Alcohol Marker Basics
Nibs Matter
There are different types of nibs available. Most often, the nibs can be replaced with another choice. Since most alcohol markers have two ends you will get two nibs.
- Brush tips look like the ends of a paint brush and feel like that when you are using them. They are the larger type of the nibs available. So, they are great when you want to cover larger areas. They most often come with a slim tip that helps you get into small areas.
- A chisel tip is a short, angled tip with a slanted edge that can make both broad as well as slim lines. You can use them to cover large areas as well as thick and thin applications without changing tips.
- A fine nib, also called a bullet nib has a slender tip is used for fine detail and outlining projects. They can create fine detail and as a shader.
Paper To Use With Alcohol Markers
At a very minimum you need to use paper that is at least 80 lbs. or heavier. The reason behind that need is that alcohol markers can bleed through paper. You can find the weight of the paper on the paper packaging wrapping. There are heavyweight papers that are made specifically for these markers.
Another thing to consider is tooth. That is the roughness or smoothness of texture of the paper. Paper with a rougher texture can be damaging to the tips of your markers. It can also be more difficult to get clean and smooth lines on your projects. Heavyweight paper with a smooth surface would be the preferred paper surface to get the best results with alcohol markers.
You can also use these markers on other surfaces like glass and metals, but you will need a sealant to protect the color and make it last.
Why We Love Alcohol Markers
There are so many reasons to love alcohol, markers. They have become so popular with colorists.
- They are permanent once they are applied to paper. Not even water can remove them.
- They air dry very quickly.
- Alcohol markers can be used on different kinds of papers.
- Dual ended tips give you the best coloring options.
- You can control the lightness or heaviness of the color depending on the pressure of your hand.
- Some are refillable which means that you will save money using ink refills rather than buying new markers.
Using Color Codes Choose The Markers To Blend
When you are using alcohol markers, you will find that each manufacturer has a color code that defines the lighter and darker colors within each color family. While the identification of markers might be different from one company to another, there is one thing that they all have in common. That is a color swatch sheet that you can find and print out for that group of markers. The color swatch shows you the color and the identification code for that marker. Using the color swatch means that you will be able to choose the right two or three colors for your blending.
Ways To Blend Alcohol Markers
Single Color Blend
You can use just one marker to get a single-color blend on your project. One marker can be used to add more definition to anywhere where you want to add dimension.
- Appy the ink to the area that you want to color.
- Apply a second coat of ink to the area where you want to shade, avoiding the area where you want the lightest shade.
- Apply the marker a third time where you want the color to be the darkest.
Simple Color Blend
The easiest way to create a color blend is by using two colors that are a lighter color, a medium and a darker color. Since each of the markers are identified with numbers or other identification that will help you find the three closest colors in your marker color family.
- Color your project with the lightest of your three colors.
- While the first color is still wet, apply the second color shading the top, side and bottom of the project.
- Use your lightest color to go over the edges of the where the two colors meet. This softens the transition.
- Use the darkest color to shadow the base and lower sides of the project.
- Use the medium color to f=go over the edges o soften the lines.
Using A Blender
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Since your alcohol markers have alcohol in them, there is no better blending medium than rubbing alcohol. However, you will need the right paper to blend with this medium to avoid buckling of the paper with this technique.
- Color the area with the first color.
- Then add the second color very close to the first.
Feathering
Feathering is another alternative way to blend alcohol ink colors. The blend will look sketchier than a smooth blend. It gives you a more textured result. To create this technique, you will need a brush nib.
- Start with the lightest tone of the three markers you are planning to use. Flick away from the edge of your image into the center.
- Once you have enough ink on your image, start with the second color of your three. Flick from the lightest color further into the image. Make sure to overlap the colors.
- Now flick the third color from your medium color finishing with this darkest color.
- You can flick over and over until you have the desired blend for your project.