Water-Based vs Alcohol-Based Markers: How to Choose?

Meet water-based markers and alcohol-based markers: Their beautiful colours and uniqueness have become go-tos for artists.

Choosing which one to use depends on the project and your own artistic style.

Need help? Continue reading to help you further differentiate the differences between the two and choose the right one for you. 

Understanding the basics

What are water-based markers?

Water-based markers use water to dissolve the ink within them, letting it flow easily onto the tip.

Due to this unique trait, they’re ideal to use, including:

• Colouring
• Illustration
• Calligraphy
• General writing

What is an alcohol-based marker?

These markers use ethanol or alcohol to dissolve the ink, letting it flow smoothly when you apply them to a surface. 

They’re easy to blend and have high-quality colours which makes them popular among artists, illustrators, and designers.

Water based vs alcohol based markers: key differences

Ink composition

Water-based markers used water as a solvent to break down the ink, while alcohol-based markers used alcohol. 

So, it is what makes water-based markers’ colours more gentle and soft compared to alcohol-based markers. 

Drying time

Due to their solvent, alcohol-based markers’ ink dries quicker than the other one.

Blendability

Alcohol-based markers dry faster, which allows artists to layer colours quickly and create smooth blending. 

While water-based markers create different effects, like a soft gradient, when you use water on the coloured area.

Colour and finish state

Vibrancy

Alcohol-based markers’ solvent and quick drying trait create more vibrant colours. 

While the paper absorbs water-based markers, which makes it spread unevenly on the surface and leads to more soft colours when it dries,. 

Streaking

Water-based markers have a lower ink viscosity, so they create streaks or colours that spread unevenly because they take longer to dry. 

Meanwhile, alcohol-based markers have a higher ink viscosity, which helps dry them quickly and makes them less prone to streaking. 

Layering

Alcohol markers’ solvent allows their colours to spread smoothly and maintain its vibrancy while layering colours. 

While layering colours with water-based markers should be used with water, this leads to blending that creates colours with softer shades. 

Practical considerations

Odour

Alcohol-based markers’ solvents cause an unpleasant smell like rubbing alcohol, and this can be uncomfortable for some people. 

Compared to water-based markers, it does not have a strong smell because it doesn’t have any chemicals that alcohol-based markers have.

Safety

According to Kaywin’s blog, water-based markers are safer for children too because they don’t have toxic chemicals and can be washed with water.

However, you need to properly handle alcohol-based markers because they have  chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled for a long time.

Surface compatibility

Water-based markers are compatible with use on surfaces that absorb water, such as:

• Papers
• Fabrics 

Before we forget, when you plan to use water-based markers on fabrics, avoid wool, silk, and hand-dyed as they can damage the surface. 

On the other hand, alcohol-based markers work well on any surface, including non-porous ones, including:

• Metal
• Glass 
• Plastic

Cost and availability

Price comparison

Alcohol-based markers are often more expensive, ranging from $3 to $8 per marker.

While water-based markers are more budget-friendly, with only $1 to $4.

Product longevity

Water-based markers have a shorter lifespan because they use water and make the ink inside dry out faster.

Alcohol-based markers are less likely to dry out and tips becoming brittle because of their solvent, which helps keep the ink moist longer. 

Choosing the right marker for your artistic needs

For beginners

Water-based markers are more friendly for beginners because of the following:

• Easy to use
• Affordable price
• No harmful chemicals

For professional artists

Alcohol-based markers are professionals’ work buddies for drawing due to the reasons below:

• Vibrant colours
• Longer lifespan
• Better at blending colours

Specific projects

As shown by a YouTube review, water-based markers don’t bleed, which makes them best for projects that have thin surfaces, like journaling and colouring books. 

Alcohol-based markers are used for professional projects like fashion design and graphic illustration because they have high quality and vibrant colours.

Popular brands and recommendations

Considering the specific characteristics of both types, choosing which products to choose from can be confusing because they sometimes provide different effects.

Here are some recommendations for the two markers:

For water-based markers

Winsor & Newton Watercolour markers had vibrant colours and were resistant to fade even when exposed to sunlight. 

However, they are more expensive and have limited colours. 

The Arteza real brush pen is for you when you’re looking for something cheaper but still good for blending. 

Although it had less lightfastness and its flexible brush tip caused uneven strokes. 

You can also try Kaywin’s Brush Markers as they have a non-bleeding trait and can be purchased with twin tips. 

For alcohol-based markers

Winsor & Newton Promarker Brush has twin tips, and its high-quality ink allows professional artists to layer and blend colours to create beautiful effects. 

But it’s brush and bullet nib, can be less ideal for drawing small details. 

Ohuhu markers are also great because they’re affordable and easy to blend or layer colours. 

Unfortunately, they are prone to bleeding, and their colours fade when exposed to sunlight. 

Tips for using each type

Techniques for alcohol-based markers

Layer your colours

Apply the lighter colour first before slowly using the darkest ones to create smooth blending.

Lighter colours on harsh areas

To create gradient effects, you had to apply your lighter colour beneath your darkest ones to soften the edges.

Need more help using alcohol-based markers? Here’s a tutorial video to guide you.

Some techniques for water-based markers

Use less water

Feeling frustrated by streaks? 

Don’t worry, you can use less water when colouring to ensure that the ink doesn’t spread unevenly on the paper.

Choose the right paper

To see these markers’ effects at their full potential, use papers that absorb water, like watercolour paper or bristol. 

Experiment with blending techniques 

Trying out different blending methods can help you find what works best for you and your project.

Here’s a video that we hope will help you in your journey of using water based markers.

Conclusion

Alcohol-based markers are professional markers because they have high-quality inks and are better for colouring techniques.

While water-based markers had more soft colours and were safer even for children, like Kaywin’s marker pens, which you can check out here. 

When choosing whether to use alcohol-based or water-based markers, you should consider what your project needs and your personal artistic style. 

What’s your story about using these unique markers?

Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below!