I am obsessed with bright, vivid colors and blending, and using alcohol markers allows all of those things. When I first became interested in them, I was intimidated. But let me tell you: they had me at hello.
If you have done any type of journaling for any period of time, you probably already know artist markers aka alcohol markers have a bad reputation for bleeding. That is absolutely true. They definitely will ruin just about any piece of paper you use them on.
But, because I am a bit oppositional, I will try just about anything I am not “supposed to.” I avoided using them for about a year, but my heart was longing to try them and when I finally did, there was no looking back. With a little bit of knowledge, innovation, and creativity, you will love them just as much as I do. They may become your brand new favorites just like they did for me.
What are Alcohol-Based Markers?
As the name suggests, alcohol markers contain alcohol ink; they combine colored ink with alcohol. The blend of ink and alcohol gives the ink a different property than water-based markers do. When laying down colors of ink, they blend together using 3 different tones: light, medium, and dark. The colors are laid down using a layering technique, and the alcohol “bleeds” the ink into the colors creating a streak-free and smooth finish on the paper.
They are the most perfect and amazing types of markers for blending, paper crafting projects, and adding bright, bold and beautiful colors to your art journaling projects. You can also use alcohol markers on glass.
Each type of alcohol marker generally comes with 2 types of tips (also known as nibs): a brush tip and a chisel tip. Some also come with bullet nibs which are very similar to the bulle tip of the water based Tombow Dual Tip Brush Markers.
I am not a bullet nib kind of girl, however. I find that brush tips color smoother and don’t leave those weird coloring marks. I don’t know about you, but they annoy me which is why I thought I would get out of my comfort zone and try using alcohol based markers. I instantly fell head over heels in love.
Can I Use Alcohol Based Markers in my Journal?
Experienced journalers often suggest not using alcohol based markers at all because they annoyingly bleed through paper. However, I use them all of the time. But it is important to consider that since they bleed on just about any kind of paper you use including Bristol and card stock, it requires some problem solving and being open minded. I say phooey on the “dont use” and be a rebel and give them a try!.
Some ways that I have been able to alleviate this problem, is simply by creating artwork separately, and layer the pieces using an adhesive such as Liquitex Matte Medium or Elmer’s Glue Sticks to apply the artwork to your journal page.
Another journaling hack is to lay a piece of copy paper or any other kind of surface between the pages of your journal. Understand that the markers are going to bleed through the page, but by using a piece of paper between your journal pages, at least you will not ruin the page underneath it.
If you cannot stand looking at the bleed through on the back, create a piece of art over the top of the bled through page, or simply glue 2 pages together. Easy peasy. Way too often people shy away from using alcohol markers in their journals. I say go for it. Compromise and problem solving … where there is a will there is a way. Use them !! They are the BEST !!!
What are the Best Alcohol Markers to Use?
I can only speak for myself and my own experiences with using alcohol markers as to the best ones to use. It is personal preference and depends upon what you are going to be using them for. This is one time where I can honestly say, you get what you pay for. A lower price does not mean that you are going to get a great bargain. There definitely are some things to consider.
Copic Sketch Markers
Copic Sketch Markers are the creme de la creme when it comes to alcohol-based markers. They are one of the most high-quality, professional art markers in the world. They are expensive, but they are worth every penny. They are my absolute favorite, and there is absolutely no comparison when it comes to quality and ease of use. If you visit the Copic website, they have a plethora of detailed information including how to use the colorless blender.
Most of my artwork includes some kind of blending. My own style of artwork includes a lot of ombre effects, and Copics achieve that effect seamlessly.
Copic Sketch markers have both brush and chisel tips. The brush tip is a rubbery type tip so it is durable and is also effective to use for brush or hand lettering. The one thing that separates Copics from all other alcohol markers is that they are refillable.
The refills are much cheaper than the original marker, so in the long run, they are actually very cost-effective. In addition, unlike other alcohol-based markers, when one needs to be replaced, they are available via open stock vs having to replace an entire set for one marker.
Here is an example using Copic Sketch Markers for my very first time. I just drew some random lines and colored them in so that I could practice using them and get a feel for how they work. Considering myself as a beginner who was clueless, you can see here how easy it was to begin using them. You can also see the huge difference they make as opposed to regular water based markers (which I used in the center with the pink and lime green):
Don’t let the price scare you away from purchasing them. A budget friendly way to build your collection is to grab them while they are on sale a few at a time. To purchase an entire set will run around $500 so it makes much more sense to try to get 3 at a time. Purchase a lighter color, a medium color, and a darker color within the same color family. I have found that Amazon actually has them cheaper than Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, even when they are on sale.
