|
Markers 101
Want to learn more about our markers? Our Markers 101 Section is the right place where you can get some expert advice. Just click on the category of markers you are interested in:
Valve Activated or Capillary?
Valve Activated
Liquid paint or ink is dispensed through a valve mechanism. When you press the tip down, it pushes onto a spring loaded plunger which opens the valve up, letting the liquid through: in a few seconds the liquid will fill the tip. When you let the tip up the liquid flow stops.
PROS: Even when the cap is left off, the tip can be re-primed, so you can use all the liquid inside the marker. Additionally, when the tip is worn out , it can be replaced. The valve system regulates the quantity of liquid dispensed. In addition, some markers like the 130P or the A20 have a reversible tip which has a bullet end on one side and a chisel end on the other. Valve activated markers usually contain three of four times more liquid than a capillary marker, and do not dry out.
CONS: valve activated markers are usually more expensive than capillary markers; since they contain liquid ink or paint they should be kept out of reach of children and used for industrial/professional applications only. Read MSDS for details (MSDS are available on individual product pages)
Available Valve Activated Markers: 100P, 130P, A10, A20, Dr Mark, Tekmark, 58A
Capillary
Have an internal reservoir made of porous materials, where ink is stored. The ink is absorbed into the reservoir, and fed onto the tip by capillary contact.
PROS: Less expensive than valve activated markers, adequate for occasional use. Tips can be pressed fairly hard without adverse effect, and capillaries do not have many of the hazards associated with liquid ink (i.e. they are not considered flammable)
CONS: Cannot regulate ink flow. If cap is left off for extended periods of time, the marker dries out. No replaceable tip.
Available Capillary Markers: U2, No 3, Redi-Sharp
Ink Markers
Ink is a colored fluid designed to mark on a surface. The color comes from a dye dispersed into a solvent, which provides drying, and usually includes a resin to help the ink adhere to a surface (while paint is made of heavier, pigmented colorants, that have the tendency to settle and need shaking before use)
PROS: No shaking of the marker is necessary prior to use. Fast drying and permanent when used on porous surfaces.
CONS: Some ink colors may not show up on darker surfaces, metal etc...
RECOMMENDATIONS: Excellent for use on porous surfaces such as cartons, wood and carpet. Good on clear or white plastics, clean metals such as galvanized, ceramic tiles etc. Use for surveyor, engineering, shipping, warehousing, carpet laying, and construction applications.
Available Ink Markers: U2, No 3, Redi-Sharp, Tekmark, 58A
Paint Markers
Paint is made of heavy pigments designed to cover the surface marked. Solvents, resins and additives are added to improve drying times, durability and adhesion. Paint markers generally provide a heavier coat than ink markers, and are used for marking on non-porous surfaces. Most paint markers on the market today are oil-based.
Oil-based paint markers contain Xylene, an aromatic solvent which helps the paint cut through rust and grease (i.e. 100P and 130P)
Xylene-Free paint markers are newer, dry faster than oil-based paint markers, and do not have some of the hazards associated with Xylene (i.e. A10, A20)
Paint markers have a replaceable tip, and are available in a variety of nib widths.
PROS: Opaque, visible marks on most surfaces. Particularly suited for marking on metals, plastics, ceramics etc.
CONS: Need to be shaken before use. Due to higher viscosity, paints in markers can only be dispensed through valve activated system.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Ideal for non-porous surfaces, metals, plastics, etc., good performance on greasy and oily surfaces
Available Paint Markers: 100P, 130P, A10, A20, Dr Mark | 
