The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If you are choosing a Kuretake brush pen for artwork, start with the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush line. Kuretake’s catalog documents set sizes from 6 to 120 colors, individual colors, and a brush tip that the maker says handles both fine lines and solid fills. That makes palette size the main decision. Everything below comes from Kuretake’s own catalog descriptions. This guide does not report hands-on testing or side-by-side comparisons with other brands, so read the performance statements as the manufacturer’s claims.
What the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush is
The ZIG Clean Color Real Brush is a brush-tip color pen. Kuretake’s official 36-color product page describes it for illustration, design, and manga, and related catalog text also mentions sketching, watercolor-style illustration, and lettering (36-color catalog page, individual color listing). The ink is water-based dye.
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The product page’s core wording is 「毛筆だから細描き、ベタ塗り自由自在！」 Our rough English rendering is “Because it is a brush pen, fine lines and solid fills are freely possible.” This is Kuretake’s product copy, not a quote from a named person.
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Set sizes and model codes
Kuretake’s catalog lists several set sizes and some single colors. The table shows what each entry documents. Where a model code is not given in the catalog pages reviewed, the cell says so rather than guessing.
#1 Best Overall
- [120 COLORS] ZIG CLEAN COLOR Real Brush is a brush-type watercolor pen, so it can be used in a wide range of applications such as illustration, design, lettering, and Manga. Because it is a water-based dye ink, you can blur it with water or mix it with other real brush colors or a blender.
- [REAL BRUSH] Multiple colors can be combined to create gradations. First, start by applying a darker color, and before it dries, add another color over it to create a color gradation. It is ideal for watercolor, fine art, modern calligraphy, crafts, Journaling, card making, and scrapbooking. In addition, you can apply a darker-colored ink directly to the tip of a light-colored pen to create a gradation when drawing with the lighter color.
- [DIVERSE APPLICATION] Hold the pen upright to draw a fine line or hold the pen at an angle to color wider areas. When combined with a water brush, you can easily express blurring. Wet the tip of the pen slightly with water to produce multiple gradations of one color.
- [HIGH QUALITY] Flexible bristle brush tip makes it easy to create both narrow and wide lines. Great brush pens for watercolor painting, brush lettering, modern calligraphy and more. In 1973, Kuretake developed "Kuretake Fude Pen" and has developed various brush pen since thena. Since the development of brush pen technology also applies to the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush, it has become a high-quality watercolor brush pen.
- [Certification] Xylene-free, conforms to ASTM D 4236, ACMI-certified for safety, registered AP mark for sale in the United States. [Attention] Be sure to close the cap, and store horizontally away from direct sunlight. If you write quickly, the tip will feel rough, but this is a feature of the pen. If ink appears when you write slowly, the pen is not dry. The pens are not individually shrink wrapped.
| Option | Model code | What the catalog states |
|---|---|---|
| 6, 12, 24, 48, and 60-color sets | Not stated in the catalog pages reviewed | Listed as set sizes in Kuretake’s catalog |
| 36-color set | RB-6000AT/36V | Water-based dye ink; made in Japan (catalog page) |
| 90-color set | Not stated in the catalog pages reviewed | Described as 89 colors plus a blender, so confirm the exact assortment before buying |
| 120-color set | RB-6000AT/120V | Described for lettering, manga, illustration, and planner writing (catalog page) |
| Individual color No. 074 | RB-6000AT-074 | Single-color listing within a line the catalog describes as 179 colors plus a blender. The catalog does not show that every color is sold individually (catalog page) |
Choosing a set size
Kuretake’s catalog confirms that the sizes exist. It does not say which size suits a given skill level, so the choice comes down to how much you want to buy at once.
Limited starting palette
A smaller set fits a first purchase or a narrow project such as line work with a few accent colors. You commit less money and less color space. If your palette later needs a color the set lacks, a single-color listing such as No. 074 is the catalog’s route for adding one.
