Decotime Alcohol Markers: The Complete Guide for Beginners (2025)

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

✓ Why Decotime alcohol markers are perfect for adult colouring and craft projects
✓ The real difference between alcohol and water-based markers (and why it matters)
✓ Honest pros and cons based on actual testing
✓ Where to find them in the UK (plus pricing tips and the best deals)
✓ Expert techniques for beautiful blending and professional results

Why I Can’t Stop Talking About These Markers

Okay, confession time. I’m an American Mom of four now living in the UK, and between football practices (still getting used to calling it that instead of soccer!), meal planning, and the never-ending battle against laundry, I desperately needed something that was just for me. Something that didn’t involve breaking up fights over whose turn it is on the Xbox.

That’s how I fell into the world of adult colouring. And honestly? It started out kind of disappointing.

I grabbed some cheap markers from the craft shop, thinking “how different can they really be?” Turns out, very different. Those bargain markers were streaky, they bled everywhere like a crime scene, and my beautiful colouring books looked like they’d been attacked by a caffeinated toddler.

Then a friend in my Facebook colouring group mentioned Decotime alcohol markers, and everything changed. These markers glide across the page like butter, blend like an absolute dream, and the best part? They won’t drain your bank account like some of those fancy professional brands that cost more than my weekly shop.

In this mega guide, I’m sharing everything I wish someone had told me before I bought my first set. We’ll cover what makes these markers special, how to use them like a pro, where to actually find them here in the UK (spoiler: they’re easier to find than you’d think!), and whether they’re really worth the hype.

Whether you’re brand new to alcohol markers or you’ve been colouring for years, grab your cuppa (or wine, no judgment), and let’s take a look.

What Exactly Are Decotime Alcohol Markers?

Let’s start with the basics, because when I first heard about these, I had zero clue what made them different from any other marker.

Decotime is a European craft brand that’s become seriously popular in the adult colouring community. Their markers are officially called “twin markers” or “twinmarkers” because they have two tips on each marker. Smart, right? You get twice the versatility in one pen.

The Dual Tip Design

Every Decotime marker has:

A fine tip on one end for detailed work, thin lines, and intricate colouring. Perfect for those tiny spaces in mandala colouring books or adding delicate details.

A brush tip on the other end for broader strokes, shading, and smooth colour application. This is the game changer that made me fall in love with these markers. The brush tip is flexible and responsive, almost like painting but without the mess of actual paint.

Why “Alcohol” Markers Matter

Here’s where it gets interesting. The “alcohol” part isn’t just a fancy marketing term. These markers use alcohol-based ink instead of water-based ink, and that makes a massive difference in how they perform.

Think of it this way: water-based markers are like that acquaintance who shows up to the party but doesn’t really participate. Alcohol markers? They’re the life of the party, blending smoothly, drying fast, and creating those gorgeous colour transitions that make your Instagram followers ask “wait, you coloured that?”

Alcohol vs. Water-Based Markers: Let Me Break It Down

Before I discovered the difference, I thought a marker was a marker. Boy, was I wrong.

The Water-Based Marker Struggle

I started with water-based markers because they were cheap and available everywhere. But here’s what nobody tells you: water-based markers tend to be streaky and leave an uneven finish, plus they take longer to dry and aren’t great for blending.

Every time I tried to blend two colours together, I’d end up with this weird, streaky mess. It looked like I’d given up halfway through. Not the vibe I was going for.

Why Alcohol Markers Are Worth It

Once I switched to alcohol markers, I finally understood what everyone was raving about. Here’s what makes them special:

Lightning-Fast Drying: Alcohol markers dry quickly on paper and the colours remain vibrant, eliminating worries about water spilling and ruining your work. No more accidentally smudging your finished work when you turn the page.

Blending That Actually Works: This is the big one. Alcohol-based markers blend more smoothly and predictably, allowing artists to create shades, tints and gradients by overlaying colours. You can actually create those dreamy colour transitions instead of just hoping for the best.

Rich, Even Colour: No streaks, no patches, just smooth, vibrant colour every single time. It’s satisfying in a way that’s hard to explain until you experience it.

