Markers

What are the different types of markers?

There are 3 main types of markers:

• Water-based markers
• Alcohol-based markers
• Paint-based markers

There are also different types of marker tips or nibs, such as:

• Dual-tip markers: They have the advantage of having two different nibs on the same marker.
• Precision or fine-point markers: These markers are often used for detailed drawings and fine writing.
• Chisel or broad-tip markers: Markers with a chisel nib are often used for faster work and larger areas to cover.
• Calligraphy markers: These markers are suitable for the art of calligraphy to create artistic and elegant lettering.
• Brush markers: They have all the advantages of a marker while having a brush-like tip.
• Bullet nib markers: They are neither very broad nor very fine. Bullet nib markers adapt perfectly to drawing and filling.

Water-based markers

A water-based marker is a type of marker that uses water-based ink as a colouring medium. This ink is water soluble and dries quickly to produce intense, long-lasting colour.

Benefits of water-based markers include:

• Environmentally friendly: Water-based markers are generally considered more ecofriendly than alcohol or paint-based markers because they are made from more environmentally friendly materials.
• Safety for children: Water-based markers are considered safer for children, as they do not contain potentially harmful solvents.
• Good water resistance: Water-based markers have good water resistance, making them useful for projects that may be exposed to moisture or water.
• Color blending: Water-based markers can be blended to create new colours, making them an attractive choice for artists and DIY enthusiasts.
• Slow drying: Water-based markers dry slowly, which may be beneficial for projects that require a longer drying time or for people who prefer to work more slowly and carefully.
• Compatibility with several types of media: The water-based markers can be used on a variety of media, including paper, fabric, terracotta, wood, etc.
• Range of colour options: Water-based markers come in a wide variety of colours and sizes, offering great creators and artists greater flexibility.
• Affordable cost: Water-based markers are generally more affordable than other types of markers, making them more broadly accessible.
• Low odour: Water-based markers are more odourless than alcohol-based markers, which makes their use more pleasant.

It is important to note that water-based markers may not be as durable as alcohol or paint-based markers, and may fade or discolour over time. In addition, water-based markers may not be as opaque as other marker types, which may limit their use for some applications.

Generally, water-based markers are a great option for applications that require light colour and easy, safe use.

What are popular brands of water-based markers?

Here are some popular brands of water-based markers:

• Winsor & Newton: a brand known for its top-quality products, including water-based markers
• Tombow: a water-based marker brand recognized for its vibrant colours and high quality
• Prismacolor Premier: a brand of water-based markers recognized for its quality and variety of colours
• Faber Castell: a renowned brand of water-based India ink markers

These brands are popular due to their quality, colour range, and performance for various applications such as drawing, calligraphy and colouring.

Alcohol-based markers

Alcohol-based markers use alcohol as a solvent dye. Alcohol-based markers are known for their dry, permanent appearance on most surfaces, and their ability to fade or to be erased with a damp cloth. Alcohol-based markers are often used for artistic applications, technical drawings, diagrams and plans, as well as calligraphy and decorative work. Popular alcohol-based marker brands include Copic, Prismacolor, and Sharpie.

Alcohol-based markers have several advantages, such as:

• Quick-drying: Alcohol-based markers dry quickly, making them a practical choice for projects that require quick drying.
• Ease of use: Alcohol-based markers are easy to use and to control, making them suitable for detail work and finishing touches. Colours can be easily blended. It is also possible to create precise gradients using a colourless marker.
• Colour range: Alcohol-based markers come in a wide range of colours, making them useful for a variety of colouring projects.
• Compatibility with a variety of media: Alcohol-based markers can be used on a variety of media, including paper, metal, glass, plastic, among others.

It is important to note that alcohol-based markers may not be as durable as paint-based markers, and may fade or discolour over time. In addition, alcohol-based markers may not be as opaque as paint-based markers, which may limit their use for some applications.

What are popular brands of alcohol markers?

• Copic: a popular brand known for its vibrant colours and blending / fading capacity
• Sharpie: a popular brand recognized for its general availability, ease of use and saturated colours
• Prismacolor Premier: a brand of alcohol-based markers renowned for its quality and colour range
• Winsor & Newton: a brand that also offers high quality alcohol-based markers

These brands are popular due to their quality, colour range, and performance for various applications such as drawing, calligraphy and colouring.

Paint-based markers

Paint-based markers use a paint with a high pigment concentration as a colouring medium. Unlike water- or alcohol-based markers, paint-based markers have a thicker, more opaque formula, making them more suitable for certain applications such as colouring on hard surfaces or layering dark colours over a light background. Paint-based markers can be used on a variety of media, such as paper, metal, glass, plastic, etc. and provide superior durability and lightfastness. However, they tend to be more difficult to handle and to control than water- or alcohol-based markers, and may require a longer drying time.

What are popular brands of paint markers?

• Posca: a go-to brand of water-based acrylic markers. Posca offers a very wide range of nib and colour options.
• Molotov: a premium quality brand of water-based acrylic paint markers

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