SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo
I kind of feel like markers are taking over the art/craft world- every day I learn of a new brand or style. So this week I drug out this set I purchased from Amazon a while ago to give them a look-over– the SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers.
DISCLAIMER: I purchased these with my own funds. I’m not associated with the brand in ay way. However this post may contain affiliate links and I may receive a commission, but it adds no additional cost to you.
Like other brush-style markers I’ve reviewed (namely Zig Real Brush and Artezia) these markers are traditional barrels filled with felt and ink, which is wicked down to a brush-style nib made of synthetic hair. This allows you to treat the marker more like a paintbrush and gives you thick or thin lines, depending on your pressure.
My purchase price was $27.00 USD for 20 markers via Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2EM4HKX
SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers have an opaque barrel with a color indication on the end as well as on the brush tip, which is easily seen through the clear cap which also has a pen clip. There are no color names, as the packaging is all in Japanese.
The brush tip is slightly larger than the Zig markers, slightly smaller than the Artezia markers. It’s literally the “middle of the road.”
The SAI brush tip is slightly larger than the Zig brush, and a little smaller than the Artezia tip.
NOTE: I have not tested this first hand, but I have been told by other artists/crafters that this product is not light-safe; only use them in journals, cards, or other non-archival quality works.
I tested these by swatching, mixing with water, creating washes, blending with a lighter color, blending with water, and tip-to-tip ombre. Take a look at my 10 minute video for both information on the SAI markers AND some great marker techniques!
And here are those swatches and samples again:
The colors move beautifully on watercolor paper- on cardstock, not so much. They blend equally well with water, another marker, or sparkle pen. Great for brush lettering, too!
On this sample I scribbled the marker on a piece of plastic and then picked up the color with a waterbrush to create this watercolor-effect card. (Stamped with Versafine Clair Morning Mist and Nocturne. Stamp set from Wish.)
Stamped with Versafine Clair in Nocture; stamp sets by Altenew. Links below.
Crafty Friends Stamp Set: http://shrsl.com/sqsx
Bamboo Rose Stamp Set: http://shrsl.com/sqsz
I used the markers as a stamping wash so it matches the Unicorn perfectly. LInk to that stamp set below.
You can also use these markers just like watercolors in a pen- I made this double eclipse card using SAI markers and a water brush!
So the pros of the SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers:
- very affordable
- nice color range
- includes skin/hair tones
- very water reactive
- lots of pigment so you can dilute them
Cons:
- not light fast
- not sure how much product is in there
- no color chart/names
I think these are excellet beginner markers- if you already have the Zig or Artezia markers, you probably don’t need these. But if you are looking for a set to get started, a set for a younger artist, or a second travel set, these are great. I actually love them- and I think you will too.
- Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