Beyond Paper: Alcohol markers can be used on various surfaces including wood, metal, and fabric, opening up a whole world of craft possibilities. I’ve decorated everything from tote bags to wooden frames with mine.

The One Downside You Need to Know

Here’s the trade-off: alcohol markers bleed through paper. It’s just physics. The alcohol-based ink is more liquid and will soak through to the other side.

But don’t let this scare you away! You just need to be smart about it:

• Use thicker paper (I’ll recommend specific types later)
• Put a piece of cardstock under your current page
• Buy colouring books designed for markers
• Accept it as part of the process

Honestly, once you see how beautifully these markers blend, the bleed-through becomes a tiny inconvenience you’ll happily manage.

My Real Experience with Decotime Markers

Time for the honest review section. I’ve been using these markers for about six months now, and I have opinions.

The Brush Tips Changed Everything

Before Decotime, I’d only used markers with chisel tips or bullet tips. Those are fine, but the brush tip? Total game changer.

Colouring with a brush tip really changed the game, with users seeing significant improvement in their colouring skills just by switching to brush tips. The control you get is incredible. Light pressure gives you thin lines, heavier pressure creates broad strokes. It’s intuitive and forgiving, even if you’re not an experienced artist.

I’ve watched my colouring improve dramatically just from having this flexibility. My finished pages actually look intentional now instead of like I was trying my best with limited tools.

The Colour Selection Is Impressive

Decotime offers their markers in several set sizes, and each one has its own personality:

12-marker sets: Usually themed by colour family (all blues, all pinks, etc.). Great if you already have a collection and need to fill gaps.

60-marker sets: The 60-marker set includes large ranges of certain colours, with 17 green markers and 11 purple markers. This is a solid starter set with good variety.

100-marker sets: My personal choice. You get great colour range without being overwhelmed. Includes a colourless blender pen, which is essential.

160-marker sets: The ultimate collection for serious colourists. Every shade you could possibly want.

What I Wish Was Different

Let me be real about the downsides:

Limited Skin Tones: The 60-marker set lacks sufficient skin tone options, with this being a common issue across many marker sets. If you’re colouring portraits or characters, you’ll probably want to buy a separate skin tone set.

Some Browns and Greys Missing: In the 60-marker set, there are only 2 brown markers and 2 grey markers , which feels limited when you’re trying to add shadows or natural elements.

Not Refillable: Unlike premium brands, these are disposable. Decotime markers are not refillable, which keeps them affordable compared to refillable options like Copic. For the price, I’m okay with this, but it’s worth knowing.

But the Blending, Though

Let’s talk about why I keep coming back to these markers despite any limitations: the blending is phenomenal.

Decotime markers blend beautifully, staying wet long enough to create smooth transitions, and the colourless blending marker included in larger sets is excellent for lightening or softening colours.

I can layer colours, create gradients, add depth to my colouring, all without the paper pilling or the colours looking muddy. That’s the magic that keeps me choosing these over cheaper alternatives.

Where to Buy Decotime Alcohol Markers in the UK

Here’s the brilliant news: since Decotime is a European brand, finding them in the UK is actually pretty straightforward!

High Street Shops

You can find Decotime alcohol markers at Tesco, The Range, B&M, and sometimes Amazon UK. Here’s what I’ve learned from hunting these down:

B&M: This is where I found my 160-marker set! The 160-marker set is primarily available from B&M, though stock varies by location. They’re usually tucked in the craft section, sometimes on lower shelves, so have a proper look around.

The Range: Reliable for the 60 and 100-marker sets. Their craft section is well-stocked, and the staff are usually helpful if you can’t find them.

Tesco: Hit or miss depending on the store size. Larger Tesco Extra stores are more likely to stock them. I’ve found the 60-marker sets here most often.

Amazon UK: Stock comes and goes, but when they’re available, delivery is quick. Set up an alert for price drops.

Online Options

Vinted: Vinted is a good place to find Decotime markers, with some users finding their 160 sets there after not finding them in local B&M stores. You can sometimes snag barely-used sets at bargain prices from people who tried them once and decided colouring wasn’t for them. Their loss, your gain!

eBay UK: Plenty of sellers offer new and lightly-used sets. Just check seller ratings before purchasing.

