Introduction to Tombow Brush Pens
The art world has witnessed a remarkable evolution in brush pen technology, and Tombow has been at the forefront of this innovation. Tombow Brush Pens have become the gold standard for illustrators, calligraphers, and hobbyists worldwide. These versatile tools offer the perfect blend of precision and fluidity, allowing artists to create stunning works with ease. But what truly sets Tombow Brush Pens apart is their extensive and thoughtfully curated colour chart. The Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart isn’t just a reference—it’s a gateway to unlimited creative possibilities.
Brief History of Tombow Brush Pens
Founded in 1913 in Nagoya, Japan, Tombow has spent over a century perfecting writing and art instruments. The company’s journey with brush pens began in the 1980s when they introduced their first Fudenosuke brush pens. Over the decades, Tombow has expanded their product line to include the popular Dual Brush Pen series, which features the unique dual-tip design that artists have come to love. This innovative design allows for both broad brush strokes and fine detailing with a single pen.
Popularity in Art Communities
Tombow Brush Pens have gained a cult-like following in the art community for several reasons. Their alcohol-based ink provides vibrant, fade-resistant colours that pop on various surfaces. The flexible brush tip mimics the experience of traditional calligraphy while offering the convenience of a modern pen. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have further propelled their popularity, with countless tutorials showcasing the pens’ capabilities. The Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart has become an essential companion for artists looking to expand their creative horizons.
Understanding the Colour Chart
The Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart is more than just a list of available colours. It’s a carefully designed system that helps artists make informed decisions about their creative projects. The chart typically displays colours in a logical sequence, often grouped by colour families. This organization allows artists to visualize colour relationships and potential combinations.
What is a Colour Chart?
A colour chart is a visual representation of all available colours in a product line. For Tombow Brush Pens, this chart includes over 100 individual colours, each with a specific code (like 01, 02, etc.). The chart displays each colour swatch alongside its name and code, making it easier to identify and purchase specific pens. Some advanced charts even show colour mixing guides, helping artists predict how different colours will interact.
Importance for Artists
The Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart serves multiple purposes for artists. It helps in planning colour schemes for projects, especially when working on commissions where specific colour palettes are required. The chart also aids in colour theory understanding, allowing artists to see complementary, analogous, and triadic colour relationships. For collectors, the chart ensures they don’t miss any colours in their set. Additionally, it’s invaluable for colour matching when working with clients who have specific brand colours in mind.
Exploring Tombow Brush Pen Colours
The colour selection offered by Tombow is extensive and covers a wide spectrum to accommodate various artistic styles and preferences.
Dual Tip Functionality
One of the standout features of Tombow Brush Pens is their dual-tip design. Each pen comes with a flexible brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the other. This innovative design effectively the doubles colour chart’s utility. Artists can create broad, expressive strokes with the brush tip and switch to precise, thin lines with the fine tip—without changing tools. This dual functionality makes Tombow pens exceptionally versatile for mixed media projects.
Colour Varieties and Shades
Tombow offers an impressive range of colours that span traditional hues, specialty colours, and limited editions. Their core Dual Brush Pen series includes 105 individual colours, covering everything from classic primary colours to nuanced pastels and earth tones. The colour chart includes:
- Primary and Secondary Colours: Bright, fundamental colours like red (099), blue (025), and yellow (005)
- Earth Tones: Rich, natural colours such as burnt sienna (234) and olive green (346)
- Pastel Shades: Soft, muted colours like pale pink (055) and lavender (081)
- Specialty Colours: Metallic tones (gold 926, silver 927) and fluorescents (neon yellow 908, neon pink 909)
- Greys and Blacks: Various shades for shading and depth (grey 912, black 915)
The thoughtful progression of shades within each colour family allows for seamless blending and techniques shading.
How to Use the Colour Chart Effectively
Maximizing the potential of the Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart requires some strategy and understanding of colour theory principles.
Planning Your Artwork
Before starting a project, study the colour chart to identify colours that will work well together. Consider the mood you want to convey—warm colours like reds and oranges create energy, while cool blues and greens evoke calmness. For landscape art, focus on greens, browns, and blues; for portraits, consider skin tone-friendly colours like various pinks and beiges. The chart helps you pre-visualize how colours will interact on your canvas or paper.
Colour Mixing Techniques
Although Tombow Brush Pens are ready-to-use, understanding how colours mix is valuable. The colour chart can predict blending outcomes. For instance, overlapping warm grey (912) with sky blue (025) creates soft shadow effects. Experimenting with complementary colours (colours opposite on the chart) can produce vibrant contrasts. The flexibility of the brush tips allows for on-surface mixing, creating unique gradients and colour transitions.
