Air Erasable Marking Pens VS. Water Erasable Marking Pens
Erasable Fabric Marking Pens are magical: now you see it . . . and now you don’t! These markers are a fabulous way to trace patterns and transfer designs when quilting, sewing, and embroidering. The marker lines are there when you need them—while you’re working—but vanish from your completed project. Inks vary in colors and how long they last; some fade over time with air, but most require water in order to disappear. Some markers draw thick lines; others thin. The fabric often determines the type of marker or pen you should use. Chances are good one of these recommended pens will be the perfect fabric marker for you.
Water erasable markers and pens proudly wear their team color, blue, making them easy to identify. Water Erasable marking tools are your best choice if you will not be quilting immediately following marking. It may take a couple misting sessions to remove water erasable markings, to make sure no areas have been missed. Do not to iron your work before you remove the marks otherwise, they may 'fix' to your fabric.
Air erasable pens and markers sport a pink or purple uniform. They are preferable if you are making a piece that you do not want to expose to moisture or need to mark a quick sewing line. The beauty of the Air Erasable Marker is that marks erase themselves over a period of 4 to 14 days, all depending on temperature, humidity and the amount of ink applied. If you’re in a hurry, marks can be removed immediately with the available eraser* or with the application of water. Dry cleaning or ironing will have no effect on the permanence of the marks.
Marking Pens come in varying thicknesses. If you are using a heavier fabric - corduroy, flannel, etc. we suggest you use a thicker tip, otherwise, use the standard or finer tip - cottons, silk, etc. Thicker pens make a more visible mark but vanish less readily. Some markers have an Eraser* peice. Eraser pens and markers are great for removing small areas of marking. However, remarking in the exact area that was previously erased may not be possible due to residual eraser formula. It is more time consuming to erase by retracing undesirable markings with an eraser than to remove markings with water or air. However, if you only desire to remove a specific section of markings, an eraser pen makes this possible without eliminating all markings within an area. Avoid pressing fabrics that have been marked with a water erasable marker and erased with an eraser pen until water has been thoroughly applied, as it may cause marks to reappear.