SHARPIE S•GEL PENS: Worth It? ...Wait til you SEE!!

SHARPIE S-GEL pens claim to have "No Bleed / No Smear Technology," but what is that? Can't ALL gel pens make that claim or is it just another marketing schtick? Let's see how these S-Gel pens hold up in a market already flooded with gel pen ink!
LINKS:
Super Fun & Easy GEL PEN Painting Technique:
• Super Fun & Easy Gel P...
GEAR:
• Sharpie S-Gel Pens ($6-$8 per pack of 4 depending on retailer)
• Pilot G-2 Gel Pens ( $6-$8 per pack of 4 depending on retailer)
MUSIC:
“Still Fall” by M.D. Campbell © 2024 M.D. Campbell • All rights reserved
Blog: www.markdcampbell.com/the-9-li...
Instagram: mdcampbellart
Facebook: m.d. campbell
TikTok: @mdcampbellart
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The intent of my channel is to bring videos of useful content to help fellow artists and art students with insightful information, as well as bring consumers real-world reviews on the products we're likely to buy and use every day.
I'm always grateful for feedback to help improve my channel, so please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Thank you for your time watching! Cheers! ~ Mark
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#mdcampbellart
#sharpieart
#gelpens

[@HeatherBryant22]

I love the Sharpie S gels!! I have been using them for 3 years for writing and recently started using them for my art too! The plastic does feel cheap so I both the metal body ones and refill as needed, better feeling in the hand.

[@fishushu]

I know it's not a big deal, but I liked how the activated sharpie looks like a warmer gray and the pilot is cooler gray. Must be interesting mixing both.

[@hannahlindsey4561]

I love these pens, and I use them in my art journals all the time. However, I only use them for writing in the margins, not so much for drawing.

[@bbrachman]

Mark, why haven't you tried the Sukura Pigma markers. Waterproof. All kinds of sizes. Been using these for years. No bleed with watercolor.

[@MDCampbell]

Oh, I have bbrachman, for sure. I use a whole variety of different pens and markers. These were specifically to try the Sharpie S-Gels is all. I used (and still use) the Sakura pens for many, many years... until I discovered the disposable Copic Multiliner pens. They're very similar to Sakura, but (dare I say) just better for my work. Also waterproof, no bleed, etc. I recommend checking those out, for you, as well! Thank you!!

[@bbrachman]

@@MDCampbell I actually like Copic markers because you can get refills.

[@valeriewilkins3815]

I draw with them all the time. What i do notnlove is that every pack has one or two duds in them that i really jave to work at getting to flow smoothly again. I love the ink deposit and how dark it is compared to other gel pens I've used, and the no smearing is a miracle!

[@carolcocking3039]

Thank you. I wondered about the Sharpie gel pens. Now, I'll stick with the Pilot pens.

[@battygirlrachel]

I wondered if they were permanent... and now I know! Thanks for reviewing these. Since they aren't waterproof I'll just stick with what I got... it take yrs to use them all up 😆

[@MDCampbell]

Funny, battygirlrachel, I have so many gel pens that, like you, will take a lifetime to use them all! LOL!! Thank you for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts! ~ Mark

[@MadebyDawn23]

Thank you so much for the perspective on the pens.

[@arcuda2001]

hi , mark .. i'm on overload with the pens i already have.. i rarely use gel pens , as I'm usually adding watercolor after .. i have some uni ball gel pens that are waterproof , though . thanks so much for the review .. Norakag, here 👍👍

[@1MightyR]

I like the price. I'm gonna buy em', just to have em'. Great review bro!

[@bhaveerathod2373]

I bought 2 of them before I became a pen enthusiast, one I lost and the other broke when I kept it into the spiral of a notebook I used it for. I really miss them though, they were good :(

[@ladyloneill]

Great review. Thanks.

