Alcohol markers have definitely earned their spot in the hearts of crafters, illustrators, and hobbyists alike. With their bold colors, smooth blending, and reliable performance on paper, they’re a must-have for creating artwork with depth and personality.
But to get the most out of them, it’s good to know what to do—and what to steer clear of. Check out the ultimate Do's and Don'ts of alcohol markers, brought to you by the team at ScrapsNPieces!
Do's
1. Use special paper
Alcohol markers work best on smooth, non-coated paper. For the ultimate artistic results, use special paper, especially designed for alcohol markers.
2. Work "wet on wet"
To achieve a perfect blending, add a second color layer while the first is still wet. This allows you to create smooth gradiations without harsh lines.
3. Clean marker tips regularly
Gently cleaning the tips with plain tissue paper prevents unwanted colors from building up at the edges of your markers.
4. Work in a well-ventilated area
Since alcohol markers contain substances that can have a strong odor, make sure you're in a space with good fresh air circulation.
5. Store them properly
Ideally, store your markers horizontally for even ink distribution, especially if they have dual tips. At ScrapsNPieces, you'll find roll-up pencil cases, Pop up cases (extendable), stands, XL & smaller options, and storage boxes to keep your markers organized.
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Don'ts – What to avoid
1. Do not use a plain printer paper
The thin, porous paper absorbs excessive ink and can distort the color — plus, it’s likely to bleed through to the back side.
2. Do not press the tip too hard
Markers are designed for gentle strokes. Applying too much pressure can damage the tips or cause unwanted “bleeding.”
3. Do not try to blend them with water-based markers
Water and alcohol-based inks don’t mix well, so blending will be disappointing and may result in smudging.
4. Remember to close them properly
Alcohol-based ink evaporates quickly. Leaving the marker open can cause it to dry out in a few hours.
5. Do not draw directly on photos or glossy materials
Ink doesn’t absorb properly and may smudge or fade.
Extra tip by ScrapsNPieces: Use colorless blender, apart from blending, for creative effects such as washes & gradations!
At SnP, you can find our top 5 alcohol marker sets — each set features its own unique character — that promise to elevate your creativity and techniques: from Spectrum Noir’s Triblend and TriColour, to the all-time classic Sharpie, Kurecolor markers by Kuretake, and Creative Craftlab Friendz markers by Studio Light.
Next week, I’m planning a blog post about the unique features of each one. How does that sound?
Until then, keep creating.
Artistic kisses