Rank #2
- [36 COLORS SET] ZIG Clean Color Real Brush is a brush type watercolor pen, so it can be used in a wide range of applications such as illustration, design, lettering, and Manga. Because it is a water-based dye ink, you can blur it with water or mix with other real brush colors or blender. The pens are not individually shrink wrapped.
- [DIVERSE APPLICATION] Hold the pen upright to draw a fine line or hold the pen at an angle to color wider areas. When combined with a water brush, you can easily express blurring. Wet the tip of the pen slightly with water to produce multiple gradations of one color.
- [REAL BRUSH] Multiple colors can be combined to create gradations. First, start by applying a darker color, and before it dries, add another color over it to create a color gradation. It is ideal for watercolor, fine art, modern calligraphy, crafts, Journaling, card making, and scrapbooking. In addition, you can apply a darker-colored ink directly to the tip of a light-colored pen to create a gradation when drawing with the lighter color.
- [Certification] Xylene-free, conforms to ASTM D 4236, ACMI-certified for safety, registered AP mark for sale in the United States.
- [HIGH QUALITY] Flexible brush tip makes it easy to create both narrow and wide lines. Great brush pens for watercolor painting, brush lettering, modern calligraphy and more. In 1973, Kuretake developed "Kuretake Fude Pen" and has developed various brush pen since then. Since the development of brush pen technology also applies to the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush, it has become a high-quality watercolor brush pen.
Broad palette in one purchase
The 36-, 90-, and 120-color sets suit readers who want wide color choice without assembling a palette one pen at a time. The 120-color set is the largest size with a documented model code in the catalog pages reviewed. Because the 90-color listing contains a blender rather than 90 colors, compare the color lists before treating it as a like-for-like alternative to the 120-color set.
Topping up a set you already own
If you already have a set and need one missing color, look for the individual-color listing for that shade. Confirm that the exact color is available on the retailer’s page before you plan a project around it.
Rank #3
- [24 COLORS SET] ZIG Clean Color Real Brush is a brush type watercolor pen, so it can be used in a wide range of applications such as illustration, design, lettering, and Manga. Because it is a water-based dye ink, you can blur it with water or mix with other real brush colors or blender. The pens are not individually shrink wrapped.
- [DIVERSE APPLICATION] Hold the pen upright to draw a fine line or hold the pen at an angle to color wider areas. When combined with a water brush, you can easily express blurring. Wet the tip of the pen slightly with water to produce multiple gradations of one color.
- [REAL BRUSH] Multiple colors can be combined to create gradations. First, start by applying a darker color, and before it dries, add another color over it to create a color gradation. It is ideal for watercolor, fine art, modern calligraphy, crafts, Journaling, card making, and scrapbooking. In addition, you can apply a darker-colored ink directly to the tip of a light-colored pen to create a gradation when drawing with the lighter color.
- [Certification] Xylene-free, conforms to ASTM D 4236, ACMI-certified for safety, registered AP mark for sale in the United States.
- [HIGH QUALITY] Flexible nylon brush tip makes it easy to create both narrow and wide lines. Great brush pens for watercolor painting, brush lettering, modern calligraphy and more. In 1973, Kuretake developed "Kuretake Fude Pen" and has developed various brush pen since then. Since the development of brush pen technology also applies to the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush, it has become a high-quality watercolor brush pen.
Matching the pen to your medium
These uses are listed by Kuretake, not tested by this guide:
- Illustration and manga (listed on the 36-color page and the 120-color set description)
- Design and lettering (listed in the catalog and the 120-color set description)
- Sketching and watercolor-style illustration (listed in catalog descriptions)
- Planner writing (listed for the 120-color set)
Water-based dye ink and blending
Kuretake says the ink is water-based dye and that a water brush can be used for blending and bleeding effects. The individual-color listing puts it this way: 「水性染料タイプなので水筆などで「ぼかし」「にじみ」も楽しめます。」 Our rough English rendering is “Because it is a water-based dye type, effects such as blending and bleeding can also be enjoyed with a water brush.” The claim covers how the ink responds to a water brush. It does not address what happens to finished work after it dries.
