The Best Alcohol Marker Sets in 2023 - A Complete Guide

We've all been there - watching tutorials on Youtube, seeing art inspiration on pages, and gazing at the satisfying smooth blends of alcohol markers. If you're just like us, you adore alcohol markers and are interested in buying the set that gives you the most bang for your buck.

Artist Alcohol Markers Red Cosmos Set

However, it can be overwhelming - there are just so many choices available on the market! Fear not! For today's blog post, we'll give you a comprehensive guide on the best alcohol markers to try in 2023 and what qualities you need to look for before buying a set. 

Discover the top alcohol marker brands, explore their unique qualities, and gain insights into the key factors to consider before deciding. From pigment quality to color ranges, we've got you covered! 

1. What Are Alcohol Markers, and Why Are They So Popular?
2. Essential Factors to Consider When Buying Alcohol Markers
3. The 6 Best Alcohol Marker Brands to Try in 2023

With our expert guidance, you'll be ready to choose the best alcohol marker set for you, price and quality-wise. So whether you're an alcohol marker beginner or a pro, read this blog before buying, and make a wise decision before investing! 

What Are Alcohol Markers, and Why Are They So Popular?

Sunshine Valley Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set F

Alcohol markers are like the rock stars of the coloring world! These versatile markers contain alcohol-based ink, which sets them apart from other coloring tools. Their exceptional quality allows them to blend like a dream, creating smooth transitions and gradients that make your artwork come to life. Most alcohol markers are dual-tipped, available in both brush and chisel tips, to help accommodate a larger variety of projects. 

But why are they so popular? First, alcohol markers offer vibrant and intense colors that pop off the page, making your artwork eye-catching and captivating. Second, their quick-drying nature means you don't have to worry about smudging your masterpiece. You can color away without any pesky accidents! 

Another reason for their popularity is their versatility. Alcohol markers are perfect for coloring, shading, and even creating stunning calligraphy. You can use them on various surfaces like Yupo paper, cardstock, or even special marker-friendly materials. They are the ultimate sidekick for artists, crafters, coloring enthusiasts, and doodlers alike!

Now, here's the best part about alcohol markers: the color blends they create! Alcohol markers have a blending ability that allows you to blend different colors together seamlessly. With a bit of practice and some creative experimentation, you can achieve breathtaking gradients and smooth transitions that will leave your friends and family in awe. Some alcohol marker artworks can even look like they were printed digitally - that's how high-quality these markers can be!

Garden Love 24 Artist Alcohol Markers Bundle

So, whether you're a coloring enthusiast, a professional artist, or someone who simply loves to doodle, alcohol markers are your secret weapon for creating vibrant, professional-looking artwork. Grab a set, unleash your creativity, and let your imagination run wild with these beloved and popular coloring companions!

Essential Factors to Consider When Buying Alcohol Markers

When buying alcohol markers, there are a lot of factors you need to consider, each depending on the needs and wants of your creative projects: 

Quality and Pigmentation

Look for markers with high-quality ink that delivers vibrant pigmentation. The colors should be intense and blend smoothly without streaks or uneven application. 

Space Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set I

Color Range

Check the range of colors available in the set. Look for markers that offer a diverse selection, including a good balance of primary colors, pastels, neutrals, and shades for shading and highlighting. Think of the projects that you'll be using your markers for. Will you be working with landscapes, portraits, animals, and patterns? What color palettes will you need the most? 

Tip Design

Consider markers with a dual-tip design, typically featuring a fine tip for precise lines and details and a broad chisel tip for larger areas and coloring. There are many types of marker tips, so prioritize what type of creative art you'll be using them for - drawing, sketching, lettering, or coloring. 

Learn More About the Different Types of Marker Tips Here! 

Blending Capability

Check if the markers are blendable and if they offer easy color blending. Good-quality alcohol markers should allow you to achieve smooth transitions and gradients effortlessly.

