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Which fineliner works best with markers? In this guide, we compare our favourites so you can find the perfect pen!
5 popular fineliners for alcohol- and water-based markers
- Copic Multiliner SP
- Pentel Pointliner
- Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner
- Staedtler Pigment Liner
- Uni Pin Fineliner
All of these pens use pigmented ink, are waterproof and permanent, dry quickly and don’t bleed through the paper, making them an excellent choice if you work with markers. But each pen has its own speciality that stands out and impresses. It could be the range of colours and nib sizes, a particularly nice packaging, or a unique feature. That little extra something that suits your style!
1. Copic Multiliner SP
Fineliner with refillable ink
A fineliner from the marker brand Copic, and one that stands out in several ways. First of all, the nib can be replaced when needed, secondly, the ink is refillable once it runs out, and thirdly, the barrel is made of aluminium rather than plastic. All designed for long-lasting use!
2. Pentel Pointliner
Fineliner with an extra durable tip
Japanese brand Pentel continues to impress with its commitment to quality and precision. The Pointliner is lightfast, permanent, and can handle multiple layers of markers without giving in. But what do we love most about it? The tip. Made from tough fibre, it stands up to rough techniques and textured paper that would usually destroy other fineliners.
3. Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner
Bestselling fineliner and pioneer
The unique Pigma ink was the first waterproof pigmented ink introduced over 30 years ago, and it is still a market leader today. The Pigma Micron by Japanese brand Sakura has everything you could want in a fineliner: permanent, archival-quality, and available in a wide range of colours and nib sizes. A long-time favourite among artists, students and architects around the world.
4. Staedtler Pigment Liner
Fineliner that lasts 18 hours without a cap
A smart investment if you work with markers. Staedtler’s fineliner delivers both quality and practicality. It features a durable metal clip, comes in black as well as vibrant rainbow colours, and is available individually or in sets. The set also comes in a handy case that folds out into a pen stand. An extra bonus? The pen’s unique CAP-OFF function. Tests show it can last up to 18 hours without a cap, without drying out!
5. Uni Pin Fineliner
Fineliner that lasts for 2000 metres
This is the pen that can draw up to 2000 metres before the ink runs out! A true partner in crime for your creative projects, year after year. Uni’s fineliner is permanent on paper, so you don’t have to worry about smudging when you go over it with markers. The sensitive tip responds to both light and heavy pressure, allowing you to vary the character of your lines. A pen for all types of artwork, plain and simple.
| Water-based | Permanent | Nib material | Barrel material | Nib width | Colours | Refillable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copic Multiliner SP | Yes | Yes | Felt | Aluminium | 0.03 – 0.7 mm | Black | Yes |
| Pentel Pointliner | Yes | Yes | Fibre | Plastic | 0.03 – 1 mm | Black, sepia, grey, brown | No |
| Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner | Yes | Yes | Plastic | Plastic | 0.15 – 0.7 mm | 15 colours | No |
| Staedtler Pigment Liner | Yes | Yes | Fibre | Plastic | 0.05 – 1.2 mm | 13 colours | No |
| Uni Pin Fineliner | Yes | Yes | Plastic | Plastic | 0.05 – 1.2 mm | Black | No |
Unsure what terms like pigmented ink, waterproof or nib width mean? Check out the guide All about fineliners →
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