[@ismailabdelhamid7114]

Dear Mark, thank you so much for the video. It is fun to try several materials and techniques. I like the video so much.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, always, ismailabdelhamid7114! I'm glad you liked this one. Be well! ~ Mark

[@GingahSnapsArt]

Oh man! The Sharpie Pens (which are waterproof and 0.4mm and 0.8mm felt tipped) are a favorite of mine, so when the Sharpie S-Gel pens and Sharpie Rollerball pens came out I scooped them up! Trying them out with line and wash with watercolors? ... >:L neither are waterproof?! Whaaat! I still adore the Sharpie Pens (which are felt tipped) but the S-Gel I felt too burned to enjoy. You made it appear fun though! A feat I could not accomplish

[@willeel3750]

Thanks for this video. I've seen the Sharpie gel pens and wondered about them. I use felt tip Sharpies a lot because they don't react to water and I can paint right over them. I did a test with a Prismacolor Premier and a Micron Pigma and they both activated with water. Admittedly, I didn't wait a long time before painting on them but I waited long enough so that they should have dried and been color fast. I was very disappointed having heard glowing reviews about those brands. Sharpie is now my go to pen with watercolors.

[@JohnB1163]

I have always liked using the different Sharpie markers for just about everything and I have used them for many years. I also like the Pilot G2s, Pentel R.S.V.P. fine point colors, the Pentel Hybrid Technica pens. As an artist I believe you can never have enough good pens as well as good pencils and colored pencils

[@claremarley9181]

Been using them you about three years. They're my go to black gel pen. And I have to buy the .38 online, but I can live with that.

[@essietangle9931]

We buy them for writing but I never tried them with watercolor. You showed the thin line regular sharpie, that’s the one I love drawing with. Thanks for the video

[@MDCampbell]

Great to hear from you, my friend! I hope all is well and thank you for chiming in on this one. Seems like there's a lot of love for these pens, which is great to hear! Stay well!

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Generally not had great experience with gel pens (never tried this brand though). I like to use waterfast permanent inks. Uni-ball eye, dip pens with india ink and I also have a preppy with carbon platinum ink. I like to have the option of putting a watercolor wash on my linework without the ink reacting.

[@MDCampbell]

I find also that laying down abstract washes, with a general idea of what a picture will look like, allows me to draw on top of the watercolor. But, like you - I like to paint over the ink much more. lol!

[@Davy.J.Y]

I was very excited on seeing this shapie pen review . I will check them out, but my go to pen is the BIC roundstick . Great video review !

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Davy.J.Y! I'll have to check out the BIC roundstick, as I've never tried it. I appreciate your kind words and time watching! ~ Mark

[@lkd06]

If they were waterproof it would say so on the package. Bleedproof means the ink doesn’t leak through the other side of the paper. Smearproof means it won't rub off with your hand while writing

[@MDCampbell]

Yes, thank you. I'm well aware of the terms and what they mean. But, it does not say that they are _not_ waterproof, either. My bottle of Noodlers ink also doesn't say waterproof - but it is. The only true way to test the inks is to buy and try. As someone who spent 30 years selling razors and sneakers to the world, I learned to never fully trust what's on the package. Seriously. :)

[@navyboymommygramma]

OMG!! I'm such a blonde. I kept tilting and moving my tablet to get around the glare of YOUR lights. I couldn't figure out why nothing was having any effect on it. Hahaha

[@suev4143]

I like them for notes, not art. They dry relatively quickly, and dont smear. But no good for line and wash. Sorry you had to find out the hard way.

[@hatjodelka]

I found this very helpful. I'd seen these Sharpie gel pens here in the UK but they are much more expensive than other gel pens. I do like Sharpies, especially the coloured ones for use on fabric.

[@user-pf8fc5zb1k]

Thank you very much

[@InLiquidColor]

Thanks for sharing, Mark! Have you tried the Uni-Ball AIR pens? I bought a pack on Teoh's recommendation. I love the way they write and lay down, and they're water resistant once they dry! I don't do a lot of ink work, but it's nice having them on hand for watercolor and ink sketches :) Edit: Don't mind me over here not knowing the difference between gel and rollerball pens. I'll see myself out 😅

[@MDCampbell]

LOL!! Thank you for checking this out, Denise! As for the pen styles, rollerballs came before gel pens, but both work the same way. Rollerballs came first, though. The big difference is the ink, where most gel pens use water soluble ink, others use permanent. I prefer the latter. lol! I hope all is well on your end and thank you, again! ~ Mark

[@teresaluna1936]

Thanks for sharing this. I work a lot with permanent ink and watercolor washes. You saved me money and frustration! I will be checking out all your videos. Thanks again , and best wishes.

