Pens & Markers

Pencils and markers differ in ink base, point shape, opacity, refillability and behavior on paper, textile, glass or other surfaces.

Choose the right ink and nib

Fineliners create controlled contours. A flexible brush tip creates lines of varying thickness, while a wide chisel tip supports large areas and letters. Alcohol markers mix differently than water-based markers; paint markers can provide opaque effect on dark or smooth surfaces. Check lightfastness, water resistance and suitability for the material.

Avoid puncture and damaged nibs

Always test on a test piece of the same material and, if using thin paper, place a protective sheet under the work. Do not use a fragile nib on a rough or dirty surface and replace caps immediately. For storage orientation, follow the manufacturer's directions: some markers lie horizontally, while others are stored with one designated point down.

Also explore Ink · Paper · Calligraphy for compatible materials and the next step in your project.