best gel ink pens. It’s a set of 60 gel pens coupled with 60 matching refills for a better experience. Brighten up your day with 21 Neon Glitter and 39 Glitter inks for that perfect smooth touch on your art. And for more efficiency, the package also includes an adult coloring book and a black PU carrying or storage case.
Some bonus points to this package are the 0.8-1mm ballpoint tip and a comfortable soft-grip for a better experience. You must love everything about these gel pens. From the carrying case, variety of rich colors, a smooth flow of ink, free refills, a coloring book, and color labeling. Unfortunately, some people wish they had more red colors included.
Key Features
- Versatility: Use them for Arts &crafts, DIY décor, Greeting Cards, etc.
- Sustainability: A pack of 60 pens and 60 refills with 0.8-1mm ballpoint tip for efficiency and smooth working process
- Added bonus: Each pen has a storage case, so you carry your creativity everywhere.
Specifications
- Measurements: 10.67 x 6.89 x 2.32 inches
- Weight: 2.18 pounds
- Colors: multicolor
Pros
- Easy to use and to refill
- Both pens and refills are labeled by number
- Safe for use with a variety of use options
Cons
- There is no variety of red colors
9. Castle Art Supplies 100 Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Set
Open the box of delights to various gel pens packed in four folds of stand-up sections. The pens are divided into glitter, neon, swirl, pastel, and metallic groups. Castle art gel pens are a perfect addition for colorists, crafters, doodlers, note makers, card creators, and every artist.
The pens are intensely pigmented, so you can rest assured of a smooth ink flow depositing a smooth touch. And for safety, the ink is water-based. So no harmful chemicals or anything whatsoever makes them ideal for user4s of all ages.
Key Features
- Efficiency: 100 high-quality gel pens of different shades built with an artistic mind
- Reliability: The ink is pure and non-toxic. Ink flows smoothly eliminating, skip, smear and smudge possibilities.
- Versatility: You can use the gel pens as a colorist, crafter, doodler, note maker, etc. The pens come in 5 different ink types, as described in the product description.
Specifications
- Measurements: 12.05 x 10.67 x 2.52 inches
- Weight: 1.74 pounds
- Colors: multicolor
Pros
- Beautiful and durable carrying case
- Excellent color variety
- Excellent quality and vivid pigment
Cons
- Some people complain about the ink being filled up to the top
10. Art-n-Fly White Gel Pens for Artists
Finally, we come to our last pick of the best gel pens for writing. Being our last pick doesn’t mean they are of poorer quality; they a definitely a game-changer in the life of students and professionals. To say just the least, Art-n-Fly White Gel pens contain high-quality and rich ink that flows smoothly for that effortless drawing that is the dream of all gel pen users.
Additionally, these colored pens have archival and waterproof ink. No more waiting for ink to dry, plus you can enjoy smooth grinding on any surface thanks to the 0.7mm ballpoint tip. The pens also feature a superior design and acid-free, non-toxic ink. So, it’s safe for users of all ages.
Key Features
- Efficiency: Water-resistant ink that flows smoothly, hindering smear and skip
- Reliability: Excellent 0.7mm fine tip for smooth drawing and color deposit on any surface
- Versatility: Use them for doodling, detailing invitation cards, and ad drawing
Specifications
- Measurements: 10.67 x 6.89 x 2.32 inches
- Weight: 2.18 pounds
- Colors: White
Pros
- Excellent design
- Smooth ink flow
- Water-resistant and acid-free
Cons
- The glossy white contrast over the dark background may not be the best
Best Gel Pens for Drawing Buying Guide
Getting high-quality gel pens is a necessity for success in your drawing. If the ink flow of your pen is not liquid enough, you may end up with uneven color deposits and stained hands. Plus, it’s unpleasant to invest your money in products below your expectations. Below are features that should help you settle for the best gel pens for drawing in your next purchase to avoid such cases.
Safety
Safety is a key factor that gel pens should pass. Especially if your child may use them, select a set that corresponds to minimal safety regulations. Moreover, you can check the company’s accreditation on whether the gel pens are appropriate for children to use.
Colors
This may be overlooked as easy or unnecessary, but getting a pair of correct colors can sometimes prove to be difficult. Though not everyone can compare the colors through the labels or the package, you can always check for feedback and testimonials.
Usability
You may be far from having leisure time drawing if your gel pens are hard to use or difficult to provide decent results. With this in mind, shop for the best gel pens with clean and accurate results. Extra-wide tips are good too, but if too wide, they can lead to ink leakage and may cause smudges. So, go for the average and acid-free pens as they are more resilient to wetness and fading.