[@MDCampbell]

@@teresaluna1936 thank you for your feedback. Yeah, I know a lot of other folks on KZbin review pens just for the sake of new content, then you never see them use those pens again! lol!! I'm always in search of new tools to work with and when I find something that works and that I like - I love to share it. And if I buy something that kinda stinks, well, I'll share that too. I appreciate your time watching. Cheers! ~ Mark

[@albertobregon]

I believe their claim only applies to writing because they are writing pen's not drawing or art pen's and when writing with them they do just what the package claim's whereas a LOT of other Gel pen's do bleed and smear when writing with them, I personally LOVE these pen's I love this brand.

[@MDCampbell]

I tend to agree with you, although I see every writing instrument as a drawing tool. It just takes time to get to know it and understand how to use it for a creative advantage. These are the Sharpie brand, which I initially assumed would use the same ink as a regular Sharpie. The "no smear, no bleed" tagline sort of added to my assumption. Of course, with any assumption, there's a lot of room to be disproven once you get your hands into it. And that's what happened for me. They are certainly fine for writing and daily use - no question. I'll bring these to work and use them for writing and phone doodling, for sure. I was just a bit bummed that the ink didn't have the same water resistance I've come to know from the Sharpie brand. Thank you for taking the time to watch this one, albertobregan, and especially for your conversation about these pens. ~ Mark

[@breezybest6064]

I'm so glad I watched this before buying. I wanted a gel pen that didn't activate with water and would have fallen for the fact these are Sharpie brand. Now I know they're just like any other gel pen so I'll stay with the Pilot ones as well. Thanks for the review!

[@MDCampbell]

Exactly! That was my reason for buying them - because they were Sharpies! Plus, the whole "no smear, no bleed" thing led me to think they'd be waterproof. What a bummer! These would have rocked if they were waterproof. Cheers and thanks for commenting on this one!

[@OrganizeCreateDecorate]

I have never tried, but I wonder if the ink would set with a hair dryer?

[@tcconnection]

I love your characters! I think the Uni Pin pens are supposed to be water-resistant and last longer nib-wise than the Pigma Microns. I like very fine tips to write with and like the archival ink of the Uniball RT 155, .28. I like to put it in the barrel of the retractable Inkjoy, most comfortable barrel down to the nib for me.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you so much, tcconnection!! I appreciate the kind words and insight to the Uniball.

[@LanaGoesArt]

HI Mark, I hope you're doing well. It's great to watch a video of you again. Too bad the ink in the gel pens isn't waterproof. But it was interesting to see, that it was kind of almost purple/reddish when it dissolved and ran over the page, while the other was pretty neutral. I've been using Faber Castell Ecco Pigment Liners recently. They're waterproof too and feel nice on watercolor paper. With some I have the issue, that they feel too dry. Uni Ball Air are great too, very juicy and last a loooong time for me. I use both to label all my swatches etc. (They've been plenty lightfastness tested therefore too! :D) Hope you have a great day and thank you for the wonderful video!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, LanaGoesArt. I took a break from YT to focus on life for a while. I've been coming back to it slowly, for my own enjoyment - not for the algorithm! lol!! As for the pens, I haven't tried the Ecco Pigment Liners, but now I'm going to have to look into them! Thank you for the lead on those. I have a package of Uniball Air Micro pens, but I'm not sure they're as good as the original Air pens - which by the way, are impossible to find except in bulk. I don't need 15 pens. hehe!! Anyhow, thank you again and all is well on my end, just college tuitions eating me alive! I hope all is well on your end and always love seeing you post new work! Cheers! ~ Mark

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

I've preferred and used Black gel pens for years for writing and when sketching and my works on paper. The kool thing about Pilot and G2 gel pens is you can buy refills cheaper instead of buying the entire pens/set again at full price. I also love Jelly Rolks especially for the metallic colours which G2 doesn't have... i hate that Jelly Roll pens clug up and the white pens either never work (brand new) or after a while.

[@Ds-iv2tz]

You can draw with them and catch a buzz at the same time 😂😂😂

[@MDCampbell]

LOL!!

