We all have that drawer or box filled with art supplies that once brought us joy but are now collecting dust. My case was no different—I had a set of Finecolor alcohol markers that had dried out over time, and a 5-color set of Ecoline liquid watercolors I wasn’t sure how to use after testing them. Instead of letting them go to waste, I decided to combine the two and give them a second life. The process was surprisingly fun and resulted in vibrant, stylish sketches.
Btw, if you missed my recent post about Las Vegas sketch trip you can read or listen it here.
Finecolor Alcohol Markers
Finecolor alcohol markers are known for their smooth blending and vibrant pigmentation. They’re a budget-friendly alternative to premium brands but still deliver great results when fresh. Unfortunately, like all alcohol markers, they eventually dry out if left unused or if the caps aren’t sealed tightly. When that happens, you’re left with a body and nib in perfect shape but without any usable ink—making them a perfect candidate for revival.
Ecoline Liquid Watercolor
Ecoline liquid watercolors are highly concentrated, transparent water-based paints. They come in small bottles with a pipette and offer bright, intense colors that are perfect for illustrations. However, they’re not permanent and can be reactivated with water, which means they’re best for artworks that won’t be exposed to moisture. I had a 5-color set that was just sitting unused, so this became the perfect chance to experiment and make them work in a whole new way. Post about pros and cons of Ecoline Watercolor you can find here.
How to Give Markers a New Life
The process is simple but requires a bit of care. First, gently pull out the marker nib—tweezers can help. Using the pipette from the Ecoline bottle, slowly drip the liquid watercolor into the empty barrel of the marker. Be careful to avoid creating bubbles, as they can cause messy splashes and uneven ink flow. Once filled, reinsert the nib, give the marker a few minutes to soak up the pigment, and you’re ready to test your “new” tool.
Nibs Matter
Even with fresh ink, an old, damaged, or overly dry nib can affect your drawing quality. If your markers have frayed tips or simply won’t absorb the ink, consider buying replacement nibs. Many marker brands sell compatible tips, and swapping them out can make your revived markers feel brand new. A healthy nib ensures smooth, controlled strokes and allows the vibrant Ecoline colors to shine.
Sketch as a Result
The experiment worked beautifully. I used my revived markers to create a lively street scene in France, full of colorful shadows, glowing facades, and a playful mix of turquoise, magenta, and sunny yellow. The re-inked markers produced strokes that were vibrant, fun, and stylish, with a painterly texture that I loved. It felt like I had discovered a whole new art supply—without spending a cent.
Reviving old markers with unused liquid watercolor is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a way to reduce waste, rediscover forgotten supplies, and create something unique. Whether you’re trying to save your favorite marker set or give new purpose to leftover paints, this little DIY hack can bring fresh life to your art tools—and fresh inspiration to your sketchbook.
