Best Liner Pens Buyer’s Guide

Once upon a time, drawing pens were exclusively used by architects and engineers, but soon enough, they were being used by illustrators and cartoonists as well when they discovered their precision. Precision is important when you have a profession that requires this type of precision, such as detailed designs or fine illustrations.

What Makes Them So Special?

Not surprisingly, liner pens or sometimes called technical drawing pens, are said to be the perfect drafting tools. These are mainly used by architects and engineers who draw by hand and need absolutely straight, dark lines that are identical every time while drawing schematics. Artists sometimes use them to create calligraphic designs. These pens have needle-fine tips that range from 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm and are designed so fine that they can be placed alongside a ruler to draw straight lines in rich ink that stand out on the page.

Whatever you may use it for, drawing schematics, plans, doodling or laying out plans, these very precise pens dry quickly, require no prep time and offer instant gratification. The lines made by these pens have a distinct quality and are unlike the ones drawn by other mediums because of the smooth marking material. One big downside for some could be that there is little margin of error while working with them and hence, requires a bit of drawing experience and some confidence.

Inside most of these pens, there is a slim metal tube attached to a wire that delivers waterproof ink to the narrow tip, and are capable of creating precise lines in any stroke direction. But because of the way the ink is delivered to the metal, roller ball tip of the pen, it works best when held perpendicularly.

These days, you also get to see plastic-tipped pens (these are reinforced with metal) and are slightly more flexible than their metal counterparts, but could be slightly less precise. But the plus point is that they perform better than the metal ones if held at an angle.

Things to Look for in a Liner Pen

Tips: Plastic or Metal?

These pens come in two types; completely metal tips and plastic tips that are lined with a metal guide. The former type is available in very fine sizes and is extremely durable, but come at a high price and need regular maintenance. A major plus for these pens is that they produce extremely predictable lines. On the other hand, plastic-tipped pens are not as durable but feel much smoother compared with the metal ones. They are also easier to handle when working at an angle. But a big reason for them being more popular is their reliability and low cost, making them a hit with design studios and artists.

Tip Size

As we said earlier, the tip sizes can range from 0.1 mm to a nice 1.3 mm, and produce a line of single width, which can be accentuated by using pens of varying tips. The results are extremely detailed and meticulous, but to get these results, they have to be handled with extra care. Generally speaking, pens with metal tips produce finer lines than their plastic counterparts. The millimeter tip size is either written on the side of the pen, or on the packaging because some liner pens use a different naming scheme for millimeter measurement.

Resistance

If you are working on an intricate floor plan that you may want to color later, you want something that does not smudge the sheets. And for this purpose, you would want to use something that is waterproof, as well as Copic-proof. It also makes sense to use pens that use ink that does not fade over time, because that will make the lines look sharp once you have colored the drawing in.

Filling Systems

Most of these pens use a cartridge or bottle filling system. It should be kept in mind though that these pens use inks that are specified just for them, and hence should be only used with the inks that are intended for them. Using a different type of ink may clog or damage the pen.

Cartridge system pens work perfectly for those who travel for work and have a habit of carrying their favorite pens with them. These are preferable because they are designed to be leak or clog-proof. But the downside of this is that they are not universal and you can only use certain types of inks with certain types of pens. Ink bottles, on the other hand, are much cheaper, but are prone to spilling, or drying if they are stored improperly.

Best Liner Pens for Architects

Sakura Pigma 30067

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24u3rdhx4QE

Sakura invented the Pigma ink 25 years ago, and it has been one of the most trusted permanent ink on the market and has been considered a necessary tool by scientists, architects, artists to created precision lines or handwritten projects. They contain pigment-based ink that does not run or blot the surface after it has dried. These pens feature a durable plastic nib that is known to respond to instant change and direction. These pens make a mark that will last a lifetime on paper.

