How to Save Money When Buying Custom Acrylic Markers

The Best Markers

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The Best Alcohol-Based Markers

My overall pick are the Ohuhu Honolulu Markers. Thanks to their low price, they used to be my ultra-budget pick, but were lacking in certain areas. Since then, Ohuhu has made impressive strides in matching the features found in expensive markers, like Copics. They've boosted the color range (341 colors at the time of writing), made the markers refillable and the nibs replaceable. You can even buy them individually! If you're a complete beginner, I'd recommend getting a mid-range set, like the 120-set. If you're a completist who likes to own every color, you'll need to get the 320-set and the 36 Skin Tone set.

My only gripe with the Ohuhu is that their color naming system is confusing. To compensate for this, you can check out my Custom Ohuhu Color Chart, which arranges the colors chromatically! You can also read my in-depth review of Ohuhu alcohol brush markers to find out if they're right for you!

My ultra-budget pick are Arrtx Markers (shown below), which are a good choice if you prefer the bullet/fine tip over the brush tip that comes with the other products mentioned above. They manage to be even cheaper than the Ohuhu markers, but they aren't refillable and the tips aren't replaceable. However, I like that they come with a handy carrying case with an individual slot for each marker. Read my detailed review of Arrtx Markers to learn more! You can also check out my article on the Best Copic Alternatives.

If you want the very best, you still can't do better than Copic Sketch Markers. As I mentioned, I have the complete set of 358 colors and I have been using them to create colored art for my books for over a decade! They've been the best you can buy for years, and although brands like Ohuhu have significantly closed the gap, the Copics still have the best color range and the highest quality nibs. The only downside is their expensive price point, so they're really only worthwhile for professional artists and illustrators.

You can often save money by buying them in larger sets. I acquired all 358 colors gradually over the course of 1-2 years - there’s no need to rush and buy all of them at once (unless you can afford it and want to). I like that Copic Sketch Markers are double-ended, with the brush tip on one end and the chisel on the other. Read above to learn about how well they perform when it comes to coloring and blending. To learn more, check out my extensive review of Copic Markers.

The Best Water-Based Markers

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My overall pick are the Ohuhu Water-Based Markers, which are available in a set of 120 for only $35 (at the time of this writing!). You can also get a huge 160-set for around $45. These are by far the cheapest water-based markers I've found that are also good quality, which makes them an excellent set for beginners. However, like most water-based markers, these aren't refillable, don't have replaceable nibs, and can't be purchased individually.

My upgrade pick are the Akashiya Sai Watercolor Brush Pens. They only have a color range of 30, but I just had to recommend them because they’re a joy to use and they’re not as expensive as some of the other brands. I got the set of 20 because they were on sale, and I immediately loved the flexibility and smoothness of their brush tip. The color glides off the nib and their blending capabilities are amazing for the price. As I write, the 20-color set is around $20-30 and the 30-color set is $45.

I also like the Tombow Dual Brush pens, which are available in an impressive 108 colors. The only downside for me with Tombow brush markers is that the brush tips are not as flexible as my other recommendations, and as a result, they can sometimes tear or pill the paper, which is an issue I haven't encountered with any of my other recommended water-based markers.

The Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens come from a reliable brand, and contain pigmented India ink (which is more lightfast), but I found that they didn’t blend as well as I would have liked. I can see why they’re popular with people who like hand-lettering though.

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Acrylic paint marker pens might just become your new best friend if you love painting but hate the mess. These versatile, easy-to-use tools have taken the art world by storm, making them essential for both beginners and experienced artists alike. Whether you’re customizing your favorite sneakers, decorating a glass jar, or adding detailed highlights to a canvas, acrylic markers can help you achieve crisp, clean results without the fuss of traditional paints.

Before we dive into the key facts you need to know, let me quickly mention Drawlish, a brand that has made a name for itself by providing vibrant, high-quality acrylic paint marker pens. If you’re looking to upgrade your art supplies, they’ve got some great options to check out.

