Sharpie markers have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Open a desk drawer, and a Sharpie marker was sure to roll into sight. Sanford manufacturers a quality product with their Sharpie line, so imagine my surprise when I discovered this twist in a proven product.


Introducing ... Sharpie Twin Tip in Red

While browsing through a local office supply store, a promotions girl handed me a small bag filled with products to sample. Other shoppers looked as surprised as I was to be handed something with no strings attached.

When I arrived home, I immediately upended my goodie bag to see what surprises awaited. As if vying for attention, the Red Sharpie marker rolled right toward me. Only this wasn’t the Sharpie my parents introduced me to when I was a child. This Sharpie had a marker on both ends of its barrel. And ... each tip of the marker had a different point. Grabbing a pad of paper, I started to experiment with this permanent ink marker.


What Do You Call Twins that Are Not Identical?

The left side of the Sharpie marker has a Fine tip. The right side of the marker has an Ultra Fine tip. These fraternal twins, while both red in color, write quite differently. A cap snaps firmly in place on the end of each pen. The fine point has a larger cap with a plastic clip that fits over the edge of a pocket or notebook cover. In case you are wondering, I’ve never had a Sharpie leak ink.

Fine Tip

I enjoy writing with Sharpie fine tip markers and have probably used every color marketed. This red marker writes smoothly with a bold line. I find the classification “fine tip” a bit misleading since this tip, while sharp, does not produce a narrow or fine line. When writing with this tip, I have to keep the marker moving or a blotch can result where ink bleeds into the paper. This tip produces an eye-catching bold line.

Ultra Fine Tip

The Ultra Fine tip is a new experience for me. I had never used one before experimenting with this marker. Writing with this tip produces a much finer line. The difference between the two tips is quite noticeable. The ultra tip is more like writing with a pen than a marker, though if the tip of the Sharpie lingers too long in one spot, a small dot of red ink will prove this is a marker and not a pen. Overall, the ink flow generates consistently smooth lines.


Double the Uses ... Double the Fun

This Sharpie marker is a handy writing tool. The two markers combined into one barrel makes this a great marker for anyone in need of both styles of tips. I primarily use the wider fine tip for marking cartons and the outside of heavy manilla envelopes. In college I used a Sharpie fine tip to create flash cards that helped me pass more than one exam. The ultra fine tip comes in handy for adding hand-written notes to greeting cards. Both markers are excellent for artwork, too, whether you enjoy creating scrapbooks or drawings. I also use these markers to write on plastic and wood plant stakes. The markers write well on CD’s, too, though Sanford claims the markers are not guaranteed for writing on that type of material.

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 fine tip 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. I’m burning brain cells trying to think of something that the marker wouldn’t write on ... but I can’t think of a single example. This marker is good. An added bonus is that the ink is fast to dry and fade resistant.

Sanford says their Sharpie Twin Tip marker is also water resistant. In most cases this is true. I do notice that when I write on wooden popsicle sticks, which I use to label the vegetable plants I start indoors before transplanting outside, that the water from the soil seeps into the wood and blurs the marker writing. This takes several months to happen, but it always occurs when I use the marker on popsicle stick plant markers. I’ve had this happen on other wood surfaces, too, such as when I wrote words on some raw lumber scraps that were left outside in the weather.

Sharpie has created the Twin Tip marker in a variety of colors. Black, Blue, Green, Red, Purple, Turquoise, Lime, Aqua, Berry, Orange.


Likes

* Versatility with two marker tips
* Handy having two markers in one pen
* Writes on a variety of surfaces
* Fast drying ink
* Ink resists fading
* I’ve never had a tip break
* Ten colors to choose from


Dislikes

I like permanent ink so this is not a dislike for me. But permanent ink might be a problem for some people.

It’s not a dislike, but with a tip at both ends of the barrel, there is no free end to place the cap. If you tend to lose marker caps, this might not be the marker for you.

Note that 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".

Summary

This Sharpie Twin Tip Marker is a handy writing tool. I’m delighted to add the red marker to the pencil/pen cup next to my computer. The red is a great “stand out” color that grabs attention. These markers sell for about $1.50 each and can also be purchased in multipacks. I always make sure to have Sharpie markers in the house. Now that I’ve tried this Twin Tip and like it, I have a wider variety of markers to choose from.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com

Additional Information

Sanford Corporation
Attn: Consumer Affairs
2711 Washington Boulevard
Bellwood, IL 60104
Fax: (866) 666-8735
www.sanfordcorp.com


Please read my other reviews.

Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Keyboard and Mouse

Logitech Mouseman Cordless Optical

HP LaserJet 2200dse Printer

Dazzle 6-in-1 Multimedia Reader

Gateway 500X Desktop Computer

Belkin Home Office UPS Emergency Battery Backup

Stanley Heavy Duty Stapler

Fiskars Pinking Shears & Tutorial

Mighty Bright Light

PennyPress Master’s Variety Puzzles (puzzle magazine)

Hoyle Card Games (computer software)



Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes