Pens
Technical Pens
Technical pens are a popular choice for drafting because they produce consistent, fine lines. They are available in a variety of line widths, so you can find the perfect pen for your needs. Technical pens use liquid ink, which dries quickly and is water-resistant. They also come in a variety of colors, making them suitable for different applications.
Types of Technical Pens:
- Disposable Technical Pens: These pens are inexpensive and easy to use. However, they are not refillable, so you will need to purchase a new pen when the ink runs out.
- Refillable Technical Pens: These pens are more expensive than disposable pens, but they are also more sustainable. They can be refilled with ink cartridges or bottled ink.
- Rotring Technical Pens: This is a popular brand of technical pens known for their high quality and durability.
Drawing Pens
Drawing pens are similar to technical pens, but they often have a wider range of line widths and nibs. They are also available in a variety of colors, including metallic and iridescent inks. Drawing pens are a good choice for creating detailed drawings and illustrations.
Types of Drawing Pens:
- Pigma Micron Pens: These pens are known for their archival quality and fine lines. They are a popular choice for professional artists and illustrators.
- Copic Multiliner Pens: These pens have a variety of nib sizes and are available in a wide range of colors. They are a popular choice for manga and anime artists.
- Brush Pens: These pens have a brush-like tip that allows you to create a variety of line weights and effects.
Markers
Markers are a good choice for drafting when you need to create bold, colorful lines. They are also a good choice for creating shading effects.
Types of Markers:
- Copic Markers: These markers are known for their high-quality ink and wide range of colors. They are a popular choice for professional illustrators.
- Sharpie Markers: These markers are known for their bold lines and water-resistance. They are a good choice for drafting and labeling.
- Prismacolor Markers: These markers are known for their smooth blending and vibrant colors. They are a good choice for creating illustrations and artwork.
Pencils
Drafting Pencils
Drafting pencils are designed for drafting and technical drawing. They have a hard lead that produces sharp, precise lines. Drafting pencils are graded according to the hardness of their lead, with harder leads producing lighter lines and softer leads producing darker lines.
Grades of Drafting Pencils:
- 9H: The hardest lead, producing the lightest lines.
- 6H: A hard lead, producing light lines.
- 4H: A medium-hard lead, producing medium-light lines.
- 2H: A medium-hard lead, producing medium lines.
- HB: A medium-hard lead, producing medium lines.
- 2B: A medium-soft lead, producing medium-dark lines.
- 4B: A soft lead, producing dark lines.
- 6B: A very soft lead, producing very dark lines.
- 9B: The softest lead, producing the darkest lines.
Mechanical Pencils
Mechanical pencils are a good choice for drafting because they allow you to adjust the lead length and hardness. They also produce consistent lines, as the lead is always sharpened. Mechanical pencils come in a variety of lead sizes, so you can find the perfect pencil for your needs.
Types of Mechanical Pencils:
- 0.5 mm: A popular size for drafting, offering a good balance of line width and durability.
- 0.7 mm: A larger size that produces thicker lines, suitable for bolder drawings.
- 0.3 mm: A smaller size for fine detail work and precise drawings.
Choosing the Right Pen or Pencil
The best type of pen or pencil for drafting depends on your personal preferences and the specific task at hand. Consider factors such as the line width, color, and durability when choosing a pen or pencil.
For example, if you are creating a technical drawing, you may want to choose a technical pen or a drafting pencil. If you are creating a more artistic drawing, you may want to choose a drawing pen or a marker.
Experiment with different types of pens and pencils to find the ones that work best for you.