Just be aware of their strengths and limitations. Use the marker’s strengths to strategize how you want your artwork to turn out on canvas and avoid crossing the limits.
Painting with Paint Markers on Canvas
The most traditional way of painting is with the stroke of a brush. However, innovation in the last few decades has provided us with modern ways of painting. From sponges to spray paint cans, modern art forms allow people to get creative on how to put their art on canvas.
One of the latest types of paint types are paint markers, and they’re exactly what you think. Instead of the ink in everyday permanent markers, paint markers contain liquid paint dispensed through a regular marker tip. The result is painting strokes more similar to marker strokes that you can’t easily achieve through the traditional brush.
So, if you’re planning on drawing an artwork exclusively with paint markers, here’s how to do it.
What Are Paint Markers?
Paint markers work well on canvas, but it can also be used on other surfaces like paper, metal, stone, rubber, glass, and more. You’ve probably seen paint marker art on shop windows or signboards where someone good with lettering uses them to write announcements, sales, or welcome signs.
These markers leave a permanent mark on the surface, though, so be careful where you use it. Like permanent markers, they come in different finishes, including metallic, glittery, glossy, matte, and more. However, it can still be removed through solvents like acetone and high-pressured cleaning.
Unlike spray paint art where it uses the chemistry of air pressure and propellants, paint markers simply have tubes filled with paint that keep the tips wet and ready to draw on any surface. However, because paint markers use oil-based paint, you’ll need to shake it a few times for it to work.
The unique effect of paint markers is its ability to produce lines similar to permanent markers that regular brushes or other methods of painting cannot replicate. Paint marker ink is opaque and does not fade when exposed to light.
Are Paint Markers Safe?
Like spray paint, paint markers contain compounds that are dangerous when inhaled for a long time. If you’ve ever tried smelling regular permanent markers, that scent you can smell may contain toxic compounds like xylene. So, it’s not advised that you should inhale the tips of paint markers as they have similar substances.
While paint markers don’t spray flammable propellants in the air, using paint markers in an enclosed space will lead to prolonged exposure to the scent. So, as much as possible, use it in a well-ventilated room or a room with many windows. If you’re working on a large piece of art, use a face mask and goggles to avoid eye, nose, and mouth irritation.
Can I Use Markers on Canvas?
Yes, it is possible to use markers on canvas and create your desired effects for the artwork. For your information, the best markers for canvas painting should be acrylic paint markers.
Indeed, other markers also work wonders on canvas. Here’re some thing you should know about the results of teach type:
- Acrylic paint markers – This painting medium creates a shiny finish once dried on the canvas. They also allow layering of various colors to add to the artwork’s depth, thanks to the quick-drying feature.
- Water-based markers – They allow artists to make broad and vivid strokes when mixed with water.
- Alcohol-based markers – These markers allow easy clearing, suitable for beginer’s practice.
Types of Markers to Can Use on Canvas
There are different types of markers, and they are classified according to their ink. These are paint marker pens, permanent markers, alcohol markers, and water based markers.
1. Paint Marker Pens
When you search for canvas markers, paint pens would probably appear first. Why? The ink used for paint pens can either be acrylic, water based, or oil based which is similar to paints traditionally used on canvas, except that they are on barrels.
So, yes! Paint markers like POSCA pens are one of the best markers you can use on canvas.
All ink types can easily be used on canvas. Acrylic markers are the ideal pick as it can dry quickly.
2. Permanent Markers
Though they are not designed to be used on canvas, a permanent marker like Sharpie and Crayola permanent marker can be used on canvas.
However, it is important to note that permanent markers can bleed badly. This is a thing you need to deal with specifically when you use Crayola markers on canvas.
Permanent markers will likely stay on canvas for long but the possibility of fading over time is also high.
3. Water based Marker
Like watercolors, this type of marker can be used on canvas but mostly for kids and for school projects. They are significantly cheaper than the other options.
Since they are water based, they are considered washable markers. Water based markers can also be used in conjunction with other markers.
4. Alcohol based markers
Alcohol markers like Copic markers and Prismacolor markers may or may not work well on canvas.
Since they are not designed for that the results vary and would largely depend on the type of canvas also. These markers are normally not designed to last on any medium.
How Does It Work on Canvas?
Paint pens work pretty well with canvas as long as it is primed properly. However, you might need to reprime it as you go.
Regular permanent markers bleed on canvas but you can minimize this by using a permanent marker with finer tips more importantly when you are making intricate details.
On the other hand, alcohol markers do not bleed on canvas since alcohol evaporates quickly leaving the ink on the canvas in an instant, and alcohol markers normally appear lighter on canvas.
Lastly, water based markers work wonderfully with primed watercolor canvas but still, it’s not as simple as using water based markers on paper.
These markers have their own unique behavior when applied to the canvas but with a little creativity and practice you can mix and match markers on one setting to create a one of a kind canvas.
