The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Art Markers

Pencils and markers are considered one of the most basic art mediums and most people don’t acknowledge them as mediums. And, the truth is that they, especially markers, are one of the most versatile and easily accessible mediums available on the market. They’re mainly used by beginners and professional artists like illustrators, comic artists and designers. 

Truth be said, these art mediums are perfect for creating any kind of art you want as they also allow for being blended. They are also easy to use and can dry up quite fast which is something that a lot of artists prefer instead of having to wait for the wet medium to settle and dry completely. The latter can take even days to dry, so the use of pointed-tip mediums seems a more reasonable choice for many artists.

What Are the Solvent-Based Types?

The truth is that today you can choose from a plethora of marker models, so taking into account all of them will help you make the right choice.

Water-Based

The water-based art mediums are made of dyes and pigments which are mixed with water-soluble adhesives that make them more ‘natural’ if you can say it like that. They’re generally deemed safer and more user-friendly compared to other models.

Being based on water makes them non-toxic and with no distinctive odour. They also prevent bleeding on paper which is just another reason why so many artists prefer using them over some other types. Even though based on water, practice shows that all of these marker models can produce even tones and can be diluted with water to achieve the watercolour effect. This, on the other hand, reduces the need to invest in wet art mediums, which will save you money in the long run.

These art mediums are available in tons of colours, are easy to use and easy to erase and can be used on any kind of paper. Speaking of colours, you should keep in mind that the colours aren’t that vibrant because they are based on water. The water-based art mediums are safe which allows for being used by kids as well. They should be used on paper mainly because they seem to be less effective on non-porous materials.

Alcohol-Based

As the name suggests, these mediums are based on alcohol and their colours are more vibrant than the ones based on water. In comparison to water, these dry faster and reduce smudging which is why some artists prefer using them over water-based ones. While the water-based ones allow to blend only when wet, the alcohol-based ones can be blended at any time which makes them the perfect option for more complex colour layering.

The downside of these markers is that they can bleed, especially on thinner paper and may smudge if disturbed before drying. Unlike water-based ones, alcohol-based mediums can be used on different surfaces ranging from paper to glass and plastic.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Markers?

Permanent

The name of these art mediums says it all, they are permanent, durable and made to last. They are waterproof and can be used on different surfaces even on metal. They are mainly used on non-porous surfaces and are used for creating lasting projects. The permanent mediums are resistant to fading and smearing, and you can enjoy their vivid colours when dry.

Brush

Instead of using wet paint and brushes, with the help of this medium, you can achieve the same effect. Available in different tips, these paintbrush markers are available in different widths in water or alcohol-based inks. The flexible line thicknesses make them perfect for being used in different artistic styles.

Chalk

These art mediums are known for their extremely fast drying and matte chalky finish. You can use them on smooth surfaces like glass or chalkboard, making them ideal for creating signage or decorating glass. An important thing to know about them is that they aren’t longer lasting and can be easily erased.

Paint

The pain art mediums are available in water and alcohol-based forms and can be used on different surfaces. This makes them versatile and perfect for various applications. The secret behind them is that they are way easier and more practical to use in comparison to fresh paints and brushes, and without compromising the fresh paint’s shine.

Gel

Last but not least, gel-based options are glittery, have a metallic effect and are perfect for being used when crafting and scrapbooking. They are available in numerous vibrant colours allowing for creating vibrant and stunning designs.  

They’re known for their smooth and consistent ink flow, making them ideal for writing, drawing and colouring. They have a unique texture that allows for easy gliding over surfaces and can produce opaque or transparent lines depending on the pressure applied.