Blending is an essential skill for any artist, and the right markers can make all the difference. Not all art markers are created equal. Some markers are definitely better than others when it comes to blending.
Blender markers are specifically designed for creating seamless blends and transitions between colors. It makes nice fading effects, thus, making them perfect for creating beautiful and realistic illustrations. They also come in various colors, so you can create any type of design and artwork that you desire.
If you’re looking for a great way to improve your illustrations, blender markers are the way to go. With their ability to blend colors perfectly, they will help you create stunning pieces of art that everyone will love. So if you’re ready to take your artwork to the next level or create beautiful gradients, then blender markers are a perfect choice.
Contents
Types of Art Markers
Art markers are pens containing permanent dye-based inks. They are available in a wide range of colors and tip sizes. What makes art markers so versatile is the special blend of ink that allows them to be mixed and blended on the surface for an endless range of shades and hues.
Ink
Ink is the key to successful blending. The ink in each marker must be compatible with the other ink colors in order for the colors to blend properly. Some brands of markers use different types of ink than others, so it’s important to test out your markers before you start blending.
Let’s start with the basics of art markers to understand how blender markers work. There are three types of art markers, and they vary based on the solution used for the ink.
Alcohol-Based Markers
This type of marker uses alcohol as its main ingredient. The alcohol gives the ink in these markers a very intense color that is perfect for blending. These markers are very popular among artists and crafters because they are easy to use and produce beautiful results. They dry quickly and have less odor.
Alcohol-based markers tend to be more blendable than water-based markers. This is because the ink is thinner and less dense, making it easier to mix on the surface. However, alcohol-based markers are also more expensive than their water-based counterparts. If you’re serious about blending, then alcohol-based markers are the way to go.
Water-Based Markers
These are markers that use water as their primary solvent. This means that the ink is diluted in water, making them less likely to cause staining and easier to clean up. Because of this, they are a popular choice for use with children.
Water-based markers are less blendable than alcohol-based markers, but they’re also less expensive and have a longer lifespan. The tradeoff is that water-based markers are more difficult to control when blending, so you need to be careful not to overdo it.
Solvent-Based Markers
This type of marker uses a solvent to dissolve the ink in order to produce color. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cloth, and wood. It’s perfect for blending two or more colors together to create new shades. Because of their high pigment concentration, solvent-based markers produce bright, vibrant colors. They have a stronger smell as compared to alcohol and water-based art markers.
Tips or Nibs
When it comes to blending, the size of the marker’s tip is just as important as the type of marker.
- Chisel tips are good for creating broad strokes and textured effects, making them a good choice for blending large areas.
- Brush tips are ideal for blending colors together, as they can be used to create a soft gradient effect. They allow for more flexibility and variability.
- Fine-point markers are perfect for detailed work and precise blending.
So, which markers are the best for blending? It really depends on your needs and preferences. But with so many options available, there’s sure to be a set of markers that’s perfect for you.
Top 8 Art Markers For Blending
Blender art markers are a great way to add color and depth to your artwork. They are perfect for all types of art projects, from school assignments to professional designs. They’re also great for scrapbooking and card making. If you’re looking for a way to add depth and interest to your projects, blender markers are the answer.
There are a lot of different markers on the market, and it can be tough to determine which one is the best for blending. We have listed out some of the best art markers for blending and explained why they are so effective. Give them a try and see for yourself how amazing they can be!
1. Copic Sketch Markers
Pros
- Premium quality alcohol-based markers that are easy to blend
- Double-ended tips that write smoothly and produce rich, vibrant colors
- It offers a wide variety of colors
- Ink can be refilled
- Features replaceable nibs
Cons
- Expensive
- Colorless blenders are sold separately
One of our top picks for blending is the Copic Sketch marker. Copic markers are known for their high quality and performance. They provide smooth and consistent ink flow, making it perfect for blending colors. It also comes in more than 300 unique colors, so you can create any look you want.
Copics are alcohol-based ink markers and come with dual tips – a great brush tip for small details and a medium broad chisel tip for wider strokes. The brush tip allows you to easily blend the colors together because it’s flexible yet durable. They do not easily fray; that’s why it is perfect even for heavy use. This set doesn’t come with a colorless blender, but it can be purchased separately.
One of the best things about Copic markers is that they can be refilled with ink, so you don’t have to keep buying new markers. The tips can also be replaced as well when they start to fray. A lot of professional artists invest in Copics for their great value for money if you intend to use them for a longer period of time.
The sketch is the best-selling model of the Copic markers series (other models are Ciao and Classic). They are non-toxic and acid-free.
