Make a Marker [Published]

McSkluvinMcSkluvin Regular
edited April 2011 in Life
marker%5D.jpg

What You Need

This varies depending on the shell, but here are the staples:

The "Shell": Some kind of container, or an existing marker that you want to mod. Capped PVC pipes, empty deodorant containers, etc. Though it is much easier if the container already has some kind of cap.

The "Nib": The felt from a chalk or blackboard eraser, parts of an old sock, hell even a tampon would work as long as it's absorbent enough to soak up the ink or thinned paint.

Super glue to keep the nib in place.

Ink of course, and the kind is up to you. You could also use thinned paint, as that works well too.

Duct tape, though it might not be necessary.

The Construction

Get your container and make sure it's completely empty, and check to see if it leaks by filling it with water. Empty it after you're sure there are no leaks. Or if you are modifying an existing marker, rip out the old nib, empty the ink out, and gut any remaining contents. Keep the cap to use after you modify the marker.

Now that it's empty, fill it about 3/4 of the way with your preferred ink or thinned paint. Then fold up your nib so it would fit into the container snugly. Don't make the nib too thick, cut it if you have to, as the ink will have a hard time coming out if it's too thick. If it's too thin, the ink will flow out too easily (Though this might be a desired effect if you like drippy writings) Coat the inside of the container with super glue at the top, where you will then stuff the nib into. Don't stuff it all the way inside, let about half an inch stick out. Put some more glue around the edge to make sure it's sealed.

Then after it's dried, cap it and it's ready. Your container didn't have a cap? There are lots of things you could use, such as a cap from another cheap marker, an old film canister, etc. But it probably won't stay on well, so I suggest you use a cylinder that has an existing cap. If you do find something that looks like it would work as a cap, but it won't quite stay on, try wrapping duct tape around the container until the cap fits over it snugly.

Extra Notes

If you are putting thinned paint in your marker, it would be a good idea to throw in a couple of metal BB's or a marble before you glue the nib in place, as you would want your paint to be mixed well.

Also, and this one is important, never put the marker upside down in your pocket! You may think it's sealed fine, but it can and probably will leak all over the place.

Added to CMS by Trx100

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