Colouring in has been a popular pastime for years, but it has grown even more popular in the past decade as research proves time and time again the monumental benefits it can have on health, wellbeing and mentality. In this, the density of adult colouring books available on the market has only continued to rise.

While there are many factors, including page quality, that you must consider getting the best colouring experience, some things you can personally alter to make the most out of your colouring pages include: 

Planning your palate

It's all well and good to pick up your colouring pencils and get started, but if you're looking to create a masterpiece, you must plan your palate. Selecting 2-3 colours that you will focus on throughout the majority of your piece is a great way to set the tone for your finished product. Matching your colour choice with furniture in your home can also make it easier to frame and hang when complete, giving it even more use. 

Pressing too hard

We all want our colourings to be vibrant and full of energy, but this doesn't mean that you need to press extraordinarily hard with your pencil. In many cases, this can actually damage the next pages in your colouring book and make it harder for them to pick up the vibrancy you desire. 

Instead, pressing lightly and gently shading at first is a great way to plan where you want to add additional depth to your image. It also gives you a better capacity to erase any mistakes without leaving indents on your page. 

Smudging texter or gel pens 

Not as much of an issue if you are using pencils, but if you have opted to colour with a different medium, you must remember that they are susceptible to smudging. Unfortunately, too much smudging can ruin large elements of your colouring page if you do not have the tools needed to create a smooth blend or transition.

When using these mediums, keep your dominant hand in mind. While everyone should colour top to bottom, someone with a dominant right hand should colour from left to right. This is the opposite for someone with a dominant left hand. Doing so uses your space economically and is less likely to cause smudges. However, when in doubt, waiting a few minutes for everything to dry before starting a new section is also a great idea. 

At Play Timeout, I am all about finding unique board games, puzzles and activities that you can enjoy, no matter how young or old you may be. With an expansive range available online, there is something for everyone in my shop. Discover it today.