How to color with water-based markers?

Use heavier paper, light overlapping passes, and a protective sheet underneath. Let each layer dry before adding more pigment, because repeated wet strokes can roughen the paper.

Choose paper that can cope with moisture

Thin copy paper can pill or buckle when water-based ink is layered. A heavier smooth sheet gives the marker a better surface and keeps the back of the page cleaner. Test a small swatch first, since different inks behave differently even on the same paper.

Use light, overlapping passes

Fill from one edge to the other without stopping in the center of a region. Overlap the previous stroke gently while it is still damp, then leave the section alone to dry. If you need more depth, add a second thin pass rather than scrubbing the first one.

Keep a blotter under the page

A spare sheet protects the next page and shows you how far the ink travels. Let the finished sheet dry flat before stacking it. The guide to marker bleed-through has more help if the back of the page is becoming a problem.