[@sharynmellors3624]

I use Gelli Roll pens by Sukura to use as a white resist. I paint over it with Tuskineko inks with Aloe Vera. Never a bleed once it is dry.

[@MDCampbell]

The Gelli Roll pens are a lot of fun, especially in that they come a large variety of colors. A lot of illustrators use their white pen because they're great for adding highlights on dark areas. Thank you, sharynmellors3624!!

[@yardhog]

I've been drawing with EnerGel RTX Liquid Gel Pens by Pentel for my b&w line drawings. I haven't tried them with water or water color washes so I don't know if they are going to bleed when wet or not.

[@craftnlass]

I can smell the Magnun and the video is 3 days old😆. I'm going to give the Sharpie S-Gel a try.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Sharpie is an all-around reliable brand and they're constantly coming out with new stuff, but still have the old reliables too. I'm not a big fan of Sharpie for black fine line drawing, but they would fall in my "pretty good not great" category. My fave is Molotow, but they're pricey and I never see them on sale. 🙁I've used other popular brands like Micron and Copic, and they're fine, but then they haven't always passed my bleeding tests. I'm pretty picky. I guess bc there is intense competition in the pen and marker retail arena and customers the world over buy billions of these little hand-held beauties every year (and that doesn't even include pencils) this is good for creatives. We can all benefit from manufacturers working hard to develop more innovative and fun to use pens and markers that, for the most part, we love ❤️. Yes, there are some stinkers out there in pen & marker land. But I don't think they last very long. Big and well-known pen & marker makers can let no grass under their products. They're just coming out with new and usually better things to draw and write with all the time! Thanks, Mark!

[@VereneLemieux]

I love sharpies but im not an artist and i cannot draw shit to save my life. Lol so i just use it for note taking and journaling and i love the vibrant and boldness of its color and smoothness in writing.

[@childcrone]

What a helpful comparison, thank you. I wonder if you've tried the Pentel Energel? I wanted something like the Pilot G-2, but quick-drying and waterproof for journal writing. I landed on the Energel for that and it's serving well. The body did not impress me, as it didn't hold up, but I found that the cartridge fits perfectly in a Pilot G-2 click body, so I just buy refills :~)

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, childcrone! Great feedback! So, you're saying that you can paint watercolor over the Pentel Energel and the ink doesn't activate? I'll have to definitely check them out! Cheers!

[@childcrone]

@@MDCampbell No, I've not used it that way; it's just working well for me for writing. The ink isn't completely waterproof.

[@conniehubbell7383]

These pens make my life better. My vision isn't as good as I would like so these dark pens help me see what I write. I send about 20 Scripture-filled cards out every week. Thank you

[@RoopaDudleyPaintings]

You just saved me $24 for buying the Sharpie Gell.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, RoopaDudleyPaintings! I don't mean to dissuade anyone from making their own choices, of course - I just present my thoughts as an experienced illustrator and someone who uses gel pens on a daily basis for both writing and drawing. I appreciate your feedback and hope you are able to find a pen that suits your needs! Thank you again for watching and your feedback! ~ Mark

[@mollymollie6048]

Rarely have I met a Sharpie that I don’t like (and we have the Magnum for labeling boxes…and I love that giant permanent marker smell…I wouldn’t drive after using one for 10 minutes, tho, lol,) but I do NOT like this pen at all. I’ve only tried the 0.7 (I prefer 0.5, my husband came home with these randomly) and I’m not an artist, but I journal a lot. I found that the Sharpie gel pens are really scratchy, imo. I tried a few of them from the pack to see if the first one was a dud…nope! I know everyone is different in what they like. My personal preference for a gel pen fine liner is the 0.5 Pentel Engergel…the Clena version is also very comfortable for my hand. Zebra Sarasa is a close second, but I like the Energel body more. I also prefer that you can get a needle tip with the Energel (maybe there is a version of them with that.) So, from someone who hand writes a lot, both print and cursive, and writes with “the death grip” and I tend to press hard, that’s my review of them. Like I said, everyone is different in what feels good in their hand with what task they are using the pen for…fortunately, we have tons of choices!!

