Arielle Cruz
Watercolor markers and alcohol markers are two of the most popular types of markers, each with distinct characteristics. The primary difference lies in the solvent used in the ink composition: water for watercolor markers and alcohol for alcohol markers. Watercolor markers are perfect for creating watercolor effects, with their water-soluble ink allowing for colour adjustments after drying. They are cost-effective, chemical-free, odourless, and safer for children. On the other hand, alcohol markers offer vibrant, highly saturated colours that dry quickly and blend smoothly. They are favoured by professionals for their durability and versatility. While alcohol markers excel in blending and bold colours, watercolor markers shine in subtlety and versatility, making them ideal for sketchbooks, journals, and watercolour-like styles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ink composition | Watercolor markers use water as their solvent, while alcohol markers use alcohol. |
| Drying time | Watercolor markers dry slowly, while alcohol markers dry very fast. |
| Blendability | Watercolor markers can be reactivated after drying, allowing for easy blending. Alcohol markers also blend smoothly but are harder to work with once dry. |
| Permanency | Watercolor markers are water-soluble and can be washed off the page. Alcohol markers are permanent and difficult to remove once dry. |
| Vibrancy | Alcohol markers produce bold, vibrant colors. Watercolor markers have a gentler hue and are better suited for subtle artwork. |
| Color range | Alcohol markers come in a wide range of colors. Watercolor markers have fewer color options but can create lighter shades by adding water. |
| Paper pilling | Watercolor markers may cause paper pilling if the same area is layered with color repeatedly. Alcohol markers do not cause pilling but may bleed through to the other side of the page. |
| Cost | Watercolor markers are generally more economical than alcohol markers. |
| Child-friendliness | Watercolor markers are safer for children as they are often non-toxic and chemical-free. |
| Use cases | Alcohol markers are favored in professional settings for their durability, longevity, and consistent color output. Watercolor markers are commonly used for watercolor-like effects, calligraphy, and children's illustrations. |
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What You'll Learn
Paper compatibility
The paper you use is crucial to the success of your artwork. Alcohol-based markers are known to bleed through to the other side of the paper, so a heavy-weight paper is recommended to avoid this. Using a bleed-proof marker paper is also an option to prevent bleeding. Additionally, alcohol markers work best on smooth paper, as this allows for better blending. Vellum is a good option for this.
Water-based markers, on the other hand, do not usually bleed through most papers unless you apply too much ink. Watercolour paper works best for water-based markers as it can absorb the ink properly. However, water-based markers can cause the paper to pill if you layer colour over the same area repeatedly. This is because water causes paper fibres to swell, leaving the paper fragile. Water-based markers also work well on mixed media paper.
If you are using water-based markers to create watercolour effects, you will need to switch to a water-friendly paper that can resist buckling, warping, and pilling.
The type of paper you use will depend on your preferred style of artwork and the markers you are using. For example, alcohol markers are better suited for bold, vibrant styles, while water-based markers are ideal for subtle, watercolour-like styles. Alcohol markers are also more versatile and can be used on other surfaces like wood, metal, and fabric.
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Colour range
When it comes to colour range, alcohol markers offer a much wider selection of hues and shades than watercolour markers. Alcohol markers have a vast colour range, with many vibrant and mature colours available. The blendability of alcohol markers also contributes to their broad palette, allowing artists to create a broader range of hues with fewer markers. This is achieved by layering colours on top of each other without pilling the paper.
Watercolour markers, on the other hand, have a more limited colour range. However, their colour variations can still compete with those of alcohol markers. Watercolour markers can be used to create lighter shades by adding water or using a blender brush or pen. This allows artists to create a range of shades with just one marker. Watercolour markers are also perfect for watercolour effects, where the colours can be spread with water to create smooth blends.
Alcohol markers tend to be more expensive than watercolour markers, and they may require specialised techniques and paper. They are preferred by professionals due to their blendability and colour range. Watercolour markers, however, are more cost-effective, chemical-free, odourless, and safer for children to use. They are ideal for colouring books and journals, as well as for use on the go.
While the colour range of alcohol markers is more extensive, the choice between the two types of markers ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the artist, as well as the paper quality and the desired artistic effect.
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Drying time
The drying time of markers is determined by their composition. Alcohol markers contain alcohol as a solvent, while water-based markers contain water. The presence of alcohol in alcohol markers causes them to dry very quickly, making them ideal for layering and creating complex colour gradients. However, this rapid drying time also means that artists must work fast as any additional blending after the initial drying will darken or alter the existing colours.
