WO2016120197A1

WO2016120197A1 - Marker pens

Info

Publication number: WO2016120197A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/051433
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark CANN
Original assignee: Colart International Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-26
Filing date: 2016-01-25
Publication date: 2016-08-04
Also published as: SE1550075A1

Abstract

A set of marker pens comprising a blender marker pen and a colour marker pen. The blender marker pen comprises a blender formulation, which blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a blender formulation solvent. The colour marker pen comprises a colour formulation, which colour formulation comprises a colour pigment and a colour formulation solvent. The colour formulation is blendable with the blender formulation when applied to a substrate to achieve an opaque colour painting. A method of producing an opaque painting comprising the steps providing a blender marker pen and a colour marker pen according to above; applying the blender formulation to a substrate by means of the blender marker pen; and applying the colour formulation to the blender formulation on the substrate by means of the colour marker pen such that the colour formulation is blended with the blender formulation.

Description

MARKER PENS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to marker pens and in particular to a set of marker pens. The present invention also relates to a method of producing a painting by means of the set of marker pens.

BACKGROUND ART

Marker pens typically have a reservoir made of an absorbent material that stores an ink formulation. Marker pens also have a fibrous nib commonly made of polyester which is in communication with the absorbent material such that the ink formulation is transported to the nib and deposited on a substrate such as a paper.

The majority of marker pens comprise an ink formulation having a colorant in the form of a dye. However, dyes are not light fast and fade over time when exposed to light. Therefore, marker pens having an ink formulation comprising pigments have been used to increase the light fastness. In addition, a pigmented pen does not bleed in the same way as a dye based pen. However, since the ink formulation of a pigmented pen comprises particulate matter the passage of the ink formulation through the delivery system of the pen is rendered more difficult. The marker pens give a single colour when applied to a substrate such as a paper. The ink formulation of traditional marker pens is also transparent, which implies that the substrate is visible through the ink. Traditional marker pens give rise to a graphic design appearance that is suitable in for example advertising and cartoons.

It has been suggested to have a marker pen comprising an opaque pigment, see e.g.

US 5 009 536. US 5 009 536 describes a water base pigment ink composition for use in marking pens which contain an absorbent ink reservoir and a pen tip connected thereto. The ink composition comprises water in amounts of not less than 50 % by weight, an aqueous emulsion of hollow resin particles in amounts of 0.5-40 % by weight as a hiding agent, a white pigment such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide in amounts of 1-40 % by weight, and a water- solubilized a-methylstyrene/styrene/acrylic acid copolymer as a dispersant for the hollow resin particles and the pigments. The ink composition may further contain water soluble organic solvents as wetting agents and/or drying assistants in an amount of not more than 20 % by weight. The water soluble organic solvents may be lower aliphatic alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol or butanol, polyhydric alcohols, alkylene glycols or polyalkylene glycols. Such a pigment ink composition gives some opacity but the hollow resin particles do not give the same high opacity as pure titanium white. The composition has a complex structure and includes advanced ingredients necessary to obtain a tuned stability and satisfactory opacity. The graphic design appearance is also still present.

Therefore, there exists a need for an improved and simplified marker pen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to overcome one or more of the above drawbacks.

One object of the present invention is to obtain a marker pen giving opacity to a painting. One object of the present invention is to obtain a marker pen that is relatively easy to

manufacture. One object of the present invention is to obtain a marker pen that has a stable ink formulation. One object of the present invention is to obtain a marker pen that has an ink formulation that does not settle.

These and further objects are achieved by a set of marker pens comprising a blender marker pen and a colour marker pen as claimed in the independent claim 1, preferred variants thereof being defined in the associated dependent claims.

The set of marker pens according to claim 1 comprises a blender marker pen and a colour marker pen; wherein the blender marker pen comprises a blender formulation, which blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a blender formulation solvent; wherein the colour marker pen comprises a colour formulation, which colour formulation comprises a colour pigment and a colour formulation solvent, whereby the colour formulation is blendable with the blender formulation when applied to a substrate to achieve an opaque colour painting.

