MAKING MARKERS
Dear HIW, What is in permanent markers to make the ink permanent?
Arlo Matthews
Permanent marker ink resists rubbing and water
Marker ink uses three main components. The colourant is the pigment that gives the ink its colour and the solvent is the liquid the colourant is dissolved in. The resin binds the ink to the material you use the marker on. The solvent is usually alcohol-based and gives the solution fluidity to exit the pen. After making contact with a surface, the solvent evaporates. The resin is what keeps the colourant bound to the material. In permanent markers, this is a durable polymer such as acrylic resin.