# Marker pen > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Marker_pen > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Marker_pen.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marker_pen > Source revision: 1354482693 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Type of writing tool "Felt tip" redirects here. For the EP by Love Is All, see [Felt Tip (EP)](/source/Felt_Tip_(EP)). This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Marker pen" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (September 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) The tip of a green felt-tip pen Using an alcohol marker A box of colored felt-tip pens Marker pen A **marker pen**, **fine liner**, **marking pen**, **felt-tip pen**, **felt pen**, **flow marker**, **sign pen** (in [South Korea](/source/South_Korea)), **vivid** (in [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand)), **flomaster** (in [East](/source/East_Slavs) and [South Slavic](/source/South_Slavs) countries), **texta** (in [Australia](/source/Australia)), **sketch pen** (in [South Asia](/source/South_Asia)), **koki** (in [South Africa](/source/South_Africa)) or simply **marker** is a [pen](/source/Pen) which has its own [ink](/source/Ink) source and a tip made of porous, pressed fibers such as [felt](/source/Felt).[1] A marker pen consists of a container (glass, aluminum or plastic) and a core of an absorbent material that holds the ink. The upper part of the marker contains the nib that was made in earlier times of a hard felt material, and a cap to prevent the marker from drying out. Until the early 1990s, the most common solvents that were used for the ink in [permanent markers](/source/Permanent_marker) were [toluene](/source/Toluene) and [xylene](/source/Xylene). These two substances are both harmful[2][3] and characterized by a very strong smell. Today, the ink is usually made on the basis of alcohols (e.g. [1-Propanol](/source/1-Propanol), [1-butanol](/source/1-butanol), [diacetone alcohol](/source/Diacetone_alcohol) and [cresols](/source/Cresol)). Markers may be waterproof, dry-erase, [wet-erase](/source/Wet-wipe_marker) (e.g. [transparency](/source/Transparency_(projection)) markers), or permanent. ## History Lee Newman patented a felt-tipped marking pen in 1910.[4] In 1926, Benjamin Paskach patented a "fountain paintbrush",[5] as he called it, which consisted of a sponge-tipped handle containing various paint colors. Markers of this sort began to be popularized with the sale of [Sidney Rosenthal](/source/Sidney_Rosenthal)'s Magic Marker (1953), which consisted of a glass tube of ink with a felt wick. By 1958, use of felt-tipped markers was commonplace for a variety of applications such as lettering, labeling, and creating posters.[6] The year 1962 brought the development of the modern fiber-tipped pen (in contrast to the marker, which generally has a thicker point) by Yukio Horie of the Tokyo Stationery Company (which later became [Pentel](/source/Pentel)). In the 1980s, the first security markers were introduced, which use invisible but fluorescent ink. This ink can be used to mark valuable objects, and in the event of a theft, these markings can be detected with ultraviolet light.[7] In 1987 [Copic](/source/Copic) Sketch markers were released, further popularising markers for professional illustration.[8] ## Parts The marker reservoir, which holds the ink, is formed from [polyester](/source/Polyester). The "[felt](/source/Felt)" used for the tip is usually made of highly compressed synthetic fibers or porous ceramics. [Toluol](/source/Toluol) and [xylol](/source/Xylol) were used as [solvents](/source/Solvent) for the dye and are still used for the indelible ink in permanent markers. Due to their toxicity, they have often been replaced with less critical substances such as [alkyl](/source/Alkyl) or cyclic alkylene carbonates (like [propylene carbonate](/source/Propylene_carbonate)) in other types of markers. Water content of the ink can be up to 10%. Besides solvents and the dye itself, the ink may contain additives (e.g. nonylphenylpolyglycol ether, alkylpoly-[glycol ether](/source/Glycol_ether), fatty acid polyglycol ester, or fatty alcohol ethoxalates) and preservatives (e.g. [2-Phenylphenol](/source/2-Phenylphenol) and its sodium salt, 6-acetoxy-2,4-dimethyl-m-[dioxane](/source/Dioxane)).[9][10][11] ## Types ### Permanent marker Main article: [Permanent marker](/source/Permanent_marker) Permanent markers are porous pens that can write on surfaces such as glass, plastic, wood, metal, and stone. On most surfaces, the ink is generally resistant to rubbing and water, and can last for many years. However, on certain plastics like [Teflon](/source/Teflon), [polypropylene](/source/Polypropylene) etc., the marks made by such pens are not permanent and can be erased easily. Depending on the surface and the marker used, the marks can often be removed with either vigorous scrubbing or chemicals such as acetone. ### Highlighters Main article: [Highlighter](/source/Highlighter) [Highlighter](/source/Highlighter) pens Highlighters are a form of marker used to highlight and cover over existing writing while still leaving the writing readable. They are generally produced in neon colours to allow for colour coding, as well as attract buyers to them. As early as 1963, the American company Carter's Ink Company developed fluorescent felt-tip pens.