The above and further objects are also achieved by a method of producing a painting as claimed in the independent claim 13, preferred variants thereof being defined in the associated dependent claims.

The method of producing an opaque painting according to claim 13 comprises the steps providing a blender marker pen comprising a blender formulation, wherein the blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a blender formulation solvent; providing a colour marker pen comprising a colour formulation, wherein the colour formulation comprises a colour pigment and a colour formulation solvent; applying the blender formulation to a substrate by means of the blender marker pen; applying the colour formulation to the blender formulation on the substrate by means of the colour marker pen such that the colour formulation is blended with the blender formulation.

The present invention provides marker pens giving opacity to a painting. The present invention provides a marker pen that is relatively easy to manufacture. The present invention provides a marker pen that has a stable ink formulation. The present invention provides a marker pen that has an ink formulation that does not settle.

The marker pens of the present invention improve the artistic appearance of a painting. The marker pens of the present invention enable an improved and modulated aesthetic appearance. The present invention enables achievement of an aesthetic appearance similar to the traditional art, such as watercolour and oil painting with marker pens. The present invention enables an aesthetic appearance previously not possible with marker pens. The present invention obtains marker pens providing nuances to a painting. The present invention enables that any nuance can be achieved. The present invention enables a smooth transition between dark and bright in a painting.

When the blender formulation and the colour formulation are applied on a substrate and blended with each other an opaque colour painting is obtained. The obtained painting has opacity such that the visibility of the substrate decreases on the spots where the blender formulation has been applied. The substrate is thereby at least only partly visible on the locations where the blender formulation has been applied. The painting also has a colour depending on the colour formulation in the chosen colour marker pen(s). Further, the painting can have a variety of nuances (tints) depending on the ratio of applied colour formulation in relation to the applied blender formulation. By varying the amount of applied colour formulation in relation to the amount of applied blender formulation any nuance can be achieved. This gives a total artistic freedom and every nuance is possible to obtain and a totally smooth transition between dark and bright can be achieved.

The opacity of the blender marker pen also enables painting on a coloured substrate, such as a dark or even black paper. The opacity of the blender formulation makes the colour pigments of the colour formulation visible on a dark substrate.

An ink formulation is easily applied with marker pens and thereby is a painting easily obtained by means of a marker pen, in particular compared to other painting methods, such as watercolour and oil. In the present invention you only need two marker pens (or more if you want more colours), but you do not need brushes and tubes, blocks or cases with ink and water baths. The pens do not stain the easel, desk or table and environment around the artist as usually is the case with other painting techniques, such as watercolour and oil painting. Further, there is no need for cleaning the brushes or other equipment, such as palettes. The marker pens can be easily available to the artist and do not need any preparation before painting. You only have to remove the cap of the marker pens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a comparative example of a painting drawn with traditional marker pens.

Figure 2 is a first example of a painting drawn with marker pens according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a second example of a painting drawn with marker pens according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a third example of a painting drawn with marker pens according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As stated above, the present invention relates to a set of marker pens comprising a blender marker pen and a colour marker pen. The blender marker pen comprises a blender formulation. The blender formulation is applied to a substrate as an ink.

In one aspect, the blender marker pen comprises an absorbent blender reservoir comprising the blender formulation. The blender formulation may be injected into and absorbed by the absorbent blender reservoir. The reservoir may be made of a fibrous material, such as polyester fibers. The reservoir may be made of a porous material, such as polyester fibers.

In one aspect, the blender marker pen also comprises a pen body, which may be called a blender pen body, forming a casing containing the absorbent blender reservoir. The blender pen body may for example be made of plastic.

In one aspect, the blender marker pen comprises a fiber nib, which may be called a blender fiber nib. The blender fiber nib is located at one end of the blender marker pen and is in contact with the absorbent blender reservoir to transfer the blender formulation to the substrate such that the blender formulation is applied to the substrate.

