Mark it up???

[Flutterby]

I am just curious to see what type of markers everyone uses on their balloon art... I know that Sharpie is the basic black marker that most probably use - but what about paint markers? Does anyone use say, edding / uni / sharpie - paint markers??? Do any of them interact with the balloon and weaken the strength of the balloon? I am looking to purchase some quality markers that will last and also not 'react' with the balloon material...

Or have you found that maybe some balloons are better with certain markers than others?

Or maybe ... uh well ... I could go on and on! But I think you get my point! Give me the low-down on the markers YOU use - why you use them - where you feel the best place to get them is from - and what the average price is of your marker of choice...

Thanks for the help!

(FYI - I did read the post from last year about the markers - but I am more interested in info on paint markers as opposed to the standard permanent markers...)

[Fitzwilly]

Qualatex markets a pack or either five or six markers for balloons (thus they are called Qualatex Balloon Markers) They have a silver base with a slight tint of color. One silver, one gold, one blue, one green, one purple and one pink if I remember correctly. These, as you would imagine, work very well and a pack (the last time I bought them) was under $6.
For a truly white marker, Eddings in the marker of choice although I have visited Michaels with a few balloons and tried their paint pens. They are not as good as Eddings but they usually run around $2 instead of $5 or $6. I bought a couple when I ran over my Eddings leaving a gig. But thanks to Rollie I will now have more! Yeah Rollie. Alchol or xylene in a paint pen is BAD for your balloon. Trial and error. Balloons are cheap take a couple with you. If they don't pop give them to the store clerk helping you. I also use Sharpie colors. I bought just about every color they produce but found that I only use about 5 colors. After all they only show up well on lighter balloons. On darker I use the Q pens or my white.

[Jolly Well]

I use Balloon Markers from Larocks (click on the balloon ware link). Probably avaliable from your local balloon supplier. They come in Blue, Black, White, Pink, Purple, and Yellow.

I've never looked anywhere else, as I've been satisfied with the results from these. I'll use a sharpie just as often for my blacks when doing line work - retractable sharpies are a line workers friend.

[Twinkles]

For colors, I use the "house brand" from Hobby Lobby... They're called "Fine Touch"... They're metallic and come in a 5 pack of gold/silver/blue/green/purple.... The silver is my favorite for coloring in Spiderman eyes....

Roseart metallics are also a great coverage choice... They're in by the regular markers...

I try to not have to use any white markers... just because they all take extra time to dry... any paint pen would.... But the "Painters Medium" found at Walmart in the CRAFT department work just fine...

Here's an article Bonnie Davis wrote a while back on BHQ about the markers she uses & why... as well as how she draws her dots, ovals & teardrops... She's a very talented artist... the "real" kind... which is what she did long before she ever picked up her first 260...
BalloonHQ Columns - Bonnie Davis

[TJ]

I stick with basic black sharpie.

But I'm basic, so it works for me.

Didn't know they made white markers!!! I must find this EDDINGS and make it my own.

[saphireSue]

I've been using sharpies, but I plan to get some balloon pen as when the balloons go down the ink can come of and sharpie ink even though perm. will come off.

[in Harmony with Jesus]

Right now I use the mini sharpies because they are easy to keep in one place - all on a ring by the hooks on the caps. But I too will eventually invest in some good balloon markers. The store I order all my supplies from has some but I can't remember what brand. Check it out at LaRocks Fun and Magic Outlet - That's actually where I get all my balloon and clown supplies.

[Rollie pollie]

I use sharpies myself here in germany i also use eddings which i will be bringing over to the coai convention in april so if anybody wants white or any other colours let me know.

Rollie