What are markers made from?

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Permanent and non-permanent markers

Body

The body and lid of most permanent and non-permanent markers are usually made from either plastic or metal. Some models may also have a non-slip rubber grip.

Plastic body

Marker pens are typically made from a heavy-duty hard plastic like ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). ABS is prized for its shatter and impact resistance.

Metal body

Metal marker pens are commonly made from aluminium. Aluminium is a silvery-white metal element with the properties of being ductile (can be shaped or deformed) and resistant to corrosion.

Non-slip rubber grip

Some marker pens have a soft rubber grip on the outside to improve handling.

Tip

The tips of permanent and non-permanent markers are made from pressed fibres, such as felt.

Ink

Permanent marker ink typically consists of dies including propanol, butane, and diacetone alcohol.

Non-permanent marker pens use similar dies but also have a chemical called ethyl alcohol which stops the ink adhering to a surface.

Solid paint markers

Body

Solid paint markers are typically made from a single piece of solidified paint encased in a plastic sleeve.

Sleeve

The sleeves of paint markers are made from a thin piece of plastic or paper.

Liquid paint markers

Body

The body of liquid paint markers are most commonly made from aluminium.

Tip

As with many marker pens the tip is typically made from pressed fibres such as felt.

Lid

The lid of a liquid paint marker is made from a plastic, most commonly ABS.

Ball paint markers

Bottle and lid

The bottle and lid are made from tough plastic.

Ball and tip

The ball and tip are made from steel.