In one aspect, the blender marker pen comprises a removable cap, which may be called a blender cap. The blender cap covers the blender fiber nib when the blender marker pen not is used. The blender cap protects the fiber nib and prevents drying.

The colour marker pen comprises a colour formulation. The colour formulation is applied to a substrate as an ink. The colour formulation is blendable with the blender formulation when applied to a substrate.

In one aspect, the colour marker pen comprises an absorbent colour reservoir comprising the colour formulation. The colour formulation may be injected into and absorbed by the absorbent colour reservoir. The reservoir may be made of a fibrous material, such as polyester fibers. The reservoir may be made of a porous material, such as polyester fibers. In one aspect, the colour marker pen also comprises a pen body, which may be called a colour pen body, forming a casing containing the absorbent colour reservoir. The colour pen body may for example be made of plastic.

In one aspect, the colour marker pen comprises a fiber nib, which may be called a colour fiber nib. The colour fiber nib is located at one end of the colour marker pen and is in contact with the absorbent colour reservoir to transfer the colour formulation to the substrate such that the colour formulation is applied to the substrate.

In one aspect, the colour marker pen comprises a removable cap, which may be called a colour cap. The colour cap covers the colour fiber nib when the colour marker pen not is used. The colour cap protects the fiber nib and prevents drying.

Optionally, the marker pen may comprise two fiber nibs, wherein one fiber nib may be located at each end of the pen and both fiber nibs are in contact with the absorbent reservoir. The nibs may have different shapes. For example, one of the nibs may be relatively wider or thicker and the other of the nibs may be relatively narrower or finer. The fiber nib may be a chisel type nib or a point type nib. In case of two fiber nibs, one of the fiber nibs may be a chisel type nib and the other of the fiber nibs may be a point type nib.

In one aspect, the fiber nib and the reservoir may be integrated. However, it is preferred that the fiber nib and the reservoir are separate parts.

In one aspect, the blender marker pen and the colour marker pen are identical except that the blender marker pen comprises the blender formulation and the colour marker comprises the colour formulation and possibly except a marking identifying the blender marker pen and the colour marker pen, respectively.

The blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a solvent. The solvent of the blender formulation may be called blender formulation solvent or blender solvent. By having an opaque pigment and a solvent, an opaque ink is deposited on the substrate giving opacity to the painting. The blender formulation solvent enables addition and application of a further formulation in the form of a colour formulation before the blender formulation has dried.

In one aspect, the blender formulation solvent is a combination of water and alcohol. Since the blender formulation solvent comprises water and alcohol, the blender formulation solvent has a suitable drying time and is gentle to the substrate such as a paper. The water renders the blender formulation solvent wet for a long period when applied to a substrate and facilitates a stable formulation. The alcohol balances the drying time to a suitable period by reducing the period during which the formulation is wet when applied to the substrate. The alcohol also safeguards the substrate, in particular a paper substrate, by reducing the deformation and rub-off effects of water. The combination of water and alcohol also facilitates the blending of the blender formulation and the colour formulation.

In one aspect, the alcohol content in the blender formulation is 21-35 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. An alcohol content in this range implies a suitable drying time and substrate preservation. This alcohol content also facilitates the blending of the blender formulation and the colour formulation. Preferably, the alcohol content in the blender formulation is 21-30 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. An alcohol content in this range further facilitates blending of the colour formulation with the blender formulations and suitable drying and substrate preservation. In one aspect, the alcohol content in the blender formulation is about 22 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the alcohol content in the blender formulation is 25-35 %, such as 26-35 %, such as 26-33 %, such as 26-29 %, such as 27-28 %, such as about 27.5 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

In one aspect, the alcohol in the blender formulation is ethanol or a combination of ethanol and glycol ether. The combination of ethanol and glycol ether facilitates the blending of the blender formulation with the colour formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises ethanol. In one aspect, the content of ethanol in the blender formulation is 21- 25 %, such as 21-23 %, such as about 22 %, such as about 21.9 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises glycol ether. In one aspect the content of glycol ether in the blender formulation is 5-8 %, such as 5- 6 %, such as about 5.6 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