[@MDCampbell]

What a wonderful review and insight to the other pens - thank you, mollymollie6048! I've looked at those Zebra pens, but have never pulled one of the rack to buy it. Perhaps now I might have to check them out! Cheers!

[@mollymollie6048]

@@MDCampbell They are very nice. I got the limited edition “antique colors” in 0.5. The colors are beautiful and nicely saturated. I would say that they look a little more 0.4, the line is very fine, which is great, but if there is a choice and you prefer a slightly thicker line, I’d go up in size. Thank you for the compliment! I thought putting my style of holding the pen (thanks, JetPens for describing it perfectly, no idea where it came from) in “the death grip” and pressing hard was important as someone who presses lightly and holds the pen more loosely may have a totally different experience. Those pens are very popular and inexpensive, and I certainly wouldn’t want someone to not try them. I got a variety of pens based on videos and some I loved, some I didn’t. The Zebra Sarasa’s biggest drawback (for that style that I bought) is that it has a conical not needle tip, and I love a needle tip! Because I hold the pen close to the bottom, the needle tip lets me see what I’m doing, for others that may not be relevant.

[@zinncomicsandart8811]

If they would make these and pilot v5 pens in waterproof , they would be some amazing art tools , but sadly they don't

[@navyboymommygramma]

But do they smear on the paper right away or do you have to let them dry a while like every other gel pen?

[@MDCampbell]

I found that the Sharpie S-gel pens dried fairly quickly, but if you're a left-handed writer (which I'm not), you'd likely smear the ink as you write. I found that if you lay down a heavy line of ink, like with the 1.0mm, it will take longer to dry and smear easily. I also think with regular usage, they should be fine.

[@federalagenciesarecourtesans]

Sharpies are good people they work day and night. People don't appreciate them enough. Can we have a moment of silence for all of the sharpies thrown away prematurely. Amen

[@ritaschiel9668]

I love these pens for zentangle & doodling but the drawback is that they are NOT waterproof.

[@MDCampbell]

Exactly.

[@jtpaar1732]

I use Faber Castel Black India Ink pens. No smears, no runs, stays put - you can paint watercolor over the top without making mud. Very reasonably priced. I'm not sure why anyone would want to draw only to muddy it up by smearing gel ink and watercolor through it. What's the point?

[@MDCampbell]

Yes, I also enjoy the FC pens, but I believe they are felt tip pens, right? There's a lot of difference between rollerball pens, gel pens, ball point, felt tip, wire tip, dip tip, etc. so I guess it's personal preference. For me, I remember when I discovered that I could "muddy up" a gel pen drawing, it opened the door for a new, unique style to play with. I enjoy the way I work, but sometimes I just enjoy playing like a kid. In the mud. and water(colors). lol!

[@jtpaar1732]

@@MDCampbell I see your point! (pun intended lol) I also appreciate that you shared your experience with the various pens and, as always, I enjoy watching you draw! Thanks for your response.

[@MrStanwillis]

Drying time?😊😊😊

[@MDCampbell]

They seemed to dry fairly quickly, hence the "no smear technology," though I notice they definitely smeared right after the line was put down. I found the ink to dry in less than a minute or so (an average line with no intentional smearing); however, I let my drawing sit for over three hours in a well-lit room and the water had no problem activating the ink instantly.

[@superjaded1738]

Zentangle

[@dianachadwick1482]

Wrong! My favorites for everyday use. I quit Pilots since accidentally touching them while writing smeared the ink. Sharpies RARELY smear when touched. They do not market them as drawing pens. It us a bummer they aren't waterproof. Pretty sure they don't advertise them as drawing pens or waterproof. So you stating they are deceptive is a misstatement and deceptive on your part.

[@MDCampbell]

I am known in some circles as a frivolous misstater and blatant deceptor. I just can't shake these labels.

[@Skinbom]

Do yourself a favor, throw away the plastic body S-Gels, buy the metal barrel versions that don’t flex. Open them up when you get them, take out the ink cartridge and replace it with the Pentel 0.5 or 0.7 needle tip cartridge, LRN5/LRN7.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Skinbom. I might just take you up on that idea! Very cool!!

[@Auriasis]

Yeah these are too expensive. with no exta bang for the buck