Paint markers are a bit different from the magic marker, dry erase marker or sharpie marker you may be used to.  The advantages are priceless but they need a little preparation and care to last a long time.  Follow these simple instructions for your waterproof or wet-wipe Zig Paint Marker.

Zig Posterman paint markers are made with a safe solution of water and pigment.  Pigment is a ground up powder that delivers the color to your wall, artwork, window, sign or board.  This powder is what makes the paint long lasting in the sun.  The pigment is UV resistant and will last for months or more outside.  The waterproof version will even last through rain, sleet and snow!  Learn more about pigment in our story on “The Secret world of the Chalk Marker” here on Cohas Chalkboard systems and Marker DIY section.

Shake your Zig Paint Marker

The first thing you will notice if you are preparing your paint marker for use is it will make a sound like a paint can.  This is because it has a small ball inside the marker.  It is important to shake up the marker for two to three minutes before you use it the first time.  Leave the cap on and shake to agitate the ball in the marker.   Do not prime your marker before you shake it up.  If you do the solution will be to thin and run down onto and off the nib.  This will cause the marker to appear to “leak” since the thin fluid will run from the nib into the cap.

What if I forgot to shake the marker?

If you did not shake it the first time, or did not shake before you used your marker you may need to clear the tip of the thin paint fluid.  First do not pump the marker, use the nib, all sides, to draw on paper or plastic.  Try to get as much thin fluid off the tip as you can.

Blot the tip with a paper towel so it is dry.

Now cap the marker press firmly on the cap till it snaps on. Shake the marker for three minutes, just like a paint can.  Shake in different directions and roll it around as you shake.  You will hear the paint ball moving inside of the marker.  If you need to rinse the cap out to clean it do so with water for wet-wipe or Windex for Waterproof.

Now prime the tip by pressing it down and watching for ink flow.  Once the ink is flowing on your scrap paper or plastic do some doodles or practice a little.  The ink in your tip may still be to thin.  Move to a new scrap paper or plastic and try a design, if it looks good?  Let’s get creative!

Prime your Zig Paint Marker

Now prime the marker after shaking for two to three minutes to do this press down on the tip until you see the ink begin to flow.  Our video How to Fill and Prime a Zig Paint Marker can show you what it will look like when you are priming it.  The video is of a Zig Posterman Waterproof marker, so the cleaning information relates to that type of marker. For the Zig Posterman Wet-Wipe and Zig Illumigraph use water, a damp cloth for cleanup.

When you draw apply the pressure you need to create your design.  You do not want to heavy a hand as it will wear the nib and cause more paint to flow to the tip.  When you need more paint just press down for a moment.

Storing your Zig Paint Marker

While not required and optional you may want to blot the tip dry with a paper towel before storing your marker. Depending on how much the marker was “loaded” while working on your project or art, cleaning is a good idea before storage. Do not use water or another fluid, just a dry clean paper towel blot the tip without pressing down the valve.

Time to put Zig to bed!  When you are done with your marker cap it tight be sure the cap snaps on tightly.  The 1mm, 2mm, 6mm and 15 mm markers have a two stage locking cap, be sure you press it all the way on.  The Biggie markers have a foam seal around the edge of the cap.  Make sure the cap is tight and engaged in the locking tabs on the side of the marker for the 30-50mm Zig Paint Marker.

Now time for a very important step.  Zig Posterman and Zig Illumigraph markers must be stored on their side.  Do not put them upright tip up or tip down into a cup or holder.  Most orders ship in a very sturdy box intended for storage when not in use.  Inside you will likely find our little friend Zig, sleeping with his tight cap laying flat on his bed and dreaming of playing with dog max.

If you have any questions on paint markers how to use and store them please use our contact page.  We would be happy to help, even if your order was not from us.