Blick Art Studio Brush Markers
One alternative to Copic Sketch Markers, is the alcohol based marker collections from Dick Blick. I have not seen much of a price difference on Amazon than the actual Dick Blick website. These are almost comparable to Copic alcohol markers because they are also refillable and have open stock.
The major difference between Blick Art Studio and Copic is that Copics blend so much smoother. Blick Art Studio Brush Markers do require a little extra effort to get that seamless ombre effect, but it is achievable. They also come in tons of colors. A full set ran me around $300. That is a huge saving.
Ohuhu Alcohol-Based Brush Markers
I have had the same set of Ohuhu markers for about 9 months now. At first, I was not sure if I really liked them or not. They are SO juicy. But, these are my go-to doodle markers and could care less if I beat them up. They are the perfect alcohol markers for beginners and for using on rough surfaces which would normally damage the nibs.
At around $100 for a full set, these are worth the investment. If money really is an issue, as it is for many of us, a set of 48 will run around $40. That is less than $1 per marker and the amount of wear and tear mine have gotten is incredible.
I mean, I literally beat mine up guiltlessly and you most definitely can work with a set of 48. That is a lot of colors I honestly have no idea what I would do with a set of 100 that I cannot do with a set of 48.
I discovered by accident that Ohohu markers shine when they dry on certain types of materials, especially when combined with Sakura Gelly Roll Glaze pens. They are my go-to when I do mixed media journal pages and when I want to add vibrant, bright colors to my journal pages.
I had experimented using them over gesso and matte medium (using the chisel tip end) and literally was shocked at how they held up.
Please note: Ohuhu comes in either brush tip or a bullet tip. They are not the same. I recommend the brush dual-tip art markers. Brush markers are much more versatile and cover a larger surface in a much smoother manner. However, the image above was used over gesso and with the chisel nib end of the marker.
Gesso dries so rough and gives pages so much tooth that there was no way I was going to experiment using my coveted Copics. I thought I would try these out in case they got trashed. I created this page one hundred percent with Ohuhu alcohol-based markers:
I was absolutely shocked at how this turned out to look like paint. It is literally all marker. The downside to Ohuhu markers is that they are not refillable and they do not have open stock so if your favorite color runs out, you will have to purchase an entire set. I think these are absolutely the most perfect set for beginners.
Alcohol vs Water Based Markers
- Water-based markers use water mixed with ink vs ink combined with alcohol. Water-based markers are often washable on surfaces, whereas alcohol markers are permanent and only soluble with alcohol. For this reason, you ALWAYS want to protect the surface underneath your work when using alcohol-based markers or the surface will get ruined. I ruined my desk by not doing this, so please take my advice.
- Water-based markers moisten the paper, and the paper absorbs the water and the ink. Alcohol markers, on the other hand, layer over each other. Depending upon which brand of art markers and the paper being used, you can usually apply several layers. The higher quality materials you use, the more layers you can apply.
- Alcohol markers are not water soluble, making them perfect for mixed media.
Are Sharpies Alcohol Based?
Yes, Sharpies are alcohol-based, permanent, and water-resistant. I, personally do not use them so I cannot tell you how well they blend if they blend at all. I encourage you to experiment and try them out! You may find you love them!
Are Alcohol-Based Markers Permanent?
Yes, alcohol-based markers are permanent. However, they are not lightfast, meaning they will fade over time. Therefore, you will always want to protect your work using UV Protectant and a varnish such as Krylon Clear Coat spray.
Why Should I Use Alcohol Markers?
Alcohol-based markers are smooth and have vibrant colors, whereas regular markers often leave marker streaks. Unless you are using watercolor markers, Karin Brush Markers, or Tombow Dual Tip Brush Markers, most other markers do not blend particularly well. The alcohol that suspends the ink die helps the colors flow together, thus eliminating streaks.
When Should I Use Alcohol Markers?
I say use them anytime you would like to! If you are looking for markers that will cover big areas, I would definitely recommend alcohol-based markers because they do just that!
Also, if you are using your alcohol markers for visual or art journaling, and want to add bright pops of color, alcohol-based markers definitely can achieve that.
