Markers

Classroom teachers, office workers, artists and others use markers to write, draw and create. Staples has a variety of markers for any project from popular brands like Sharpie, Bic and Expo.

Benefits of Markers
Markers color on paper, whiteboards, plastic and other materials. Fabric markers stay colorfast even after a wash, while water-soluble markers won't stain fabric and come out with little trouble. Alcohol-based permanent markers blend pigment with alcohol for unique art projects or stain permanently on materials to keep the items identifiable. Permanent and fabric markers write on clothing tags to create an ID that won't wash off, while water-soluble markers teach children to draw, write and color without risking damage to walls or carpeting. Non-toxic, water-soluble markers keep young children safe by eliminating the risk of inhaling or ingesting chemicals.

Different Pen Tips
Brush-tipped units create soft lines that are wider in the middle than at the ends, while fine-tip markers create thin, precise lines. Thicker tips make bold lines and fill spaces quickly, while chisel-tip markers have a large, squared line. Felt-tip pens have good ink flow, so there are no gaps in the ink lines. Pin-tip, also known as needle-tip pens, have a precise line of .03 though .08mm, depending on the style. Each pen tip creates a different type of line, from a thick, bold line to a thin, wispy line.

What Styles of Markers Exist?
Several kinds of markers exist including dry-erase, alcohol-based and water-soluble markers. Dry-erase markers wipe off white boards with water or a special eraser or tissue. Alcohol-based markers are permanent, created with an alcohol base instead of a water base. Similarly, oil-based markers break down only with oils after they dry, although they dry slower than other types. Water-soluble styles make classroom projects fun while keeping cleanup easy.

What's the Benefit of Low-Odor Markers?
Older markers had strong scents that could leave the people using them feeling faint. The chemicals weren't good for children or adults to smell. Today, low-odor styles eliminate the inhalation of heavy chemical scents. Scented markers made with non-toxic materials provide children with a secondary way to be creative by adding scents to their artwork.

Are There Markers For Different Materials?
Not all markers write on all materials. Permanent markers write on plastics, fabrics, cardboard, paper, wood and other materials without washing away. Water-soluble markers typically work on plain paper or cardstock. Dry-erase markers used on specialty boards erase quickly, so you can use them to write new information each day in the classroom or office.

What Are Markers Used For?
Water-soluble and alcohol-based markers create unique art on paper or other materials in art classes. Permanent markers mark on metals and materials that may need to be identified without the need for additional stickers. If you work on ceramics or glass, dry-erase markers mark the material and may be wiped away after you make the necessary cuts or alterations.

Staples carries markers for business use, in schools and at home. Choose the right marker and make your project a success.