How to Use Acrylic Markers for Beginners?
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If acrylic markers felt harder to use than you expected, that’s completely normal. This walkthrough covers what’s common and how to work with acrylic markers more comfortably.
What Are Acrylic Markers?
Acrylic markers use water based acrylic paint instead of ink. They create opaque color that sits on the surface, unlike alcohol markers that soak in or gel pens that glide lightly.
They’re handy for bold backgrounds, clean shapes and finishing touches like highlights.
Getting Ready to Use Acrylic Markers
Start with the Surface: Acrylic markers work well on many surfaces like paper, canvas, wood, glass or plastic. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry before you start.
Give it a Shake: Shake well with the cap on to mix the paint inside. This helps the color flow more evenly when you begin.
Check your Marker Tip: Press the nib gently on scrap paper until it’s fully saturated with paint. This usually takes about 10–30 seconds. Once ready, you can start coloring.
Acrylic Marker Techniques for Coloring
Flat coloring
Layer flat
Layer flat is a simple way to get smooth, even color with acrylic markers. Instead of trying to cover everything in one pass, you build the color in thin layers. The first layer sets the base, while the next layer helps even things out and makes the color look fuller.
How to do it:
- Put down the first layer and cover the area as evenly as you can.
- Let it dry fully.
- Add a second layer on top to make the color more opaque and more even.
Tip: Use light pressure to avoid dragging paint into the paper.
Pattern layer
Pattern layering usually happens near the end. After the acrylic base dries, you come back with small patterns, adding those quiet details that make the page feel finished in a gentle way.
How to do it:
- Laying down one flat base color and let it dry completely.
- Add simple patterns on top, like dots, lines, or tiny shapes.
Tip: Keeping the base smooth helps the pattern stand out and stay clean.
Blending
Layer blending
Layer blending is the most common way to blend acrylic markers, you’ll usually work with two colors.
Lay the colors next to each other and gently work them into one another while the paint is still wet. The blend may not look smooth right away, it often takes a little time to settle.
How to do it:
- Shake both markers well, especially solid or opaque colors.
- Keep both caps off so you can switch quickly.
- Apply Color 1 on one side and Color 2 on the other.
- Move back and forth where they meet until the center softens.
Tip: Wet paint can look stripey or patchy because it dries unevenly. It usually evens out when dry. Closer color pairs blend easier.
Smudge blending
Smudge blending works best in small areas. It depends on the paint staying workable just long enough for you to gently move it before it dries.
How to do it:
- Put two colors down close together.
- While the paint is still wet, quickly smudge the edge where they meet to soften the transition.
Tip: Finger gives the smoothest result. Cotton can work, but usually looks less smooth. Fast drying markers make this harder. Baby wipes help clean stained fingertips.
Shading
Smudge shading
Smudge shading is shading a base color, then smudging the new color to soften it. This works best in very small areas.
How to do it:
- Lay down a flat base color and let it dry or wait until it’s just slightly less wet.
- Add a small amount of darker color where you want the shadow.
- Quickly smudge it to soften the edge and pull it inward.
Tip: Smaller areas are easier. Not all markers smudge well because paint consistency and nibs vary. Test your markers on scrap paper first.
Water shading
Water shading adds soft shadows by placing color with an acrylic marker, then using a water brush to gently wash and blend it out. This can also soften line work and help background areas feel lighter, so the main subject stands out more.
How to do it:
- Lay down your base color and let it settle for a short moment.
- Add a darker acrylic marker where you want the shadows.
- Use a water brush to soften the edge and gently blend the shadow outward.
Tip: Wipe your brush often to keep the shading clean and controlled.
Textures
Stippling
Stippling (also known as dot art) is a technique where shading and texture are built using small dots instead of solid strokes.
This technique works especially well for soft areas like skin, flowers, gentle shadows and small details where a light, airy look feels more natural.
How to do it:
- Use the tip of the marker to add small dots.
- Place dots closer for darker areas, farther apart for lighter ones.
- Build up the dots slowly instead of pressing hard.
Tip: Work slowly and build up dots little by little. Stippling is easiest to control in small areas and works best for subtle details.
Scumbling
Scumbling is a loose shading technique made with light, irregular strokes. The goal is not to cover the surface evenly, but to let the texture show through.
It is often used for backgrounds or natural textures like clouds, trees, fabric or rough surfaces.
How to do it:
- Use light, loose strokes instead of filling the area.
- Let some of the surface show through.
- Build texture slowly by layering gentle strokes.
Tip: Keep your hand relaxed. Overlapping light strokes can add depth without making the area too dark.
Highlight
Rim highlight is one commonly used highlight technique with acrylic markers. It adds light color along the edge of a shape to suggest light hitting from behind or the side. Instead of blending inward, the focus stays on the outline to create separation and a soft glow.
How to do it:
- Choose a lighter shade than your base color.
- Apply thin strokes along the outer edge where light would hit.
- Keep the line soft and uneven for a natural look.
Tip: Use very light pressure. Subtle highlights feel more realistic and keep the effect from looking harsh.
FAQs
Do acrylic markers bleed through paper?
Acrylic markers usually don’t bleed through paper the way alcohol markers do, because the paint sits more on the surface. When it comes to how to use acrylic markers on paper, thin pages can still buckle or show through. Thicker paper makes a noticeable difference and helps the coloring feel more relaxed.
Can acrylic markers be blended?
Yes, acrylic markers can be blended, but not like alcohol markers. Blending works best while the paint is still wet or by layering thin colors on top. The paper and timing matter a lot, so results may feel different at first.
How long do acrylic markers take to dry?
Most acrylic markers dry to the touch within 30 seconds to a few minutes. Dry time depends on how thick the paint is, the paper used, and the room conditions. Giving layers a short pause helps avoid smudging and keeps colors clean.
Are acrylic paint pens waterproof?
Once fully dry, most acrylic paint pens are water resistant, not fully waterproof. Light splashes are usually fine, but heavy water or rubbing can still affect the paint. Letting the paint cure longer improves durability and helps it hold up better.
Can beginners use acrylic markers on coloring books?
Yes, beginners can use acrylic markers on coloring books. Simple acrylic marker techniques like light layers and short sections help avoid streaks or buckling, and thicker paper works best.
Can I combine acrylic markers with colored pencils or other markers?
You can, but test first. Acrylic over waxy colored pencil may not bond well, while colored pencil over fully dry acrylic often works better for details. Mixed media is doable, just go slow and build in light passes.
Are acrylic markers safe for kids?
Most acrylic markers are non-toxic, but they’re best for older kids with supervision. The paint dries fast and can stain surfaces or clothes. Checking the label and starting with simple projects helps keep things safe.
How to store acrylic markers?
Store acrylic markers horizontally with the caps tightly closed. This keeps the paint evenly distributed and prevents the nib from drying out.
