Paint marker
Encyclopedia
A paint marker is a type of marker pen
that is used to create permanent writing on a variety of surfaces from paper to metal to stone.
s the ink is an oil-based paint and generally requires shaking before use, similar to an aerosol spray paint can. In addition, the line is very opaque and, unlike spirit-based or other permanent inks, will not fade with exposure to UV light, and overlays all other colors beneath it. The paint from these types of markers is not truly permanent, as it can be removed using high pressure cleaning, paint thinning
solvent
s such as acetone
, or it can simply be painted over.
or toluene
, introducing some danger when used. Like spray paint, these markers give off volatile organic compounds which can be dangerous when not used in a well ventilated area or with a particulate mask. Gloves can also be worn to avoid absorption through the skin.
. It is useful for marking on wet or oily surfaces. It is sold under the brand name MeanStreak
in the United States. It is made by Sanford
, the maker of Sharpies, but there are many different brands and types of solidified paint pens.
Marker pen
thumb|MarkerA marker pen, marking pen, felt-tip pen, flow or marker, is a pen which has its own ink-source, and usually a tip made of a porous, pressed fibres; such as felt or nylon.-Permanent marker:...
that is used to create permanent writing on a variety of surfaces from paper to metal to stone.
Ink
Unlike with most permanent markerPermanent marker
A permanent marker is a type of marker pen that is used to create permanent writing on an object. Generally the liquid is water resistant, contains a solvent such as xylene, toluene, or alcohol and is capable of writing on a variety of surfaces from paper to metal to stone...
s the ink is an oil-based paint and generally requires shaking before use, similar to an aerosol spray paint can. In addition, the line is very opaque and, unlike spirit-based or other permanent inks, will not fade with exposure to UV light, and overlays all other colors beneath it. The paint from these types of markers is not truly permanent, as it can be removed using high pressure cleaning, paint thinning
Paint thinner
A paint thinner is a solvent used to thin oil-based paints or clean up after their use, although all such solvents have other uses. Commercially, "paint thinner" is usually a name for mineral spirits.Products used as paint thinners include:*Mineral spirits...
solvent
Solvent
A solvent is a liquid, solid, or gas that dissolves another solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution that is soluble in a certain volume of solvent at a specified temperature...
s such as acetone
Acetone
Acetone is the organic compound with the formula 2CO, a colorless, mobile, flammable liquid, the simplest example of the ketones.Acetone is miscible with water and serves as an important solvent in its own right, typically as the solvent of choice for cleaning purposes in the laboratory...
, or it can simply be painted over.
Dangers
Paint markers like permanent markers generally contain the toxic compounds xyleneXylene
Xylene encompasses three isomers of dimethylbenzene. The isomers are distinguished by the designations ortho- , meta- , and para- , which specify to which carbon atoms the two methyl groups are attached...
or toluene
Toluene
Toluene, formerly known as toluol, is a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners. It is a mono-substituted benzene derivative, i.e., one in which a single hydrogen atom from the benzene molecule has been replaced by a univalent group, in this case CH3.It is an aromatic...
, introducing some danger when used. Like spray paint, these markers give off volatile organic compounds which can be dangerous when not used in a well ventilated area or with a particulate mask. Gloves can also be worn to avoid absorption through the skin.
Solidified paint pens
Another type of paint marker is the solidified paint pen. This is a type of marker, often contained within a twist tube, that is a cylinder of semi-hardened oil-paint with a pointed tip. As one writes with it, the point wears down and must be advanced to in order to continue writing. The marker leaves a mark similar to that of chalkChalk
Chalk is a soft, white, porous sedimentary rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite. Calcite is calcium carbonate or CaCO3. It forms under reasonably deep marine conditions from the gradual accumulation of minute calcite plates shed from micro-organisms called coccolithophores....
. It is useful for marking on wet or oily surfaces. It is sold under the brand name MeanStreak
Mean Streak Marker
The Mean Streak is a type of marker made by Sanford, but can also refer to a variety of solidified paint marking sticks. This marker is a semi-solidified stick of oil-based paint in a twist tube which makes marks on many types of surfaces, including metal, wood, plastics, and paper,thus making a...
in the United States. It is made by Sanford
Sanford (writing products)
Sanford L.P., is a Newell Rubbermaid company based in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA. Sanford is the largest writing products manufacturer in the world. It is primarily known for manufacturing Sharpie, Paper Mate, and Prismacolor products.-History:...
, the maker of Sharpies, but there are many different brands and types of solidified paint pens.