In one aspect, the water content in the blender formulation is 30-45 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. A water content in this range implies a suitable drying time and stable formulation. This water content also facilitates the blending of the blender formulation and the colour formulation. Preferably, the water content in the blender formulation is 35-43 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. A water content in this range further facilitates blending of the colour formulation with the blender formulations and suitable drying. In one aspect, the water content in the blender formulation is about 40 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. The water is preferably deionized water.

In one aspect, the opaque pigment is a white pigment. By having a white pigment in the blender formulation, the blender formulation gives an opaque white basis that only alters the nuance of the colour formulation. When having a white pigment, the nuance altering is also easily predictable. In one aspect, the opaque pigment is titanium dioxide. Itanium dioxide is also called e.g. titanium white and Pigment White 6. Titanium dioxide gives a high opacity to the blender formulation.

In one aspect, the content of opaque pigment in the blender formulation is 22-28 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. A content of opaque pigment in this range achieves a satisfactory opacity and is dispersible in the blender formulation and transportable through the delivery system, such as the absorbent reservoir and the nib.

Preferably, the content of opaque pigment in the blender formulation is 24-28 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. A content of opaque pigment in this range further improves the opacity. In one aspect, the content of opaque pigment in the blender formulation is about 26 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises a surfactant. The surfactant may act by increasing the speed of the transfer of the blender formulation through the delivery system, such as the absorbent reservoir and the nib, and as a wetting agent. In one aspect, the surfactant content in the blender formulation is 2-7 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. Preferably, the surfactant content in the blender formulation is 3-5 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the surfactant content in the blender formulation is about 4 %, such as about 4.1 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the surfactant is styrene maleic anhydride, polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane or an ammonium salt of an acrylic polymer, or a combination thereof. The combination of these surfactants facilitates the flow of the blender formulation through the delivery system, such as the absorbent reservoir and the nib. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises styrene maleic anhydride, preferably in an amount of 1-3 %, such as 1-2 %, such as about 1.25 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane, preferably in an amount of 1-2 %, such as about 1.25 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises ammonium salt of an acrylic polymer, preferably in an amount of 1- 2 %, such as about 1.6 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises a rheology modifier. The rheology modifier prevents settling of the pigments in the blender formulation and facilitates the flow of the blender formulation through the delivery system when subjected to shear. In one aspect, the rheology modifier is a clay material, such as a clay material, such as a silicate clay, such as silicate of sodium, lithium and/or magnesium, such as hydrous sodium lithium magnesium silicate. In one aspect, the content of rheology modifier in the blender formulation is 0.2-1 %, such as 0.2-0.5 %, such as about 0.3 %, such as about 0.32 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises a resin. The resin achieves film formation when the blender formulation dries on a substrate. The film protects the deposited blender formulation and gives a somewhat shiny appearance. In one aspect, the resin is a modified rosin ester. In one aspect, the content of resin in the blender formulation is 1-2 %, such as 1- 1.5 %, such as about 1 %, such as about 1.1 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises a pH adjuster. In particular is a pH adjuster advantageous when a resin is comprised in the blender formulation in order to solve the resin in the blender formulation. The above mentioned resin is only soluble in an alkaline formulation and therefore is a pH adjuster adjusting the pH to an alkaline value advantageous. One such pH adjuster is 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol. The pH adjuster may be present in the blender formulation in an amount of 0.2-1 %, such as 0.2-0.8 %, such as about 0.7 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises a preservative. The preservative may be (ethylenedioxy)dimethanol. The preserver may be present in an amount of 0.2-0.8 %, such as 0.2-0.5 %, such as about 0.3 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender

formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation comprises a defoamer. The defoamer may be a mineral oil. The deformer may be present in an amount of 0.02-0.2 %, such as 0.05-1.5 %, such as about 0.08 %, by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

The colour formulation comprises a colour pigment and a solvent. The solvent of the colour formulation may be called colour formulation solvent or colour solvent. By having a colour pigment and a solvent, a coloured ink is deposited on the substrate giving colour to the painting. The colour formulation solvent enables addition and application of the colour formulation to the blender formulation before the blender formulation has dried.