[12] Felt-tip pens with fluorescent ink were first developed and marketed in Germany in 1971 by Günter Schwanhäußer of [Schwan-Stabilo](/source/Schwan-Stabilo).[13] ### Whiteboard markers Whiteboard marker on a [clapperboard](/source/Clapperboard) A whiteboard marker— or dry-erase marker— uses an erasable ink, made to be used on a slick (or matte-finished), non-porous writing surface, for temporary writing with [overhead projectors](/source/Overhead_projector), [whiteboards](/source/Whiteboard), glass, and the like. They are designed so that the user can easily erase the marks using a damp cloth, tissue, handkerchief, baby wipe, or other easily cleaned or disposable items. Generally, people use fabrics to do so, but others use items like paper, clothing items, some even use their bare hands to wipe it clear. The erasable ink does not contain the toxic chemical compounds [xylene](/source/Xylene) and/or [toluene](/source/Toluene) as have been used in permanent markers, being less of a risk to being used as a [recreational drug](/source/Recreational_drug). [Wet-wipe markers](/source/Wet-wipe_marker)— or wet-erase markers— are another version that are used on overhead projectors, signboards, whiteboards, and other non-porous surfaces. ### Security marker Special "security" markers, with [fluorescent](/source/Fluorescence) but otherwise invisible inks, are used for marking valuables in case of [burglary](/source/Burglary). The owner of a stolen, but recovered item can be determined by using [ultraviolet light](/source/Ultraviolet_light) to make the writing visible. ### Election marker Marker pens with [election ink](/source/Election_ink) (an indelible dye and often a [photosensitive](/source/Photosensitive) agent such as [silver nitrate](/source/Silver_nitrate)) used to mark the finger, and especially the [cuticle](/source/Cuticle), of voters in elections in order to prevent [electoral fraud](/source/Electoral_fraud) such as double voting. The stain stays visible for a week or two and may also be used to assist in [vaccinations](/source/Vaccination). ### Porous point pen A *porous point pen* contains a point that is made of some porous material such as [felt](/source/Felt) or [ceramic](/source/Ceramic). [Draftsman](/source/Technical_drawing)'s pens usually have a ceramic tip since this wears well and does not broaden when pressure is applied while writing. ## Dialectal variations The use of the terms "marker" and "felt-tipped pen" varies significantly among different parts of the world. This is because most English dialects contain words for particular types of marker, often [generic](/source/Genericized_trademark) brand names, but there are no such terms in widespread international use. ### Asia In some parts of [India](/source/India), water-based felt-tip pens are referred to as "sketch pens" because they are mainly used for sketching and writing on paper or cardboard. The permanent ink felt-tip markers are referred to as just "markers". In [Malaysia](/source/Malaysia) and [Singapore](/source/Singapore), marker pens are simply called markers. In the [Philippines](/source/Philippines), a marker is commonly referred to as a "[Pentel](/source/Pentel) pen", regardless of brand. In [Indonesia](/source/Indonesia), a marker pen is referred to as "Spidol". In [South Korea](/source/South_Korea) and [Japan](/source/Japan), marker pens are referred to as "sign pens", "name pens", or "felt pens". In [Iran](/source/Iran), felt-tip pens are referred to as "Magic" or "Highlight" regardless of its brand. ### Australia In [Australia](/source/Australia), the term "marker" usually refers only to large-tip markers, and the terms "felt-tip" and "felt pen" usually refer only to fine-tip markers. Markers in Australia are often [generically](/source/Genericized_trademark) called "texta", after a brand name of a type of [permanent marker](/source/Permanent_marker). Some variation in naming convention occurs between the states, for example in Queensland the brand name "nikko" has been commonly adopted. ### New Zealand The generic terms for fine-tipped markers are usually "felt pen", "felt tip pen" or "felts". Large permanent markers are called "vivids" after a popular brand sold there, the [Bic](/source/Soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9_Bic) Stephens Vivid. ### South Africa In [South Africa](/source/South_Africa), the term "Koki" is used for both felt pens and markers, by South Africans, as well as the standard "marker". ### Canada and United States [Sharpie markers](/source/Sharpie_(marker)) In the United States, the word "marker" is used as well as "magic marker", the latter being a [genericized trademark](/source/Genericized_trademark). The word "sharpie" is also now used as a genericized trademark; [Sharpie](/source/Sharpie_(marker)) is a popular brand of permanent markers used for labelling. Markers are also sometimes referred to as felt-pens or felts in some parts of Canada. ## See also - [Visual arts portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Visual_arts) - [Highlighter](/source/Highlighter) - [List of pen types, brands and companies](/source/List_of_pen_types%2C_brands_and_companies) - [Paint marker](/source/Paint_marker) - [Sharpie](/source/Sharpie_(marker)) ## Notes and references 1. **[^](#cite_ref-SBTCModule6_1-0)** www.sbctc.edu (adapted). ["Module 6: Media for 2-D Art"](http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Module-6.pdf) (PDF). Saylor.