by Wes R / October 16, 2024
Amazon’s Top Selling Markers
As an art instructor with years of experience, I’ve worked with many types of markers and understand the impact the right tools can have on an artist’s work. Today, I’m reviewing four of the best-selling marker sets on Amazon. Each of these sets of markers serves different artistic needs, and I’ll evaluate their pros and cons to help you find the best fit.
Please note that this article, website, and all links provided are Amazon affiliate links, meaning any purchases made through these links help support our site.
Top Selling Markers
Marker 1: POSCA Markers Bundle, 24 Medium Paint Markers 5M – 8 Dark Tones + 8 Warm Tones + 8 Multicolor Tones
Pros:
- Highly Versatile Paint Marker: The POSCA markers use water-based pigment ink that works beautifully on various surfaces, such as paper, canvas, wood, plastic, metal, and even glass.
- Bold, Opaque Colors: This 24-pack includes 8 dark tones, 8 warm tones, and 8 multicolor tones, providing a well-rounded set of vibrant, opaque colors that stand out even on dark surfaces.
- Blendable and Layerable: These markers allow blending and layering, which is a unique feature for paint markers, adding more creative control.
- Non-Toxic and Low Odor: The markers are safe for artists of all ages due to their non-toxic formulation, making them ideal for classrooms or home studios.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: POSCA markers are professional-grade and come with a premium price tag, which could be a consideration for those on a budget.
- Single Tip Size: With only the 5M medium tip in this set, artists who want ultra-fine or broad strokes may find it limiting.
Overall Impression: POSCA markers are an excellent choice for artists who need a versatile, professional-quality marker that works across multiple surfaces. Their blendability, opacity, and durability make them stand out, especially for those needing vibrant colors that work on both light and dark backgrounds.
Marker 2: Aenart Dual Brush Markers for Adult Coloring Books, 24 Colored Fine Point Marker Pen
Pros:
- Dual Tips for Versatility: Each Aenart marker has a fine tip for detailed line work and a brush tip for covering larger areas, making them perfect for adult coloring books, journaling, and sketching.
- Smooth Ink Flow: The ink flow is consistent, creating a seamless, streak-free experience on most paper types, ideal for creative activities and everyday use.
- Budget-Friendly: With a wide range of colors at an affordable price, this set offers excellent value for students, hobbyists, or casual artists.
- Blendable Colors: The water-based markers allow for soft blending and shading, which is great for light sketching and coloring books.
Cons:
- Not Waterproof: Being water-based, these markers may smudge or bleed on certain paper types if layered heavily.
- Limited Effect on Dark Surfaces: While vibrant on white paper, the colors may not show up as well on dark backgrounds, due to their lighter pigmentation.
Overall Impression: This Aenart marker set is ideal for beginners or those focused on adult coloring books, journaling, or casual art projects. Its dual-tip design offers flexibility for both detail and larger areas, although it’s best suited for lighter paper-based work rather than high-impact projects on dark or textured surfaces.
Marker 3: Coogert 24 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Markers, Fine Tip and Brush Tip Permanent Acrylic Paint Pens
Pros:
- Permanent and Multi-Surface Friendly: The Coogert acrylic paint markers are suitable for a variety of surfaces, including rocks, canvas, wood, glass, ceramic, fabric, plastic, and more.
- Dual Tips for Versatility: Each marker has both a fine tip for detailed line work and a brush tip for larger areas, offering flexibility for various project sizes.
- Rich, Bold Colors: The acrylic paint is vibrant and opaque, allowing the colors to pop on both light and dark surfaces, which makes these markers ideal for DIY projects.
- Waterproof and Permanent: These markers offer a permanent, waterproof finish once dry, ensuring durability for indoor and outdoor art.
Cons:
- Acrylic Ink Can Be Thick: For light sketching or detailed illustration, the thickness of acrylic ink may require careful handling to avoid smudging.
- Drying Time: Acrylic paint can take longer to dry than typical markers, so smudging is possible if not allowed to dry completely.
Overall Impression: This Coogert marker set is fantastic for artists interested in crafting and multi-surface projects. The dual tips allow for detailed work as well as broad coverage, making them versatile and suitable for projects that require permanent, vivid color on different materials.
Marker 4: Caliart Alcohol-Based Markers, 100 Colors Dual Tip Art Sketch Markers
Pros:
- Extensive Color Range: With 100 colors, this Caliart set offers one of the most extensive palettes available, which is perfect for creating detailed and shaded artwork.
- Dual Tips for Versatility: Each marker has a fine tip for detailed work and a chisel tip for broader coverage, ideal for sketching, coloring, and illustration.
- Blendable Alcohol-Based Ink: Alcohol-based ink is ideal for smooth blending and gradients, which is particularly useful for professional-level illustrations on paper.
- Quick-Drying and Permanent: The quick-drying formula prevents smudging, making these markers great for layered and detailed work.
Cons:
- Best for Paper Use Only: These markers are formulated for paper and can bleed through thinner papers, so thicker, high-quality paper is recommended.
- Potential for Bleeding: The alcohol-based ink can bleed on standard paper, so pairing them with specialized marker paper or thicker paper is best.
Overall Impression: Caliart’s alcohol-based markers are ideal for artists who need a wide variety of colors and blending capabilities, especially for illustration or design work on paper. They are highly blendable, quick-drying, and offer the largest color range of the sets reviewed, although they’re best suited for paper rather than multi-surface projects.
Final Verdict: Which Marker Set is the Best Overall?
Each of these marker sets has unique strengths and caters to different creative needs:
- Best for Professional-Quality Multi-Surface Art: The POSCA Markers Bundle is the best choice for artists who need professional-grade colors that work on various surfaces. Its vibrant, opaque colors and ability to blend on surfaces like wood, glass, and fabric make it a standout choice.
- Best for Coloring, Journaling, and Casual Use: The Aenart Dual Brush Markers are an excellent value for casual art, coloring books, and journaling. The dual tips make them versatile for a range of creative tasks, and they’re affordable for hobbyists or beginners.
- Best for Crafts and DIY Projects: The Coogert Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Markers are perfect for artists working on DIY projects like rock painting, ceramics, and crafts. Their permanent, waterproof ink and versatility make them ideal for multi-surface work.
- Best for Professional Illustration and Paper-Based Art: Caliart Alcohol-Based Markers offer a vast color selection and blending capabilities, making them perfect for illustrators, designers, or comic artists who work on paper. Their alcohol-based ink provides vibrant, smooth gradients.
Overall Winner: POSCA Markers Bundle
While each set has its unique strengths, the POSCA Markers Bundle is the best overall for its high-quality pigment, multi-surface versatility, and ability to create vibrant, long-lasting artwork. Its premium quality justifies the investment, especially for artists looking to work on diverse materials. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a hobbyist looking to expand your tools, the POSCA Markers offer the flexibility and professional-grade quality to meet a wide range of artistic needs.
Please note that this article, our website, and the links provided are Amazon affiliate links.