There’s a huge variety of paint markers and other marking tools on the market today, so it can be a bit confusing to know which ones are right for your needs. One of the simplest ways to start is by identifying which surface you’re marking on.
While many of Carmel’s paint marking tools can effectively mark on a variety of surfaces, some are specifically designed to excel at one surface in particular.
What Are Markers For Metal?
Markers for metal include a few different types of marking tools, but they are all specially designed for applying paint to metallic surfaces of all kinds. The two main types of metal marking tools are paint markers and paint crayons (sometimes called paint marking sticks). Some pencils are also great for writing on metal, such as Carmel’s metal marking pencil.
While these marking tools can sometimes be called metal markers, it’s important to remember that they are not necessarily made of metal or include metal parts. Most paint markers are made of plastic and feature vinyl or polyurethane nibs, while paint crayons are simply semi-solid sticks of paint wrapped in cardboard sheaths. Metal marking pencils are similar to regular pencils except they contain specially formulated greasy leads.
Types Of Metal Markers
That being said, some metal markers actually do feature metal parts. These include the different types of metal rollerball-tipped markers, such as:
Metal rollerball-tipped markers are extremely durable and versatile marking tools. They also happen to be great for writing on metal surfaces – especially smooth metal surfaces like stainless steel, sheet metal and copper. They are particularly useful for their ability to evenly apply a significant amount of paint to the surface through their squeezing or pumping action.
The Evolution Of Rollerball-Tipped Markers For Metal
So what’s the difference between these three types of rollerball-tipped markers? The answer has a lot to do with the evolution of ballpoint tipped markers.
The first-generation ballpoint-tipped paint marker is the tube marker. This marking tool is straightforward in design, and is used in a similar way to a tube of toothpaste or ointment: squeeze the tube to make more paint flow to the tip.
After that, innovation led to the development of the bottle ballpoint marker, which still worked with the classic squeezable action, but in a larger, more durable bottle format.
Finally, we have the pump ballpoint marker, which features an easy-to-use button on the back of the marker tube to deploy paint to the tip as needed. With the pump marker, there’s no need to squeeze – paint is made available at the touch of a button.
While each product has a slightly different way to push paint onto the metal tip (squeezing, button pushing), all three actually apply paint to the surface by pressing down on the ballpoint tip. This is similar to all other valve-activated paint markers, regardless of their tip design.
Markers For Different Metal Surfaces
If you sort the products on the Paint Marker Source shop by metal surface, you’ll find a wide array of marking tools specifically designed for use on metal. Since not all metal surfaces are the same, some metal markers are more suited to certain tasks than others.
A metal surface might be smooth or rough; dry, wet or greasy. It could also be heated or cooled to varying temperatures – from cold to extremely hot. For each case, you can find a marker with paint that is specifically formulated to adhere under those conditions.
Specialized Metal Marker Applications
Carmel carries a wide range of metal markers which are specifically designed to write on different types of surfaces, such as stainless steel and aluminum, H and I beams, plates, flat rolled steel, tubing, casings, line and drill pipe, valves, forgings, slabs, channels, square bar, sheets, square and rectangular tubing.
Beyond that, certain industrial applications require even more specialized markers.
Industrial Paint Markers
Below Are Some Of Carmel’s Industrial Specialty Markers Available On The Paint Marker Source Shop:
1. High Temperature Markers
Available as both high temperature paint markers and high temperature paint crayons, these metal markers apply paint which resists high temperatures, including extremely high temperatures.
These are most often used in the metal fabrication industry where materials are subjected to heat treating for various purposes. A common form of heat treating is annealing, which involves heating metal to high temperatures in order to improve its properties, such as: softening it for easier shaping, improving its machinability, or enhancing its electrical conductivity.
2. High Purity Markers
Also known as low-corrosion markers, these metal markers apply high-purity paint which does not contribute to corrosion or other degradation of metal surfaces. They are also sometimes referred to as nuclear-grade markers.
3. Galvanizer’s Markers
These markers are available as both galvanizer’s removable paint markers and galvanizer’s removable paint crayons. Galvanizing is the process of coating steel with a protective layer of zinc.
During the galvanizing process, the steel is “pickled” in an acid bath. Acid pickling removes the iron oxides or scales from the steel’s surface to allow the application of the zinc coating. These metal markers apply paint which is designed.
4. Bleed-Through Markers
These unique markers create markings which “bleed through” to the surface when covered over with paint (oil or water based).
These markers come in both bleed-through paint marker and bleed-through paint crayon forms.
5. Hard Tip Paint Markers
The Carmel Hard Tip Paint Marker applies specially formulated paint which is enamel-based. It’s a high-performance maker which creates durable, chemical-resistant markings. It works great on rusty or dirty surfaces.
The Benefits Of Markers Specifically Designed For Metal
Most Carmel marking tools, such as the medium-tip paint marker, are able to write just fine on a variety of surfaces, including metal. However, when it comes to specialized applications – from industrial fabrication to arts and crafts – choosing a marker specifically designed for metal surfaces has its advantages.
These metal markers are specially engineered with the best quality, highly visible paint that adheres well to metal. Their markings are easily applied to a variety of smooth or textured metal surfaces, including wet or oily ones. Their markings are durable, resist extreme weather, and in some cases extreme temperatures.
Finally, some specialty metalworking applications require particular functionality in their marking tools, such as bleed-through action or low-corrosion.
Carmel’s got those covered too.
If you’re looking to create vivid, durable markings on metal surfaces, check out the Paint Marker Source online shop for a wide range of metal marking products.
