Table of Contents
Understanding the Differences Between Alcohol and Water-Based Markers
What Should Artists Consider When Choosing Between Marker Types?
How Do Artists Incorporate Markers into Mixed Media Projects?
How Do Artists Incorporate Markers into Mixed Media Projects?
Understanding the Differences Between Alcohol and Water-Based Markers
At The Sydney Art Store, we offer an array of both alcohol and water-based markers, providing artists with the freedom to choose the medium that best suits their artistic needs and style.
What Should Artists Consider When Choosing Between Marker Types?
When selecting markers, artists should consider several factors: the ink type (alcohol vs. water-based), nib shape, blendability, and the surface they’ll be working on. Alcohol markers excel in bold, high-impact designs and smooth blending, while water-based markers offer subtle layering and are easier to lift or modify. For highly detailed illustrations, fine or bullet tips are ideal, whereas chisel and brush tips allow broader coverage and expressive marks. Paper quality also affects performance—specialised marker paper helps prevent feathering and bleed-through, preserving the integrity of the work. Artists should also think about archival quality, especially for finished pieces, and whether they need refillable options or replaceable.
How Do Artists Incorporate Markers into Mixed Media Projects?
Posca Markers PC-3M
$5.02
Molotow Liquid Chrome Markers Mirror Finish
$19.15
Posca Markers PC-5M
$5.44
Markers are a powerful addition to any mixed media toolkit, offering bold lines, vibrant fills, and layered texture alongside other mediums. Alcohol markers can be layered over pencil, ink, or even light acrylic washes to add depth and clarity. Water-based markers are often used in conjunction with watercolour paints, coloured pencils, or pastels, adding definition or enhancing tonal value. Artists working in journals or sketchbooks may use markers for both expressive colour work and fine detail illustration. It’s important to test materials beforehand to ensure compatibility—some inks may resist or interact unpredictably with certain paints or adhesives. With the right surface and layering approach, markers open up countless creative possibilities for texture, contrast, and storytelling within a single piece.
What Marker Brands and Accessories Can You Find at The Sydney Art Store?
The Sydney Art Store carries a wide selection of marker brands known for professional performance and durability. From iconic alcohol-based markers with dual tips to refillable brush markers in expansive colour ranges, we provide options for detailed sketching, vibrant rendering, and expressive layering. Our available accessories include blending pens, storage cases, replacement nibs, and ink refills—everything artists need to keep their kits well-stocked and studio-ready. Our team is equipped to offer tailored advice on selecting the right marker system based on medium, style, or budget, ensuring each artist finds the tools that best suit their needs. Whether you're upgrading a single tool or building a comprehensive collection, The Sydney Art Store delivers the essentials for confident, colourful work, making it the ultimate resource for marker artists.
