Today we are testing the most famous scrapbooking markers. Which ones are the best?, which one should I use?, what are the differences between them? Let's answer all your questions in this post!
Marker pens have become a basic for those who like to draw, paint, practice scrapbooking, or are getting into Mixed Media, as you can personalise some details, such as writing titles or colouring stamps. However, there are many markers and they are all different. That's why it's important to know their differences and applications so you can choose the ones that suit you best. Let's review the most popular scrapbooking markers!
We divide them, broadly speaking, into three main categories.
- For drawing or painting: Copic, Chameleon, and Brush Marker.
- Calligraphy and drawing: Ecoline, Tombow, and Winsor & Newton.
- Mixed Media markers: Mix & Mach by Faber Castell.
Copic Ciao
A favourite among illustrators and artists. Well-known worldwide, they were originally used mainly for colouring illustrations but were gradually incorporated into scrapbooking projects, especially for painting stamps. After seeing the big success of these markers, the Japanese brand created a cheaper version (because the original Copic was also known for being super expensive), the Copic Ciao, more focused on crafts and scrapbooking. They are alcohol-based, non-toxic, quick-drying, permanent, and acid-free ink markers (essential to preserve our works, especially if they include photographs). Copic Ciao has two tips, a bevelled tip for filling in large areas, and a more precise brush tip for smaller parts, outlines, or fine strokes. Once you get the hang of them, you can use them to achieve gradients, different shades, blending, etc. Keep the blender at hand to blend the colours and get a more natural result. If you want to know more about Copic, you can check the post we wrote about them.
Chameleon
If you like to experiment with gradients and different shades, Chameleon is the perfect choice because they allow you to change the intensity of the colour. And you may be wondering, how is that possible? Well, Chameleon markers are high-quality, professional-quality markers that can be used on different surfaces, which is a great advantage (paper, wood, plastic, EVA rubber, fabric, etc.). They are made with non-toxic inks and are refillable.
Their special feature is that they have two parts: a double-ended marker (super soft Japanese brush and bullet tip) and a colour mixer. This is where the magic of this pen lies. By introducing one of the tips into the mixer, you can change the colour. The longer you hold it, the lighter the colour will be. As you paint with that tip, the pen will gradually recover the original colour. So, you can use the markers as if they were almost watercolours and create deepness, dimension, colour degradations with them. If you want more information on how to use them, you can find it in more detail in the post: "How do Chameleon Pens work?"
You'll find plenty of available shades, either in packs or as single markers. You will also find other very useful the Chameleon Blender Pen, ideal for overlapping, lightening, or continuing to mix colours that have already been applied; creating textures and patterns, or even correcting small lines or gradients. It is a great complement for your Chameleon because you will be able to deepen the colouring work of your projects. You may also find the Chameleon Black Detail Marker very handy, with two different sized tips, it contains permanent black ink and is compatible with alcohol-based inks. This pen is perfect for marking and underlining details and adding depth to your drawings. If you want to colour your stamps, we recommend using the Memento stamping ink.
Brush Marker Winsor & Newton
Within the prestigious Winsor & Newton, you can find another great option for illustration: the Brush Marker. They also have two tips (bevelled and brush) of great precision to draw and use for illustrations, avoiding smudges or imperfections. The ink is semi-transparent and alcohol-based. They are of exceptional quality and are very easy to blend (the lines are hardly marked when colouring large surfaces, something very typical that can happen with some felt-tip pens).
Ecoline Brush Pen
The Brush Pen by Ecoline (the famous liquid watercolour company) is brush-tip pens, perfect for working on different disciplines (illustrations, designs, calligraphy). They have intense colours and behave just like watercolours. An ideal option if you want to start working with watercolours, but you want to work with a marker (no water and brushes!). They are waterproof when dry, but if they get wet again, you can keep working with them. They are great for calligraphy, their tip type and shade make them ideal for beautiful writing. Furthermore, they have a wide range of colours to suit all tastes and can be bought separately. If you want to get started in calligraphy, they are a great way to keep it simple.
Tombow Brush Tip
For those of you who are still wondering "Why are these markers so famous?", here are the main features Ecoline: Double tip, one of them is a brush tip made of the best quality nylon fibre, the result is spectacular! It moves and bends very easily, it is very flexible, so the rounded strokes are perfect. This tip also allows us to get a thinner or wider line depending on the pressure you make.
With water-based markers, if we apply water after writing on the paper (even better if you use watercolour paper!) you can create gradient effects.
Available as a set or as a single item - there are lots of colours available!
Winsor & Newton
Winsor & Newton are also watercolour markers, very similar in terms of luminosity and pigmentation, but in this case, the markers have two tips (fine and thicker) to be able to work with greater precision. Later, you can give the watercolour effect with the brush. You can blur, mix coloursā¦ the result is stunning and looks just like a watercolour painting. You can find them in different packs of 6 and 12 colours.
As you can see, there are many colour options and several price ranges to choose from. The possibilities are endless and the qualification "better" or "worse" will depend on your own personal taste, the paper you use, the type of tip you feel most comfortable with, etc. We encourage you to dare to use felt-tip pens in your scrapbooking projects, and with practice, you will be able to colour beautiful stamps and write titles that will leave anyone speechless. Don't hesitate to leave your opinion in the comments section! ? Do you have a favourite?
