The Best Marker

Markers are not only excellent for creating a variety of art projects. They are also handy for labeling your children’s clothing before they go off to camp, listing the contents and expiration date on the leftovers you’re placing in a freezer bag and making a bold yard sale sign that will attract traffic to your yard sale.

Which type of permanent marker set you choose is dependent on the type of project you’re using it for. Here are a few suggestions for what to look for while you shop for a new set of markers.

Begin by examining the marker’s cylinder. Large cylinders are best for tiny hands to hold, while adults would do best with a slim cylinder, as that allows for more control. Others have a triangular cylinder that keeps them from rolling off your kitchen table.

Consider the number of markers needed and how many different shades there are in the set. For example, you may come across a marker set that has 100 markers. However, some of them may be duplicate colors, and others may have shades that are more subtle. This is fine for a classroom of children, but not for someone looking to create a piece of art.

Make sure the chemicals used to make the marker set are non-toxic, especially if you plan on giving them to children. The product will either say “non-toxic” right on the packaging label or contain an AP certification symbol instead.

You’ll also want to make a choice regarding water-based vs. alcohol-based markers.

“Markers like the Crayolas you grew up with are water-based,” says artist and middle school art teacher Amy Markham. “These are inexpensive, but limited in their abilities. Most artists prefer alcohol-based markers because they blend easily, offer bright colors, dry faster and don’t leave streaks.”

Review the marker’s tip to ensure it will draw the type of line you need. “There are broad tips, brush tips and fine tips with a range of sizes and shape in each of those,” says Markham. “Broad tips are good for laying down large areas of color, where a fine tip will be best for detail. Brush tips are very versatile and can create both thin and thick lines as can chisel tips.”

Check that the ink resists bleeding through the paper you’re drawing on. Some models, for example, are water-based and designed not to bleed.

Look for any extras that the marker set may offer. You may find a package of markers that also comes scented. Another bonus you may come across in your search is a set of markers that comes with its own container. This eliminates the need for you to have to buy a storage bin.

• Always use care when working with permanent markers, as the ink will stain any clothing it comes in contact with. If you do get a smidge of ink on your favorite shirt, spraying the stain with hairspray and blotting the area is your best bet at removing it.
• Should any of the markers in your set dry out, you don’t need to throw them out. You can actually restore them using a few tricks. First, stick the tip of the marker in a bowl of warm water and wait five minutes before removing it. Let it air dry just enough for the water to evaporate, but not the ink. Your marker should then be ready for use. Second, drip two drops of white distilled vinegar over the tip of the marker if the water wasn’t enough. Wait a few minutes before checking that the marker is again ready for use. Third, dipping the marker’s tip in rubbing alcohol works the same as the vinegar tip above.
• One way to recycle old markers is to find a new use for them. For example, you can take the marker’s cap off and use it to cut out small circles from a lump of Playdough, or use a bunch of caps to make a jump rope. You can also take the marker’s tip and set it in a bowl of water to create watercolors that can be used for painting.
• Acetone can be used to remove permanent marker ink that accidentally gets on a glass surface.
• While most markers are sold in a storage box, they aren’t always sturdy. If your box rips or comes apart, you can use an alternative storage method. They actually make marker stands and marker trays, but zipper pouches and small plastic containers work just as well.
• If you narrow your choice of marker sets down to two, look to see if either one has a satisfaction guarantee. This way, you’ll be able to request a refund if the markers don’t live up to your expectations.
• When shopping for markers, it is important to consider how many markers you get in each set. A 12 and 40 count set are naturally going to cost less than the sets that offer 72 and 256 markers.