Last Updated: May 12, 2023 @ 11:16 am.

What are the best alcohol markers? To find out, we asked the drawing enthusiasts among our parent readers for their favorites. Then we tried several brands for ourselves. Which were best for beginners? Best variety of colors? Here are the ones we'd recommend.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don't take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!


Finding the Best Alcohol Markers: Tips & Advice

Alcohol markers are great for art projects since they are quick drying—that means less of a chance of smudging.

Excellent for scrapbooking, alcohol markers are acid free and resist fading. Also nice: alcohol markers have slightly opaque ink, so you can layer them or create color overlays . . . that helps create blends or highlights.

We asked our crafty readers for their tips on buying alcohol markers. And then we tried out several brands to find recommendations for this article. Here are some buying tips:

• Many markers tend to bleed. So it’s best to put a piece of card stock or thick paper behind what you are coloring.

• Store alcohol markers on their side so the ink stays evenly distributed in the pen.

• Use a feather light touch on the paper to get the best results.

• Colorless pens (included in many sets we researched) are great for blending.

Here are our favorite alcohol markers:

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Best for Beginners

Great for coloring books
Loved the vibrant colors of this set of markers. Also nice: blending pen and color-coded caps, plus zippered carry case. Caveat: shape is bit hard to hold.
$39.99

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Best Variety of Colors

Excellent for scrapbooking
Impressive bang for the buck here—99 colors plus a blending pen. We found these markers easy to blend . . . the ink is both smudge-proof and waterproof. Caveat: tips are on the hard side.
$39.99 ($0.40 / Count)

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Best Budget-Friendly

Work well on coloring books
We liked the reversible brush tips on this set of 48 colors (and 2 blending pens) that is easy on the wallet. Nice blending. Consistent and vibrant colors.

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Best for Kids

Comes with zippered case with tray
Loved this set for those kid craft project where you need a wide variety of vibrant colors. Also great: chisel and fine points. Caveat: don't blend as well as more pricey brands.
$19.99

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Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

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