Drying Time

Some alcohol marker brands tend to have a quicker drying time than others, so check to see if this is a big deal for you. Fast-drying inks allow for smoother gradients, but slower-drying inks will allow you to smudge and mix your shades even more.  

Water Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set G

Alcohol Content

Take note of the alcohol content in the markers. Higher alcohol content generally leads to faster drying and better-blending properties. On the other hand, a higher alcohol content means greater danger if you inhale its toxic alcohol fumes. Always remember to work with alcohol markers in a well-ventilated area. 

Budget and Price

Of course, price is one of the most important factors to consider. Are you a beginner just wanting to try out and practice alcohol marker techniques? Or are you a professional artist looking to invest in a high-quality set? Determine your budget and find a set that offers good value for money. 

The 6 Best Alcohol Marker Brands to Try in 2023*

Alcohol Markers

Altenew Markers

Altenew’s Artist Markers are gaining attention in the arts and crafts industry. This is largely due to their smooth blending, rich color selection, and uniquely versatile color ranges. They are available in 60 rich and vibrant colors, with quality comparable to that of Copic Markers. Designed to be as close as possible to Altenew’s existing ink colors, the colors in this set help you take the color-guessing game out of the way. 

Artist Alcohol Markers Bundle (84 Colors)

If you’re looking for the best ways on how to use alcohol markers, these Artist Alcohol Markers will help you blend colors to any stamped or hand-drawn images beautifully. These are also perfect for mixed media art, cardmaking, scrapbooking, and even journaling! Altenew’s wide range of stamps is perfect for pairing with these alcohol markers set. You can also easily use them with dye inks to take your coloring to the next level! With a dual-tip design for precise details and broader strokes, these markers also provide versatility for various artistic techniques. 

Beach Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set K

With their vibrant colors and smooth blending, it’s no wonder why both crafters and artists turn to Altenew’s Artist Markers. They are more affordable than other brands on the market, and they give you professional-looking results that will have people wondering whether you printed your design or not! The inks used in their markers are long-lasting, have a less strong odor, and encourage recycling since they are refillable. 

Altenew’s Artist Alcohol Markers also come in a unique, one-of-a-kind range of colors, so if you’re looking to make your projects stand out from the rest, grab a set today! Plus, they’re beginner-friendly, offering an Artist Alcohol Markers Primary Essential Set for those who are just seeking to try out alcohol markers for the first time. They also come in tonal sets, so you don't need to worry about finding markers that will work together to help you get the perfect blend! They also have bundles of alcohol markers with their re-inkers, making them a more affordable option without sacrificing high quality. 

PROS	CONS
Wide range of vibrant colors with rich pigmentation	Might need to refill it once in a while, especially if you use it a lot
Ergonomically designed for easy gripping	Some of the boxes don’t have the markers’ colors indicated on the outside of the box
Color comes out quickly and seamlessly without applying too much pressure
Each set has 4 shades from each color family, making it easy to pick colors that can be blended together
Comes with FREE and downloadable color swatches that you can print out at home

Other Alcohol Marker Brands You Can Check Out:

1. Copic Markers

2. Ohuhu Markers

3. Caliart Markers

4. Prismacolor Markers

5. Colorya Markers

Artist Alcohol Markers Cool Summer Night Set

*Please note that these are merely suggestions based on customer reviews and ratings, quality, and price of the markers.

Find the Best Alcohol Marker Set for All Your Needs!

There you have it! We hope this in-depth analysis has assisted you in finding the perfect alcohol markers for your coloring endeavors. Whether you're just starting your artistic journey or are already a seasoned pro, these essential tools are certainly worth considering. 

With their impressive quality, vibrant colors, and versatile capabilities, these markers are sure to elevate your crafty creations to new heights! So go ahead and give them a try – unlock your creativity and let these remarkable art tools inspire your next masterpiece! For more inspiration and guides on using alcohol markers, check out our All About Crafting blog!