2. Prismacolor Premier Markers
Pros
- Writes bright and vivid colors
- Smooth on paper and easy to blend
- Dual tips for maximum versatility
Cons
- Inks are not refillable
- Nibs cannot be replaced when worn out
Next on our list are the art markers from Prismacolor. They are not as expensive as Copic, but they are great markers that even beginners love. These artist-grade markers also feature two nibs – chisel, brush, or fine tip. The markers have alcohol dye-based ink formulation and are available in a wide range of colors, so you can find the perfect shade for your project.
The Premier series are considered professional markers which produce beautiful and rich colors. This particular art marker set has the brush and fine tip combination making it easy to get both smooth and textured results when coloring. It doesn’t include a colorless blender, but you will get 72 pretty colors. Prismacolor offers the colorless blender as a separate purchase.
Housed in a sturdy box with individual pen slots, this is a wonderful set to experiment with your artistic skills without worrying about storage and organization. Since only one ink barrel provides inks on both ends, storing your pens in a horizontal position is ideal.
Find out more about Prismacolor markers and what they offer in our separate post.
3. Ohuhu Alcohol Brush Markers
Pros
- Dual tips for versatility
- Highly pigmented markers that blend well
- It has reversible nibs
- It comes with a colorless blender
- Affordable price range
Cons
- Inks are not refillable
- Not all colors can be purchased individually
If you’re looking for affordable blender markers on the market, you can’t go wrong with Ohuhu. Not only are they incredibly budget-friendly, but they also produce great results. Their blending capabilities are top-notch, and they’re perfect for artists of all levels.
Ohuhu markers have dual tips, with a fine tip on one end and a brush tip on the other, making them perfect for creating both thin and thick lines. Plus, the ink is highly pigmented and blendable, so you can create some beautiful color gradients. If you are into drawing people and manga, they have separate sets focusing on skin tones and other shades. It’s good to note that each art marker set also comes with one colorless blender, so there’s no need for separate purchase.
When it comes to tips, Ohuhu features reversible ones. Simply pull the frayed tip out, reverse it and insert gently for a brand new one. You instantly get a fresh new feel for your markers. When it comes to ink, they do not currently have refills. These are just a few of the many reasons why Ohuhu markers are some of the best blender markers on the market. If you’re looking for high quality and versatility in your markers, Ohuhu is definitely a brand to consider.
Read up our separate post about Ohuhu markers and why you should give them a try!
4. Crayola Blending Marker Kit
Pros
- Produces vibrant and saturated colors when applied
- Includes two colorless blenders
- Glides smoothly on paper with its brush tips
- It comes in a nice tin can to store your markers
Cons
- Limited colors available on the set
- It bleeds heavily and has a strong odor
Crayola is a well-known and trusted brand, and its blender markers are no different. They’re perfect for blending colors together and creating beautiful, seamless gradients. The kit comes with an assortment of colors, so you can find the perfect shade for your project.
The Crayola Blending Kit comes with a brush tip marker and has solvent-based ink. It has 12 pieces of colored markers plus two colorless blenders. This makes blending colors together with a breeze. Crayola’s blender marker is top quality, and the ink formulation ensures that your colors blend smoothly and evenly. The end result is a beautiful, vibrant color that will add life to any project.
While solvent-based markers are known to give long-lasting colors and are highly blendable, expect that they also give off a stronger smell. It’s better to use these markers in a well-ventilated area. They’re non-toxic, making them safe for use even with younger artists. Thicker paper is also required because ink bleeds through regular ones.
Whether you’re creating a masterpiece for your home or office, Crayola Blending Kit is a great tool for the job!
5. Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Pros
- Beautiful colors and effects are achieved when blending
- Includes a colorless blender in the package
- Odorless markers since it’s water-based
- No bleeding and easy to clean up
Cons
- Limited color options for this pack
Tombow is a Japanese company that produces high-quality markers and other stationery products. It is also another popular choice when it comes to markers. Their dual-tip design makes them perfect for both drawing and coloring, and the ink is high quality and doesn’t bleed. The brush tips are made of durable nylon fibers that are guaranteed to last. The fine bullet tip is great for precise details as well.
Tombow markers are also known for their great blending abilities. You can create beautiful gradients and color transitions with ease. These are water-based markers, thus, allowing you to make pretty watercolor effects. Blend colors even when doing calligraphy or journaling and other art projects. These are non-toxic pens and are odorless, making them ideal even for kids.
The pens come in a set of 10 vibrant colors focusing on primary colors. Should you need to expand your collection, there are different packs that Tombow offers depending on the palette you need, such as a secondary, bohemian, galaxy, and so on. In addition, there is also one colorless blender included in the set.
