Marker Fading: A Shocking 6-Month Test
2025-07-07
A six-month test revealed shocking lightfastness issues with markers. Alcohol-based markers, including expensive brands like Copic and Winsor & Newton, faded significantly, with some colors disappearing entirely. Water-based markers fared little better, showing considerable fading. However, some lightfast markers, such as Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens, Winsor & Newton Watercolour Markers, and Talens Pantone, performed better but still showed fading. To preserve marker artwork, scanning, photography, or framing with UV-resistant glass is recommended, especially for pinks and neons which were the worst performers.