BargainMax: An online retailer that often stocks various Decotime sets with reasonable shipping.

UK Pricing Guide

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• 12-marker sets: £5-8
• 36-marker sets (with glitter/metallics): £10-15
• 60-marker sets: £18-22
• 100-marker sets: £28-35
• 160-marker sets: £38-45

Occasionally you’ll find them on clearance or special offer, especially after Christmas. I always check the seasonal sections at B&M for deals.

My Shopping Tips

Ring Ahead: B&M stock varies wildly between locations. Call before making a special trip, especially if you’re after the 160 set.

Check All Locations: I’ve found that different stores within the same chain carry different sizes. The B&M near me only had 60 sets, but the one two towns over had the full 160 set.

Look Low: For some reason, these are often on bottom shelves, tucked away from the Aqua markers (Decotime’s water-based line). Don’t just glance, actually crouch down and look.

Join Facebook Groups: UK adult colouring groups often share stock alerts. Someone will post “160 sets at B&M in Manchester!” and suddenly everyone knows where to look.

The Right Paper Makes or Breaks Your Experience

Here’s something I learned the hard way: your markers are only as good as the paper you use them on.

What Makes Good Marker Paper

Weight Is Important: Look for paper that’s at least 150-200 gsm (that’s about 80-100 lb in American terms, but I’m getting used to metric!). Regular printer paper is typically 80 gsm and will turn into a soggy mess.

Smooth Surface: The type of paper fibre and finish matter more than thickness for alcohol markers. Textured paper catches the brush tip and creates uneven coverage.

Marker-Specific Options: Brands like Strathmore, Canson, and Copic make paper specifically designed for alcohol markers. Using heavy cardstock, marker paper, or alcohol ink-friendly paper provides better results than regular paper. Yes, it costs more, but the difference in your finished work is dramatic.

Where to Buy Quality Paper in the UK

The Works: Great for affordable marker paper and card stock

Hobbycraft: Excellent selection of premium papers

Amazon UK: Reliable for Strathmore and Copic paper

The Range: Decent own-brand marker paper at budget prices

Colouring Book Considerations

When shopping for colouring books to use with your Decotime markers:

• Look for “marker-friendly” in the description
• Check paper weight (150 gsm minimum)
• Avoid designs on both sides of the page
• Read reviews specifically mentioning alcohol markers

Some of my favourite marker-friendly books are the Coco Wyo series, anything by Johanna Basford on quality paper, and ColorIt’s premium colouring books.

Managing Bleed-Through

Using cardstock under the page you’re colouring helps prevent bleeding onto other pages in your colouring books. I keep a stack of heavyweight cardstock sheets that I slip under my current page. Problem solved.

Techniques That Make Your Colouring Look Professional

Let me share the techniques that took my colouring from “meh” to “wait, you did that?”

Basic Blending (The Foundation)

This is the technique you’ll use most:

1. Apply your lighter colour first, filling the entire area
2. While that ink is still wet (work fast!), add your darker shade
3. Use quick, overlapping strokes where the colours meet
4. Go back with your lighter colour to smooth any harsh transitions
5. Don’t overthink it, the alcohol does most of the work

The key is working whilst the ink is wet. Once it dries, you’re layering instead of blending.

Creating Depth with Layers

Alcohol markers can be layered multiple times to create new colours and effects without damaging the paper. Here’s how I add dimension:

First layer: Light base colour across the entire area Second layer: Medium shade in shadow areas Third layer: Darkest shade in the deepest shadows Final touches: Go back with your lightest colour to blend any harsh edges

This creates that three-dimensional look that makes your colouring pop off the page.

The Flicking Technique

Perfect for texture like grass, fur, or hair:

• Start at your base point where the texture begins
• Use quick, light strokes that lift off the paper
• Vary your pressure for different lengths
• Layer multiple shades for realistic texture

This technique takes practice, but once you get it, you’ll use it constantly.

Using Your Colourless Blender

If your set includes a colourless blender pen (the 100 and 160 sets do), here’s how to use it:

Softening: Go over areas that look too dark to lighten them slightly Blending: Use between two colours to create smoother transitions
Lifting: Can remove some colour if you work quickly Creating highlights: Apply to add lighter spots in coloured areas

Don’t expect it to work like a rubber (it won’t), but it’s incredibly useful for refining your work.

