Mason Delacroix
Alcohol markers and water-based markers are two of the most popular types of markers. They have distinct characteristics and uses, and artists often wonder how they can be used together. Alcohol markers contain alcohol ink, with pigments suspended in alcohol, while water-based markers contain dyes suspended in water. Alcohol markers are preferred by professionals as they blend smoothly, dry quickly, and come in a versatile range of colours. However, they are more expensive and require specific techniques and paper. Water-based markers, on the other hand, are child-friendly, inexpensive, and work with various nib styles, but they are streaky and less durable.
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol markers are ideal for blending and layering
Alcohol markers are excellent for blending and layering. They are beginner-friendly and perfect for colouring stamped images. Alcohol markers are easy to blend and shade, and applying colours in specific ways can make a big difference in your finished work. For instance, if you want to create a realistic effect, you should apply the lightest colours first. It is much easier to add layers of colour on top of the existing colour to darken and add contrast, rather than to lighten darker areas that have already dried.
To create a blend, you only need two colours, but you can also use three. First, colour in the shape with your lightest colour. While the first layer is still damp, use your middle colour to add shading on top of the light colour, focusing on the sides and the bottom of the shape. Use your lightest colour again to go over the edges where the two colours meet. Notice how it softens the transition. Use your darkest colour to add the deepest shadows, focusing mostly on the bottom tip and a little along the sides. Use your medium colour to soften the edges between the dark and medium colours. If needed, use your light colour on top of everything to smooth it out even more.
Alcohol markers have a fluid consistency that makes them easy to apply on top of one another, and blend and shade to create smooth transitions. They deliver vibrant colours and intensity and are resistant to fading. That intensity, along with their fluid inks, makes them perfect for creating realistic images, such as portraits and landscapes, as well as abstract images, illustrations, and cartoons.
Additionally, alcohol markers dry quickly, which is how they achieve beautiful blends. They are permanent markers, making them the art markers of choice for many graphic artists and illustrators.
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Water-based inks are child-friendly and non-toxic
Water-based inks are also more environmentally friendly than other types of inks. They are primarily made with water as the solvent, while solvent-based inks use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as their base. Water-based inks are much more likely to be biodegradable and compostable, allowing them to break down naturally without harming the environment. When disposed of correctly, they do not contribute to the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste in landfills or waterways, supporting sustainable waste management practices.
The lack of overpowering smell in water-based inks is another advantage, providing a range of health benefits. They are also versatile, working well on various surfaces such as paper, metal, and some plastics. Water-based inks can be manipulated with rubbing alcohol to create a watercolor effect on surfaces like ceramics and plastics.
While water-based inks offer these benefits, they do have some challenges. They can be tricky to use initially, as the ink may dry or evaporate on the press. Achieving accurate color matching can also be difficult due to the inks' opacity, and special additives may be required to improve color matching, compromising the inks' eco-friendliness.
Water-based inks are a popular choice for eco-conscious businesses and artists, contributing to a sustainable future. They are non-toxic and child-friendly, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, especially in the creation of child-safe products.
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Alcohol inks dry quickly and are permanent
Alcohol inks dry quickly due to the evaporation of the solvent (alcohol) in the ink. The inks are alcohol-based and waterproof. The alcohol evaporates and the inks dry very rapidly, allowing artists to create unique effects that are not possible with other mediums. The drying time can vary depending on factors such as air flow, humidity, and the thickness of the ink layer. Thin layers of alcohol ink can dry within about 10 to 15 minutes under optimal conditions, while thicker layers may take up to an hour or more. Increasing airflow, using heat tools, and reducing humidity can all speed up the drying process.
Alcohol inks are also permanent. The ink contains a chemical called resin that makes it stick to the surface once it is applied. However, it is light-sensitive and will fade over time if placed in direct sunlight. Sealing the artwork with a UV sealer or varnish can help slow down the fading process. Additionally, alcohol inks are sensitive to alcohol-based liquids, and contact with these liquids may cause the ink to run or dissolve, even after the project has dried.
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Water-based inks are versatile and cost-effective
Water-based inks are a good choice for high-speed roll-to-roll yardage printing and screen printing, as they offer quick drying times and can be used to create intricate designs with sharp, vibrant colors. They can also be mixed with other media to produce rich, layered compositions. Additionally, water-based inks are more environmentally friendly than solvent-based inks, as they are biodegradable, non-toxic, and produce less waste and pollution during the printing process.
The versatility of water-based inks extends beyond traditional printing applications. Artists can use these inks to create one-of-a-kind art pieces, fine art prints, and mixed media projects. Water-based inks are perfect for painting techniques and can be blended to create a light wash of color or mixed with Eco-Pigments to achieve thousands of distinctive colors.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, water-based inks are generally cheaper than solvent-based inks. They have lower purchasing, waste management, and storage costs, as they do not require the same level of venting and waste management as solvent-based inks. Water-based inks also eliminate the need for costly solvents, further reducing expenses. However, it is important to note that water-based inks may require larger dryers and more curing time, which can impact productivity.
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Alcohol markers are more expensive and require specialised paper
Alcohol markers are more expensive than water-based markers due to the higher production costs of using alcohol as a solvent. Alcohol is more costly than water, and the manufacturing process is more complex. However, the investment pays off as alcohol markers have unique qualities that make them popular among artists. They are known for their smooth, vivid colours, excellent blending capabilities, and quick-drying properties, making them ideal for creating cartoons, illustrations, and graphic novels.
The quality and features of alcohol markers also contribute to their higher price. They produce vibrant and intense colours that are resistant to fading, ensuring that your artwork maintains its original appearance over time. Additionally, alcohol markers are easy to blend, allowing artists to create smooth transitions and realistic images. The quick-drying nature of alcohol ink prevents smudging and smearing, ensuring clean and precise lines. These markers also have interchangeable nibs and are refillable, making them a cost-effective long-term investment.
The popularity of alcohol markers among artists further influences their pricing. As they are in high demand, companies can charge a premium for these products. The brand reputation and recognition of certain alcohol marker brands, such as Copic, also allow them to command a higher price point. Artists prefer Copic markers for their exceptional quality, smooth application, true-to-colour shades, and long-lasting hues.
While alcohol markers can be used on various surfaces, they require specialised paper to achieve optimal results. The paper designed specifically for alcohol markers is thicker and less likely to allow the ink to bleed through. This specialised paper ensures that the colours remain vibrant and that your artwork is preserved. When choosing paper for alcohol markers, consider its thickness, which is indicated as grams per square meter (g/m2). Thicker paper, such as 160g/m2, will provide a better surface for alcohol markers and prevent bleeding. Strathmore Smooth Bristol Pad 300 Series, for example, is acid-free paper suitable for alcohol markers.
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Frequently asked questions
Water-based dye inks are composed of dye particles suspended in water and glycerin. Alcohol markers, on the other hand, use alcohol as their solvent. This difference gives them distinct properties, such as drying time, blendability, permanence, and vibrancy.
Alcohol is an ideal solvent for dyes. Its molecular structure distributes dye particles evenly throughout the solution, making it easy to blend and create smooth transitions.
Yes, you can use them together, but be mindful of the order. Start with the alcohol marker first, as alcohol can dissolve water-based ink if used last.
Alcohol markers are preferred by professionals due to their smooth blending capabilities and versatile range of colours. However, water-based markers are more affordable, child-friendly, and can be used for watercolour effects. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