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120907074549/http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Module-6.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Toluene | Medical Management Guidelines | Toxic Substance Portal | ATSDR"](https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/MMG/MMGDetails.aspx?mmgid=157&toxid=29). *wwwn.cdc.gov*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Healthfully"](https://healthfully.com/harmful-effects-of-xylene-4564845.html). *Healthfully*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Lee W. Newman, Marking Pen, [U.S. Patent 946,149](https://patents.google.com/patent/US946149A). January 11, 1910. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Fountain paintbrush"](http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1601596.pdf) (PDF). Freepatentsonline.com. Retrieved 2014-04-30. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [History of Pens & Writing Instruments](https://archive.today/20120526042234/http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpen.htm), About Inventors site. Retrieved March 11, 2007. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Marcador ultravioleta"](https://www.hisour.com/es/ultraviolet-marker-18570/). *HiSoUR Arte Cultura Historia* (in Spanish). 2017-12-11. Retrieved 2022-01-16. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["COPIC HISTORY \[Section: "1987 - Launch of Copic Markers"\]"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250114184956/https://copic.jp/en/about/history/). Archived from [the original](https://copic.jp/en/about/history/) on 2025-01-14. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["How marker is made - material, manufacture, making, history, used, product, machine, History, Raw Materials"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053046/http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Marker.html). Madehow.com. 1997-07-14. Archived from [the original](http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Marker.html) on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2017-02-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** David A. Black (1966). ["Fiber Tipped Pens"](http://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5419&context=jclc). *J. Crim. L. Criminology & Police Sci*. **57** (4): 521–525. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/1140564](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F1140564). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [1140564](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1140564). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171107151936/http://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5419&context=jclc) from the original on 2017-11-07. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["History of Marker Pens"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161213162138/http://www.historyofpencils.com/writing-instruments-history/history-of-marker-pens/). Archived from [the original](http://www.historyofpencils.com/writing-instruments-history/history-of-marker-pens/) on 2016-12-13. Retrieved 2017-01-31. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [New York Times:The Hand-Held Highlighter](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/magazine/the-hand-held-highlighter.html) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Welt.de:Der Erfinder des Textmarkers ist tot](https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article132286504/Der-Erfinder-des-Textmarkers-ist-tot.html) ## External links - Media related to [Marker pens](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Marker_pens) at Wikimedia Commons v t e Pens Ink pens Ballpoint Retractable Brush pen Counterfeit banknote detection pen Demonstrator Dip Fountain Gel Marker dry erase highlighter paint permanent UV Quill Rastrum Reed Qalam Rollerball Ruling Skin Technical Non-ink Narayam Stylus Digital pens Active pen Digital pen Light pen Stylus Parts and tools Blotting paper Inkwell Nib flex nib Penknife Pounce powder Retipping Inks Alizarine Fountain pen ink India Iron gall Pact Stark's People James Mylne John J. Loud Joseph Gillott László Bíró Related topics Penmanship Calligraphy Lettering Pen painting Ballpoint pen artwork Birmingham pen trade Pen Museum Ballpoint pen knife Pen gun Pen spinning Writing implement List of types, brands and companies Category Authority control databases International GND National France BnF data Other Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Marker pen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marker_pen) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marker_pen?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.