Preventing Common Mistakes

Work Fast: Alcohol evaporates quickly, so don’t hesitate once you start blending.

Light Touch: You don’t need to press hard. Let the ink flow naturally.

Test First: Always try your colour combinations on scrap paper before committing to your actual project.

Protect Your Work: Keep a piece of scrap paper under your hand to avoid smudging.

Beyond Colouring Books: Creative Projects

Once you fall in love with these markers, you’ll want to use them for everything. Here are projects I’ve tackled:

Custom Cards and Stationery

I make all our family greeting cards now. Birthdays, holidays, thank you notes. It’s personal, saves money, and honestly people treasure handmade cards way more than shop-bought ones.

Planner and Journal Decorating

If you’re into bullet journaling, these markers are perfect for:

• Headers and titles
• Decorative elements
• Monthly cover pages
• Habit tracker decorations

Home Décor Projects

I’ve used my Decotime markers on:

• Wooden signs for our kitchen
• Plain picture frames (turned them into custom art)
• Canvas tote bags (heat-set with an iron)
• Plain throw pillows (fabric markers work brilliantly)

Personalised Gifts

Custom bookmarks, decorated wooden boxes, personalised ornaments. These markers turn simple craft shop blanks into meaningful, personalised gifts.

DIY Gift Tags and Wrapping

Forget buying gift tags. Make your own on cardstock, and suddenly even a simple gift looks like you put thought into every detail.

Storage and Care Tips

Want your markers to last? Here’s how to take care of them:

The Right Way to Store Them

Store markers horizontally to keep ink flow consistent, The stackable trays that come with Decotime sets make this easy. The Decotime storage trays are designed to clip together if you purchase multiple sets, which is actually genius for organisation.

Always Cap Tightly: Alcohol evaporates fast. A loose cap means a dried-out marker within days, not weeks.

Keep Cool and Dry: Don’t leave them in your car or near radiators. Extreme temperatures affect ink consistency.

Organise by Colour Family: Not just for aesthetics. When you can quickly find the exact shade you need, you’ll use your markers more often.

Making Them Last Longer

Don’t Press Hard: Let the ink do the work. Pressing hard wears out brush tips faster.

Cap Immediately: Don’t leave markers uncapped whilst you’re colouring. Even a few minutes can start the drying process.

Use Good Paper: Rough paper damages brush tips. Stick to smooth, quality paper.

When to Retire a Marker

Unlike coloured pencils that gradually fade, alcohol markers work brilliantly until suddenly they don’t. When you notice:

• Skipping even with a fresh cap
• Streaky coverage that won’t smooth out
• Significantly faded colour
• Frayed tips that won’t recover

It’s time to retire that marker and replace it.

How Decotime Compares to Other Brands

Let’s talk about the competition, because you’re probably wondering if you should save up for Copics or try something else.

Decotime vs. Copic

Copic is the gold standard. They’re professional-grade, refillable, and produce stunning results. They’re also expensive. A single Copic marker costs about £5-7. A set of 72 will run you £300+.

For adult colouring as a hobby, that’s overkill. Decotime gives you 85% of the results at 20% of the cost. Unless you’re a professional illustrator, save your money.

Decotime vs. Ohuhu

Ohuhu markers are considered top-tier and more expensive than Decotime. Ohuhu offers more colours, refillable options, and slightly better ink quality. But they cost significantly more, especially in the UK market.

If you’re a beginner or casual hobbyist, Decotime is the better value. If you become serious about markers and use them daily, then consider upgrading to Ohuhu.

Decotime vs. Cheap Shop Brands

I tried the £10 sets from discount shops. Don’t waste your money. They’re streaky, the tips fray immediately, and the colours are dull. The small extra investment in Decotime is absolutely worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Decotime alcohol markers good for beginners?

Absolutely! They’re definitely suitable for beginners, blending beautifully with a great price point that allows you to start with a smaller set. They’re forgiving, easy to control, and don’t require advanced techniques to get good results.

Will these work in regular colouring books?

