How Long do Markers Last?
Are expensive markers better?

Markers are a great medium to get your creative juices flowing. Endless options exist to pick from. But how long do they even last?
How Long do Markers Last? Are expensive markers better? Thumbnail
How Long do Markers Last? Are expensive markers better? Thumbnail

Introduction

Who doesn’t love a good marker? A variety of different markers exist. Different brands have a variety of tips, colors and styles to offer. However, the most important question to ask is, how long do they last?

How long a market lastas depends on the type of marker. Copic markers last 12 to 18 months. The alcohol in these markers tends to evaporate after some time. 

An image of multi-color markers lined up

How Long do Markers Last

It depends on the type of marker. Copic markers usually last up to 12 to 18 months. Alcohol-based markers evaporate if left exposed to the air over time. 

Why do Markers Dry Out?

An image of multi-color markers in dim light

Markers are prone to drying out after prolonged exposure to air. Alcohol tends to evaporate at a lower temperature than other liquids such as water. This process occurs at a faster rate if you leave your marker without its cap for a longer time. 

PRO-TIP

keep the cap of your marker on for longer periods of time to prevent it from drying out

Do Expensive Markers Last Longer?

An image of a person holding a pink marker

Copic markers tend to last longer than other markers since they come with refillable cartridges of ink. They only dry out if left exposed to the air for a long period of time. 

If they are refilled continuously, they can last up to 25 years. These markers also come with an airtight cap. This ensures they do not dry out even if they are not opened or in use. 

How to Revive a Dried Out Marker?

If you’re worried about your dried out marker and want it to work again, here are some steps you can follow to slow down the process!

1. Keep the Tip Damp

An image of a sharpie permanent marker

The tip of a marker is an important feature that is key to preserving it. The first thing you need to do is wet the tip of your marker. You can use your bathroom sink to do this. 

Make sure you use a thin stream of water for a marker with a thin tip. Similarly, markers with thick tips require more water. 

2. Wrap the Tip with Plastic 

An image of markers with a piece of artwork

Use plastic wrap to cover the tip of your marker. This step will make sure the water does not evaporate. Wrap the plastic around the tip of your marker tightly. 

Use a rubber band to ensure the plastic wrap stays in place.

3. Put the Cap on the Tip

An image of a sharpie

Put the cap of the marker back on after some time has passed. Doing so will reset your marker and get the ink flowing through the tip. 

Wait for a few hours before testing your marker. Try your marker out on different types of paper to make sure it works well. 

4. Repeat the Process

An image of multi-color markers

If your marker is still not working, repeat the whole process. It will depend on the type and size of the marker. If your marker was left dried out for a long time, you will need to repeat the process many times. 

Be patient and wait for the ink to flow through the tip.

Expensive Markers

An image of color-coded marker caps

Expensive markers such as copic markers tend to work better than the typical ones. They come with refillable ink cartridges. You won’t have to worry about them drying out over time. 

Creative professionals of the art world use copic markers to express their talent. These markers come in 358 colors. They can be refilled up to 7 times. Their high-quality nibs make the work of each artist stand out even more. 

Some copic markers come with flexible nibs. They allow an artist to use a variety of different strokes. The color-coded caps of these markers make it easier to identify each one. 

If you’re interested in buying a set of copic markers, you can check out this one right here.

Copic Sketch Markers 72pc Set, Set B

These markers are permanent and non-toxic!

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Conclusion

We have discussed how long markers last. It depends on the type of the marker. Copic markers last up to 12 to 18 months. Expensive markers last longer and come in a variety of different colors. 

If you enjoyed reading about markers, you might be interested to check out our post about how to draw eyes. 

Jimena & Iñigo Picture

By Jimena & Iñigo

The Navarro-Rubios

My husband and I are learning how to draw and paint. We wanted to share this learning process with the world and have fun! That's why we created this blog. We'll have drawing contests every week and you'll decide who won that week! Follow along and learn with us!

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Jimena & Iñigo Picture

Jimena & Iñigo

The Navarro-Rubios

My husband and I are learning how to draw and paint. We wanted to share this learning process with the world and have fun! That's why we created this blog. We'll have drawing contests every week and you'll decide who won that week! Follow along and learn with us!

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