The Ultimate Buying Guide for Sharpie Pens: Types, Features, Prices, and Tips
Overview
Sharpie pens are a popular choice for writing, drawing, and coloring. These permanent markers are known for their bold and vibrant colors, quick-drying ink, and fade-resistant properties. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right Sharpie pen for your needs. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of Sharpie pens, key considerations, features, prices, and tips to help you make an informed decision.
Types
1. Fine Point Pens: These Sharpie pens have a 0.5mm or 0.3mm tip, making them ideal for precise writing, drawing, and outlining.
2. Ultra Fine Point Pens: These Sharpie pens have a 0.2mm tip, making them perfect for intricate details, handwriting, and coloring small spaces.
3. Bold Pens: These Sharpie pens have a 1.0mm or 1.2mm tip, making them great for creating large, bold lines and coloring.
4. Marker Pens: These Sharpie pens have a chisel tip, allowing you to create both thin and thick lines for a variety of projects.
5. Coloring Pens: These Sharpie pens have a range of colors and tips, making them perfect for coloring books, art projects, and more.
Key Considerations
1. Point Sizes: Consider the size of the tip that you need for your project.
2. Ink Colors: Sharpie pens come in a variety of colors, so choose the ones that best suit your needs.
3. Fade-Resistance: Look for Sharpie pens that are fade-resistant if you want your work to last.
4. Waterproof: If you need to use Sharpie pens on surfaces that may get wet, choose waterproof options.
5. Quick-Drying: Consider how quickly the ink dries to avoid smudging and smearing.
6. Non-Toxic: If you plan to use Sharpie pens around children or in confined spaces, choose non-toxic options.
7. Archival Quality: If you need your work to last for a long time, choose Sharpie pens that are archival quality.
Features
1. Grip: Look for Sharpie pens with comfortable grips to reduce hand fatigue.
2. Cap: Choose Sharpie pens with secure caps to prevent the ink from drying out.
3. Clip: Consider Sharpie pens with clips for easy storage and accessibility.
4. Ink Quality: Look for Sharpie pens with high-quality ink for vibrant and long-lasting results.
5. Smear-Resistance: Consider Sharpie pens that are smear-resistant to avoid ruining your work.
Prices
Sharpie pens are available at a range of prices depending on the type, pack size, and quantity. Fine point pens typically cost between $1 and $2 per pen, while ultra fine point pens and bold pens can cost between $1.50 and $2.50 per pen. Marker pens and coloring pens can cost between $2 and $3 per pen.
Tips
1. Store Sharpie pens horizontally to prevent the ink from drying out.
2. Use Sharpie pens on a variety of surfaces, including paper, plastic, metal, and more.
3. Test the Sharpie pen on a small area before using it on your final project.
4. Use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to remove Sharpie ink from surfaces.
5. Use Sharpie pens with caution around fabrics and clothing, as the ink may not come out.
FAQs
Q: Are Sharpie pens waterproof?
A: Yes, many Sharpie pens are waterproof, making them ideal for use on surfaces that may get wet.
Q: Can Sharpie ink be removed from surfaces?
A: It depends on the surface. Sharpie ink can be removed from some surfaces with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, but may be permanent on others.
Q: Are Sharpie pens non-toxic?
A: Some Sharpie pens are non-toxic, but not all. Be sure to check the packaging before using them around children or in confined spaces.
Q: How long do Sharpie pens last?
A: Sharpie pens can last for a long time if stored properly. However, the ink may dry out over time, so it's best to use them within a year or two of purchase.
Q: Can Sharpie pens be used on fabric?
A: Yes, but use with caution. The ink may not come out of fabric and can bleed or fade over time. It's best to test on a small area first.