In one aspect, the colour formulation solvent is a combination of water and alcohol. Since the colour formulation solvent comprises water and alcohol, the colour formulation solvent has a suitable drying time and is gentle to the substrate such as a paper. The water renders the colour formulation solvent and the blended blender and colour formulations wet for a sufficiently long period when applied to a substrate and facilitates a stable formulation. The alcohol balances the drying time to a suitable period by reducing the period during which the formulation is wet when applied to the substrate. The alcohol also safeguards the substrate, in particular a paper substrate, by reducing the deformation and rub-off effects of water. The combination of water and alcohol also facilitates the blending of the blender formulation and the colour formulation.

In one aspect, the alcohol content in the colour formulation is 35-44 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof. An alcohol content in this range implies a suitable drying time and substrate preservation. This alcohol content also facilitates the blending of the blender formulation and the colour formulation. In one aspect, the alcohol content in the colour formulation is 28-44 %, such as 28-35 %, by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof. In one aspect, the alcohol in the colour formulation is ethanol or a combination of ethanol and glycol ether. The combination of ethanol and glycol ether facilitates the blending of the colour formulation with the blender formulation. In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises ethanol. In one aspect the content of ethanol in the colour formulation is 28-35 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof. In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises glycol ether. In one aspect the content of glycol ether in the colour formulation is 7-9 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation.

In one aspect, the water content in the colour formulation is 37-45 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation. A water content in this range implies a suitable drying time and stable formulation. This water content also facilitates the blending of the blender formulation and the colour formulation. The water content is dependent on the colour pigment and the content thereof. The water is preferably deionized water.

In one aspect, the content of colour pigment in the colour formulation is 0.2-14 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the type of colour pigment and the desired colour and colour value. The colour pigment may for example be Pigment Blue 15:3, Pigment Green 7, Pigment Green 36, Pigment Yellow 74, Pigment Yellow 83, Pigment Red 122, Pigment Red 221, Pigment Red 188, Pigment Violet 23, Pigment Violet 19 or Pigment Black 7, or a combination thereof. In one aspect, the colour pigment is transparent. In one aspect, also the colour formulation of the colour marker pen is transparent. By blending the transparent colour formulation comprising a transparent colour pigment with the blender formulation comprising an opaque pigment when applied to a substrate, an opaque colour painting is obtained on the substrate.

In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises a surfactant. The surfactant may act by increasing the speed of the transfer of the colour formulation through the delivery system, such as the absorbent reservoir and the nib, and as a wetting agent. In one aspect, the surfactant content in the colour formulation is 6-10 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof. In one aspect, the surfactant is styrene maleic anhydride or polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane, or a combination thereof. The combination of these surfactants facilitates the flow of the colour formulation through the delivery system, such as the absorbent reservoir and the nib. In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises styrene maleic anhydride, preferably in an amount of 4-7 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof. In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane, preferably in an amount of 2-3 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof.

In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises a resin. The resin achieves film formation when the colour formulation or the blend of the colour and blender formulations dries on a substrate. The film protects the deposited colour formulation or the blend of the colour and blender formulations and gives a somewhat shiny appearance. In one aspect, the resin is a modified rosin ester. In one aspect, the content of resin in the colour formulation is 1-2 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof. In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises a pH adjuster. In particular is a pH adjuster advantageous when a resin is comprised in the colour formulation in order to solve the resin in the colour formulation. The above mentioned resin is only soluble in an alkaline formulation and therefore is a pH adjuster adjusting the pH in the colour formulation to an alkaline value advantageous. One such pH adjuster is 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol. The pH adjuster may be present in the colour formulation in an amount of 0.9-1.1 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof.

