Rasmetak guides · Markers for books
The best markers for Bobbie Goods-style and cozy colouring books
The short answer
Any twin-tip alcohol marker works for Bobbie Goods-style and cozy books, and there's no need for an expensive brand: the Touch 60-colour box (JD 8) gives you enough shades for shading, and the 24 (JD 4) is a fine start. Three things matter most: put card or a spare sheet under every page because alcohol ink bleeds through, test each colour at the edge of the page first, and colour from light to dark. To get markers and books in one order, the Cozy Starter 60 Pack is JD 13.5.
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In this guide (6 sections)
Alcohol, acrylic or felt tips?
Bobbie Goods-style and cozy books have bold outlines and clear shapes, so several kinds of colour work. Here's how they compare:
| Type | Result | Bleed-through? | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol marker (like Touch) | Smooth, bright and blended | It can, so keep a sheet underneath | Main colouring and shading |
| Acrylic markers | Opaque with crisp edges | Less; it sits on the surface | Small details and light highlights over alcohol colour |
| Water-based felt tips | Lighter, can look streaky | Less, but going over it roughens the paper | Children and quick colouring |
| Coloured pencils | Soft and subtle | No | Light shading over marker (we don't sell them yet) |
Results depend on each book's paper, so always test at the edge of a page first.
The full comparison is in our alcohol vs acrylic guide.
Will it bleed? A one-minute paper test
Alcohol ink is thin and goes through most colouring-book paper — that's normal for every brand. Before you start:
- Check the back of the page: if there's another design on it, bleed-through will spoil it, so put card under the page you're colouring. Even if the back is blank, keep a sheet underneath so the ink doesn't reach the next page.
- Test on an edge: colour a small square in a corner that won't show, or on the last page, in one layer and in two, then turn the page over.
- Go lighter: if two layers come through, colour in one layer and go over the same spot less.
Our Bobbie Goods-style book is spiral-bound, so you can fold the page back and slip a sheet underneath easily. More on paper and weight in the paper guide.
Colouring a cozy page, step by step
- Pick the page's colours first: 3 to 5 colours, with two shades (light and darker) of the main ones for shadows; test them on an edge.
- Start with the fine tip at the lines: colour along the black outline with the fine tip, then fill the shape with the broad tip.
- Light to dark: lay the light colour over the whole shape, then the darker one where the shadow falls — under objects and in the corners of a room.
- Blend while wet: go back over the join with the light colour while it's still wet, in small circles.
- Keep a white spot: leave a tiny area uncoloured for the shine on cups, eyes and windows, or add it at the end with a light acrylic marker.
- Let the page dry: before you turn to the next one.
Blending basics, storage and fixing a dry pen are in our how-to-use guide.
How many colours do you need?
For cozy pages, the 24 colours (JD 4) are enough to start, though shading is limited. The 60 (JD 8) gives you two or three shades of the colours these designs repeat — browns for wood, greens for plants, pinks and beiges — so it's the comfortable pick if you colour every week. The 120 (JD 15) is for anyone who wants lots of greys and skin tones. The full comparison is in our 24 vs 60 vs 120 guide.
Ready kits: markers and books in one order
- Cozy Mini Gift Pack: a Touch 24-colour box, a Cozy Corner-style book and a Bobbie Goods-style book, for JD 8.5.
- Cozy Starter 60 Pack: a 60-colour box, the same two books and a 0.5 mm fineliner, for JD 13.5.
- Cozy 120 Pack: a 120-colour box and the same two books, for JD 19.5.
Each pack costs less than its pieces bought separately. Our cozy-style and Bobbie Goods-style books are not the publishers' official editions; details in the adult colouring books guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Ohuhu markers for Bobbie Goods books?
No. Ohuhu is a well-known brand, but any twin-tip alcohol marker works the same way. What matters more is the sheet under the page and working from light to dark. We don't sell Ohuhu.
Will the marker bleed onto the other side of the page?
Alcohol markers can, and that's normal for every brand. Put card or a spare sheet under the page and test the colour at its edge first.
Can I use acrylic markers in colouring books?
Yes for small details and light highlights on top of your colouring, but blending with acrylic is hard, so we don't suggest it for large areas.
How many colours do I need for cozy books?
24 colours are enough to start; the 60 is more comfortable if you colour every week, with more shades for shadows. The 120 is for lots of greys and skin tones.
Are your books official Bobbie Goods editions?
No. Ours is a Bobbie Goods-style book and our cozy books are cozy-style; they are not the publishers' official editions, which is why they cost less. Every tip in this guide works for official editions too.
Can I use coloured pencils with markers?
Yes: colour with markers first, then add light pencil shading on top once it's dry. We don't sell coloured pencils at the moment.
Which pack makes a good gift?
For a small gift, the Cozy Mini Gift Pack (JD 8.5); for someone who colours a lot, the Cozy Starter 60 Pack (JD 13.5). At checkout tick “This order is a gift” and we'll pack it with no prices on the invoice.