I bought myself a set of sharpies because a bloke I saw twisting in the local shopping centre used them. I made a dragon for my wee girls tonight and used black for the eyes. Half an hour later my 16 month old had the dragon and I noticed that her hands were covered in black marker from the balloons-and those hand were getting dangerously close to all sorts of things! I thought sharpies were permanent? Has anyone else had this problem? Can you recommend a marker that is going to stay put once I draw on the balloon? Thanks

Hi

I've only had (or noticed, anyway) this problem when the balloon deflates, as the ink is then concentrated as the latex contracts and it becomes much 'thicker'. I've not checked their details, but perhaps they are only truly permanent on paper or card...?

It's an ongoing point of discussion as to which markers are best - to be honest, I don't really like black sharpies nor the maxiflo white board markers (although at least these should wash out of clothes) so I'm really stuck!!

Not much help really, sorry - just a comment!

--Neil

Hi, never had that problem with sharpies. Are they the standard ones or some other variety?

I use these permanent markers and love them...

http://www.tigerpens.co.uk/acatalog/Pen ... t_Tip.html

I curently use BIC dry wipe whiteboard markers (Velleda) and they actually stay put. There's however an inconvenience, they only have black, blue, green and red colours.
Bye

Yes all the dry wipe non permanent pens are permanent on a balloon.