Alcohol-based markers earned popularity among professional and recreational artists over the past few years. Whether you are new to the adult coloring trend or you’re planning on switching brands, here are some of the best alcohol markers you should not miss today.
Because of their quick-drying feature and a wide range of available shades and colors, alcohol-based markers are in demand today. They are versatile, handy, less messy, and affordable too.
However, choosing the best alcohol markers that will fit your artistic needs might be a little confusing, especially if you are just starting the hobby. Below, you can find some tips on how to choose the right alcohol markers that will work best for you, and of course, some highly recommended brands that you might want to consider using for your artworks.
This post contains links for items to purchase. I make a commission on any sales.
What is an alcohol-based marker and how does it differ from water-based markers?
Markers can be alcohol-based or water-based. This means that the dyes are either suspended in alcohol or water.
Water-based markers are often used for lettering. They have no odors and are good for coloring books as well. The ink does not bleed much, but it might damage the paper if you press down too hard while coloring.
An alcohol-based marker is sometimes also called a permanent marker. Artists and hobbyists prefer to use these markers because they are more versatile. They also dry faster than water-based markers and are available in more colors. Plus, they have transparency that allows overlaying of colors to create more tints and shades.
Which marker tip should I use?
Alcohol markers have several kinds of tip shapes to cater to different coloring needs. These tip shapes include brush tips, chisel tips, fine tips, and bullet tips.
One of the most common alcohol marker nibs is the chisel tip. It has edges that are useful for different purposes. The pointed edge can be used for thin strokes, while the flat side is for laying down colors.
Second to the most popular marker tip is the bullet tip. It can be useful in making fine details (but not super fine ones) and filling large areas too.
Fine tip alcohol marker works best for making patterns and adding super fine details to your artwork.
Alcohol markers with brush tips are also known as brush pens. This style is useful in creating thin strokes but, at the same time, the brush can be flattened and used for coloring large areas as well. Brush tip alcohol marker is in high demand because they function like a paintbrush. It’s a versatile art tool, but it’s really great to use them for calligraphy and smooth color blending.
Some alcohol-based markers are double-ended too. They are more convenient to use as they will allow you to make the most out of both worlds. Most double-ended markers come with a brush tip and chisel tip, but some have a chisel tip and bullet tip.
Which alcohol marker is best for me?
Each marker tip can make a lot of different strokes. Aside from personal preferences, remember that in choosing the best alcohol markers, you also have to consider the type of artwork you will be creating.
And of course, what’s even better about using alcohol-based markers is that you can mix and match as much as you need. You can use them all together to create all of your artwork, regardless of brand or tips.
Below are some of the best alcohol markers you can buy to make your artistic experience more fun and colorful and your next work of art fabulous.
Must-Try Double Tip Alcohol Markers
Most alcohol markers come with double tips. They are convenient, useful, and they make the coloring experience more affordable. Make sure to not miss out on these deals!
Double-tipped ethanol-based markers that come in 72 colors from one of the most famous brands! These Copic Sketch markers are refillable and the tips are replaceable too. Each marker is equipped with brush tips for blending and chisel tips for sketching and lettering.
Prismacolor 1759444 Premier Double-Ended Art Markers, Fine and Chisel Tip, Manga Colors, 12-Count
A fan of drawing manga and anime characters you'll find these Prismacolor alcohol markers super handy! This set is complete with 12 fine and chisel tip markers featuring manga colors.
Caliart is another all-time favorite brand by artists. These brush and chisel dual-tip markers come in 50 vibrant colors and a free colorless blender.
Super affordable and perfect for kids and beginners. These CHAFFIT drawing markers are acid-free and are safe for children to use. The markers have a 1mm fine tip for drawing and outlining and a 6mm wide tip for coloring and filling large areas. These markers are organized in a PU leather zipper bag and come with two fine liners as well.
Non-toxic and has less odor compared to other alcohol markers. Bianyo art markers have approximately 1-7mm broad chisel tip and 0.7mm fine tip. This set comes in 72 colors with one colorless blender and is well-packaged in a heavy-duty canvas bag.
60 Colors Alcohol Art Markers, Dual Tips Twin Artist Alcohol Based Sketch Markers
This set of alcohol markers are continuously receiving good reviews. It comes with 60 shades of markers with color caps and chisel and fine point tips. The markers are packed in a fashionable gray carrying bag. A specialized color card is also included in the package so you know exactly how each color will look on paper.
Unlike the typical markers, Shuttle Art alcohol based-markers have a triangular shape for a more comfortable non-slip grip. This feature also prevents the markers from rolling off surfaces. This set has a total of 50 dual-tip alcohol-based markers and one colorless blender.
Only need pastel colors? These alcohol markers from Arteza are what you need, and they have dual tips too. The markers are available in 12 pastel colors with replaceable medium chisel and brush tips.
Take your coloring adventure anywhere you want! This set of 120 colors alcohol-based markers is packed in a two-way foldable bag case organizer. The bag has a hand and shoulder strap for easy carrying too. Each marker has a chisel tip with a 6mm range and a 1mm to 6 mm brush tip that can be used for fine, medium, and large strokes.
Best Tone Markers
A lot of markers mentioned above already come in hundreds of shades. But if you love creating real-life inspired artworks, you will certainly need a diverse collection of tone markers. Here are some of the best ones you can buy today.
Refillable alcohol markers with replaceable tips and 12 skin tone colors, Copic Ciao is a trusted brand by manga artists. Each marker is equipped with a super brush tip and a medium broad tip that allows smooth application and blending.
High-rated skin tone markers, this set of Ohuhu's alcohol-based markers includes 36 unique skin tone colors and one colorless blender. They are double tip markers equipped with a chisel and a fine tip. Plus, the package also comes with a color card, a pamphlet, and a storage case.
If you are more into creating landscape art, you will absolutely need these Arteza alcohol makers with landscape tones. These markers are available in 36 colors and have a dual chisel and fine tips.
Skin color alcohol markers that are ideal for flesh & face drawing, portrait, illustration, manga, and other creations. This set of Arrtx diverse skin tone markers are dual-tipped. These markers come in 36 colors, have a chisel tip and a medium-rounded tip, and are stored in a beautiful gift box.
Alcohol-based markers with highly pigmented fine and chisel tips, Arteza skin tone alcohol markers are ideal for portraits, anime, manga, comic illustrations, and fashion illustrations.
While you are picking out the alcohol markers you want to try, be sure to find some free printables that you can color to perfection.
Found the best alcohol markers for your next art project?
Let us know which alcohol marker you think is the best for you. Do not hesitate to comment below if we missed your favorite alcohol marker, we would love to add it to our list.
Don’t forget to join our newsletter for more shopping tips and gift ideas!
