Best Alcohol Based Markers of 2022
7 minute readAre you in the market for a new set of alcohol-based markers? You're in luck! In this post, we will be taking a quick look at the best alcohol markers of 2022. We’ll also be discussing the pros and cons of each marker so that you can easily decide which one is right for you. Plus, we’re answering a few of your burning questions about everything artist marker-related! So, whether you're a card maker, scrapbooker, journaling lover, or paper crafter, read on for the must-have markers for your craft kit!
Handmade Card Colored with Alcohol-based Markers
- Introduction
- What are the best alcohol-based markers?
- Alcohol Marker Brands - Pros and Cons
- Ohuhu Double Tipped Alcohol Brush Markers
- Altenew Artist Markers 12 Primary Essential Set
- Art-n-Fly Dual Tipped Alcohol Brush Markers
- Blick Studio Brush Markers
- Artify Alcohol Based Art Marker Set
- Are alcohol-based markers better?
- Alcohol-based markers VS Water-based markers
- Are Sharpie alcohol-based markers?
- What markers are as good as Copic?
- How can you tell if a marker is alcohol-based?
- Conclusion
Alcohol-based Markers from Altenew
What are the best alcohol-based markers?
Depending on what kind of art or craft you do, how much budget you have, how invested you are in coloring, the best marker will be different for everyone. Needless to say, before investing in alcohol-based markers, you need to take note of the overall quality and user experience. Here are a few other things to consider:
1. Consider getting markers with available refills. The more you use a marker, the drier it’s going to be. While most alcohol markers are long-lasting, you will need to refill them eventually if you use them often.
Alcohol markers with alcohol ink refills
2. Budget is another thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re just starting out in this hobby. Some well-known marker brands out there are just outrageously pricey. There are cheaper markers, but you still need to check their quality. Choosing the best markers for coloring is definitely a hit-and-miss, so it will come down to your budget.
3. Think about the color selection. For beginners, it’s good to have a set that includes primary colors. Remember, you don’t need ALL the colors - the beauty of artist markers is you can create your own colors by mixing, matching, layering, and blending. Stick with a few essential colors unless you’re a seasoned colorist who actually needs all 300+ marker colors.
Artist Markers Primary Essential Set from Altenew
4. Choose alcohol-based markers that are user-friendly. You want something comfortable to hold and easy to grip, especially if you’re coloring for long periods. Luckily, most markers in the market are ergonomically designed for ease of use.
5. Are you a card maker who wants to add a few good markers to your coloring stash? Or are you a coloring enthusiast who wishes to expand your collection and add the best markers to your kit? It’s crucial to think about what you will use the markers for and how often you will use them. Some card makers and paper crafters don’t really use markers in their craft and don’t find them necessary, but there are others that love to use them in every project they create.
Did You Know? When marker pens were invented, the ink had a solvent that kept it in liquid form. Until the 1990s, that solvent was either toluene or xylene. These solvents are harmful and have since been replaced by alcohol.
