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Ultimate Introduction to the World of Pens & Markers for Writing & Crafting

Ultimate Introduction to the World of Pens & Markers for Writing & Crafting

Introduction to Pens & Markers

Pens and markers are popular and versatile writing instruments used for a variety of purposes. There are several types of pens and markers available, each with their own unique qualities and best uses.

Types of Pens

Some common types of pens include:

  • Ballpoint pens - Uses oil-based ink and a metal ball tip. Good for everyday writing.
  • Rollerball pens - Uses water-based liquid ink and a ball tip. Provides smooth writing.
  • Felt tip pens - Have a porous tip that absorbs ink. Good for writing and drawing.
  • Fountain pens - Uses water-based ink that flows through a nib. Provides elegant writing.
  • Gel pens - Uses gel ink that flows smoothly. Available in many vivid colors.

Types of Markers

Some popular types of markers include:

  • Permanent markers - Use permanent, oil-based ink. Good for labeling and arts/crafts.
  • Whiteboard markers - Use semi-permanent ink. Designed to write on whiteboards.
  • Highlighters - Use translucent ink. Used to highlight text in books.
  • Dry erase markers - Use ink that can be wiped off dry erase boards.
  • Fabric markers - Use ink made for marking fabric. Useful for arts/crafts.

Key Markers Features

FeatureDescription
TipThe tip shape and size affects the line width and flow of ink.
InkMarkers use either oil-based or water-based inks in various colors and opacities.
BarrelThe barrel contains the ink reservoir and can be thin, thick, or ergonomic in shape.

Using Pens and Markers

There are many creative ways to use pens and markers including:

  • Handwriting and lettering
  • Note taking
  • Drawing and sketching
  • Doodling and coloring
  • Labeling and highlighting
  • Arts, crafts, and DIY projects

When using pens and markers, be sure to securely cap them when not in use to prevent them from drying out. Proper storage and care will extend the life of your writing instruments.

With so many types and styles available, you're sure to find the perfect pens and markers to suit your writing, drawing, crafting, and creating needs!

Types of Pens & Markers

There are many different types of pens and markers available to suit a wide variety of writing and crafting needs. Understanding the key differences helps you choose the right tool for the job.

Pens

Some common types of pens include:

  • Ballpoint - Uses thick, oil-based ink. The tip rolls to apply ink to paper. A great everyday pen like the Bic Cristal.
  • Rollerball - Uses liquid ink in a cartridge. The smooth rollerball provides effortless writing, like the Uni-ball Jetstream.
  • Fountain - The nib draws ink from a reservoir. Provides elegant calligraphy when used at the proper angle, like Lamy fountain pens.
  • Gel - Contains gel ink that flows smoothly. Available in vivid opaque colors perfect for journaling, like the Zebra Sarasa Clip gel pen.

Markers

Popular markers include:

  • Permanent - Use strong, permanent ink that resists fading and water. Great for labeling and art, like Sharpie markers.
  • Whiteboard - Contain ink that wipes off dry erase boards easily. Low odor options like Expo are ideal for classrooms and offices.
  • Highlighter - Have translucent ink to highlight text. Chisel tips like the Staedtler Triplus fineliner make neat lines.
  • Fabric & Craft - Designed for marking fabric, wood, and other craft materials. Available in metallic sheens and neon colors, like Marvy Uchida fabric markers.

Key Differences

TypeInkUses
Ballpoint penThick, oil-basedEveryday writing
Rollerball penWater-basedSmooth writing
Permanent markerStrong, permanentLabeling, art
Whiteboard markerSemi-permanentWhiteboards

With so many types of pens and markers available, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your specific writing and crafting needs!

Permanent Markers

Permanent markers contain permanent inks that are versatile for crafting, art projects, labeling, and more. They are available in a wide range of colors and tip styles.

Ink

The ink in permanent markers is oil-based and designed to permanently bond to surfaces like:

  • Paper
  • Plastic
  • Glass
  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Rocks
  • Ceramics
  • Photographs

The ink resists fading and water. Popular brands like Sharpie use intense pigments to create vivid, opaque colors.

