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How to Use Tombow Dual Brush Pens: Blending, Lettering and Tips for Beginners
By Mama Baba & Me · Updated:
Tombow Dual Brush Pens are two-ended art markers: a flexible brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the other. This beginner guide covers the basics of using Tombow dual brush pens for hand lettering, journaling and blending. If you want every color in one case, see the Tombow 56179 108-color set (shop it here).
How to Hold and Use the Brush Tip
Hold the pen at a low angle, close to the paper, and let the flexible tip do the work. Light pressure makes a thin line and firm pressure makes a thick one. Practice long strokes and small curves on scrap paper before starting a project.
How to Use the Fine Tip
Flip the pen to the fine tip for small details, outlines and handwriting. It is firmer than the brush tip, so it gives steady thin lines.
How to Blend Tombow Dual Brush Pens
- Lay down the lighter color first.
- Add the darker color on top or beside it while the ink is still wet.
- Use a little water on a brush, or a blender pen (sold separately), to soften the edge between colors.
Water-based ink blends well, but test the paper first, since thin paper can buckle when wet.
Hand Lettering With Dual Brush Pens
For brush lettering, press down on downstrokes and lift on upstrokes. That gives the thick and thin contrast that makes lettering look polished. Use the fine tip for small words and underlines.
Which Paper Works Best?
Smooth, thicker paper gives the cleanest lines and helps protect the brush tip. Rough or very thin paper can fray the tip or let ink show through. Test a corner of the page first.
Should You Buy a Full Set?
A full set keeps every color in one place and means you do not run out of a shade partway through a project. The Tombow 56179 has all 108 colors in a marker case with 108 slots. Read what is included in our Tombow 56179 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you blend Tombow Dual Brush Pens?
Lay down the lighter color, add the darker color while the ink is wet, then soften the join with a little water or a blender pen.
Can you use Tombow Dual Brush Pens for hand lettering?
Yes. The brush tip gives thick and thin strokes with changes in pressure, and the fine tip handles small details.
What paper is best for Tombow Dual Brush Pens?
Smooth, thicker paper gives the cleanest lines. Test a corner of the page first if you are not sure.
Are Tombow Dual Brush Pens water-based?
Yes. The ink in the Tombow 56179 set is described as odor-less, non-bleed and water-based, so it blends with water.
How many colors are in the Tombow 108 set?
The Tombow 56179 set has 108 Dual Brush Pens in 108 colors, supplied in a marker case.