I often keep paper and alcohol markers on my desk and anytime I am on the phone, I pick them up and start doodling. I stash the papers away and can use them later for collage work in my journals. Here are just a couple of examples
What Kind of Paper Do You Use For Alcohol Markers?
I think this is actually very subjective. Everyone has a personal preference and the type of paper you use depends upon what you like and what type of effect and what type of project you are doing.
My favorite paper to use is Canson XL Marker Paper. It is very reasonable, and it is made especially for markers. There is a special coating on the back of it so even though alcohol markers bleed through, I rarely have any bleeding through to the surface beneath it.
I also prefer marker paper because it does not absorb the pigments the way, lets say, mixed media paper does.
Any type of porous paper is going to soak up the ink. It is a waste of ink and when alcohol markers can be costly, I prefer to use more economical ways to use my markers.
Other types of paper I have used are paper towels, post its, chip board, Bristol, vellum paper, and rice paper. Some of these are more porous than others but I love all of these. Depending upon how they are incorporated, these papers have added so much beauty and texture to my pages.
This particular journal page was done in my Canson XL Mixed Media spiral notebook.
I really caution against using cold press watercolor paper. It is porous and is designed to absorb water, so it will soak up a lot the ink of any alcohol marker you use. It also has a rougher texture and when using the brush end, you run the risk of the brush getting shredded.
Where Can I Buy Cheap Alcohol Markers?
If you are going to break down and buy cheap art markers, I would at least recommend you buy some Ohuhu markers. You get a lot of vibrant colors, they have a lot of ink, they are long lasting, and they can take a lot of wear and tear. The blending and layering abilities are good also. They are not stellar, but they work fabulous in art journals.
Here are some other brands you can try. I have not tried these and have heard mixed reviews about all of them:
- Arteza
- Caliart – ***these only come with the bullet/chisel tips***
- Spectrum Noir – ***come only with a super fine/brush tip. There is no chisel nib on this marker***
- Windsor and Newton – **if you’re going to invest this kind of money, go with less markers and spend it on Copic Sketch or Copic Ciao**
Before going and spending a fortune on art markers that you may not even like or if high end ones are just not in your budget and are itching to try some out, try out the highest quality set with the most variety of colors you can afford.
Once you try them out and get the hang of them, which does not take long like some other art products, then start splurging.
I save my Copic markers for when I am doing projects using marker paper because I cherish them and because of the price, it is important to take care of them.
Mixed media journaling projects can tear up some art supplies so Ohuhu is where it is at when it comes to low-cost but decent quality markers.
How Do I Store Alcohol Markers?
While you are using alcohol markers, or storing them when not in use, you want to keep them lying horizontally. You NEVER want to store them upright. Doing this will cause them to leak on one end and dry out the other. Keeping them horizontal will maintain even distribution of the ink.
I store mine in the clear acrylic Crafter’s Companion Universal Modular Marker Storage. I love it because the trays are stackable, and tray has individual slots that holds one marker per slot. This is fabulous for keeping the colors in order and staying organized.
It is important to note that each brand of marker has its own numbering system. In the image above, the oval shaped markers are Copic Sketch Markers, and the round ones are the Ohuhu ones I described in the section about them.
Using these trays makes it so much easier to keep them grouped together. This is helpful because when blending them, for the most part, you are always going to use 3 tones per color to achieve things like shadows and other effects.
While considering using alcohol based markers, some of the most important qualities are blendability, layering abilities and what you get for the price. Top of the line professional markers are going to cost more, while lower end brands are going to cost less.
However, you are going to be disappointed if you sacrifice quality if you go with some of the cheap brands. If you need to save on money, go with Ohuhu and build up your Copics as you go, saving those for special projects.
I hope that this beginner’s guide to using alcohol based markers has been helpful for you. I had so many questions when I first began using them that it prevented me from trying them for a long time.
My primary reason for not using them back when I was bullet journaling is that they bleed. Don’t allow the bleeding limit your creativity or prevent you from exploring using them. There are always solutions and hacks you can try.
I would love to hear from you and see what you have created!
Leave me a message in the comments and absolutely feel free to ask me any other questions you may have !
Be blessed
XOXOXOX
Nancy
Are you looking for other journaling supplies, journaling techniques, or how to begin journaling for self love journey? Visit some of my other helpful journaling posts:
How to Start Journaling for Self Love
5 Creative Journaling Techniques to Improve Your Mental Health
Best Art Journaling Supplies to Transform Blank Pages Into Masterpieces
