Felt Tip Pens Key Terms

Knowing felt tip pen terminology will help you choose pens that meet your needs

By Deborah Barr

Nearly every type of business has a need for felt tip pens. While felt tip pens are typically expected, and nearly universally found, in office-based business environments, many specialized types of felt tip pens now exist for other work environments, no matter how atypical. Whether you work in an office, on a boat, in a manufacturing facility, in the out-of-doors or in a retail shop, there are felt tip pens that will help you do your job.

Here are some of the many felt tip pen options you can consider:

Wet surface

Plumbers, builders, food packers, military personnel, marine workers and those who work outdoors sometimes need to write on wet surfaces. Pens with special waterproof ink have been created for these purposes. Wet surface marking pens come in a variety of colors and are usually sold by the box.
Try: To see a wet surface felt tip pen, go to the Xstamper website.

Security

Security markers use invisible ink to place identifying information on valuable items. If items are stolen and recovered by police they can be identified by placing them under an ultraviolet light that reveals the writing. Many security markers come with hand-held UV lamps, making it easy and convenient for businesses to be sure their valuables are protected.
Try: Security marker pens are available from the Flashing Panda website.

Dry erase

The ink in dry erase felt tip pens marks a surface without binding to it. Dry erase felt tip pens are ideal for writing on white boards or other non-porous surfaces. Writing wipes away with a soft cloth or standard eraser.
Try: To see a dry erase fine point felt tip pen go to Epinions.com.

Permanent

Permanent felt tip pens create long-lasting, often non-erasable markings. They are water-resistant, quick-drying and often contain a solvent such as alcohol or xylene. Permanent felt tip pens will write on paper, metal or stone and are available in several tip sizes.
Try: Hold your mouse over the color dots at the Sanford Corporation website to view many color options for Sharpie permanent markers.

Sun resistant

In special circumstances, sun resistant felt tip markings are needed. Sun resistant markers provide enhanced protection against the fading caused by the ultra violet rays of the sun. The ink is permanent, water resistant and dries instantly.
Try: Sun resistant markers are available at J.P. Cooke.

Glass marking

Retail merchants and automobile dealerships often need to write on window glass. Glass marking felt tip pens are convenient and far less messy than using paint for this purpose. Glass marking pens come in an assortment of colors and have wide tips that enhance message visibility.
Try: Visit the Markingpendepo website to find glass marking felt tip pens.