White pens and markers make a dramatic impact on our projects. But which brand is better? Are the inexpensive ones worth it? Are the expensive ones? I will compare and contrast many brands and give my opinion.
First, let me tell you, all the markers and pens tested were new. Some of them are worth it and I will keep using them. Some are not.
All of these projects were done with white pens or markers. I have tried most of the pens I review herein the past, but I do have my favorites.
First let’s look at gel pens:
White Gel Pens
I used the name of the pen as the text and also included a simple graphic. The font is 45 pt so the letters are actually pretty big. As you can see the cheap pens don’t give deep solid lines.
The best by far is the Uniball pen. You get solid uniform lines, bright color and the ink sits on top of the paper well. This does lead to some difficulties, it smears and remains wet for a long time. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before folding the paper or running your hand over it.
The Gelly Roll pens run a close 2nd to the Uniball. And dries much faster allowing you to work with the paper sooner. The gelly roll pen comes in at least three different thicknesses designated as 10, 8 and 5. The 10 wasn’t tested because I wanted to fit all the other brands on the paper.
I was surprised at the Pentel pen because it was cheaper than the others. I found it in the clearance bin and thought that meant it was not good but it did a really good job.
The pilot pen was ok. The ink wasn’t very dark but it will work. All in all, I think I will still use it I. guess
The other two pens I got at the dollar store and it shows. Even at $1 they really weren’t worth it. The marvy peminisce pen is so bad I can’t even read the name of the pen.
Great thank you for this information! How did you get the pens to stay in your Cricut? I have an explore air 2. Thanks!
I use a pencil holder. They are cheap and you can buy them at the dollar store. I have a tutorial to tell you how at https://crazycricutlady.com/use-any-brand-pen-with-your-cricut/
Hi I was hoping you could tell me which specific uniball pen You used? Also – do you have any idea how much one pen can print? (We are working on wedding invitations so I’m trying to find out how many to order!) So thankful for your insight and your video tutorial!
THe uniball pen I used was the 0.8 mm size but I am not sure how long it lasts. It hasn’t run out yet. I would buy two or three and when the first runs out you will know how many you need.