| Alcohol Marker Brands | Pros | Cons |
| Ohuhu Double Tipped Alcohol Brush Markers |
-more affordable than most markers |
-the shape is a bit more round so it could roll away when placed on a desk -the colors are only labeled on the caps, not on the barrel -no refills available -some customers complain of some markers’ inks drying out after only a few uses -you need to constantly switch between the bullet and the chisel tip to blend colors |
| Altenew Artist Markers 12 Primary Essential Set | -excellent price point -brush tip and bullet tip -comes in curated sets that work perfectly together -follows Altenew’s ink color family -triangular barrel that is ergonomically designed -beginner-friendly -refillable -great range of colors -blends smoothly - best markers for coloring! -vibrant colors -brush and fine tip -comes with clear acrylic holder -the box has the swatches of each color -foam/rubber tip that won’t fray easily -wide color selection featuring 108 colors to match Altenew’s line of inks -they are available in packs of 4 (same color family) and bundles |
-some colors in this set appear in other sets, so there is a chance of having duplicates if you already own the other sets -lacks neutrals and skin tones -the swatches on the box are much darker than the actual marker color |
| Art-n-Fly Dual Tipped Alcohol Brush Markers | -brush tip and chisel tip -brush tip and bullet tip -replacement tips/nibs available -tips are foam/rubber, not felt/fiber -the tips allow for more flexibility -best markers for calligraphy/hand-lettering -great for both thick/thin lines -refillable -they have a set of nudes/skin color markers -reasonable price |
-too bulky -the shape isn’t ergonomic for some -the color selection isn’t that wide yet -some colors appear in other sets, so there is a chance of having duplicates if you buy different sets -huge color discrepancy between the cap and the actual ink |
| Blick Studio Brush Markers | -great price point -chisel tip and brush tip -2 colorless blenders included in the 144 set -the box comes with a detailed color/swatch chart -caps include a number and name of the color -Sets are available in 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 colors -refillable |
-not a lot of color selection -the number system doesn’t make a lot of sense -they’re not in color family order -some colors are incredibly close - they’re almost like the same colors -not much variation with the colors -lighter colors tend to get streaky |
| Artify Alcohol Based Art Marker Set | -bullet tip and chisel tip -more affordable -comes with plastic storage -portable -unique, ergonomic shape so they are comfortable to grip and won’t roll off the surface of the table -the fiber tip is wear-and-tear-resistant |
-not much color variety -no brush tip available -some colors are not vibrant enough -some colors are too similar to other shades -the blending pen included isn’t that practical |
TIP: If you want to color something and want it to look more “gold” instead of yellow/orange, use a yellow marker first, then add some shading using a green marker. This will give you a stunning gold color!
Marker coloring book with alcohol based markers
It depends on what you intend to use your marker for. Both water-based markers and alcohol markers have unique and distinctive features that make them special. For instance, if you love having a vibrant look on your colored images, the latter is the one for you; if you’re into watercolored looks, then go for the former. Need something easier to blend - go for alcohol markers! Want something slow-drying and with lesser bleeds? Get a water-based one. At the end of the day, deciding whether to go for water-based or alcohol-based markers is up to you as a crafter and an artist. Consider some of their differences below.
Floral coloring sheets and Altenew Artist Markers
Alcohol-based markers VS. Water-based markers
| Alcohol-based markers | Water-based markers |
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Fun Fact! The first known fountain brush pen was invented in 1926 by Benjamin Paskach. It had a sponge-tipped handle and was filled with different paint colors.
Altenew Alcohol-Based Marker Sets for Coloring
Are Sharpie alcohol-based markers?
Yes. The pigment in a Sharpie marker is suspended in alcohol, just like any other alcohol-based marker. It is permanent, alcohol-soluble, fade-resistant, and water-resistant. While Sharpie markers aren’t exactly the best markers in the market today, they are quite popular and easily accessible. In recent years, the company has expanded its marker line in recent years and released Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers and Sharpie Water-Based Paint Markers.
What markers are as good as Copic?
As discussed above, the best Copic alternative markers as of 2022 (based on online reviews and ratings) are Ohuhu Double Tipped Alcohol Brush Markers, Altenew Artist Markers, Art-n-Fly Dual Tipped Alcohol Brush Markers, Blick Studio Brush Markers, Artify Alcohol Based Art Marker Set. These are the best markers for coloring, drawing, and blending that won’t break the bank with quality on par with high-end markers.
TIP: When blending colors, you have to work fast - while the ink is still wet. If you’re layering, then it’s okay to let the ink dry first.
Cheap markers for coloring and paper crafting
How can you tell if a marker is alcohol-based?
Alcohol markers are waterproof and alcohol-soluble. To test whether or not your marker is alcohol-based, do a swatch on a piece of paper and spritz some water onto it. If it is alcohol-based then it won’t bleed. The ink is permanent, dries instantly, and stays vibrant even after blending or layering.
Discover the best pens and markers for artists!
We know you love finding the perfect tools for your crafting projects. And if you're into card making, scrapbooking, journaling, or even mixed media art, chances are you've been on the lookout for the best alcohol-based markers that won’t cost an arm and a leg out there. We’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled a list of the top 5 best artist markers of 2022 right here! We hope this quick guide has helped you decide on which marker brands are suitable for your craft.
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