I like editing in green ink. However, not all of my fellow editors feel the same way. At this point I should explain that I help publish an annual literary journal. We’ve just finished our final proofreading meeting ... and I’m glad I had a
Sharpie Twin Tip Marker in Green at my fingertips.
Description
This Sharpie marker measures 5 3/8" long, and the barrel is just shy of a 1/2" in diameter. What makes this marker unique is that there are two tips (one at either end of the marker). The two pen caps (one at each end) are a grass green color to indicate the color of the ink. The longer pen cap covers the Fine-tip marker, and a shorter green cap covers the Ultrafine-tip.
Just to make sure you know which tip is which, a small drawing along the center barrel shows each tip with an arrow pointing toward the appropriate marker tip. A 1 1/2" long plastic clip on the longer green pen cap acts as a pocket clip.
These markers have a different cap design than the first Twin Tip marker I purchased (in Red). Each cap can now be removed and placed at the end of the other cap. This works especially well for the smaller cap fitting at the end of the larger cap. The larger cap tends to cover the entire smaller cap, and I worry that if the cap becomes stuck then I might lose the smaller cap inside the larger cap. Good news ... the smaller cap has two vent holes to aid in breathing in case it is accidentally swallowed.
Sharpie quick-drying permanent marker ink is non-toxic. The manufacturer also says the ink is waterproof. The marker ink ingredients are: dyes, n-propanol, n-butanol, diacetone alcohol. The MSDS (Material Safety and Data Sheet) instructs not to shake the marker and to store it with the caps on. The marker does have a faint odor when writing with it.
Sharpie offers the Twin Tip marker in a variety of colors. Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Purple, Turquoise, Lime, Aqua, Berry, Olive, Marigold, Navy, Plum and Burgundy.
My Experiences
I don’t use this green Twin Tip Sharpie marker all the time. I primarily use it for editing. During our proofreading meetings, the editors involved with the Journal (a small group) each has a dummy of the book to proofread. I use a green pen when making proofreading corrections. The green is easy to see against the black text on white paper. Other editors tend to use their blue or black pens (every person has a favorite writing implement). Since I am the one who makes the final corrections to the copy, I need to keep track of what corrections have been made. That’s where the Sharpie Twin Tip marker comes in handy.
As I sit in front of the computer making corrections, I use the Fine tip of the green marker to draw a bright, bold green checkmark at the top of the page. This shows me that page has been corrected. Sometimes as I move through the dummies, I find an error that everyone missed. That’s where I use the Ultrafine marker tip to make a notation of the correction.
The word “Fine” is misleading in describing the Fine tip. The marker has a sharp point, but it produces a bold 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.
The “Ultrafine” writing tip produces a much finer line. The line is still bold, but it is thinner. If the tip of the Sharpie stays in one spot too long, a dot of green ink will appear. Even though this tip is Ultrafine, it is not as thin as a line of pen ink.
The ink flows well from both tips. The color is a nice dark green. I’ve never had a Sharpie marker leak ink, and have never broken a tip.
The manufacturer also says the ink is waterproof. It is true to a degree. I have written with this green Sharpie on paper, let the ink dry and then run the paper beneath a stream of water. The ink did not run. Even dabbing at it with a paper towel, the ink did not smear. However, I have also used Sharpie markers on wooden plant stakes ... and when the stakes became wet, the Sharpie ink began to blur.
Despite the fact that I primarily use this green Twin Tip Sharpie for editing, I have used it for other purposes. If my usual black or red sharpie has gone missing, this green Sharpie does just as well to mark envelopes or file folders with a bold line of writing.
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. An added bonus is that the ink is fast to dry and fade resistant.
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
* Variety of 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.
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".
Purchasing
Staples sells the Sharpie Twin Tip markers for $1.59 each or a dozen for $16.25. There is also a variety-pack available for $7.35 for five different color markers. OfficeMax sells a variety-pack of 3 markers or black-only Twin Tip markers for $4.99.
Summary
This Sharpie Twin Tip Marker makes editing the Journal an easier job. I can easily keep track of changes with the bold green lines these two marker tips produce. I also like that I can write on a variety of thick papers without risk of ink bleeding through the paper or cardboard. I like these Twin Tip markers!
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
USA Toll-free Phone: 800-323-0749
CANADA Toll-free Phone: 800-668-4575 x4242
Please read my other reviews:
Sharpie Twin Tip Permanent Marker -- Red
Sharpie Permanent Markers with 5 new colors
Avery Marks-A-Lot Permanent Marker
Sanford Major Accent Highlighter
Avery Pen-Style Fluorescent Hi-Liters
Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers
Pendaflex Hanging File Folders with InfoPocket
Liquid Paper Dryline Grip Correction Tape
Tombow White Correction Tape
Acco Model 525 Electric 3-Hole Paper Punch
Sony MicroVault 512mb USB 2.0 Flash Drive
Staples Online Store
Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart
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