For an affordable set that can give beautiful results, give Tombow a try. A great option for gifting for any artist, too!
6. Chameleon Double-Ended Pens
Pros
- It offers a unique way to blend ink
- Rich, vibrant alcohol-based markers
- Features refillable ink and replaceable nibs
- It comes with a colorless blending tool and tweezers
Cons
- May need a little practice to get the hang of blending
Chameleon pens are some of the best markers for blending. As their official tag line goes: One pen blends multiple tones. Yes, they come in a variety of colors and have a brush tip that makes it easy to blend colors together. Chameleon pens are also non-toxic and acid-free, making them perfect for artists and crafters of all ages.
All the markers are alcohol-based, which means ink quality is great and long-lasting. With the bullet tip, you can draw fine lines and help with small areas. Each pen comes with a mixing chamber for the ink. This allows you to make your own color combinations so you can focus on your strokes while ink flows smoothly on paper with a natural gradient effect. There is a learning curve when using Chameleon pens for the first time, but don’t worry because there are a lot of tutorials you can watch on YouTube.
This set of 52 pens comes in a really nice and durable carry-on bag with a sling. When opened, this bag can also act as your pen workstation, so it’s easy to bring along your dual-tip markers anywhere. It also includes a colorless marker for more fun in creating seamless blends and effects and tweezers to help you replace your nibs as needed.
7. TriBlend By Spectrum Noir
Pros
- Features 3-in-1 gradient colors per art marker
- Professional markers with bullet tips
- Uses alcohol-based ink for a beautiful finish when blending
Cons
- These are not refillable markers
- Nibs may not be ideal for big color areas
Spectrum Noir is one of the best markers for blending because its TriBlend technology creates a smooth, rich color that blends easily. Their ink is also acid-free and non-toxic, so it’s safe for use by everyone. Spectrum Noir markers are available in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect color palette for your project.
Spectrum Noir’s TriBlend series has three different colors in each pen, making it easy to create beautiful blends. Their texture is also unique, which can give your artwork an extra level of detail. It features fine bullet tips that are easy to use and blend. Since these are smaller tips, shading wider areas may need extra effort. The markers do not feature refillable ink or replaceable nibs.
This is a 24-piece marker set, but since each pen has three shades from light, mid, and dark tones, you will get a total of 72 colors to enjoy. This is also great for beginners since each pen already has three stages of color intensity to make gradient effects. They come in a nice, sturdy box for easier organization and storage.
8. Shuttle Art Dual Tip Alcohol-Based Art Markers
Pros
- Features alcohol-based permanent ink with vibrant colors
- It comes with a colorless blender for your coloring effects
- Affordable set with fifty colors available
Cons
- Inks are not refillable ink and nibs can’t be replaced
Shuttle Art makes some affordable markers for blending. Their Dual Tip Markers have a chisel tip on one end and a fine tip on the other, making them perfect for both detailed work and broader strokes. The ink is also alcohol-based and non-toxic, so it’s safe for use by both kids and adults.
This particular Shuttle Art Markers Set gives you fifty colors plus one colorless blender that can help with your coloring effects. The pens are ergonomically designed with their triangular-shaped barrels. These markers have a sturdy tip that can help you in coloring and blending, making them an essential tool for any artist. A quick note they do not feature any ink refills or replacement nibs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Shuttle Art has the perfect markers for you. Carry your markers anywhere with its black sling bag. So, check out their selection and find the perfect setting for your next project without breaking the bank.
Blending Tips and Techniques
While blender markers are great for creating smooth color transitions, they can also be used to create other effects. For example, you can use a blender marker to lighten or darken the color or to create a new color by blending two colors together. Blender markers are also great for adding highlights and shadows to your artwork.
What sets blender markers apart from other types of markers is their ability to blend without creating any streaks or lines. This makes them perfect for creating smooth, seamless blends. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- The ink in each marker must be compatible with the other ink colors in order for the colors to blend properly. Some brands of markers use different types of ink than others, so it’s important to test out your markers before you start blending.
- When blending two colors together, start by coloring the area with the lighter color first. Then, take your darker color and start blending in small circles around the edges of the lighter color. Keep adding more and more color until you reach the desired effect. If necessary, you can also add a little bit of water to help the colors blend together more smoothly.
- You can also use a colorless blender to create highlights and shadows. To create highlights, use the colorless blender to lightly touch areas of your drawing that you want to appear lighter. To create shadows, use the colorless blender to darken areas of your drawing that you want to appear darker. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you!
- Use a light touch when blending colors. Too much pressure can make the colors muddy so take it slow until you find the perfect technique for your project.
- Experiment with different kinds of markers to see which ones give you the best results. Alcohol-based markers are typically good for blending, but water-based markers can work well, too.