Rank #4
- [90 COLORS] ZIG CLEAN COLOR Real Brush is a brush-type watercolor pen, so it can be used in a wide range of applications such as illustration, design, lettering, and Manga. Because it is a water-based dye ink, you can blur it with water or mix it with other real brush colors or a blender.
- [REAL BRUSH] Multiple colors can be combined to create gradations. First, start by applying a darker color, and before it dries, add another color over it to create a color gradation. It is ideal for watercolor, fine art, modern calligraphy, crafts, Journaling, card making, and scrapbooking. In addition, you can apply a darker-colored ink directly to the tip of a light-colored pen to create a gradation when drawing with the lighter color.
- [DIVERSE APPLICATION] Hold the pen upright to draw a fine line or hold the pen at an angle to color wider areas. When combined with a water brush, you can easily express blurring. Wet the tip of the pen slightly with water to produce multiple gradations of one color.
- [HIGH QUALITY] Flexible bristle brush tip makes it easy to create both narrow and wide lines. Great brush pens for watercolor painting, brush lettering, modern calligraphy and more. In 1973, Kuretake developed "Kuretake Fude Pen" and has developed various brush pen since thena. Since the development of brush pen technology also applies to the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush, it has become a high-quality watercolor brush pen.
- [Certification] Xylene-free, conforms to ASTM D 4236, ACMI-certified for safety, registered AP mark for sale in the United States. [Attention] Be sure to close the cap, and store horizontally away from direct sunlight. If you write quickly, the tip will feel rough, but this is a feature of the pen. If ink appears when you write slowly, the pen is not dry. The pens are not individually shrink wrapped.
What the catalog does not establish
Kuretake’s catalog is product copy, not a comparative review. It does not support claims about:
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- Lightfastness or archival permanence
- Waterproofness after drying
- Compatibility with specific papers
- Durability, control, or refillability
- Performance or value against other brands
If any of these matter for your work, test the pen on the paper and surface you intend to use before committing to a large project.
Best Value
- ZIG CLEAN COLOR Real Brush is a brush-type watercolor pen, so it can be used in a wide range of applications such as illustration, design, lettering, and Manga; Because it is a water-based dye ink, you can blur it with water or mix it with other real brush colors or a blender
- [REAL BRUSH] Multiple colors can be combined to create gradations; First, start by applying a darker color, and before it dries, add another color over it to create a color gradation; It is ideal for watercolor, fine art, modern calligraphy, crafts, Journaling, card making, and scrapbooking; In addition, you can apply a darker-colored ink directly to the tip of a light-colored pen to create a gradation when drawing with the lighter color
- [DIVERSE APPLICATION] Hold the pen upright to draw a fine line or hold the pen at an angle to color wider areas; When combined with a water brush, you can easily express blurring; Wet the tip of the pen slightly with water to produce multiple gradations of one color
- Ink: Water-based dye ink
Before you buy
- Match the model code on the retailer’s listing to the Kuretake catalog page: RB-6000AT/36V, RB-6000AT/120V, or RB-6000AT-074 for the single color.
- For any 90-color listing, confirm whether it contains 89 colors plus a blender.
- Compare the color list against the colors your work needs. Do not assume every shade is sold separately.
- Check local availability and price. The yen prices on Kuretake’s Japan catalog are Japan-market information and are not a reader’s local price. The Japan catalog also shows the source of current stock and bundle contents, which may differ by retailer and region.
- Test blending and fine lines on your own paper before starting a finished piece.
The ZIG Clean Color Real Brush line is the right starting point when you want a Kuretake brush pen with a documented palette range. Choose the set size by how many colors you need now, and treat the performance claims as Kuretake’s own.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
