Alcohol Markers vs. ‘Normal’ Markers

Alcohol Markers

As the name suggests, alcohol markers are made with an alcohol base that makes them alcohol soluble. Because the ink of these markers is mixed with alcohol, the markers are waterproof, making them a staple for artists across a variety of levels. When the pigment is laid down, the color is rich, the ink dries quickly and the color is almost permanent, save for a few circumstances. Alcohol markers are popular because of their ability to blend easier than other types of markers. Due to the properties of these markers, they can be layered more than other types, meaning they can be blended using rubbing alcohol, a marker of a similar color, or a clear marker that is called a blender.

How to Use

Alcohol markers work best on uncoated and smooth paper types as this prevents the nibs from fraying and allows for the most even disposition of color. The most common way to use these markers is to work from light to dark in one’s piece to eliminate any potential harsh lines. Further, when blending alcohol markers, the ink should still be damp to create a smooth and seamless gradient of colors.

For more information on how to use alcohol markers, visit Chameleon Art Products.

Water-Based Markers

Water-based markers are the more typical and traditional marker that people are much more familiar with. These markers mix ink with either water or a mixture of water and glycerin. Because there are not a lot of chemicals used in the production of these markers, they are deemed non-toxic and safe for children. Further, because they are acid-free these markers are used for a variety of art types aside from just coloring, including hand-lettering. Water-based markers take longer to dry and, if they are layered too much, they can disrupt the paper and cause the paper to ‘pill’ and possibly tear. In addition to the typical, everyday water-based markers, there are more complex types of water-based markers, including watercolor markers, that are blended using water and can be reactivated after they are dry when encountering water.

For more information about both alcohol and water-based markers, visit The Curiously Creative.