Frequently Asked Question

Unfortunately, we do not make these highlighters anymore.  We would recommend trying the Sharpie Accent Liquid highlighters because they tend not to bleed thru thinner paper.

The pen style Liquid Accent highlighters actually contain the same amount of ink as the Pocket Accent highlighters.  In fact you actually get a longer write out because every bit of ink is used due to the Liquid Accent having a "free ink" system.  The ink in traditional highlighters is contained by a fiber reservoir.  The absorbency of the writing surface also affects the amount of ink that is drawn out of the highlighter.

Dye base highlighters will fade faster than pigment base highlighters.  Especially when exposed to direct sunlight or florescent light. Sharpie Accent Liquid Highlighters are pigment based and therefore resist fading.

Based on demand, fluorescent yellow and pink are more popular so these colors are usually the only colors available in single packs.  Other colors may be available through mail order distributors, catalogs, and stationery stores.

Sensitivity of copy and fax machine's can vary greatly.  If you do not want the highlighter to reproduce a grayed-out outline, we suggest setting your copier on the lightest setting and try a dye base highlighter, such as our tank style highlighter (formerly Major Accent) or Pocket Accent in yellow or light blue.   If you want highlighted text to reproduce in gray when copied or faxed, we suggest using the darker colors of a pigment-based highlighter, such as our Liquid Accent.

We recommend using one of our products that features Smear Guard ink (at this time, that would include Pocket style and Grip/Inspire).

No

We (Sanford) have repositioned the Accent highlighters under the Sharpie brand name.  Nothing else has changed. The highlighters are the same quality products that you've always used!

Before using the marker for the first time: 

1) With marker in tip up position and cap off, depress tip with finger.  This will relieve any pressure.

2) Recap.  Shake well to mix paint.

3) Take cap off.  Depress point several times on surface to saturate tip with paint. 

4) Repeat as necessary to keep paint flowing.

You can purchase your favorite Sharpie products at your local office superstore, retail store, driug stores and other retails locations.

For information on customer Sharpie permanent markers with your corporate logo or for corporate gift information, go to Sanford B2B

The Fine Point is available in 39 colors and metallic silver, the Ultra Fine is available in 39 colors, the Twin Tip is available in 20 colors, the Sharpie Grip and Chisel Tip are available in 8 colors, the Extra Fine and Super Sharpie are available in 4 colors, the Super Sharpie Twin Tip and the Professional are available in 3 colors and the Industrial is available in 1 color.

"The successful stain removal of ink stains differs from case to case because of the many types of fabrics, colors, inks and time elapsed before stain removal. We cannot guarantee stain removal since many variables can be involved. Testing first is always recommended as well as following both the stain remover and clothing manufacturer's instructions. Following these steps should result in partial or complete removal.

General Rules:

1) Treat stains as soon as possible.  Fresh stains can be removed more easily than old ones.

2) Check manufacturer's labels as to fabric content and any special instructions

3) Always test stain removal solution first on a hidden part of the article or on swatch of fabric taken from seam allowance to insure no color loss or damage will occur.

4) Where possible, lay stained article face down on paper towels or clean white cloth and apply stain removal solution to underside of stain so that stain can be removed from the surface instead of pushing it through the fabric. Replace towels or cloth as they absorb stain to prevent stain transfer.

5) If enlisting the aid of a professional laundry or dry cleaner, be sure to indicate what the stain is and the type of fabric.

6) Do not iron stained garments or put in dryer as this may set stain.

* Also try AMODEX STAIN REMOVER for permanent ink: Amodex Products, P.O. Box 3332, Bridgeport, CT 06605, Phone:(203) 335-1255 or go to www.amodexink.com

A white marker requires a pigmented, rather than a dye base ink, to achieve the required opacity.  With the ink technology available, we have been unable to manufacture a marker or pen that will uniformly lay down white ink.  In the future, however, as new ink technology develops, it is quite possible we will be able to make a pigmented white ink marker.  Until then we suggest trying Sanford's white Sharpie Paint or Poster-Paint marker.  It is a valve action marker, which requires a pumping action.

The black ink in the Fine, Twin Tip, Chisel and Super is permanent ink. The principle solvents are alcohols, but they also contain ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. All other Sharpie ink colors are Permchrome ink. For these the principle solvents are also alcohols, but no glycol ethers are used.

We do not recommend the Sharpie for letter writing as it is solvent base ink and will soak through paper. We also do not recommend the Sharpie for use on cloth as it may fade or bleed in the wash. Also, over time a yellow halo may appear around the marking.

Sanford has used Sharpie markers on CDs for years and we have never experienced a problem. We do not believe that the Sharpie ink can affect these CDs, however we have not performed any long-term laboratory testing to verify this. We have spoken to many major CD manufacturers about this issue. They use the Sharpie markers on CDs internally as well, and do not believe that the Sharpie ink will cause any harm to their products.

Sharpie CD/DVD marker has a twin tip for added versatility in labeling CD and jewel cases.

A marker can be classified as a permanent marker if it:

1. Adheres to most surfaces and/or is water resistant.

2. Uses dyes or pigments



The dyes or pigments used, which give the ink color (colorants), determine how well a marking will resist fading. Pigmented inks resist fading the best. The combination of ingredients used in the ink formulation gives the ink permanent properties. Each permanent marker that we manufacture may have one or both of the characteristics mentioned above.

We do not have a mathematical formula to figure how long a permanent marker will "last." With outdoor exposure on a nonporous surface, the marks from a dye base marker will be gone in perhaps three to four months. With indoor exposure on a porous surface, like artist canvas or paper, we would expect marks from a dye base marker to last several years.



Resins or surfactants give the ink the ability to adhere to various surfaces. Thus, we have markers for non-porous and glossy surfaces, markers for oily or wet surfaces and markers that can withstand extreme heat.



The solvents that are used mix all of the ingredients together, or dissolve them to form the ink. The solvents used also determine the solvent resistance of the markings. Various solvents used in inks are alcohol, ketone, xylene and glycol ethers.

Within the writing industry, a marker is defined as waterproof if the writing is still legible after it comes in contact with water.