Dos and Don'ts of Using Alcohol Markers

Just bought a new set of alcohol markers or artist markers? If so, you may be wondering what the do's and don'ts are when it comes to using them. This blog post will share tips on getting the most out of your markers. There will also be some friendly precautions on how to handle these fun coloring mediums. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced one, you’ll take away some helpful advice!

Altenew Alcohol Marker Sets

Is There a Correct Way to Handle Alcohol Markers?

There is no strict way to use artist markers. However, some tips and tricks to using them make so much sense! From using the right paper for alcohol markers to using colorless marker blenders to correct mistakes - there are a few things you need to know. Those beginning to use these coloring mediums would be surprised to see some of the fantastic projects completed with alcohol markers.

Storage

Alcohol markers come in either a single tip or dual tips. It’s best to store either design horizontally. There are organizers explicitly made for alcohol markers to keep them lying straight and beautifully organized. Storing them horizontally prevents the ink pooling on one nib and drying out the other. It is the best way to keep the nibs saturated with just the right amount of ink so there aren’t any sudden bleeds when using the marker. 

Altenew Island Garden Alcohol Artist Markers Set H

Other ways to store alcohol markers would be simply using pen baskets or DIY marker organizers. Place your alcohol markers in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. This prevents the sun from affecting the ink by altering the formula and can even start changing the color of the ink.

Altenew Alcohol Markers coordinate with our existing ink colors!

Paper

Using alcohol markers for the first time can be an extremely intimidating experience. They pack so much color and pigment in one go that it can be easy to make a mistake. To start, use paper that is appropriate for their characteristics.

Different papers will produce different effects. An 80lb smooth cardstock for artist markers is a great all-purpose surface for coloring and blending. However, slick coated paper will also produce exciting results! This is due to the nature of alcohol ink and how it reacts to that surface. 

Coloring is easy peasy with the Space Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set I

In general, it’s best to use thick and smooth paper to be able to apply simple alcohol marker techniques. Use thick paper to prevent bleeding and avoid tears caused by all the layering of the ink. Use smooth paper so the ink won’t soak, and even the most basic blending techniques will work. There’s a tendency for toothed paper to absorb the ink and produce patchy colors. 

Artist Alcohol Markers Set F & Exotic Blooms Marker Coloring Book Bundle

Application

There are different types of alcohol marker tips, and the best way to use each of them is according to their form. For example, to use a brush tip, hold them diagonally and according to the mold of the tip. To use a chisel tip, hold the slender part of the nib and press it for thinner lines. Use the wider part to achieve a thicker line, and so on.

The idea is to use the nibs accordingly. Avoid forcing or pressing a brush nib to get more coverage, and use a chisel tip instead. Similarly, avoid using a chisel tip for coloring in small areas. Instead, try using bullet nibs to color in details! This simple rule saves you time and product.

Artist Alcohol Markers Bundle (36 Colors)

Artist Alcohol Markers Bundle (60 Colors)

Coloring with Alcohol Markers Like a Pro

Outlining

One of the best ways to practice using alcohol markers is to use alcohol marker coloring books or use stamped designs for outlines. However, let the outline ink dry if you prefer to draw them yourself, preferably with a pigment-based pen. This prevents smudges and bleeding when you start coloring over the outlines.

Alcohol Markers are beginner-friendly and perfect for coloring stamped images

Layering & Blending

Before you even do any coloring, it helps prepare all the colors you plan to use to save time. Then, test your chosen set of colors on scrap paper to avoid color mistakes. After choosing, lay out all the colors you’ve picked next to your work area.

When blending artist markers, it's best to keep your paper or ink wet before applying your next color, so they blend smoothly. This is why it’s super important to have your colors planned out and within reach to avoid the ink drying fast before the next one. Additionally, alcohol ink dries rapidly, which is how the markers achieve beautiful blends!

Altenew has a wide range of alcohol artist marker colors

Another thing to note is to pick out at least three tones or shades of the same color. This may be a preferential thing, but a good coloring tip when using alcohol markers is using a medium-tone color to blend out your light and shadow colors. Choosing to color with the lighter area versus the darker area depends on the colorists. So you can have fun at this part.

Water Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set G

Direction

Along with coloring by section, following the direction of the outline will put together the piece. Start by the edges of a section and color using quick but gentle strokes. Keep making short brush strokes, and before you know it, you’ve colored off a whole area, and it looks smooth!

Colorless Alcohol Marker Blenders

Alcohol marker colorless blenders are known to help with correcting mistakes and more! They are typically made with the same alcohol-based solution used in artist markers, without the colored ink.

What Are Colorless Artist Marker Blenders For?

• Blending
• Priming
• Layering
• Fading
• Correcting
• Highlighting

Altenew's Colorless Blender is great for blending alcohol-based markers

How to Fix Mistakes Using Colorless Alcohol Marker Blender

1. Excess color

A popular method to correct marker mistakes is with the help of a colorless blender. For example, when you’ve accidentally colored over the lines, use a blender to push the color back in.

• Do this by starting from the edge of the mistake and creating strokes with the colorless marker that blends or pushes back the colored ink into the outline or image.

2. Fixing patches / Smoothen lines

Blending colors takes practice and patience. Sometimes, the ink dries quicker than you can blend, creating patches or marker lines. These mistakes can be corrected by taking the lighter color used and going over the area to blend. Using a colorless marker this way also helps.

• First, take the light color and apply it to the colorless marker’s nib. Then, blend the patchy area with it. You get a muted version of the colored marker used and can then be applied as a middle tone for blending.

• Second, cover the entire area with the colorless marker to prime it. Then go over the primed patchy colors with the same colored markers again.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try Alcohol Markers

Alcohol markers are fun to add color and life to any project. These versatile coloring pens can be used to make both bold and delicate lines, and they come in a variety of colors. However, if you're new to them, it's essential to know how to avoid common mistakes and get the most out of your markers. By following these alcohol marker tips, do’s and don’ts, you'll be able to enjoy your markers for years to come!

Check out our All About Crafting page to get more alcohol marker art ideas, inspiration, and prompts to start creating your masterpiece!