Tips

Permanent markers come in a variety of tip styles and sizes:

  • Fine tip - Good for small details and labeling.
  • Ultra fine tip - Allows precise thin lines.
  • Chisel tip - Creates wide or narrow lines.
  • Brush tip - For calligraphy, lettering, and coloring wider areas.

Uses

Permanent markers are extremely versatile. Common uses include:

  • Labeling storage boxes, jars, and more
  • Crafting projects like holiday ornaments, wreaths, and gifts
  • Scrapbooking and cards
  • Rock painting and other outdoor crafts
  • Poster making
  • Art - illustrations, manga, dot art, etc.
  • Highlighting and annotating books

Tips for Use

  • Test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the surface accepts permanent marker.
  • Replace cap securely when not in use to prevent markers from drying out.
  • Store horizontally to keep ink saturated near the tip.
  • Clean nibs regularly by gently wiping with alcohol to remove dried ink buildup.

With their intense pigments and versatility, permanent markers are a crafting essential for DIY projects, art, and more. Choose from top brands like Sharpie, BIC Mark-It, and Crayola for bold, vivid results.

Whiteboard Markers

Whiteboard markers contain quick-drying, semi-permanent ink designed specifically for writing on whiteboards and other dry erase surfaces. They allow for easy application and erasing of notes and markings.

Ink

The ink in whiteboard markers has properties ideal for dry erase boards:

  • Water-based - Allows the ink to dry quickly on whiteboards
  • Semi-permanent - Does not permanently stain the whiteboard surface
  • Erasable - Can be wiped off smoothly with a dry eraser or cloth
  • Vivid colors - Available in an array of colors for visual appeal

Tips

Common whiteboard marker tips include:

  • Fine tip - For precise writing and thin lines
  • Chisel tip - Can make thick or thin lines
  • Bullet tip - For bolder writing

Specialty Features

Many whiteboard markers have extra features such as:

  • Scented ink - For low-odor writing
  • Reversible tip - Fine tip on one end, chisel on the other
  • Eraser tip - For easy erasing without a separate eraser
  • Magnetic - Can attach to whiteboard trays

Advantages

Benefits of whiteboard markers include:

  • Allow collaborative writing sessions and brainstorming
  • Easy to erase and rewrite new ideas
  • Vivid colors for enhanced visibility and communication
  • Variety of tips for different writing styles
  • Affordable cost compared to chalk or blackboards

Overall, whiteboard markers are indispensable tools for office meetings, classroom lessons, and other situations where dry erase board writing is useful. Brands like Expo, Sharpie, and Mr. Sketch provide quality options.

How to get an Amazon Prime subscription for a profit in "Pens & Markers"

Amazon Prime provides great benefits for frequent Amazon shoppers who use pens and markers. The fast free shipping alone makes a Prime subscription worthwhile for crafters and artists. With some strategic planning, you can actually make back the $139 annual fee and turn a profit.

Take advantage of Prime Day deals

Amazon Prime Day is an annual sales event with major discounts for Prime members. Stock up on pens and markers you use regularly at low prices. Popular art brands like Sharpie, Prismacolor, and Arteza often have lightning deals up to 50% off.

Utilize free shipping on eligible items

As a Prime member, you get free 2-day shipping on millions of eligible items. When buying pens and markers, look for items shipped and sold by Amazon that qualify. Avoid add-on items that require a minimum purchase. The shipping savings can really add up.

Buy in bulk with monthly subscriptions

For pens and markers you use frequently, look into subscription options to get regular deliveries with discounts. This ensures you always have your essentials in stock. Amazon offers up to 15% off on recurring deliveries of select art supplies.

Take surveys for gift certificates

As a Prime member, you can take short surveys about the shopping experience to earn free Amazon gift certificates. These can be used to purchase pens, markers, and other qualifying art supplies.

Resell office supplies

Find good deals on bulk packs of pens and markers popular for office use. Resell portions of these to co-workers or locally for a markup from your discounted price. This takes some coordination but can generate nice side revenue.

With smart shopping habits, it is possible to leverage an Amazon Prime membership for profits on pens, markers, and other art supplies. The key is taking advantage of Prime-exclusive perks to maximize savings.


 


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