Features That Make Permanent Marker Useful

Permanent markers are convenient office supplies and work well with other tools. Many people find these markers easy-to-use, the colour quickly, and dry quickly. A permanent marker is excellent for both outdoor and on-location use. Its application is effortless whether for drawing, sketching, doodling or presentation. It also blends smoothly on the material that you use. With its many benefits, comes the hard part of choosing from a variety of options.

Alcohol-Based Vs. Water-Based Markers

When buying permanent markers, you need to decide between alcohol-based markers and water-based markers. Markers usually come with suspended dyes in either alcohol or water. The difference between the two forms of soluble determines the permanence, ability to blend, and cost.

Alcohol-based markers: These are also known as permanent markers and are commonly used by many people because they blend smoothly on and allow them to create Ombres, tints, and shades by overlaying colours. You can use a permanent marker not just on paper but on other surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic. Keep in mind that alcohol-based markers bleed through paper, so it is not ideal for double-sided writing.

Water-based markers: These are commonly used in cheap materials mainly designed for children. But, there are also high-quality ones that are versatile to use. These types of permanent markers do not bleed through paper, so it is suitable for double-sided surfaces. Many people use water-based markers for hand-lettering.

Tip Shapes

The tip of the permanent marker can affect your experience in writing or colouring.

Chisel tip: This kind of tip marker is common among many brands as you can use several edges for various purposes. You can use the pointy side for thinner strokes while the flat side is useful for laying down different colours.

Brush tip: Lots of people prefer the brush tip markers because of their versatility. The point is excellent for detailed work as they can make thin strokes. You may also flatten the brush to fill in large spots. The brush tip also enables you to make strokes in variable width. Some brands make it possible for you to replace the brush tip when they get worn.

Bullet tip: You can find bullet tip markers in cheaper sets. While the bullet tip is generally good for writing, it is not that versatile. Filling large spots with the use of bullet tips can be tedious and slow, and it is tricky to create fine details.

Fine tip: These permanent marker tips are excellent on making patterning and fine details. They are similar to what you see on a technical pen that lots of professionals use like architects. However, a fine tip is not ideal for bigger blocks of colour.

Colour Range

This factor is essential when using a permanent marker as it helps you create tonal gradation when blending. You can use a permanent marker to blend multiple colours to produce a smooth transition. There is a wide colour range in alcohol-based markers.

Lightfastness

Over time, all lettering and colouring will fade as different factors gradually break the molecule bonds of chemicals that produce colours. Lightfastness means the ability of a marker to resist fading. This is one quality that you should look for when choosing permanent markers.

It is easy to pick your permanent marker if you know the features you are looking for. In general, alcohol-based markers are more expensive than water-based ones. But, the costly price makes up for smoother blending, more colour options, and better quality dyes.