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Hand lettering can dramatically transform the look of your door hangers, signs, and other creative projects. The key is knowing the right tools to use to make it happen!
Selecting the right lettering pen can make all the difference, so I’m giving you a basic rundown of my favorite ones here. You’ll see how to use them on different projects and even get a few insider tips!
Sketching Pencils
When it comes to creating beautiful lettering, everything starts with a pencil. I use a pencil to start the hand lettering on most of my projects, but it’s a great step for beginners as well. If you mess up, you can always erase it!
These can also be a huge help when you’re not sure what you want to letter yet. Use the pencils for practice, then sketch on your project, and finally, you can use lettering pens to trace over it.
Tombow 4B Mono Drafting Pencil
This pencil is great for this because it allows you to make any corrections before going over it with a pen or marker. It’s my tried and true pencil!
You can find this pencil in my Hand Lettering Starter Pen Pack!
Gel Pens
In the world of hand lettering, sometimes the most accessible tools can create the best results! I love gel pens for lettering because of the smooth glide, especially when working on textured paper.
Whether you’re adding sparkle with metallic gel pens, creating precise details with needle-point tips, or developing unique styles with basic ballpoints, these pens can elevate your lettering in ways that might surprise you!
I have so many favorites — be sure to check them all out on my Amazon storefront!
Brush Pens
Brush pens represent the perfect blend of traditional calligraphy and modern convenience. They offer incredible line variation with just a slight change in pressure, so they’re ideal for faux calligraphy, too!
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen (Black)
My absolute favorite for lettering on paper! Perfect for faux calligraphy or brush lettering, its smaller tip allows for precise letters. They also are available in various color combinations.
You can find this pen in my Hand Lettering Starter Pen Pack!
Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen (Color)
This medium brush pen is fantastic for lettering on paper and wood signs. Made with India Ink, it boasts high pigmentation, making your lettering projects even more fun!
You can find this pen in my Hand Lettering Starter Pen Pack!
Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen Dual Marker (Black)
This dual brush marker is like having two markers in one! You get a brush tip on one side and a fine-tipped mono pen on the other. The fine-tipped side can be used to make small accents, corrections, or when practicing faux calligraphy or print.
You can find this pen in my Hand Lettering Starter Pen Pack!
Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Big Brush (Black)
This is my all-time favorite sign lettering marker! Made with India Ink, this marker gives a dark, rich color that lasts and doesn’t fade. It is waterproof, permanent, and doesn’t have a strong smell.
I use it on nearly ALL of my door hangers, and it’s one of my top recommendations for lettering supplies.
Grab the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Big Brush here!
Outlining and Accents
The magic of lettering often lies in the details, and that’s where outlining and accent pens truly shine! These precision instruments are your go-to tools for adding that professional finish to your work.
With options ranging from ultra-fine technical pens to bold paint markers, these tools help you define edges, create shadows, and add those little touches that make your lettering pop off the page.
Tombow Mono Drawing Pen
Ideal for outlining, small lettering, and drawing over watercolor designs.
Grab the Tombow Mono Drawing Pen here!
Blending Pens
Blending pens bring a whole new dimension to lettering art, allowing you to create smooth color transitions. These specialized tools open up possibilities for creating gorgeous gradients, soft shadows, and dreamy backgrounds that make your lettering truly unique!
Tombow Dual Brush Colorless Blender Pen:
Use these with colored dual-brush pens to blend ink to create watercolor effects and gradients. The brush tip works like a paintbrush to create fine, medium, or bold strokes, and the fine tip gives consistent lines.
Just remember that these pens work best on smooth, non-textured paper!
Grab the Tombow Dual Brush Colorless Blender Pen here!
See These Pens in Action
To see these pens in action and learn more about how to use them, be sure to check out my recent Facebook Live! There, you’ll get to see me hand letter a fun new home decor project with some of the pens I mentioned today.
Remember, the right tools combined with simple techniques can dramatically transform your signs…so, grab your pens and let’s get lettering!