Popular Colour Combinations
Artists worldwide have discovered powerful combinations using the Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart.
Nature-Inspired Palettes
- Forest Scene: Combine dark green (322), light green (326), brown (236), and touches of cream (050) for realistic foliage and tree bark
- Ocean Waves: Blend sky blue (025), cobalt blue (027), turquoise (029), and white (000) for dynamic water effects
- Sunset Sky: Mix orange (097), yellow (005), pink (053), and warm grey (910) for dramatic sunset gradients
Modern Design Trends
- Minimalist Palette: Use black (915), white (000), and a single accent colour like red (099) for bold, clean designs
- Retro Vibes: Combine mustard yellow (092), olive green (346), and mauve (058) for a nostalgic feel
- Neon Pop: Overlay fluorescents (908, 909) with dark colours (915, 234) for high-contrast, modern art

Caring for Your Tombow Brush Pens
To maintain the integrity of your pens and the accuracy of the Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart colours, proper care is essential.
Maintenance Tips
After use, cap the pens immediately to prevent ink drying. If the brush tip becomes frayed, gently reshape it with your fingers or use a damp cloth. For the fine tip, avoid pressing too hard on rough surfaces to prevent metal nib bending. Periodically clean the tips with water (for water-based inks) or appropriate solvents (for alcohol-based), following manufacturer guidelines.
Storage Solutions
Store your Tombow Brush Pens vertically with the caps on in a cool, dry place. This storage method prevents ink migration and maintains tip shape. Consider using a dedicated pen case or holder to keep your collection organized and accessible. Proper storage ensures that the colours on your Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart match what flows from your pens.
Where to Buy Authentic Tombow Products
Authenticity is crucial when purchasing art supplies, as counterfeit products often deliver inferior quality and colour accuracy.
Recommended Online Retailers
Trusted online platforms like Amazon (official Tombow store), Dick Blick, and Jerry’s Artarama offer verified Tombow products. These retailers provide detailed colour charts and often include customer reviews that mention colour accuracy. When purchasing, check for the official Tombow packaging and authentication features.
Identifying Counterfeit Products
Be wary of sellers offering Tombow pens at prices significantly lower than market value. Authentic Tombow pens have specific packaging details: the Dual Brush Pens come in packages with clear windows showing the pens, and each pen is individually wrapped with a colour-coded label matching the Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart. The ink flow and tip quality are also reliable indicators—authentic pens have smooth ink delivery and durable tips.
Conclusion
The Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart is an indispensable resource for artists of all levels. It transforms the creative process by providing a structured yet flexible approach to colour selection and application. Whether you’re a professional illustrator, a hobbyist calligrapher, or simply someone who enjoys artistic expression, understanding and utilizing this colour chart can elevate your work to new heights. The versatility of Tombow Brush Pens, combined with thoughtful colour organization, makes them a worthwhile investment for any creative toolkit.
How to Purchase:https://looperbuy.com/search?keywords=tombow+brush+pen+colour+chart
Q&A
Q1: How many colours does Tombow offer in their Dual Brush Pen series?
A1: Tombow’s Dual Brush Pen series includes 105 individual colours, providing a comprehensive palette for various artistic styles and projects.
Q2: Can Tombow brush pens be used on all surfaces?
A2: Tombow Brush Pens work best on paper, cardstock, and mixed media surfaces. While they can be used on some non-porous surfaces, results may vary. For optimal performance and accurate colour representation (as shown in the Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart), porous art papers are recommended.
Q3: Are Tombow brush pens refillable?
A3: Yes, many Tombow Brush Pens are refillable. The company offers ink refills that correspond to the colours in their chart. Refilling extends the life of your pens and ensures consistent colour accuracy over time.
Q4: What’s the difference between dual tip and single tip Tombow pens?
A4: Dual tip Tombow pens (like the Dual Brush series) feature both a flexible brush tip and a fine tip, effectively giving you two tools in one. Single tip pens (like the Fudenosuke series) have only one type of tip, usually a brush tip. The dual tip design doubles the utility of the colour chart, as you can achieve varied stroke widths with each pen.
Q5: How do I clean my Tombow brush pens?
A5: For water-based Tombow pens, clean the tips with water and mild soap. For alcohol-based inks, use an appropriate solvent. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain the integrity of your pens and the accuracy of their colours as represented in the Tombow Brush Pen Colour Chart.



