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10 Best Art Markers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sharpie Creative Paint-like Brush Tip Acrylic Markers, Assorted Colors, 12 Count, Perfect for Art and Craft Supplies

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,135
Ink Type
Tip Type
Color Range

Most important from
2329 reviews

Ink Type
The ink/paint formula is opaque and can be overlapped without removing itself from smooth surfaces.
Tip Type
These markers glide smoothly over various surfaces with consistent quality, making them comparable to classic Sharpies.
Color Range
Each color, including white, is bright and vibrant, offering excellent coverage.
Paper Compatibility
They do not bleed through paper, delivering on a promise many other pens fail to keep.

The Sharpie Creative Paint-like Brush Tip Acrylic Markers offer a vibrant and bold color range, perfect for anyone looking to create standout artwork. The 12 assorted colors provide a good variety for different artistic needs and the paint-like control with the brush tip makes it easy to add detailed and layered effects.

The markers are ready to use straight out of the box, so you can start creating immediately without any setup needed. A significant advantage is their multi-surface capability; they work well not only on paper but also on metal, wood, ceramic, glass, rock, and canvas, making them a versatile choice for various craft projects. Furthermore, the water-based ink ensures that it won't bleed through paper, which is ideal for artists concerned about preserving their paper quality.

However, one potential drawback is the bold point type, which might not be suitable for very fine or detailed work. While they are excellent for those who enjoy bold and vivid artwork with a paint-like finish, they might not be the best option for artists seeking more subtle or fine-point detailing.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,135
Ink Type
Tip Type
Color Range

Most important from
2329 reviews

Ink Type
The ink/paint formula is opaque and can be overlapped without removing itself from smooth surfaces.
Tip Type
These markers glide smoothly over various surfaces with consistent quality, making them comparable to classic Sharpies.
Color Range
Each color, including white, is bright and vibrant, offering excellent coverage.
Paper Compatibility
They do not bleed through paper, delivering on a promise many other pens fail to keep.
#2

Shuttle Art 89 Colors Alcohol Markers, 88 Colors Dual Tip Art Marker Set Plus 1 Colorless Blender with Marker Case Perfect for Illustration Students Adult Coloring Sketching

Rating
9.4
Ink Type
Tip Type
Color Range

Most important from
4842 reviews

Ink Type
Ink flow is consistently smooth and juicy with no streaking or dryness, allowing for beautiful blending on suitable paper.
Tip Type
Dual tips perform well, with the bullet tip resisting fraying and chisel tips working flawlessly after minor adjustment.
Color Range
The set offers a fantastic and varied range of vibrant colors, including an impressive selection of reds, pinks, and essential skin and gray tones, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced artists.
Blendability
Ink flow is consistently smooth and juicy with no streaking or dryness, allowing for beautiful blending on suitable paper.
Paper Compatibility
Colors dry quickly with a nice finish, though some smudging on paper surfaces can occur depending on the paper used.

The Shuttle Art 89 Colors Alcohol Markers set is a strong choice for artists, students, and hobbyists looking for a wide variety of colors and versatile marker tips. With 88 vibrant colors plus a colorless blender, it offers excellent range for sketching, coloring, and illustration. The dual tips—a broad chisel tip and a fine 1mm tip—make it easy to cover large areas quickly or add detailed lines, which is great for different drawing styles. The alcohol-based ink blends smoothly and dries fast, helping create smooth color transitions without streaks.

The markers come in a handy magnetic case that can be arranged to hold markers horizontally, which is convenient for storage and access. The square barrel shape prevents the markers from rolling away, making them comfortable to hold for long periods. These markers are non-toxic and acid-free, so they're safe for both kids and adults. To avoid ink bleeding, it’s important to work on suitable paper designed for alcohol markers—regular paper might let the ink seep through or cause feathering. While the colors resist fading, artworks displayed in strong sunlight might fade over time.

This set offers a balance of quality and affordability, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate users who want a large color selection and flexible tips without a steep learning curve.

Rating
9.4
Ink Type
Tip Type
Color Range

Most important from
4842 reviews

Ink Type
Ink flow is consistently smooth and juicy with no streaking or dryness, allowing for beautiful blending on suitable paper.
Tip Type
Dual tips perform well, with the bullet tip resisting fraying and chisel tips working flawlessly after minor adjustment.
Color Range
The set offers a fantastic and varied range of vibrant colors, including an impressive selection of reds, pinks, and essential skin and gray tones, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced artists.
Blendability
Ink flow is consistently smooth and juicy with no streaking or dryness, allowing for beautiful blending on suitable paper.
Paper Compatibility
Colors dry quickly with a nice finish, though some smudging on paper surfaces can occur depending on the paper used.

Buying Guide for the Best Art Markers

Choosing the right art markers can significantly impact your artwork, whether you're a professional artist or a hobbyist. The right markers can help you achieve the desired effects, colors, and precision in your work. When selecting art markers, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing art markers.
Ink TypeThe ink type in art markers can be either alcohol-based, water-based, or solvent-based. Alcohol-based markers are known for their vibrant colors and smooth blending capabilities, making them ideal for professional artists and illustrators. Water-based markers are less likely to bleed through paper and are easier to clean up, making them suitable for beginners and children. Solvent-based markers are highly durable and can write on various surfaces, but they can have strong odors and require proper ventilation. Choose the ink type based on your project needs and personal preferences.
Tip TypeArt markers come with different tip types, including fine, brush, chisel, and bullet tips. Fine tips are great for detailed work and precise lines, while brush tips offer flexibility and can create both thin and thick lines, making them versatile for various techniques. Chisel tips are ideal for covering large areas and creating bold strokes, and bullet tips are good for general-purpose use. Consider the type of artwork you plan to create and select the tip type that best suits your style and requirements.
Color RangeThe color range of art markers can vary from a basic set of primary colors to extensive sets with hundreds of shades. A larger color range allows for more detailed and nuanced artwork, while a smaller set can be sufficient for simpler projects or beginners. Think about the complexity of your artwork and whether you need a wide variety of colors or if a basic set will meet your needs. Some brands also offer refillable markers and replaceable tips, which can be a cost-effective option if you use certain colors frequently.
BlendabilityBlendability refers to how well the markers can mix and blend with each other to create smooth transitions and gradients. Alcohol-based markers are typically known for their excellent blendability, making them a favorite among professional artists. Water-based markers can also blend well but may require more skill and practice. If blending is an important aspect of your artwork, look for markers specifically designed for this purpose and consider practicing different techniques to achieve the desired effects.
LightfastnessLightfastness is the resistance of the marker's ink to fading when exposed to light over time. High lightfastness ensures that your artwork will remain vibrant and not degrade quickly. This is particularly important for professional artists who sell their work or display it in galleries. Check the lightfastness rating of the markers if you want your artwork to last. For casual use or practice, lightfastness may be less of a concern.
Paper CompatibilityDifferent markers perform better on different types of paper. Some markers may bleed through thin paper, while others may not work well on glossy surfaces. Consider the type of paper you will be using and ensure that the markers you choose are compatible with it. Testing markers on a small area of your chosen paper can help you determine if they are a good match. For best results, use marker paper or paper specifically designed for the type of markers you are using.

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