In one aspect, the colour formulation comprises a preservative. The preservative may be (ethylenedioxy)dimethanol. The preserver may be present in an amount of 0.2-0.3 % by weight based on the total weight of the colour formulation, depending on the colour pigment and the content thereof.

When the blender formulation and the colour formulation are applied to a substrate the colour formulation is blendable with the blender formulation to achieve an opaque colour painting. The colour formulation and the blender formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate. An opaque colour painting is achieved when blending the colour formulation and the blender formulation. In one aspect, the blender formulation and the colour formulation are adapted to be blendable with each other. In one aspect, the blender formulation and the colour formulation are compatible with each other such that the formulations are blended when applied to a substrate. Blending of the colour formulation and the blender formulation achieves an opaque painting.

In one aspect, the blender formulation and the colour formulation are adapted to each other such that the blender formulation and the colour formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate. Preferably, the blender formulation is a standard blender formulation blendable with all colour formulations according to the present invention. In one aspect, the blender formulation solvent and the colour formulation solvent are adapted to each other such that the blender formulation and the colour formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate. In one aspect, the type and/or amount of the blender formulation solvent and the type and/or amount of the blender formulation solvent are adapted to each other such that the blender formulation and the colour formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate.

In one aspect, the water and alcohol of the blender formulation solvent and the water and alcohol of the colour formulation solvent are adapted to each other such that the blender formulation and the colour formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate. In one aspect, the water content and the type and amount of alcohol of the blender formulation solvent and the water content and the type and amount of alcohol of the colour formulation solvent are adapted to each other such that the blender formulation and the colour formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate.

In one aspect, the blender formulation solvent and the opaque pigment of the blender formulation and the colour formulation solvent and the colour pigment of the colour formulation are adapted to each other such that the blender formulation and the colour formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate.

In one aspect, the blender formulation solvent, the opaque pigment and the surfactants of the blender formulation and the colour formulation solvent, the colour pigment and the surfactants of the colour formulation are adapted to each other such that the blender formulation and the colour formulation are blendable with each other when applied to a substrate.

The adaption of the blender formulation and the colour formulation to each other facilitates blending of the formulations when applied to a substrate. The blender formulation and the colour formulation are preferably also adapted to facilitate transport of the blender formulation and the colour formulation, respectively, through the delivery system of the marker pens, such as through the absorbent reservoir and the fiber nib.

When the blender formulation and the colour formulation are applied on a substrate and blended an opaque colour painting is obtained. The obtained painting has opacity such that the visibility of the substrate decreases on the spots where the blender formulation has been applied. The substrate is thereby at least only partly visible on the locations where the blender formulation has been applied. The painting also has a colour depending on the colour formulation in the chosen colour marker pen(s). Further, the painting can have a variety of nuances (tints) depending on the ratio of applied colour formulation in relation to the applied blender formulation. By varying the amount of applied colour formulation in relation to the amount of applied blender formulation any nuance can be achieved. This gives a total artistic freedom and every nuance is possible to obtain and a totally smooth transition between dark and bright can be achieved. The opacity of the blender marker pen also enables painting on a coloured substrate, such as a dark or even black paper. The opacity of the blender formulation makes the colour pigments of the colour formulation visible on a dark substrate.

An ink formulation is easily applied with marker pens and thereby is a painting easily obtained by means of a marker pen, in particular compared to other painting methods, such as watercolour and oil. In the present invention you only need two marker pens (or more if you want more colours), but you do not need brushes and tubes, blocks or cases with ink and water baths. The pens do not stain the table and environment around the artist as usually is the case with other painting techniques, such as watercolour and oil painting. Further, there is no need for cleaning the brushes or other equipment, such as palettes. The marker pens can be easily available to the artist and do not need any preparation before painting. You only have to remove the cap of the marker pens.

