Whether you are a professional artist or just love doodling, markers are one of the best art supplies for you. While working with markers, you will mostly encounter with two tip types: Chisel tip and Fine tip.
But what are the differences between these two types of tips?
Well, the main difference is their shape and size. The purpose they serve is also different as chisel tip provide broader strokes and fine tip provides precise lines. So, when will you use which tip type?
That’s why I am here today. Through this article, I discuss the differences between chisel tips and fine tips in detail and help you choose the right one for your project. Let’s find out!
Chisel Tip vs. Fine Tips (The Argument)
We’ll first show you their main differences briefly since you’re here to witness the chisel tip vs. fine tip battle. And among the types of marker tips, these are the common ones.
Well, if you have worked with dual-tip alcohol-based markers (one end chisel and the other one fine tip) before, you definitely know how both of these tips look like. And yes, their look is one of their main differences.
That’s why the fine tip provides thin strokes. And on the other hand, chisel ones offer both thin and thick strokes as it has a pointy edge.
Not only that, but the sizes of tip shapes are also different. Standard fine tip markers have a 1.0 mm tip size, and standard chisel ones have a 2.0 mm tip size. In addition to this, their field of use is not the same. For example, fine point markers won’t be a good choice if you fill a large area with bold color.
Having their differences, both of these tips demands is increasing rapidly in the art industry. That’s why you’ll see that most of the high-quality artist-grade markers are dual-ended with these two types of tips.
However, keeping this argument aside, you should know about both of these types in more detail to choose the best one. And also, focus on the fact that when you should use which type of tip.
What is a Chisel Tip?
This type of tip has a rounded triangular shape that’s made to fill large areas quickly. And it’s one of the most popular marker tips for coloring as they provide vibrant colors.
Well, you can use the edges for other purposes too. It means that only by using a chisel tip you can create both broad and fine lines. How?
When you lay flat the tip on paper and glide, you’ll get broad lines useful for an adult coloring trend. On the other hand, you’ll get sharp lines when you put the pointy edge on marker paper and start drawing. That’s why you can also use this versatile chisel tip for detailed work, though it needs more practice.
The size of chisel tip markers is generally between 2.0-8.0 mm. That’s why they can cover large areas in less time. You can also use them for adding textures or doing technical drawing.
Without putting much pressure, you can easily highlight important text. You can also use these markers on textured surfaces too. Most of the famous brand’s highlighter pens and permanent markers also come up with chisel tips.
What is a Fine Tip?
It’s a common type of tip for writing as we all use fine tip markers or pens almost every day for different purposes. It has a round type smaller tip that is used primarily for producing finer writing.
That’s why the fine tip is similar to the technical pen that architects use for creating crisp details. So, it won’t be wise to color or fill large areas with fine tip markers.
The size of fine tip markers is generally 0.5-1.0 mm. It’s really great for detail-oriented artworks. But you can also use them for note-taking or everyday writing. Chisel tip pens work perfectly under less pressure.
On the other hand, fine point pens need equal amount of pressure for seamless coverage. Even you will also find that most of the quality branded pens have fine tips as they help in precise writing
Drawing Quality of Both (Chisel and Fine) Tips
Drawing quality is basically how well both the tips can cope up with sketching or actual drawing. Not only coloring the artwork but also how well these tips can perform through the artwork.
From that perspective, it is evident that chisel tip markers are great for coloring. With the wide tip it can cover large areas within short time. But it doesn’t help you that much in sketching.
On the other hand, if you are a detail-oriented artist, go for fine tip without any doubt. There is no alternative to fine tip for realistic drawing.
The advantage of detail outlining you will get in fine tip won’t be the same as the chisel tip, which is good for coloring. And most professional artists also do the same.
So, here you can easily say that the fine point is the drawing quality winner! Luckily, if you choose dual-tipped artist-quality markers, you’ll get both types of tips with a great color variety.
What are Chisel Tips Used for?
As you’ve already known that chisel tips are best for coloring, we’re still going to give you a hand to learn more about their uses.
Covering Large Area
Yes, it’s one of the significant advantages of it. If you want a good marker for coloring, you can pick the chiseled tip ones without any hesitation. It covers large areas so smoothly and quickly that you can finish an art project within less time.
Whether it’s for the kids or adult coloring books, you can get a set of chisel tips markers. It provides a satisfactory service compared to the fine tip markers regarding their coloring ability and color saturation.