They’ll work, but you’ll get bleed-through. For best results, use colouring books specifically designed for markers, or put cardstock under each page. Avoid colouring books with designs on both sides of the page.

How long do Decotime markers last?

With regular use (several hours of colouring per week), expect each marker to last 6-12 months. If you’re a light user, they can last years. Heavy users might go through favourites faster.

Do I need the colourless blender?

It’s helpful but not essential. The larger sets include it automatically. If you’re starting with a smaller set, you can create beautiful blends without it, but it does make certain techniques easier.

Can I use these with other marker brands?

Yes! I mix my Decotime markers with Ohuhu and other brands all the time. Just know that colours might blend slightly differently between brands.

Are these safe to use around kids?

Alcohol markers have stronger fumes than water-based markers. Use them in well-ventilated areas and supervise young children. They’re not recommended for kids under 8.

How do I tell the difference between Decotime alcohol and water-based markers?

Decotime clearly labels their marker boxes, but the packaging for alcohol and watercolour markers is quite similar, so read carefully. Look for “alcohol-based” or “twin markers” on the box. The water-based ones will say “aqua markers.”

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Streaky Coverage

Solution: You’re either working too slowly (letting layers dry) or not applying enough ink. Work faster and be generous with ink application. Also check your paper quality.

Problem: Colours Won’t Blend

Solution: Make sure you’re blending whilst the ink is still wet. Work in small sections, and don’t wait more than 5-10 seconds before blending.

Problem: Marker Tips Fraying

Solution: You might be pressing too hard or using rough paper. Lighten your touch. For already-frayed tips, you can carefully trim them with sharp scissors.

Problem: Colours Look Different Than the Cap

Solution: This is normal with all markers. The cap colour is approximate. Always test on scrap paper first, especially for important projects.

Problem: Bleed-Through Ruining My Book

Solution: Use cardstock sheets under your current page, or switch to marker-friendly paper. Some bleed-through is inevitable with alcohol markers.

Final Thoughts: Are They Worth the Investment?

After six months of daily use, here’s my honest verdict: Yes, Decotime alcohol markers are absolutely worth it for most people.

You’ll Love These If:

• You’re serious about adult colouring as a regular hobby
• You’ve tried cheap markers and been frustrated
• You want professional-looking results without spending hundreds
• You’re willing to invest in proper paper
• You enjoy trying different craft projects

Consider Other Options If:

• You only colour once every few months
• You’re not ready to upgrade your paper
• You’re on an extremely tight budget

For me, these markers have become essential to my self-care routine. Between managing four kids, a household, work, and everything else (including adapting to life in the UK as an American!), those 30 minutes with my markers aren’t selfish. They’re necessary.

Ready to Start Your Colouring Journey?

Here’s my challenge to you: give yourself permission to invest in a creative hobby. Not because you need to be good at it, not because you’re going to sell your work, but because creating something with your hands is good for your soul.

Whether you grab a 60-marker set to test the waters or dive in with the full 160-marker collection, you’re making space for creativity in your life. That matters more than you might think.

Your action steps:

1. Check your local B&M, The Range, or Tesco for stock
2. Order quality paper (don’t skip this step!)
3. Pick a colouring book that speaks to you
4. Set aside 20 minutes this week just for you
5. Join a UK adult colouring Facebook group for inspiration and community

The colouring community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. We’re all just trying to add a little more colour to our lives, literally and figuratively.

Drop a comment below and tell me: Are you team Decotime or do you use a different brand? What’s your favourite project you’ve coloured? Let’s chat about all things markers!

And if this guide helped you, please share it with your crafty friends who’ve been asking about alcohol markers. Let’s spread the colourful love!

UK Retailers:

• Visit B&M stores for the best in-person selection
• Check The Range for reliable stock of 60 and 100 sets
• Browse Hobbycraft for premium paper and supplies
• Try The Works for budget-friendly paper options

Further Learning:

• Join UK adult colouring groups on Facebook for daily inspiration
• Follow #alcoholmarkers and #decotimemarkers on Instagram
• Watch YouTube tutorials for advanced blending techniques
• Check out craft safety guidelines for proper ventilation tips

 

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