On the other hand, water-based markers have a longer drying time. This is because water is the main component of the ink. The slower drying time of water-based markers provides artists with more flexibility as they can add colour, make it darker, or remove some ink with a paper towel even after the initial application has dried. Water-based markers are also excellent for creating watercolour effects, where water is applied over the marker ink to create a wash effect similar to traditional watercolours.
The fast-drying nature of alcohol markers contributes to their popularity among professionals who value their durability, longevity, and consistent colour output. Alcohol markers are commonly used in fields such as manga art, fashion design, graphic illustration, architecture, design, and animation studios. In contrast, water-based markers are often used for watercolour-like effects, calligraphy, and children's illustrations due to their gentler hues and easier washability.
It is worth noting that the drying time of both alcohol and water-based markers can be influenced by the type of paper used. Alcohol markers tend to bleed through to the other side of the paper, so a heavy-weight, bleed-proof paper is recommended to prevent this. Water-based markers, on the other hand, can cause paper pilling if too much ink is applied to the same area. Therefore, it is advisable to use watercolour paper with water-based markers to absorb the ink properly.
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Blendability
When it comes to blendability, alcohol markers are known for their smooth blending capabilities. They are often preferred by professionals due to their versatility and range of colours. Alcohol-based markers are ideal for creating bold, vibrant art with smooth colour transitions and complex gradients. Their fast-drying nature and opacity make them perfect for layering and building colours on top of each other to achieve different shades, tints, and ombrés. However, because they dry quickly, artists need to work fast with alcohol markers, and once dried, the colours are challenging to remove or alter.
On the other hand, water-based markers offer a different type of blendability. They are known for their watercolour-like effects, where water is applied over the marker ink to create a wash or watercolour effect. This technique allows for gentle colour gradients and translucent looks. Water-based markers are excellent for styles that require a softer and more subtle colour palette. They are often used in calligraphy, children's illustrations, and delicate artwork. Additionally, water-based markers are more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and safer for children due to their non-toxic nature.
The choice between alcohol and water-based markers depends on the desired artistic style and level of blendability required. Alcohol markers provide smooth and seamless blending, making them ideal for bold and vibrant art, while water-based markers offer a softer, watercolour-like blend, perfect for subtle and delicate artwork.
It is worth noting that the paper quality also plays a significant role in blendability. Alcohol markers work best on bleed-proof marker paper, while water-based markers perform optimally on watercolour paper.
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Cost
The cost of markers depends on the type of markers you use—illustrator markers (artist) vs. student-grade markers. Alcohol-based markers tend to be more expensive, with a price of around $3 per marker. They are generally considered artist-quality markers, whereas water-based markers are usually cheaper and are used for hobby-level work.
Water-based markers are a great option for beginners, as they are budget-friendly and perfect for children's colouring pages, student projects, posters, and bullet journals. They are also cost-effective because they are chemical-free, odourless, and dry slower, so they last longer.
Alcohol-based markers, on the other hand, can be more expensive upfront, but they provide better long-term value for your money. They are refillable, and the nibs are often replaceable, so while the initial cost may be higher, they can be more economical in the long run.
Additionally, the number of markers needed to achieve certain effects should be considered. With water-based markers, you can create lighter shades by adding water or using a blender brush, so you may need fewer markers. With alcohol-based markers, you typically need 3 to 5 markers in the same colour range to create lighter shades.
For example, a set of 120 Ohuhu Water-Based Markers costs around $35, while a set of 6 Copic alcohol-based markers can cost around the same, with the cost balancing out due to their refillability.
Overall, the cost of markers depends on your specific needs and preferences, and both types of markers have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of price.
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Frequently asked questions
Watercolor markers use water as their solvent, while alcohol markers use alcohol.
Watercolor markers are cost-effective, chemical-free, odorless, and safer for children to use. They are also more travel-friendly and portable than watercolor palettes or cakes.
Alcohol markers are highly versatile and blend smoothly. They come in a range of vibrant colors and are generally considered artist-quality markers. They are also more lightfast than watercolor markers.
No, they require different types of paper. Watercolor markers are not suitable for use on paper as water causes paper fibers to swell, leading to pilling and warping. Alcohol markers require marker-friendly cardstock as they can bleed through to the other side of the page.
Yes, alcohol markers tend to be more expensive than watercolor markers.
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