Highlighting Text
Well, it’s another factor that will make you choose a chisel tip. Whether you are a student or love reading, a highlighter pen is a must-have tool for you. Even while reading Bible, people feel the need for highlighters.
And luckily, you’ll find that most of the good-quality highlighter markers have chisel tips. It’s because you can highlight text with chisel tips better than a fine tip. Though you can always use fine tip highlighters for underlining important text, still, people prefer chiseled tip ones most.
What are Fine Tips Used for?
For fine tips, you have also known earlier that they are suitable for doing fine details. Still, here we’re mentioning some of their most popular uses.
Detailed Work
If you are a realistic drawing artist, nobody can stop you from using fine tip markers. They are perfect for you to do all the details and create a sense of depth.
If you aim to grab attention, then fine tips can be good options for you. They will help you in making intricate designs that can grab people’s eyes easily. That’s why professional architects and fashion designers use fine tip pens for their working sketches and artsy-type projects.
Note Taking
Another thing is that if you are a bullet journal addict, then fine-tip pens are the perfect choice for you. Also, you can choose fine tips over chisel ones to use in the classroom for note-taking or everyday writing purposes.
They will help you write bullet points with a precision unmatched by any other type of pen or marker. Rather than this, people also find it a great way to do calligraphy with pencils, as most of the pencils provide fine lines, just like the fine tip markers.
| #Name | Chisel Tip | Fine Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tip Size | 2.0 mm – 8.0 mm | 0.5 mm – 1.0 mm |
| Strokes | Both Thick & Thin | Thin |
| Best For | Coloring | Drawing, Sketching |
| Used For | Cover Large Areas, Highlight Text | Detailed Work, Note Taking |
So, Which One is the Best?
If I say about mine, it’s actually difficult to choose any one tip type. Both the type has their own purposes and fields to use. You never know when you need what type of tip!
So, as an artist I would recommend you to add both the styles to your collection. It will help you to cope up with any situation.
However, if you are working on a project that needs a lot of precision then I would definitely suggest you to grab the fine tip. They are best for detailed drawing.
And if you need to fill up large areas with colors then you can go for chisel tip as it can do the task quickly and smoothly.
I always prefer a fine tip over a chiseled one as I do sketching most of the time. But for coloring, chisel tip markers are my favorite tool. That’s why I love to work with dual-ended artist-quality pens like Copic markers.
Using Copics mean, having the advantage of both tip type within one pen. It also offers a wide range of colors, which is really cool!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you do calligraphy with a chisel tip marker?
If you are a beginner, then I never recommend using chisel tip markers for calligraphy. It may not work if you’re just starting because these markers are harder to control for beginners. Instead, I recommend using brush pens for beautiful hand-lettering.
But I can’t deny a matter that you can use chisel tip markers too for lettering purposes. So, if you’ve been doing calligraphy for years, then yes, you can do it too with chisel ones!
However, you will get the same effect with such broad strokes, but it won’t be granted as modern calligraphy. So, I always recommend setting up your hands first by learning calligraphy with Crayola markers.
Only then, move further with brush tip markers and then chisel ones if you want. It’s because, controlling chisel tips for lettering needs years of practice. After that, it’ll allow the smoother strokes of color that look more professional.
Q: Is a fine tip marker good for doodling?
Since fine tip markers are suitable for doing fine details, it’s no doubt that you can use them for doodling. And not only for doodling, but you can use it for bullet journal and pointillism too.
When you use it for making Mandala type drawings, it’ll make the art so beautiful that everyone will stare at it.
Making detailed designs and filling small coloring areas, fine tip markers are too good. Even you’ll find special fine tip markers only for sketching and doodling that I’ve mentioned earlier.
Q: Is broad tip and chisel tip the same for drawing?
The short answer is yes. Broad tip and chisel tip both have similar properties. With chisel tip, you can both draw thick and thin lines. But with broad tip, you can only draw thick lines.
From my experience I can say that you will get kind of same experience using these two tips. But there is an advantage with the chiseled one that you can draw different lines with one single tip.
However, if you are looking for a tip to fill up large ares like background or sky, any of these two tips will be okay. They both can fill up large areas quickly and smoothly. So yes, there’re differences, but still, both offer the same aspects.
Final Words
Before wrapping up, I hope that you have got all your answers regarding both chisel and fine tip types. Now, you can easily pick the right one for your project as you have witnessed the chisel tip vs. fine tip battle.
However, you can’t deny the need for both of the tips.
So, I would recommend having a set of double-ended markers for having a better experience without any extra cost!