- Practice on scrap paper before you start working on your final project. This will help you get a feel for how the colors behave when they’re blended.
Whichever blender markers you choose, make sure to practice blending colors together until you get the hang of it. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful artwork that looks professional and polished.
What Is A Colorless Blender?
Colorless blender markers are great for lightening and blending colors and creating a smooth transition between colors. To use a colorless blender, simply color in the area you want to blend, then use the colorless blender to lightly go over the top of the colored area. The colorless blender will take away some of the pigment, leaving a soft, blended look.
Ways to Use Blender Markers
Now that we know the basics of blender markers let’s learn how to use them! Blender markers are very versatile and can be used for a variety of different techniques. Here are some of our favorite ways to use blender markers:
- Layering – This is the most basic way to blend markers. To layer markers, start by coloring in the area you want to color with the lightest color. Then, add a second color over top of the first color and shade in the area. Keep adding layers of color until you reach the desired intensity.
- Stippling -Stippling is another basic way to blend markers. To stipple, start by coloring in the area you want to color with the lightest color. Then, use a circular motion to add drops of ink to the area. Keep adding drops of ink until you reach the desired intensity.
- Scumbling – To scumble, start by coloring in the area you want to color with the lightest color. Then, use a circular motion to add drops of ink to the area. Instead of adding more ink with each pass, however, drag the ink around with your brush so that it creates a mottled effect.
- Hatching – To hatch, start by coloring in the area you want to color with the lightest color. Then, use short strokes or dots to add ink to the area. Keep adding strokes or dots until you reach the desired intensity.
- Freehand Blending – This is the most advanced way to blend markers. With freehand blending, you create your own blend by mixing different colors together. This takes a lot of practice, but it’s the best way to create unique blends that no one has ever seen before.
So now that you know all about art markers, specifically blender markers, it’s time to get creative and start blending!
FAQ
What are the best markers to blend?
There are a few different types of markers that can be used for blending, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Alcohol-based markers are generally the best type for blending, as they tend to blend more easily and produce less streaking than other markers. However, they can be more expensive and may not be suitable for use with certain papers or surfaces. Water-based markers can also be used to blend, but they may require more time and effort to achieve the desired results. Ultimately, the best marker to use for blending will depend on your personal preferences and the specific project you are working on.
Are Copic markers worth the money?
There are many different types of markers on the market, but few can rival the quality and blending power of Copic markers. Their wide range of colors and ability to create smooth gradients makes them perfect for any project, from simple sketches to detailed illustrations. What’s more, Copic markers are refillable, ensuring that you can use them for years to come.
Getting Copics is considered an investment given their hefty tag, but there are a lot of good alternatives to Copic markers that will not hurt your budget but will provide quality results, too.
What are good markers for adult coloring books?
There are many different types of art markers on the market, so it can be difficult to decide which ones are best for blending. Some markers are specifically designed for blending and have a brush-like tip that makes it easy to create soft gradients. Others are alcohol-based and can be used to create smooth, seamless blends. Also, consider your budget when purchasing your first set of markers.
What markers do professional artists use?
There are a variety of artist-quality markers on the market that can be used for blending. If you’re looking for high-quality alcohol markers that blend well, consider using Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Markers or Copic Sketch Markers. These markers produce beautiful, consistent results. They also come in a wide variety of colors, so you can find the perfect shade for your project. Ohuhu is also another choice for affordable ones.
What kind of markers are good for coloring?
There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider when choosing which art markers are right for your blending needs. The most important considerations are the type of marker (alcohol or water-based), the blendability of the ink, and the tip size.
What is a marker used for?
Art markers are fun to use and are a popular choice for adult coloring books. They can do the following and lets you unleash your creative side.
- Filling Large Areas. Blender markers are perfect for filling in large areas quickly and easily. Simply color over the area you want to fill in with the broad tip of the marker, and voila! You have a filled-in area.
- Blending Colors. One of the best things about blender markers is that they are perfect for blending colors together. Simply color over two or more colors with the blender marker and watch them blend together.
- Detailed Work. The fine tip of the blender marker is perfect for detailed work. Use it to create thin lines, curves, and other details.
Conclusion
One of the most important tools for any artist is a good blender marker. Blending markers allow you to create smooth transitions between colors, giving your artwork a polished look. But with so many different brands and types of blender markers on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are the best.
No matter your budget or skill level, a marker blender is set out there that will work for you. With these top picks, you’ll be able to create beautiful blended designs in no time!
Remember that blending takes a little bit of practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out perfectly. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful blends that will add depth and richness to your artwork.
Now get out there and start blending!