Markers seem like a simple tool until you buy your first set and find the ink has bled through the sheet, the colours will not blend, and on stone or wood the line just rubs off under a finger. Almost always the cause is a marker type that does not suit the job. Here we explain what kinds of markers exist, what to look for when buying, and show six sets that sell by the thousand on AliExpress.
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The three main types of marker
Alcohol: for sketching and illustration
In alcohol markers the dye is dissolved in alcohol. They dry quickly, give rich colour and blend smoothly without streaks, which is why illustrators, designers and manga fans choose them. The drawbacks are well known too: these markers have a noticeable smell, so ventilate the room if you work often, and the ink almost always passes through the sheet. Put a spare sheet under your drawing, and do not use them on colouring books printed on both sides.
Water-based: for children and watercolour effects
Water-based markers hardly smell, are safer for children and are usually cheaper. Go over a drawing with a wet brush and they behave like watercolour, giving soft transitions. They bleed through paper less often, so they suit double-sided colouring books and notebooks. The weak spot is that on thin paper they can leave streaks and even tear the sheet if you rub one area for long.
Acrylic: for stone, wood, glass and fabric
Acrylic markers are essentially paint in a convenient body. They draw not only on paper but also on canvas, wood, glass, ceramics and metal. They are what people use to decorate stones, mugs, trainers and cases. Smooth surfaces such as glass or metal should be degreased before you start, otherwise the paint will not hold as well.
What to look for when buying
The nib
For most tasks the most convenient option is a marker with two nibs. The fine one is for outlines and details, and the broad chisel or brush nib is for filling. A brush nib gives lines of different widths depending on pressure and suits lettering and calligraphy, while a chisel nib is better for even fills over large areas.
Paper
This is where people most often save money in the wrong place. Alcohol markers need smooth, heavy marker paper: it keeps the ink wet just long enough for colours to blend. Water-based markers work with absorbent watercolour or mixed-media paper that does not turn soggy from water. Always test a marker on the edge of a sheet before starting a big piece, because the result depends noticeably on the combination of paper and brand.
Number of colours
A beginner does not need a 200-colour set. An inexpensive set with a good range of shades is enough, and you can top up with the colours you need later. Sets of dozens or hundreds of colours make sense for people who already know which technique they use and which shades they run out of fastest.
Blender and refills
Alcohol markers often come with a colourless blender. This is a clear alcohol solution used to soften transitions, lighten areas and fix mistakes. Some brands sell refills, which in the long run is cheaper than buying new markers. A dried-out alcohol marker can sometimes be revived by dipping the nib briefly in isopropyl alcohol.
Storage
Close the caps tightly and store markers horizontally, away from radiators and direct sunlight. That way the ink is spread evenly and the marker does not dry out.
6 popular sets from AliExpress
Acrylic brush markers, 12 to 168 colours
This is the best-selling set in our roundup. The seller offers it in versions from 12 to 168 colours and states the purpose outright: drawing on stones, wood and canvas. The brush-shaped nib is handy for strokes and fills. It is a good option for painting stones with children and for handmade gifts for holidays. The price in the listing is for the basic set, and larger sets cost more.
Price on 25 October: £5.82
Sold: 8453+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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ENMY: acrylic markers with liquid ink
ENMY markers work by feeding liquid paint straight to a soft nib. The seller lists quick-drying pigments and uses such as graffiti, decorating and working on felt. This type of marker lays down a denser, more opaque layer than cheap acrylic markers and suits dark surfaces.
Price on 25 October: £16.47
Sold: 2257+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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Ohuhu Honolulu B: alcohol markers from a well-known brand
Ohuhu is one of the most popular alcohol marker brands among people learning to sketch. The Honolulu B set is sold in the brand’s official store. The markers are double-ended and refillable, and according to the description they suit sketches, drawings and manga. It is a sensible way into alcohol markers if you would rather not gamble on no-name sets.
Price on 25 October: £19.79
Sold: 2627+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.7%
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Ohuhu Honolulu 48 pastel colours
A separate Ohuhu set with a 48-colour pastel palette. It is useful for anyone drawing characters, flowers, portraits and anything else that calls for soft, light shades. The markers are double-ended and refillable, just like the main line. The set complements the basic palette rather than replacing it.
Price on 25 October: £31.59
Sold: 490+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.3%
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Dual-tip alcohol markers, 24 to 262 colours
An inexpensive alternative to branded alcohol markers. The seller offers sets from 24 to 262 colours, and the markers are double-ended and permanent, for illustration and schoolwork. A set like this is a good way to find out whether you like working with alcohol markers at all before buying a pricier brand.
Price on 25 October: £8.59
Sold: 691+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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Watercolour brush markers for lettering
A set of markers with a soft brush nib, which the seller positions for writing, calligraphy and painting. Versions with 3 and 24 colours are available. It is the cheapest way to try lettering and watercolour effects: markers and a brush with water are all you need.
Price on 25 October: £2.03
Sold: 623+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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In brief: which type to pick
- Sketching, illustration, manga: alcohol markers and smooth, heavy marker paper.
- Drawing with children and double-sided colouring books: water-based markers.
- Stone, wood, glass, fabric, mugs: acrylic markers.
- Lettering and watercolour effects: water-based brush markers and watercolour paper.
It is best to start with a small set and a few sheets of the right paper. Once it is clear which colours run out first, you can buy individual markers or move up to a branded line.
