Tombow ABT Pro Alcohol Markers Review
I’m so excited to be introducing the Tombow ABT Pro Alcohol Markers to you guys. This is a sleek marker that has alcohol based ink. There are so many techniques that are waiting to be tried!
what are alcohol markers?
The Tombow ABT Pro Alcohol Markers are an alcohol-based marker, and come with the same level of quality that you would expect from Tombow. They are being sold at a much better price point than many alcohol markers out there in the market.
These markers have a resilient nylon brush tip on side and a chisel tip on the other end. The marker has a grey barrel with the marker clearly marked.
How Do They Compare to Water Based Markers?
If you are wondering how the Tombow ABT Pro alcohol markers differ from classic watercolor markers, the magic comes down to ink chemistry. Alcohol ink dries almost instantly and sits on top of paper fibers rather than soaking into them, allowing for seamless layering. For a deeper breakdown of how these two types behave differently on paper, check out our guide on alcohol vs. water-based markers.
Advantages of tombow aBT pro alcohol markers
- These markers will color a large area very very evenly with no streaks compared to the Tombow Dual Brush Pens.
- Paper does not pill EVER no matter how many colors you layer
- Colors can be overlapped and layered but will never blend. You can create fun patterns because of this.
- Markers can be used on not just paper, but also other surfaces like wood, metal, and fabric. Check out this alcohol markers on fabric tutorial.
- Always pair your alcohol markers with waterproof, alcohol-proof fineliners (stay tuned for our upcoming guide on the best black ink for alcohol markers to avoid smudging your linework!)
- Can use Hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to be a blending solution of sorts
tombow abt pro alcohol markers video
Watch my Tombow ABT Pro unboxing video or click the video box below
Tips for using Alcohol Markers:
- Always store these markers horizontally only. NEVER upright. Check out these Tombow marker storage ideas.
- Use these markers in a well-ventilated area.
- Click caps back on securely to avoid drying.
- Stay away from watercolor paper while using these markers. The thicker paper will just suck up all the ink.
- For larger area coverage, apply color onto the paper using the chisel tip.
- The marker color does bleed through most papers. Keep this in mind while using these markers in your sketchbooks or bullet journals.
- The colorless marker does not “blend” colors. It actually pushes color away and creates a lighter shade in its place.
- Be patient. The color smoothes as the alcohol evaporates and the paper dries to the touch.
If you want to try drawing with these marekrs, here is my tutorial on how to draw a maple leaf with alcohol markers to practice smooth gradient shading.
FAQs:
Below is a list of questions that popped in my mind when I was first introduced to the Tombow ABT Pros. I’ll keep adding more to this as and when I have new information.
- How many colors are there? There are a total of 108 colors, just like the Tombow Dual brush pens except 18 colors are unique.
- What is the best paper to use with these markers? Bright white papers that are not too absorbent. I’d recommend a smooth mixed media paper sketchbook or a marker pad.
- Are these markers refillable? No.
- Are these markers lightfast? Not tested yet.
- Are the nibs replaceable? No
- What ink should I use to stamp images that I plan to color with alcohol markers? The Tsukineko Memento Inkpad in Tuxedo Black is a great choice!
- What can I use these markers for? They work great in colorful illustrations, portraits, fashion designs and cardmaking
- Where can I buy the Tombow ABT Pros? These markers are being discontinued by the manufacturer, but here are other markers to try.
If you have any questions about the Tombow ABT Pro Alcohol Markers leave me a comment below and and we can discuss more
