Alcohol markers are the most popular art markers for drawing, painting, sketching, illustration, comic art and more art projects. If you want to know how to use alcohol markers, these drawing ideas are your friendly roadmap to getting the most out of your alcohol-based markers without the overwhelm.

Section 1: Getting Started with Painting Techniques

If you’re new to alcohol markers, the blending magic might feel like sorcery. But with a few basic techniques, you’ll be creating smooth transitions in no time.

Layering:

Start light and build up your color. Apply your lightest shade first, then gradually add darker tones. Because the ink is translucent, you can layer without muddying your colors—if you work quickly. Alcohol ink dries fast, so keep your movements fluid to avoid streaks. If you want a clearer edge, wait for the first layer of color to dry before applying the second layer of color. If you want a blurred boundary, apply it while the color is still wet. Since the two effects will be different, please adjust according to your needs. 

Blending:

When blending two colors, paint from both sides toward the center. This allows the lighter colors to overlap. Remember, when blending the colors with alcohol markers, the ink must be wet, which means you need to draw quickly.

Paint evenly: 

To achieve an even application when using markers, there are two key points: ① Apply evenly. ② Apply 2-3 times.

Section 2: How to Store Paint Markers

Alcohol markers need to be stored carefully; otherwise and they’ll dry out faster than you can say “blend.”

Store Horizontally: Laying them flat keeps the ink evenly distributed along the nib, so you’re always ready for a smooth start. Tossing them in a cup nib-down can lead to ink pooling, while nib-up might starve the tip of ink.

Cap Them Tight:  click the cap after using; otherwise, the alcohol ink evaporates quickly, and a loose cap is a one-way ticket to a dried-out marker.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t leave them in a hot car or a freezing cold room. Think of them like fine art supplies—because they are! Stable, room-temperature conditions are ideal.

Section 3: Choosing Art Marker Tip

The nib is where the magic happens. Most alcohol markers come with dual tips, and each has its own superpower.

Fine Nib (Standard Point): This is your workhorse. Rounded and sturdy, it’s perfect for coloring larger areas, filling in spaces, and adding fine details when you use the very tip. It’s versatile and great for beginners to control.

Chisel Nib (Wedge Tip): Shaped like a slim wedge, this nib is a multitasker. Use the broad side for covering big spaces quickly, or the sharp edge for thin lines and sharp corners. Ideal for calligraphy-style lettering or architectural sketches.

Brush Nib (Flexible Tip): This soft, flexible tip mimics a paintbrush. It responds to pressure—press down for thick strokes, lift up for hair-thin lines. It’s fantastic for dynamic illustrations and coloring. It’s perfect for coloring larger areas, filling in spaces, and adding fine details when you use the very tip. It’s versatile and great for beginners to control.

Which combo is best for you? If you’re into lettering or graphic design, a bullet/chisel combo is practical. If you love illustration and want expressive lines, seek out brush/bullet pairs.

Section 4: How to Use Alcohol Markers

These markers are incredibly versatile, but they work best on specific surfaces.

Marker Paper: This is your #1 choice. It’s thin, smooth, and has a special coating that prevents bleeding (ink seeping through) and feathering (ink spreading out willy-nilly). It lets you layer and blend beautifully.

Bleed-Proof Paper: As the name suggests, it’s designed to stop ink from soaking through. You’ll get crisp lines and vibrant colors, but test it first—some brands don’t handle heavy blending as well.

Avoid Regular Printer Paper: It’s too thin and absorbent. Your ink will bleed through, look dull, and your markers will run out faster. Trust me, it’s a false economy.

Section 5: About Arrtx Alcohol Marker Series

Arrtx has two alcohol marker series, which are specially designed for artists, illustrators, designers, and enthusiasts. They have different color options. The two series are mainly different in pen tips, but the color and ink are the same. You can choose different alcohol markers according to your needs for the pen tip.

OROS alcohol markers series:

Colors range: from 48 to 90 colors
Alcohol-based Ink: dries out rapidly, and is not easy to fade
Fiber dual tips: durable, 1 brush tip and 1 chisel tip
Blending capability: tonal gradation, smooth transition
Long-lasting Use: 3g capacity, stable and precise
Package type: creative design, portable, reusable

• OROS 48 SKIN TONE COLORS SET

• OROS 66 PASTEL COLORS SET

• OROS 80 BASIC COLORS SET

• OROS 90 BASIC COLORS SET

ALP alcohol markers series:

Alcohol-based Ink: quick-drying drying premium ink
Dual tips: Chisel tip + fine tip for more art creation
Color range： from 36-90 colors
Long-lasting Use: 3g capacity, stable and precise
Package type: creative design, portable giftbox
Easy to blend and layer colors at your needs

• ALP 36 SKIN TONE COLOR SET

• ALP 66 PASTEL COLOR SET

• ALP 80 BASIC COLOR SET

• ALP 90 BASIC COLOR SET