Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol markers are a popular choice for artists and hobbyists due to their ease of blending and shading, smooth and vivid colours, and quick-drying, permanent ink. When it comes to choosing the best ink pens for use with alcohol markers, several factors come into play. Firstly, it is essential to consider the type of nib and the pressure applied, as these factors influence the ink's appearance on paper. Secondly, the ink's properties, such as dry time and blendability, play a crucial role in achieving the desired artistic effects. While some inks dry quickly, allowing for easy layering, others offer more time for smudging and blending. Lastly, the pen's shape and size should align with personal preferences for a comfortable grip and precise lines. With these considerations in mind, renowned brands like Copic, Prismacolor, Ohuhu, and Mont Marte offer a range of options for those seeking high-quality ink pens to pair with their alcohol markers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Copic, Prismacolor, Ohuhu, Promarker, Stylefile, Shin Han Art Touch Twin, Arteza, Arrtx, Spectrum Noir, Mont Marte, Grabie, Artify |
| Barrel shape and size | Round, oval, triangular, octagonal, hexagonal |
| Ink refills and replacement nibs | Copic, Ohuhu |
| Open stock | Copic, Prismacolor |
| Price | High-end markers are pricey, but there are budget options for beginners |
| Number of markers | It is recommended to buy a set of at least 70 markers for a good range of colours |
| Colour | Alcohol markers have smooth, vivid colours and dry quickly |
| Blendability | Alcohol markers are excellent for blending and layering |
| Paper | Alcohol markers tend to bleed through thin paper, so thicker paper is recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Copic markers: the original alcohol marker
Copic markers are a brand of professional-quality alcohol markers founded in 1987 by the Too Group in Tokyo, Japan. They were the first alcohol markers on the market, giving them a head start in the manufacturing of alcohol markers. Copic markers are available in 358 colours and three different types: Classic/Original, Sketch, and Ciao. The difference between the types is the barrel shape and size, the number of available colours, and the price. The Classic/Original markers, for example, have a square barrel, while the Sketch markers have an oval barrel.
The ink used in Copic markers is a dye ink, which soaks into the paper and will always bleed through to some extent. The level of bleeding depends on the type of paper used. Copic's own Premium Bond Paper and Custom Paper are bleed-proof, while their Thick Marker Paper and Soft Watercolour Paper bleed very easily. Copic markers are refillable, and the company sells 200ml bottles of ink for this purpose. The markers are also available open stock, meaning that individual markers can be purchased as needed, rather than having to buy a whole new set.
The Sketch markers have a double-ended design with a flexible brush nib and a medium broad nib. The brush nib is ideal for blending, shading, and drawing thick and thin strokes, while the broad nib is perfect for consistent lines and adding details. The markers are low-odor and non-toxic, and the ink will not harm paper fibres or create a bumpy surface.
Copic markers are relatively expensive, but their quality is top-notch in terms of barrel construction, marker nibs, and ink quality. They are widely considered to be the best alcohol markers on the market, and their wide range of colours and availability of open stock make them a good choice for anyone looking to get serious about using alcohol markers.
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Budget options: Arteza, Ohuhu, Arrtx, Mont Marte
If you're looking for budget-friendly ink pens to use with alcohol-based markers, Arteza, Ohuhu, Arrtx, and Mont Marte are excellent options. These brands offer quality products at affordable prices, making them popular choices among artists, especially those on a tight budget.
Arteza, for instance, has a mission to make art supplies accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to professionals. Their Grayscale markers are fade-resistant and non-toxic, ensuring safe and long-lasting use.
Ohuhu is another fantastic option, known for delivering premium-quality products at reasonable prices. Their Color Art Markers offer 48 vibrant colours with a brush and chisel tip combo, providing a comfortable grip and a smooth, smudge-free colouring experience. Ohuhu markers are also splash-proof and quick-drying, reducing the chances of accidental smudges.
Arrtx is a brand focused on providing affordable and high-quality art supplies like markers, pencils, and pastels. Their alcohol markers are well-known for their bright colours, smooth blending, and dual tips, making them versatile for various art styles. Arrtx markers are also known for their fast-drying ink and come in a range of colours, with sets of 80 or 90 shades to choose from.
Lastly, Mont Marte is an Australian brand that has been around for years, offering a wide range of art supplies at affordable prices. Their alcohol markers are a favourite among artists for their bright colours, smooth blending, and dual tips. Mont Marte markers are also known for their ergonomic design, making them comfortable to hold for extended periods.
While these budget-friendly options provide excellent value, keep in mind that they may have limitations in terms of refillability and colour accuracy. Nonetheless, they are great choices for artists looking to create beautiful artwork without breaking the bank.
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High-end options: Prismacolor, Promarker, Stylefile, Shin Han Art Touch Twin
Prismacolor Premier Markers are a high-quality, professional-grade option for artists. They are trusted art supply brands that have been around for almost a century. Prismacolor offers two types of markers: Prismacolor Premier Fine + Chisel nibs and Prismacolor Premier Brush + Chisel nibs, with 158 colours available for each type. They are a more affordable alternative to Copic markers, which are widely regarded as the original alcohol markers and the benchmark for quality.
