Crayons and colouring markers can be used for colouring in colouring books, on paper or the walls. They both deliver lovely outcomes however there is a variation in the way they are made and how they are utilised.
Crayons, for example, are great for wide colouring areas and will withstand added products of any water-based means – as well as markers. Colouring markers offer brilliant colours and can be water-resistant, varying upon the kind chosen. They can have fine or large points, dependent upon the colouring marker preferred. For dual-sided colouring sheets of paper, it is best to apply crayons. However, for one-sided designs, colouring markers offer bold colours that will stay bright. Although crayons and colouring markers are used to produce art, they do exhibit unique properties that are apparent in the result when applied to exteriors.
Colouring markers look a lot like pens and ink-based stationery which have a felt middle that is covered in a cylinder that is tipped with an applicator. The applicator may be a hardened felt, or it could have a ballpoint while the liquid ink can be water-soluble or permanent. Colouring markers are also non-toxic which makes clean-up simpler. This is particularly crucial for younger children that might tend to stray away from their assigned surface.
Pros and Cons of Crayons and Colouring Markers
Crayons are made from wax and are consequently a water-resilient medium. They can be layered but unfortunately do not mix well with other materials or can be extremely tricky if blending is required. Crayons are non-toxic and create little mess when used properly. This makes crayons a good tool for young children.
Crayons are straightforward to work with and easily available for children. They are a more tolerant tool that becomes great for colouring as the whole surface of the crayon can be utilised. Crayons cost less irrespective of brand name and produce amazing results.
Children can make use of the entire crayon as they are generally a stick of colour that does not have any sleeve except for an easily removable paper one. They can colour with equally a sharpened or dull point for various looks and hues while the wax composition of crayon gives a built-in shine on a child’s design and safeguards it from damage which in some instances hold up better than paper.
Unfortunately, crayons are not great for detailing within the lines of a colouring book or more advanced techniques as they cannot be sharpened.
Colouring markers are a personal preference and detailed for colouring small areas. It is also a versatile tool that can be used for layering and advanced techniques. They also have a unique texture and are easy to use as well as inexpensive,
Colouring markers are brighter than crayons and maintain their colour for extended periods however colouring markers have a bleed-through impact like ink which is not viable to colour on both sides of a piece of paper although some colouring books are intended to accommodate this property and are only printed on a single side. It can also be tedious to colour large areas with colouring markers.
What Kids Seem to Like Better
Kids have varying takes on crayons and colouring markers. Some prefer the colouring markers as it is very simple to create a mark on the paper. It is also much easier to hold on to the colouring markers any which way a child prefers, adjusting positions and using various measures of force to attain a satisfactory outcome.
However, with crayons, a child can develop their hand as they will need to use different amounts of pressure when creating or colouring. It is also more beneficial to proper grip training as crayons are shorter, lighter, helping to line up a child’s hand better as well as adjusting pressure using the thumb and forefingers to perform at the same time to produce a result. Instead of writing or colouring with such a soft touch and their elbows in the mid-air, crayons allow a child to lean their arms and hands towards the paper.
Colouring markers can also be a child’s favourite as they might not like the feel of the waxy substance in crayons. Children with bigger hands prefer the size of a marker as it can be easier to grasp and less complicated to stay within the lines due to the finer point.
On the other hand, children do feel that the colouring marker is quite mature and tend to stay away from it. Crayons are encouraged by parents as they make much less of a mess however the desired effect from a colouring marker is more impressive and thus children tend to be more attracted by them.
In all reality, it is best to let children try both and decide for themselves. Alternatively, it may be prudent to let children work with both mediums as they might have different preferences at different times.
What to Look Out for When Choosing Crayons or Colouring Markers
- 100% natural ingredients such as beeswax in crayons help minimise the risk of pollution and the child is safe if the crayon is ingested.
- The crayons are shaped for optimal grip in small hands.
- Water-based colouring markers are more suitable for kids as they are acid-free and take longer to dry.
- Solvent-based colouring markers can be used on a wider array of surfaces such as arts and crafts projects and are nearly waterproof.
Here are some products that work well for both crayons and colouring markers:
Crayons can come in many options like gel or wax and even have beautiful patterns on the stem of the crayons to attract kids as young as toddlers from wanting to pick them up and use them immediately.
Gel crayons are also an exciting way to get more out of your drawing or colouring as you can add water and a paintbrush to now turn your work of art into a painting with watercolour effects.
Chunky triangle crayons are also a great fit for a child’s hands.
Double-ended Markers have dual tips on each side with different widths to sketch, colour, draw and write as well as act as a highlighter in 8 beautiful, bright pastel colours.
The Rainbow Sparkle Glitter Markers are a great tool for art and school projects as well as making greeting cards.
Metallic Brush Markers have brush tip nibs that allow children to apply their works of art creatively on any surface.
Mega Markers are the ultimate chunky and easy tool that fits right into a child’s tiny grasp.
