I can't believe I haven’t written a review about this marker. The
Sharpie Twin Tip Marker in Black is one of the most versatile markers in my pen/pencil holder.
Description
As you can probably tell from the name, this permanent marker has two tips. The left side of the marker has a Fine tip, and the right side has an Ultra Fine tip. Both color inks are black, but because of the tip differences, they write with a different stroke width. The ink flow from both tips generates consistently smooth lines. I’ve never had a Sharpie leak either. The manufacturer also says the ink is water resistant.
A cap snaps firmly in place on the end of each pen end. The Fine point has a larger cap with a plastic clip that fits over the edge of a pocket or notebook cover. The Ultra Fine cap is much smaller. When either cap is removed, it is designed to fit over the end of the other cap. This Sharpie Twin Tip marker in black is one of the newer redesigned markers. I have an older version where the larger cap, when placed over the smaller cap, would cover the smaller cap ... making for the potential situation of having that smaller cap become stuck inside the larger cap. The new version solves that problem. The manufacturer added a few small nubs on the smaller cap so that the larger cap doesn’t completely slide over it.
Sharpie offers the Twin Tip marker in a variety of colors. Black, Blue, Green, Red, Purple, Turquoise, Lime, Aqua, Berry, Orange.
Fine Tip
This black tip writes smoothly with a bold line. The word “Fine” is misleading when describing this tip. It does not produce a narrow line of writing. It writes with a bold I-see-you slash of ink. If the tip rests too long on the paper, the ink bleeds a bit causing a blotch.
Ultra Fine Tip
I love having the Ultra Fine tip at the other end of the marker. This tip produces a much finer line. It writes bolder than a ballpoint pen. The difference between the two tips is quite noticeable. The Ultra Fine tip is also less likely to produce a blotch of ink should the tip rest a bit too long on the paper.
My Experiences
I like the diversity of this twin-tip marker. Carrying one writing utensil gives me the function of two markers.
I use both tips of this marker. Primarily, I use the Fine (bolder) tip of this marker to write on boxes, the outside of manilla or Tyvek envelopes, and on file folders. Yesterday, I sent a Tyvek envelope with a manuscript to a publisher and used the Fine tip to make a personal notation on the outside of the envelope. The eye-catching black print leapt off the white Tyvek envelope so that it will grab attention.
The Ultra Fine tip of this marker is great for finer writing. If want the boldness of a black line without using a lot of space for writing, then the Ultra Fine tip is the answer. This tip works also works well on file folders, particularly when I have a lot of words to cram in a little space. I have also written in greeting cards with this marker. On occasion, when I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to print labels on the computer printer, then this tip also writes well on Avery labels.
Both markers are excellent for artwork, too, whether you enjoy creating scrapbooks or drawings. The markers write well on CD’s, too, though Sanford claims the markers are not guaranteed for writing on that type of material. If you want a Sharpie Twin Tip marker that does write on CD’s, Sharpie has introduced a Twin Tip marker with a softer tip and reformulated ink that will write on CD’s and DVD’s.
Paper thickness and fiber makes a difference in how the ink flows. Some papers absorb more ink, creating a marker line that is a bit blurrier than desired. In all fairness, Sanford states that these markers are not meant for use on paper. However, paper comes in different thicknesses and results can vary. This marker works great on manilla envelopes, folders, cardboard and heavier papers. Greeting cards on thicker paper work well, too. Experiment, though, for bleed through.
These markers write on most hard surfaces. When I encounter a surface that is resistant to ink, the Sharpie is usually the one marker that works. An added bonus is that the ink is fast to dry and fade resistant. I find this especially important when marking boxes and file folder labels. I don’t want my writing to fade away, leaving me guessing at to what a box or file holds.
Likes
* Versatility with two marker tips
* Convenient, two markers in one pen
* Writes on a variety of surfaces
* Ink is non-toxic
* Fast drying ink
* Ink resists fading
* I’ve never had a tip break
* Redesigned cap works better than the old one
Dislikes
For me, there is nothing to dislike about these markers. If permanent ink is a concern, then you will want to look at a different product. Also, Sharpie markers are not meant to be used on cloth. The writing could fade or bleed with washing, and a yellow stain might appear on the material.
Removing Permanent Marker Stains
The Sanford Corporation website has a helpful area of Frequently Asked Questions. Here is their answer to removing Sharpie permanent ink stains ... though Sanford doesn’t guarantee it will work.
1. Treat stains as soon as possible. Fresh stains can be removed more easily than old ones.
2. Check manufacturer's labels as to fabric content and any special instructions
3. Always test stain removal solution first on a hidden part of the article or on swatch of fabric taken from seam allowance to insure no color loss or damage will occur.
4. Where possible, lay stained article face down on paper towels or clean white cloth and apply stain removal solution to underside of stain so that stain can be removed from the surface instead of pushing it through the fabric. Replace towels or cloth as they absorb stain to prevent stain transfer.
5. If enlisting the aid of a professional laundry or dry cleaner, be sure to indicate what the stain is and the type of fabric.
6. Do not iron stained garments or put in dryer as this may set stain.
Sanford also recommends: “Try AMODEX STAIN REMOVER for permanent ink: Amodex Products, P.O. Box 3332, Bridgeport, CT 06605, Phone:(203) 335-1255".
Purchasing
I buy these markers from my local office supply store. They sell for $2.15 each at Staples.
Summary
This
Sharpie Twin Tip Marker in Black is a great writing tool. It is one of the most used markers in my pen/pencil cup. The permanent ink writes smoothly, does not fade ... and I have two marker tips to choose from in one writing instrument. I like it!
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Please read my other reviews.
Avery Marks-A-Lot Permanent Marker
PaperMate Flair Felt-tip Markers
Sanford Expo Dry Erase Marker with Bullet Tip
Sanford Major Accent Highlighter
Avery Pen-Style Highlighters
Pentel RSVP Ballpoint Stick Pens
Bic Round Stic Grip Pens
EraserMate Pen
Sanford Peel-Off China Markers
Tombow White Correction Tape
Stanley Contemporary Electric Pencil Sharpener
Panasonic Portable Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener
Staples.com (Online Store)
Copyright 2006 Dawn L. Stewart
Discount Office Items
Discount Office Items