Quality of Ink
The ink quality consequently determines the pen’s endurance, durability, and fluidity while in use. If smooth isn’t a term that can be used along with the pen, you may end up suffering ink leakages, poor curing, and other messes an artist would dread to encounter.
Ease of Getting a Refund
Always buy from a company that has return procedures or assures a refund. This assurance proves that the manufacturer has confidence in their products and puts you on the good side if it has some defects.
How to Draw with Gel Pens?
Drawing with gel pens requires consistency and patience. With high-quality gel pens and the right skills, you will undoubtedly achieve desired results for quality times. Below are the tips you need;
- Identify the colors you need and the drawing you need to put down
- Start with the lighter color and draw the entire shape
- Draw with the darker colors on areas you need it to appear
- Go over the areas you need a gradient to appear with the lighter pens.
- Layer other areas with appropriate colors and finish drawing
How to Store Gel Pens
The most advisable way to store gel pens is in a horizontal position; tip down and with caps on securely. This should be in a safe desk drawer or a purchased organizer, ideal for gel pens away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. You can as well store gel pens in a vertical position or by grouping them in colors. Proper storage extends the life of the pens, while improper storage could cause the pens to lose the pigment, become clogged, leak, or even give you difficult times identifying the color you need. Read below for recommendations on how you can safely store the gel pens.
Horizontal Position
This is the position preferred by most colorists. This keeps the ink evenly distributed in the reservoir while simultaneously preventing clogs and leaks as well as keeping the bottom from dryness by pooling ink at the bottom. The ink doesn’t pool at the top either, which could lead to leakages and clogging. You can also monitor the ink usage and determine how sooner the pen will dry out.
Vertical Position
Though a few artists still recommend this position, it’s best to limit the storage space. While storing the pens with the tip side up actually preserves the tip, storing them with the tip side down also helps to always have ready-to-use ink on the tip. Generally, the key factor to consider while choosing between a vertical and horizontal position should be time.
A vertical position is best if you color every day or a few times a week. This ensures that ink doesn’t build up at the bottom, and the pens would be drying out before you encounter difficult storage issues. On the other hand, we insist on a horizontal position if you use the gel pens less often or a few times a month.
Grouping by Color
Regardless of whether you choose a vertical or horizontal position for your gel pens, grouping them by color is neat and provides the best organization. If you have a variety of colors and enough storage space, you can group them by individual colors. Otherwise, if the colors are few and the space is limited, group them in terms of warm and cool colors. Cool ones are greys, purples, greens, and blues, while warm colors are oranges, yellows, pinks, and reds. You can also group by color.
FAQs
What Is The Advantage of Gel Pens?
The ink of gel pens is smoother, more vivid, durable, and water-resistant than regular pen ink. Since the ink is not prone to fading, you can use them for permanent documentation. They offer smooth writing, excellent ink flow, and color layering, making them the preferred choice to their predecessor.
Is Gel Pen The Same As A Ballpoint Pen?
The gel pen is unique because it contains pigmented water ink thicker than regular pens. It’s generally a water-based gel consistency that glides efficiently on paper with quicker drying times and anti-fade features.
Are Gel Pens Good for Writing?
Gel pens are great for precise writing and come in various colors. They offer smooth writing with thinner lines and comfortable grips that reduce stress and hand fatigue.
How Long Does a Gel Pen Last?
The typical shelf life for most gel pens is around 2 years. However, this can be affected by how you store them, their type, and the ink’s chemistry. Basically, a gel pen should be stored for a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 24 months in occasional use.
How Do You Refill a Gel Pen?
With a syringe with a needle, dismantle the pen, remove the metal point and clean it. Fill the gel tube and ballpoint tube. Ensure everything is perfect and put everything back together.
Does Gel Pen Ink Evaporate?
The gel pen ink can evaporate or clog in the cartridge if the pen is not used for a long time. To avoid this, ensure to use the pens more often and store them properly, as discussed above in the methods of the storage section.
Conclusion
Gel pens are ideal for everyday writing, doodling, drawing, and other artistic needs. However, getting the best gel pens for drawing can be a challenge, especially if you are not conversant with the recent innovations in the art industry. Look keenly for the feature explained in our buying guide to ensure you get the best. And for the best performance and user experience, ensure the right storage for your gel pens. If you make any selection of gel pens in our buying guide, we assure you of quality and good value.