Features

  • Meets non-toxicity standards
  • Are completely waterproof, and are chemical and fade resistant
  • All pens come pre-filled in majestic black ink, perfect for professionals
  • Comes in a set of 8 pens with varying sizes ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm

Advantages

  • Will not lift if erased over
  • Can be used on thin onion-skin paper
  • Great for beginners and professionals alike
  • The Pigma ink will not feather or smear upon drying

Drawbacks

  • Some customers have complained that the packet had some dud pens
  • Other customers have claimed that these pens tend to leak at times

Last update on 2024-02-03 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3 mm

The Staedtler Triplus Fineliner is one of those products that has been around for a long time and is loved equally by architects, students and anyone who knows the joys of using a liner pen. This liner pen has been known for creating fine lines and is known for its “dry safe” feature that doesn’t let the pen dry out even if the cap is off. The points of these super fine pens are protected by a metal-clad tip that guarantees a long service life.

Features

  • Also suitable for writing
  • Available in many colors other than black
  • Comes in a pack of 6 identical, long-lasting pens
  • Come pre-filled with water-based ink that can be washed off textiles easily

Advantages

  • Consistent width while drawing fine lines
  • Very quiet pens, they slide out of their caps very quietly
  • The pens are “dry safe” which means they will still work if you have lost the cap
  • The barrel is ergonomic and triangular so that holding it for longer periods will not cause fatigue

Drawbacks

  • Some customers have complained that they have a tendency to bleed
  • Other customers claim that some pens arrived absolutely dry and unusable

Prismacolor Premier Illustration Marker

The Prismacolor Premier Illustration Markers are created for those who love to create precise illustrations. These illustration markers are preferred both by seasoned professionals and beginners and feature super fine tips for intricate details, outlining and drawing lines. These come pre-filled with rich, alcohol-free colors that do not fade when exposed to light. Now you have the freedom to express your art in the purest form!

Features

  • Lets you create plenty of variation in your lines
  • Available in a set of 5 black, no-nonsense packaging
  • Available in multiple tip sizes to ensure you get the right precision
  • The felt tip is longer, finer and more flexible when compared with other manufacturers

Advantages

  • Fulfills all your drafting and precision needs
  • No fear of smearing the paper after the ink dries
  • Very thin, comfortable barrels for fatigue-free working
  • Acid-free ink that does not bleed through paper and is water resistant

Drawbacks

  • Some customers have complained that the pens do not work at all
  • Other customers have claimed that the pens dry up after short usage
Recommended
Prismacolor Premier Fine Line Illustration Markers, Assorted Fine Tips, Black, 5 Count
1,977 Reviews
Prismacolor Premier Fine Line Illustration Markers, Assorted Fine Tips, Black, 5 Count
  • Multiple tip sizes ensure you can make precisely the right mark
  • Richly pigmented ink is acid free, lightfast, permanent, water resistant, smear resistant when dry and doesn’t bleed...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BIC Intensity Fineliner Marker Pen

BIC is a company that has been known for its technical ingenuity for more than 60 years. These pens, featuring a 0.4 mm porous point, are ideal for drawings, drafting, drawing, and jobs that need precision. These are sturdy metal nibs that can be used with straight edges such as rulers and templates and are available in 3 vivid colors.

Features

  • Shipped in durable packaging
  • Simple and inexpensive design
  • Built for those who indulge in fine, detailed work
  • Available in three eye-catching, distinctive colors

Advantages

  • Ideal for drafting and precision writing
  • Rich, bold black color that stands out on the page
  • Waterproof ink that does not bleed through paper
  • Sturdy metal nibs that are suitable to work with rulers and templates

Drawbacks

  • Some customers have complained that the colors bleed through paper
  • Other customers have said that the pens run out of ink after 2-3 uses
BIC Intensity Fineliner Marker Pen, 0.4mm, Black/Red/Green, 3-Count
18 Reviews
BIC Intensity Fineliner Marker Pen, 0.4mm, Black/Red/Green, 3-Count
  • Bold Colors, Won't Bleed through paper. *Results could vary based on paper characteristics.
  • Fine tip (0.4mm) provides smooth, colorful precision.

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

Liner pens are a very important accessory for architects because of their precision and the availability of a wide variety of sizes for certain jobs. Add a set of these pens to your repertoire and you’ll see a “marked” difference in your illustrations and sketches.

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