Permanent and non-permanent markers consist of a shaped felt tip which draws ink from a reservoir inside its body.
Non-permanent markers
Non-permanent markers impart a solid line that is fast drying but which can be wiped away with water or a damp or dry cloth.
Best suited to…
Non-permanent marker pens can be used on almost any surface or material. May not work well on wet or oily surfaces.
Permanent markers
Marker pens with permanent ink impart a solid line of colour that is quick drying and water and smudge resistant.
Best suited to…
Permanent markers can be use on almost any surface or material. May not work well on wet or oily surfaces.
Mini markers
These markers are compact versions of their larger counterparts. They have a fine-point felt tip and a lid with a keyring loop for handy storage. (They are also available with chisel-point tips)
Fine-point mini markers will impart a solid, thin, permanent ink line that is quick-drying and resistant to smudging.
Best suited to…
They can be used on nearly all surfaces irrespective of grain, texture or material.
Solid paint markers
Solid paint marker sticks are solidified paint in the shape of a stick. They combine the long-lasting durability of paint with the comfortable ease-of-use of a crayon.
Solid paint markers impart a thick, brightly coloured line on a surface. They dry like paint and are fade and weather resistant.
Best suited to…
Solid paint markers can be used on any material, surface or texture – rough, smooth, wet, dry, rusty, icy and even oily.
Liquid paint markers
A liquid paint marker has a fibre tip (like a felt pen) and a reservoir of paint inside its metal body.
Liquid paint markers require very little pressure to release their paint and will impart a brightly coloured, fast drying mark onto a surface. They are fade and water resistant.
Best suited to…
Liquid paint markers are best suited for use on hard, smooth materials like aluminium foil, plastics, perspex, metals and cardboard.
Ball paint markers
Ball paint markers consist of a tough plastic bottle and a metal writing tip with a steel ball in it to regulate the flow of liquid paint in much the same way as a ball-point pen works.
The ball-point tip imparts brightly coloured, quick drying lines or marks which are long lasting and weather resistant.
Best suited to…
Ball paint markers are most commonly used to mark metal surfaces but they can be used on nearly all materials and textures.