Fine or brush tip. Water or solvent-based. With so many markers available at art supply stores, it can be challenging for most artists to choose the right type for their art. Art markers come in different forms and sizes, with varying ink types, tip types, and capabilities.
Alcohol markers are a must-have for anyone who enjoys abstract art, mixed media projects, or paper crafting. Alcohol ink is one of the most versatile inks accessible to both beginning and experienced artists. Its transparency, brilliance, and durability make it simple to experiment with in various ways and instantly create beautiful artwork.
The History of Alcohol Ink
While alcohol markers are a relatively recent development, Ancient Egyptians used alcohol ink for writing and drawing as early as 3200 BC. Writing devices, such as pens, were developed over time to hold the ink and apply it more smoothly to surfaces. As people sought ways to spread specific amounts of ink more effortlessly, the need for markers increased.
The first documented fountain brush pen saw the light in 1926, and Magic Markers' popularity skyrocketed a little more than 20 years later. Artist markers rose to prominence as people discovered all the incredible uses and possibilities of markers. In the many years after, several marker types have evolved and are now routinely utilised.
What Are Alcohol Ink Markers?
Alcohol inks are acid-free, fast-drying and highly pigmented inks commonly employed on non-porous surfaces. Because these dye-based paints are waterproof and translucent, they are ideal for creating free-flowing combinations. Because of their longevity, alcohol inks can help you create gorgeous colour combinations on your handmade creations. Furthermore, a small bottle of alcohol ink will last long because a little goes a long way.
As their name implies, alcohol ink markers contain alcohol ink and dye pigment. They’re alcohol-based, as opposed to water-based markers, and are more persistent and produce fewer lines and streaks. They're ideal for combining colours and creating mixed-media art projects. These markers are great for alcohol ink painting techniques such as shading, tinting, and even producing ombré because they are acid-free and lignin-free.
What Are Alcohol Ink Markers Used For?
Alcohol markers are popular among artists and enthusiasts of many types. They're perfect for cartoons, illustrations, and graphic novels. Because of their vibrant colours, they are a fantastic choice for manga artists. Architects use them to generate architectural renderings, while fashion designers use them to create sketches.
Alcohol markers are also great for handwriting, scrapbooking, and other creative tasks. Whether you want to work on wood, canvas, paper, or glass, alcohol markers are versatile tools in any artist's supply set.
Benefits of Using Alcohol Markers
Before purchasing your first alcohol ink supply, it’s critical to understand the distinction between alcohol ink markers and other types of markers. Artists choose alcohol markers over solvent- or water-based alternatives for several reasons. Here are the key benefits of using alcohol markers, regardless of your artistic style.
Quick-Drying
Because alcohol evaporates quickly, alcohol markers dry quickly. They’re less likely to smudge your work because they dry rapidly. If you drop water on your artwork, it won’t bleed and fade quickly.
Double-Ended Tips
Many alcohol-based markers have double-sided tips, with a small tip on one end and a thicker tip on the other. That decreases the need for additional markers, lowers costs, and makes it easier to experiment with different ways.
Layering and Blending Made Simple
Alcohol markers are great for blending and layering. Their fluid viscosity makes them simple to layer, blend, and shade to create smooth transitions.
Vibrant Colours
Alcohol markers provide bright colour and intensity while resisting fading. Because of their intensity and fluid inks, they’re ideal for making realistic images like portraits and landscapes, as well as abstract imagery, illustrations, and cartoons.
Refillable Inks
Some manufacturers of alcohol markers also sell separate ink, allowing you to renew your markers over time. That reduces costs, eliminates the need to purchase new markers every time a colour runs out, and reduces waste. In addition to refillable inks, some companies sell replacement nibs and tips to ensure your markers always feel and function like new.
What Paper Do You Use With Alcohol Markers?
Although you can use alcohol ink markers on various media, most artists prefer to work on paper. They have intense colours and can readily bleed through paper, so use heavier marker paper or cardstock wherever possible. At the very least, choose 80lb (or heavier) paper. Heavyweight, bleed-proof paper is the best choice.
Although alcohol markers are less prone to tear through paper than water-based markers, thinner media, such as watercolour paper and lightweight sketch paper, aren’t optimal. The paper's weight is only one factor to consider. Another consideration is the tooth.
Rougher paper with more tooth and surface texture can harm your markers' tips. More teeth can also make creating crisp lines and fine lines more challenging. When working with alcohol markers, heavyweight paper with a smooth surface is the ideal option.
Alcohol markers can be used on other surfaces, such as glass, tile, and metal, although they will rub off if not sealed with a sealer spray.
Tips for Using Alcohol-based Markers
Are you new to alcohol markers or looking to enhance your creative skills? Here are some pointers.
Work With Your Lightest Colors First
Artists like alcohol markers for their ease of blending and shading. Though easy to alter and layer, adding colours in precise ways might improve your work.
Apply your lightest colours first for realism. Instead of lightening dried darker parts, using layers of colour to deepen and contrast is easier. Layer two or three markers in the same colour family to produce different hues. Start with the lightest colour, then use the darkest in little sections or lines. Finally, soften dark spots by applying a medium shade over them.
Blend Harsh Areas With Lighter Colours
Blending and gradient effects are easier with light colours under dark colours. Another tool can correct an error or lighten a shady spot. Blender markers are clear and have no ink or colour. Blender pens can shade, blend, lighten dark areas, and fix mistakes.
Reduce Bleeding
Alcohol markers bleed paper due to their fluid ink. Be sure to put something absorbent under your paper. That allows the porous surface to absorb ink and control bleeding. Heavy paper with a smooth surface is excellent. Rougher textures make it difficult to draw lines and destroy fragile brush nibs.
Store Your Markers Properly
If markers are new and full of ink, store them upright. Keep them horizontally after using and depleting the ink, especially if they have double-ended nibs. Vertical storage will cause all the ink to drop to the bottom or towards one nib (if double-ended). Horizontal storage makes ink flow easier from both ends.
