2024 Review of Affordable Tanmit Acrylic Markers Review for Teachers and Artists
(Best Posca Alternative)
By Wes R / November 9, 2024
When I first brought acrylic markers into my middle school art classroom, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My students had been asking for Posca markers all year, but with a tight budget, I needed something similar but more affordable. That’s how I found the Tanmit Dual-Tip Acrylic Markers on Amazon—and I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
I know a lot of you might be considering these as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier acrylic markers, especially if you’re an art teacher, student, or hobbyist looking for quality and versatility without the hefty price tag. So after seeing how much my students love these markers, I thought I’d share everything I’ve learned in the past few months using them in class.
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What Sets Acrylic Markers Apart?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s talk about why acrylic markers are so popular. Acrylic markers provide bold, opaque coverage and can be used on nearly any surface: paper, canvas, wood, glass, and even plastic. Compared to water-based markers, which can be streaky or translucent, acrylic markers lay down solid color, don’t smudge easily, and dry fast. This makes them ideal for a classroom setting, where quick results and easy handling are key.
Why My Students Love the Tanmit Dual-Tip Acrylic Markers
My students were thrilled when I introduced the Tanmit Dual-Tip Acrylic Markers. As one student put it, “they’re just like Posca markers, except with more colors and the two-tip design!” That extra color variety is a big deal for creative kids, and the dual-tip setup is incredibly practical, especially when we’re working on mixed-media projects.
Here’s what makes these markers a hit in my classroom:
1. Dual-Tip Functionality
The dual-tip design is a game-changer. One end has a fine tip that’s great for detail work, while the other is a broad chisel tip that covers large areas quickly. My students switch between the tips depending on what they’re working on, and it’s helped streamline our projects. The chisel end allows them to fill big areas, while the fine tip lets them add details and outlines without switching tools.
2. Incredible Color Variety
Forty-eight markers in one convenient carrying case…What beats that? Tanmit offers a broader color palette than many other affordable acrylic markers, which is a bonus for a middle school classroom. Students love having such a wide range of colors, and I’ve noticed their work has become more vibrant and layered since we got these. From pastel shades to bold primaries, there’s a color for every idea they want to explore.
3. Bold, Opaque Colors
Like all good acrylic markers, Tanmit’s ink provides opaque, consistent coverage. The colors show up vividly on everything from paper to cardboard to wood, and they layer beautifully without becoming muddy. Even on darker surfaces, the colors stay bright, which opens up tons of creative possibilities for my students.
4. Versatility for Different Surfaces
We don’t just stick to paper in my classroom. We’ve used these markers to decorate everything from rock art to canvas boards, and the ink adheres smoothly to almost any surface. This versatility makes them perfect for art students experimenting with mixed media or personalizing their school supplies.
5. Comfortable and Portable
Tanmit’s markers have a comfortable grip, which is crucial when you’re working with kids who may be using them for extended periods. The carrying case with individual slots for each marker is also a nice touch—students can easily take a few markers with them, and I know they’re not going to lose half the set in their lockers.
What I’d Change About the Tanmit Dual-Tip Acrylic Markers
While we’ve had a fantastic experience, there are a couple of minor issues:
1. Some Tips Dry Out Over Time
After a few weeks of DAILY use, which isn’t too often in my classroom, a few of the fine tips started to dry out. We’ve managed this by keeping the caps on tight and storing them horizontally. For markers that do dry out, dipping the tip in a small amount of water has been a quick fix to keep the ink flowing.
2. They Bleed Through Thin Paper
Like most acrylic markers, these will bleed through thin paper IF you’re heavy-handed. For class, we use thicker paper or add an extra sheet underneath to prevent bleed-through on the next project. On heavier paper or canvas, there’s no problem at all.
3. They Can Smudge on Glossy Surfaces
Although they work well on most surfaces, glossy materials like plastic sometimes need extra drying time or a light sealant spray to prevent smudging. I’ve seen students lose some of their work on glass jars or shiny ceramics unless we add a quick seal.
Using Acrylic Markers in a Classroom Setting
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up to keep things running smoothly in class:
- Prime the Tips: These markers are typically ready to go as soon as you unzip the case. You should always make sure to shake the markers before each use and test on scrap paper to keep the ink flowing.
- Teach Storage Habits: Keeping the markers horizontal and checking the cap to make sure it is securely sealed before putting them away for the day has helped prevent dry tips, so I remind my students to always store them this way. My students know how expensive markers can be, and I tell them how fortunate we are to be able to use them in class; this seems to help set the standard.
- Encourage Mixing and Blending: On paper, we have experimented using a quick damp brush to blend the acrylic ink for soft shading effects. The colors mix well but dry fast, so it’s great practice for students working on blending techniques.
Are These Right for Beginners?
Absolutely! The Tanmit Dual-Tip Acrylic Markers are ideal for young artists and beginners who want a versatile and easy-to-use tool without a big investment. For students especially, the dual-tip feature is intuitive and allows them to experiment freely without switching between a dozen different supplies.
I’d recommend these to teachers, parents, or anyone on a budget who wants to foster creativity with a quality product that’s affordable. If you’re working on professional art pieces, you may prefer premium markers with slightly finer color control. But for anyone exploring acrylic markers, Tanmit’s are a fantastic place to start.
My Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Tanmit Dual-Tip Acrylic Markers?
To In my classroom, these markers have been a hit. They provide the rich, opaque coverage of more expensive markers at a fraction of the cost. They’ve stood up to months of daily use, they’re easy for kids to handle, and they offer the color variety and flexibility that bring my students’ work to life.
The Tanmit Dual-Tip Acrylic Markers are perfect for:
- Art students who want to try acrylics without spending too much
- Hobbyists who like to add vivid color to everyday items
- Teachers looking for affordable supplies that work well across many projects
- Anyone who wants a quick, portable art tool with versatility
Ready to give your creativity a boost? These markers are a fantastic addition to any art kit, and my students and I can’t recommend them enough! Check them out on Amazon here.
