You've probably seen it before: beautiful white hand lettering on black (or another color) paper. It gives a very nice effect and you can go in many directions with it. White pens are often difficult to find, because it is the most difficult color to make into a pen. So what is important when choosing a white pen or marker? Be sure to read on, because I'm going to explain it all to you!
Types of points
Markers
They often have a felt tip that allows you to vary slightly in how thick your line is based on how hard you press it. Markers are made with water-based ink or as permanent marker (alcohol or acrylic based). They generally cover well and are very suitable for working on large surfaces. You can also use them on many different surfaces (depending on which marker you use, of course). You often have to shake them before use and pump them onto a piece of paper several times to get the ink into the nib. Then they are ready to use!
Brush pens
You won't find a brush pen that is opaque enough, Faber Castell has made an attempt, but it is not as opaque as you would like.
Gel pens
These provide a thin, consistent line thanks to the small, metal tip. White pens contain a relatively thick water-based gel ink. As with markers, some gel pens, such as the Sakura Gelly Roll, are available in multiple thicknesses. White pens are very suitable for casual writing and for detailed work. There is a suitable marker or pen for every project!
Line widths
Both markers and pens are often available in different thicknesses. Gel pens have the thinnest point and markers are usually available in various widths. The Sakura Pen Touch is available in three thicknesses, just like the Sakura Gelly Roll. Pens (or markers) with a thin point are very good to use for details. Are you going to write something on a large (blackboard)? Then it is better to choose a marker with a wide tip. Then your work can also be clearly seen from a distance! If you want to make a nice card with a nice quote, it is better to choose a thinner marker or a gel pen.
Cover and ink
White pens and markers all have different opacity. The more coverage they have, the greater the contrast. You can also get very beautiful and subtle results with this. It just depends on what suits your project.
White pens are often filled with gel. These cover slightly less well compared to markers that are filled with paint, but they do give very nice effects and can still be very opaque. The Sakura Gelly Roll in thickness 10 (line width 0.5 mm) in particular covers very well. The Uni Posca markers contain good opaque white acrylic paint. This makes this marker very suitable for all surfaces. Are you looking for a special effect? Then take a look at the Sakura Gelly Roll Glaze in white or transparent. These place a 3D layer on the surface, which you use to mask the surface. If you then go over it with some liquid paint (such as Ecoline), no paint will get on it. Be sure to try it out!
What do you use a white marker for?
Not every marker or pen can be used on all surfaces. Below you will find an overview of each marker that is specifically suitable for specific surfaces. You can of course also use them all on paper!
Chalkboard: Uni Chalk Marker , Edding 4095
Glass or windows: Edding 4095 , Edding 751 (note: this is permanent!), Uni Chalk Marker , Uni-Ball Posca (fairly permanent)
Wood: Uni-Ball Posca , Edding 751 , Sakura Pen Touch
There are different markers for different purposes. If you want to write something on a chalkboard, it is best to use an Edding 4095 or a Uni Chalk Marker. These are special water-based chalk markers that cover well and adhere to your surface. The Uni Chalk can also withstand a drop of rain, so you could also use it on a window.
Would you like to work with white markers and pens on paper? Then you can, for example, look at the Sakura Pen Touch, the Sakura Gelly Roll or the Uni-Ball Posca.
What should you pay attention to when using a white pen?
The most important thing is that you find the right pen or marker for the material you want to work on. An incorrect marker on your surface can seriously damage your marker and you obviously don't want that! Therefore, always check carefully whether your marker and your surface can be used together. Whether a marker is waterproof
Another point to take into account is that with markers you often first have to ensure that the ink or paint runs to the tip. This is very simple: shake well, open the cap, place the nib on a piece of test paper and pump gently a few times until the nib is filled with ink. Then your marker is ready to write with!
What can you make with white pens and markers?
When you think of colors you can work on with white, black may be the first that comes to mind. Good opaque white pens or markers provide a very nice contrast and are immediately noticeable. But it is also fun to try a different color, such as brown kraft paper or nice pastel colors. It just depends on what effect you want to create!
Gift wrapping paper
Buy a roll of plain wrapping paper (black, kraft, any other color you like) and hand letter beautiful texts on it with a white pen or marker. You can also put a nice message on it. This allows you to personalize gifts in a very fun way! I'm sure the recipient will like it. Nothing nicer than a personal gift, right?
Mixed media
Try combining white pens and markers with various other materials! I mentioned earlier in this blog that you can use the Sakura Gelly Roll Glaze in combination with Ecoline, for example, but you can also make something with watercolor and then write something over it or add details with a white pen. Combining things like this always makes me inspired and keep trying new things!
Various pens and markers
Do you have multiple pens and markers? Try using them all in one work! They probably all give a different effect, which you can play with a lot of fun. Take colored paper, draw a picture with an opaque marker and add details.
Comparison of white pens and markers
We have listed the properties of the following markers for you, so you can easily see what properties each pen has.
- Paint marker
- Smooth surfaces
- Nice point
- 1-2mm
- Rub- and waterproof
- Opaque drawing or writing on glass, windows or other materials
- Water-based chalk marker
- Remove with damp cloth
- 2-3mm
- Permanent markers
- Waterproof, light-resistant and quick-drying
- Paper and non-porous surfaces
- Thickness between 0.7-1-2 mm
- Different surfaces
- Ink/lime sticks well
- Remove with water and sponge
- Can withstand a little rain
- Perfect for windows and blackboards
- Gel pen
- Layer/matte 3D effect
- Masking
- Gel pen
- Super opaque
- Different sizes (05, 08 and 10)
- Good opaque white acrylic paint
- Conical tip
- Extra fine point
- Water/acrylic base
- 1mm
Conclusion
White markers and pens are not that difficult to use, you just have to know which ones you need! Hopefully, with this blog I have given you some more clarity about how you can find the pen or marker that suits you best.
You will of course find all markers in the shop!
Love,
Judith
