Good markers don’t have to be expensive to be good. That’s exactly why Crayola Super Tips have earned such a loyal following among adult colorists. They’re affordable, easy to use, and surprisingly versatile for a marker you can find almost anywhere.
We put Crayola Super Tips through a real coloring test to see how they actually perform on different types of paper and with common coloring techniques. Here’s what we found.
First Impressions
Crayola Super Tips are available in sets of 20, 50, and 100, with a wide range of bright, cheerful colors. While they aren’t dual-ended, the cone-shaped tip is designed to handle both fine lines and broader strokes.
Held upright, the tip works well for details. Tilt it slightly, and you can fill larger areas without switching tools. For a budget-friendly marker, that flexibility is a big plus.
The Paper Test
Markers behave very differently depending on the paper you use, so we tested Super Tips on three common surfaces.
20 lb Uncoated Copy Paper
This type of paper is thin and not ideal for markers, so some bleed-through is expected.
When using Super Tips on standard copy paper, the ink absorbed quickly. There was noticeable shadowing on the back of the page, but the bleed-through wasn’t as heavy as we anticipated given how saturated the colors are. We were also pleasantly surprised to see very little paper pilling.
Verdict:
They work fine on regular copy paper if that’s what you have, but it’s best to place a scrap sheet underneath to protect the surface below.
28 lb Coated Digital Copy Paper
This is where Super Tips really shine.
The coated surface allows the markers to glide smoothly with no paper pilling at all. We noticed only light shadowing on the back of the page, with minimal bleed-through even with darker colors.
Verdict:
If you plan to use Super Tips regularly, a coated paper around 28 lb is a great match.
Double-Sided Coloring Book Paper
On uncoated, double-sided coloring book paper, darker colors did bleed through and left visible shadows on the reverse side. This can be distracting if you plan to color both designs.
Verdict:
Super Tips work best in single-sided coloring books, or when you place a buffer sheet between pages.
Blending Test
Since these are water-based markers, we were curious about how well they would blend.
The set doesn’t include a colorless blender, so we tested them using a Tombow Dual Brush Pen Colorless Blender on watercolor paper. The results were better than expected. The colors moved together smoothly, creating soft gradients with only minor paper pilling.
While they won’t blend like alcohol-based markers, Super Tips can definitely handle basic blending techniques.
Pros and Cons
Like any tool, these markers have strengths and limitations.
One drawback is that color names aren’t printed on the markers themselves, which makes it harder to track specific colors. We also noticed that the tips can dull and flatten with heavy use, especially if you press hard.
That said, the overall performance was impressive for the price. The ink flows smoothly, colors are vibrant, and the washable, non-toxic formula is a bonus if kids are around.
Pros
- Wide color range in affordable sets
- Smooth application
- Water-based, non-toxic, washable ink
- Versatile tip for thin and thick lines
- Blendable with a water-based colorless blender
- Very budget-friendly
Cons
- Color names not printed on markers
- Bleeds through most standard printer paper
- Tips can dull with heavy use
Where to Buy Crayola Super Tips
Crayola Super Tips are easy to find at major retailers like CVS, Target, Michaels, and other stores that carry school supplies. They’re also available directly from Crayola and online through retailers like Amazon.
A 20-count set typically costs around $5–6, making them one of the most affordable options for adult coloring.
Final Verdict
Crayola Super Tips are a solid choice for adult colorists who want bright color without a big investment. While bleed-through is their biggest limitation, their smooth application, versatility, and price make them a great everyday marker.
They’re especially well-suited for beginners, casual colorists, or anyone who wants a low-pressure tool that’s easy to enjoy. For the cost, they deliver far more than you’d expect.
Have you tried Crayola Super Tips? We’d love to hear how they work for you.