ProMarker is another well-known brand that offers alcohol-based markers. While they are known for their quality, they are more affordable than some other high-end options.
Stylefile markers are also recommended by artists and are known for their quality.
Shin Han Art Touch Twin markers are ideal for a diverse range of uses, from animation and illustration to architectural renderings and interior design sketches. They are a popular choice among artists and are known for their versatility and quality.
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Paper type: thick paper to prevent bleeding
When using alcohol-based markers, it's important to consider the type of paper you're using to prevent bleeding. Alcohol markers tend to bleed more than regular markers due to their high pigmentation and ink concentration. To avoid bleeding, it's recommended to use thicker paper with a smooth surface. Thick paper reduces the likelihood of ink bleeding through to the other side.
There are specific types of paper designed for use with alcohol markers, such as Marker Heavy Weight paper, which is bleed-proof and allows for colouring on both sides without bleeding. Another option is the Transotype Bleedproof Alcohol Marker Pad, which is thin but effective in preventing bleeding.
The quality of the paper is also a factor. Low-quality paper tends to absorb ink quickly and dry fast, which is not ideal for markers as it can lead to bleeding and patchy colours. High-quality paper designed for markers will ensure a clean, professional result.
Additionally, the weight of the paper is important. Thicker paper, such as 120 gsm or above, is recommended to reduce bleeding. Regular paper cannot handle alcohol-based pens, so thicker options are necessary.
Finally, the surface of the paper matters. Slick coated paper can produce interesting effects with alcohol markers, while smooth paper allows for better blending and prevents the ink from soaking through. Toothed paper should be avoided as it can damage marker nibs and produce uneven colours.
By choosing the right type of paper, you can effectively prevent bleeding when using alcohol-based markers.
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Ink quality: refillable ink and replacement nibs
When choosing the best ink pens for alcohol-based markers, one of the most important considerations is ink quality. Alcohol markers contain alcohol ink, which dries quickly, blends smoothly, and produces vivid colours. While most alcohol markers are not refillable, some brands offer this option, which can save you money in the long run.
One brand that is often recommended for its ink quality is Copic. They invented alcohol markers and have had a head start in manufacturing the best products in the market. Their brush nibs are of excellent quality, and their ink flows easily and dries fast, preventing smearing. However, Copic markers can be quite pricey, and you might want to look at other options if you are on a budget.
Another brand to consider is Artify, which offers a set of 40 alcohol-based art markers with replacement nibs and refillable ink. The triangular shape of the markers makes them comfortable to hold and prevents them from rolling off your desk. The set also includes a plastic carrying case for easy organisation and transport. Ohuhu is another brand that offers good value for money, with users praising their markers' ability to dispense ink.
When choosing alcohol-based markers, it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Some markers have brush nibs, while others have fine or chisel tips, and some are even dual-tipped, offering more flexibility. Additionally, the barrel shape and size can vary, so it is worth trying out different options to see what feels most comfortable in your hand.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that alcohol markers tend to bleed through thin paper, so it is recommended to use thicker paper or place a scrap of paper underneath to prevent any mess. By considering ink quality, nib options, and paper compatibility, you can choose the best alcohol-based markers for your creative endeavours.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ink pens that work well with alcohol markers. Some popular options include:
- Copic markers: These markers are known for their top-notch barrel construction, marker nibs, ink quality, and wide range of 358 colours.
- Prismacolor markers: If you already use their coloured pencils or pastels, their markers will likely be a good fit.
- Ohuhu markers: These are a good value option, with chisel tips and a range of series to choose from.
- Promarker markers
- Stylefile markers
- Shin Han Art Touch Twin markers
- Mont Marte markers: These markers are dual-tipped and come in sets of 12, 24, or 60 colours.
- Grabie markers: These markers come in a set of 48 with a colouring book included.
When choosing ink pens to use with alcohol-based markers, consider the following:
- Barrel shape and size: Choose a shape that feels comfortable in your hand. Some markers have round, oval, triangular, octagonal, or hexagonal barrels.
- Ink refills and replacement nibs: If you plan to use alcohol markers frequently, consider investing in a brand that offers ink refills and replacement nibs, such as Copic.
- Brand legitimacy: Be cautious of generic alcohol markers sold under a company logo on sites like Amazon. Established brand names, such as Copic and Prismacolor, typically offer higher-quality products.
Alcohol-based markers are popular among artists due to their smooth, vivid colours, ease of blending and shading, and quick drying time. They are also permanent markers, making them a common choice for graphic artists and illustrators.
Alcohol-based markers tend to bleed through thin paper, so it is recommended to use thicker paper or place a piece of porous paper underneath to prevent bleeding.
When using alcohol-based markers, it is generally recommended to apply lighter colours first, as it is easier to add layers of colour to darken and add contrast rather than to lighten dark areas that have already dried. Blender markers can be used for shading, blending, lightening dark areas, and retouching mistakes.
