Alcohol markers are great for creating beautiful arts, considering that they are easy to work with, they require no prep work, and they are portable. Alcohol markers produce vibrant tints that are amazing for creating anything from writing to large art pieces.
Artists, designers, and illustrators love to use alcohol markers to achieve different results from the regular paints and pencil art designs.
The markers are beneficial for so many reasons, which is why they have become a popular choice today.
Alcohol markers require no prep work; however, they can be pretty intimidating for beginners because the ink is permanent, so the moment you create a design, it is almost impossible to alter it.
In this article, we have put together everything you need to know about alcohol markers, how to use them, and the reason they stand out, among others.
How to Use Alcohol Markers
Choose Your Paper Carefully
One fundamental advantage of alcohol markers is that they dry quickly, so there is a slimmer risk of tearing your paper, even if you apply several layers of the marker.
However, when using the wrong type of paper, it can soak up the ink from the alcohol marker, causing it to transfer onto the other side of the paper.
The best paper to use alcohol markers on are papers that are made specifically for that.
These types of papers are smooth, thin and they are adequately coated to avoid bleeding.
They also show the vibrancy in the colors, and they help with blending out the shades.
Move Slowly
When creating art with alcohol markers, it is essential to move slowly to achieve coverage and avoid streak. This does not mean allowing the alcohol marker to dry off before blending; it simply means being careful and precise, so your work comes out neat.
To add texture to your drawing, you can use different strokes, considering that they all have varying effects.
Swatch
Before you use your alcohol markers, swatch them first to know the exact shades and hues of the colors. The actual colors of the markers may be entirely different from what it seems like; it is, therefore, essential to create swatches and get familiar with your colors to avoid surprises.
Also, alcohol markers become lighter after they dry. Testing the colors will help you determine how mute or vibrant the color is before you use it.
Practice Layering
Blending your colors will help you achieve a design with depth.
To achieve the best paintings, artists are advised to begin with light tones and gradually incorporate the more intense shades. It is easier to add pigments to your image while using alcohol markers; however, it is almost impossible to remove any dye.
To create highlights, you can use white gels, and to properly blend in all the colors, a colorless blender is best.
Begin With An Outline
To ease the pressure of getting the perfect edges, you can create an outline using an inking pen with a fine line. This will ensure that your marker doesn’t move around.
How Do Alcohol Markers Work?
Alcohol-based markers do not fill the nib with liquid. Instead, the ink stays on the surface of the paper.
Alcohol markers are acid-free, and their resistance to fading makes it easy for artists to subtlety shade their images.
Only a feather-light touch is required to create beautiful images because the ink from the marker flows freely by itself.
Most alcohol marker tips can be replaced or refilled, and they are great for coloring surfaces such as glass, metal, and paper.
Benefits of Using Alcohol Markers
One significant benefit of using alcohol markers is that they dry quickly compared to other types of markers. Alcohol markers dry faster because the dye is suspended in a solvent that is fast evaporating.
Since they dry quickly, there is a reduced risk of smudging or fading colors. The colors are permanent, and you can layer them as you please.
Bottom Line
Alcohol markers have become a favorite for artists who desire a vibrant finishing for their designs. The markers work well with almost every surface, and they can be effortlessly blended.
Using alcohol markers requires practice and an understanding of specific techniques such as choosing the right paper, swatching your colors, layering, and outlining, etc. Visit the Lifestyle Reviews homepage for more expert arts & crafts information!