Now, let’s explore everything you should know about acrylic paint marker pens, from their versatility to tips for making the most out of these amazing tools

1. They Work on Almost Any Surface

One of the biggest reasons acrylic paint marker pens have surged in popularity is their ability to work on an incredibly wide variety of surfaces. Whether you’re into drawing on paper, wood, metal, or even unconventional surfaces like glass and plastic, these pens can handle it all.

Think about how many times you’ve had to switch up your materials based on the surface you were working on. With acrylic paint markers, that’s no longer a concern. Here’s a breakdown of the surfaces they work well on:

• Paper & Canvas: Great for traditional art like sketches or full-blown paintings.
• Wood & Stone: Perfect for rustic home décor projects or DIY crafts.
• Glass & Plastic: Ideal for personalized mugs, jars, and even holiday ornaments.
• Metal & Fabric: Customizing metal jewelry or designing on fabric? No problem!

Whether you’re personalizing a ceramic plate or adding details to a wooden sign, acrylic paint markers adapt beautifully to the material. This versatility is what makes them a must-have in any artist's toolkit.

2. Beginner-Friendly but Expert-Approved

Let’s be real, using traditional paints can be intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out. Acrylic paint markers simplify the process. Since they behave like a regular pen, you don’t need the skill of a seasoned painter to get started.

Beginners love these markers because:

• They’re easy to control.
• They don’t require special brushes or mixing palettes.
• There’s minimal cleanup, no rinsing brushes or dealing with spills.

On the flip side, more experienced artists rave about acrylic markers for detailed work. They’re ideal for adding sharp lines, intricate designs, and fine details that can be hard to achieve with a paintbrush. This makes them perfect for professionals looking to enhance their pieces with crisp, polished finishes.

3. The Ink is Waterproof and Long-Lasting

Once your work is complete, you want it to last, right? Here’s some good news: acrylic paint marker pens use ink that’s not only vivid but also waterproof and resistant to fading. This is crucial if you’re creating artwork that will be exposed to the elements, like outdoor projects or pieces that might face wear and tear (think custom sneakers or tote bags).

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The waterproof nature of the ink makes it ideal for:

• Outdoor murals: No need to worry about rain ruining your work.
• Wearable art: From shoes to jackets, your designs will hold up over time.
• Functional art: Cups, dishes, and other items that might get wet won’t be affected.

Once dry, the ink becomes permanent (are paint pens permanent? know this first!), allowing your artwork to stand the test of time. It’s a big reason why many artists prefer acrylic markers for projects that need to be durable and fade-resistant.

4. Fast-Drying But Not Too Fast

If you’ve ever worked with traditional paint, you know that drying time can be a pain. Some paints take forever to dry, leaving you vulnerable to smudging and accidental messes. On the flip side, fast-drying paints can dry too quickly, making it hard to blend or correct mistakes.

Acrylic paint markers strike the perfect balance. The ink dries fast enough to prevent smudging, but it still gives you enough time to blend colors or fix any mistakes.

Here are a few tips for making the most of their drying time:

• Work in layers: Apply thin coats and build up to the desired effect.
• Blend while wet: If you’re going for smooth transitions between colors, work quickly to blend before the paint dries.
• Fix small mistakes: Acrylic paint markers allow you a small window to wipe away errors before the paint sets permanently.

The fast-drying nature of these markers also makes them perfect for quick projects when time is of the essence and to speed up the process, click on this guide.

5. Blending and Layering Colors Is Easier Than You Think

You might be wondering, "Can you really blend and layer colors with markers?" Absolutely! In fact, acrylic paint marker pens offer great flexibility when it comes to color blending, despite their marker-like format.

Here’s how you can blend and layer like a pro:

• Work while the paint is wet: As mentioned, you have a small window before the paint dries where you can blend colors together seamlessly. This allows for smooth gradients and shading.
• Layer colors once dry: Acrylic paint markers allow you to layer one color over another once the first layer is dry. This is especially useful when adding highlights or creating depth in your artwork.
• Use a blending tool: Some artists use a brush or blending sponge to mix the colors on the surface for a more polished look.

These techniques make acrylic paint markers incredibly versatile and capable of producing effects that rival those of traditional painting methods.

