Short answer
Caliart art markers are alcohol markers with a chisel and fine tip, sold in large sets. An independent reviewer found them vibrant and saturated with a pleasant chisel nib, but not water-resistant despite the claim and short on light colors. The Caliart dual brush markers are water-based; the same reviewer found some arrived damaged and they roughed up printer paper. For opaque color on rocks or dark paper, use a paint marker instead.
Caliart markers and an alternative on Amazon
Two Caliart alcohol sets, the dual brush set and a better-reviewed water-based option, each listing checked by hand.
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Caliart Alcohol Markers, 100 colors, dual tip fine and chisel
The classic Caliart set: 99 colors plus a colorless blender, a chisel tip of about 1 to 7 mm and a fine tip of about 0.7 mm, per the listing. Alcohol ink bleeds through ordinary paper, as the listing itself notes.
- Alcohol-based ink
- Chisel and fine tips
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Caliart 121 colors alcohol markers, dual tip
The bigger set, 120 colors plus a blender in a carrying case, per the listing. Note the reviewer found Caliart light colors scarce, so more colors does not mean more pastels.
- 121 markers
- Carrying case
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Caliart 34 double tip brush pens
The water-based set: 34 markers with a 1 to 5 mm brush tip and a 0.4 mm fine tip in a second color, per the listing. Fine for casual coloring; see the review notes below.
- Water-based ink
- Brush and 0.4 mm fine tips
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Tombow Dual Brush Pen art markers, Cottage 10 pack
If you want water-based brush markers that hold up better: the reviewer’s best water-based markers for coloring books.
- Brush and fine tips
- 10 colors
Each pick links to an Amazon listing we checked by hand. Prices, colors and pack sizes change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The two Caliart marker lines
Caliart lines, with notes from Sarah Renae Clark’s marker comparison
| Line | Ink | Tips | What the review found | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliart Art Markers | Alcohol | Chisel plus fine | Very vibrant and saturated, soft pleasant chisel, few light colors; ran in water despite the waterproof claim | Coloring books (single-sided pages), sketching on marker paper |
| Caliart Dual Tip Brush | Water-based | Brush plus fine | Similar look and feel to Ohuhu Maui; slight smell; some arrived damaged; quick to damage printer paper | Casual coloring and doodling |
Review notes come from Sarah Renae Clark’s alcohol marker results and water-based marker results. She lists the alcohol sets in 40, 81, 100 and 121 colors, and the brush set in 34, with no open stock or refills.
Caliart art markers: what to expect
Alcohol markers blend by layering wet ink, which is why they suit illustration and coloring. The reviewer liked Caliart’s saturated colors and slightly soft chisel nib, and called them a good marker for coloring books if you do not mind losing the picture on the back of the page. Two caveats:
- Bleed-through. Alcohol ink goes through ordinary paper. Use marker paper or put a scrap sheet underneath.
- Water resistance. The listing calls the ink waterproof on most surfaces, but in the review the colors ran a bit in water. Do not plan wet media over them.
Caliart brush markers: what to expect
The dual brush set is water-based, so it is gentler and blends with water. The reviewer found it similar to the Ohuhu Maui in look and feel, but some of her markers arrived damaged, they were quick to damage printer paper, and the color range lacked greens, brighter yellows and light colors. For brush lettering and coloring, Tombow’s Dual Brush Pens were her water-based favorite. Watercolor-style brush pens are covered on watercolor paint pens.
Caliart markers versus acrylic paint markers
Neither Caliart line is a paint marker. Alcohol and water-based markers are translucent: they tint the surface instead of covering it, so they vanish on black paper, rock and dark wood. If you want opaque color on those surfaces, you need an acrylic paint marker. Start with paint markers or the best acrylic markers.
| If you want | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget alcohol markers with strong color | Caliart Art Markers | Saturated colors; accept bleed and limited lights |
| Better value alcohol markers | Ohuhu | Ohuhu Honolulu B was the reviewer’s alcohol pick |
| Water-based brush markers | Tombow Dual Brush | The reviewer’s water-based favorite for coloring |
| Opaque color on dark paper or rock | Posca | Paint markers cover; alcohol ink does not |
| A cheap all-in-one kit | KINGART | Sells acrylic, watercolor and alcohol lines |
Tips for using Caliart markers
- Swatch every color on the paper you will use; caps do not always match the ink.
- Store alcohol markers flat so both tips stay inked.
- Light to dark. Lay the lightest color first and build darker layers on top.
- Cap them right away. Alcohol ink evaporates fast from an open tip.
Comparing art marker types in general? See art markers and drawing markers.
Questions people ask
Where can I buy caliart markers?
Mainly on Amazon, where Caliart runs a brand store; the independent review we cite lists Amazon as the place to buy both its alcohol and brush sets. Sets come in several sizes, and open stock singles and refills were not available for the alcohol markers when that review was written.
Is Caliart a good marker brand?
For the price, it is a reasonable starter brand with caveats. Sarah Renae Clark found Caliart’s alcohol markers vibrant and saturated with a nice chisel nib, but not water-resistant and short on light colors. Its water-based dual brush markers fared worse: some arrived damaged and they damaged printer paper quickly. Better choices exist in both categories.
Is Caliart the same as Ohuhu?
No. They are sold as separate brands with their own Amazon stores, and we found nothing showing they are the same company. The confusion is understandable: one reviewer found Caliart’s water-based dual brush markers look and feel similar to the Ohuhu Maui. In her alcohol marker tests, Ohuhu’s Honolulu B was her top pick and Caliart was not a finalist.
What is considered the best marker brand?
There is no single best brand; it depends on the marker type. In Sarah Renae Clark’s large marker comparison, Ohuhu Honolulu B was her pick for alcohol markers, Tombow Dual Brush Pens for water-based coloring, and Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua for watercolor markers. For opaque acrylic paint markers, Posca led her pump-action review.
What is a good brand of art markers?
For alcohol markers, Ohuhu is a strong value choice and Copic the premium standard. For water-based brush pens, Tombow Dual Brush is a favorite. For paint markers that cover dark surfaces, Posca and Molotow are widely used. Budget brands such as Caliart are fine for trying markers out, as long as you know their limits.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.