6. Different Nib Sizes Offer Precision and Flexibility

Acrylic paint marker pens come in a range of nib sizes, making them suitable for a variety of artistic styles and applications. Whether you need broad strokes to cover large areas or fine-tipped pens for detailed line work, there’s a nib size for every purpose.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common nib types:

• Fine tip (1mm or less): Great for detailed work, small lettering, and intricate designs.
• Medium tip (2-4mm): Ideal for general drawing, medium-sized details, and filling in larger areas.
• Broad/chisel tip: Perfect for bold strokes, thick lines, or covering large areas quickly.

The ability to switch between different nib sizes means you can easily move from detailed sections of your work to broader strokes without needing to switch tools. It’s this versatility that has many artists raving about the flexibility of acrylic markers.

7. No Primer Needed, but It Can Enhance Results

While you generally don’t need to use a primer before applying acrylic paint markers, using one can make a noticeable difference—especially on non-porous surfaces like metal, plastic, or glass. Priming helps the paint adhere better and results in a smoother, more durable finish.

Here’s when you should consider using a primer:

• On slick surfaces: Glass, metal, and some plastics can benefit from a primer coat to ensure the paint doesn’t peel or flake off.
• For outdoor projects: If your artwork will be exposed to the elements, priming can add an extra layer of protection, ensuring the paint bonds properly to the surface.

Although many artists skip the primer and still get great results, it’s a handy trick to keep in your toolbox when working on trickier surfaces.

8. Non-Toxic and Safe for All Ages

Safety is important, especially when you’re working with kids or planning to gift your artwork to others. Thankfully, most acrylic paint marker pens are non-toxic, which makes them safe for all ages. Whether you’re letting your little ones join in on a weekend art project or you're an adult looking to use them for craft ideas, you can rest easy knowing they’re safe to use.

It’s worth checking the label to confirm that the markers meet safety standards, but most well-known brands ensure their products are free from harmful chemicals.

9. You Can Refill Some Acrylic Markers

One of the lesser-known facts about acrylic paint marker pens is that some brands allow you to refill them. While not every marker is refillable, many high-quality brands offer this feature as a way to extend the life of your markers.

Here’s why refilling is awesome:

• Cost-effective: Instead of buying new markers every time they run out, you can simply refill them, saving you money in the long run.
• Eco-friendly: Less waste is always a good thing! By refilling your markers, you reduce the amount of plastic and materials that end up in the trash.

Check the specific brand of marker you’re using to see if it offers refill options. Some brands even sell individual ink refills, making the process simple and convenient.

Why Acrylic Paint Marker Pens Deserve a Spot in Your Art Supplies

Reason Benefits Why Choose Drawlish Versatile on Multiple Surfaces Works on paper, wood, metal, glass, plastic, fabric, and more. Drawlish markers provide smooth, consistent coverage on all surfaces. Beginner-Friendly Easy to use, minimal mess, and no special tools required. Drawlish pens are designed for simplicity and ease of control. Precise Detailing Allows for intricate designs and fine lines. Multiple nib sizes for detailed and accurate work. Waterproof & Long-Lasting Durable and fade-resistant, suitable for outdoor use. Drawlish ink is highly resistant to fading and wear. Fast-Drying Ink Dries quickly, reducing smudges while allowing blending. Perfect balance of fast-drying and workability. Blendable & Layerable Smooth blending and layering for depth and gradients. Drawlish markers offer rich, blendable ink for artistic effects. Variety of Nib Sizes Supports different artistic styles and techniques. Drawlish provides fine, medium, and broad nib options. No Primer Needed (Most Surfaces) Works without primer, saving time on prep. Performs great on non-primed surfaces for a hassle-free experience. Non-Toxic & Safe for All Ages Safe for kids and adults alike. Certified non-toxic and eco-friendly. Refillable Options Available Cost-effective and eco-friendly with refillable options. Drawlish offers refillable markers for sustainability and savings.

P.S. If you’re still reading, congratulations! You’ve just leveled up your art knowledge. Now go forth and conquer the canvas!

Want more information on Custom Acrylic Markers? Feel free to contact us.