The blender formulation gives opacity to the painting. The colour formulation gives colour to the painting. The blender formulation may alter the nuance of the colour formulation. In one aspect, the set of marker pens comprises a plurality of colour marker pens. Preferably, the plurality of colour marker pens of a set of marker pens comprising a plurality of colour marker pens comprises colour marker pens comprising different colour pigments and/or different amounts of colour pigment. Thereby, the colour marker pens have different colours and/or different colour value. The present invention may also relate to the blender marker pen itself. The blender marker pen itself may have all the features and characteristics related to the blender marker pen mentioned herein either alone or in any combination.

As also stated above, the present invention further relates to a method of producing an opaque painting. The method comprises providing a blender marker pen comprising a blender formulation, wherein the blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a blender formulation solvent, and providing a colour marker pen comprising a colour formulation, wherein the colour formulation comprises a colour pigment and a colour formulation solvent. The method further comprises applying the blender formulation to a substrate by means of the blender marker pen, and applying the colour formulation to the blender formulation on the substrate by means of the colour marker pen such that the colour formulation is blended with the blender formulation.

By applying the blender formulation and the colour formulation on a substrate and blending them an opaque colour painting is obtained as discussed above.

In one aspect of the method of producing an opaque painting, the colour formulation is applied to the substrate before the blender formulation has dried. Thereby, the colour formulation is easily blended with the blender formulation. By applying the colour formulation before the blender formulation has dried the formulations are painted wet in wet and thereby the mixing of the formulations is facilitated. In one aspect of the method of producing an opaque painting, the blender marker pen is a blender marker pen as defined anywhere herein and/or the colour marker pen is a colour marker pen as defined anywhere herein.

The steps of providing a blender marker pen and providing a colour marker pen can also be formulated as providing a set of marker pens as defined according to any of the aspects mentioned herein or having any of the features or characteristics mentioned herein either alone or in combination.

The present invention further relates to a method of producing a painting with nuances comprising providing a blender marker pen comprising a blender formulation, wherein the blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a blender formulation solvent;

providing a colour marker pen comprising a colour formulation, wherein the colour

formulation comprises a colour pigment and a colour formulation solvent; applying the blender formulation to a substrate by means of the blender marker pen; applying the colour formulation to the blender formulation on the substrate by means of the colour marker pen such that the colour formulation is blended with the blender formulation.

By applying the blender formulation and the colour formulation on a substrate and blending them a painting with nuances is obtained as discussed above.

In one aspect of the method of producing a painting with nuances, the amount of applied colour formulation is varied in relation to the amount of applied blender formulation. Thereby, the achievement of nuances is facilitated.

In one aspect of the method of producing a painting with nuances, the colour formulation is applied to the substrate before the blender formulation has dried.

In one aspect of the method of producing a painting with nuances, the blender marker pen is a blender marker pen as defined anywhere herein and/or the colour marker pen is a colour marker pen as defined anywhere herein.

The steps of providing a blender marker pen and providing a colour marker pen can also be formulated as providing a set of marker pens as defined according to any of the aspects mentioned herein or having any of the features or characteristics mentioned herein either alone or in combination. The blender formulation as well as the colour formulation may be prepared by first dispersing the pigment (the opaque pigment or the colour pigment) in water together with surfactant. Thereafter the rest of the ingredients may be added.

As used herein a marker pen means a pen having its own ink-source and a fiber nib, such as a nib made of polyester or felt.

As used herein colour means any colour including black and grey, but except white.

Examples

Example 1

A blender formulation having the following content in % by weight based on the total content of the blender formulation is prepared.

Ingredient Amount [% by weight]

Denatured ethanol 21.90

Glycol ether 5.60

Modified rosin ester 1.10

2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol 0.70

(ethylenedioxy)dimethanol 0.30

Deionized water 39,90

Hydrous sodium lithium magnesium silicate 0.32

Styrene maleic anhydride 1.25

Polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane 1.25

Ammonium salt of acrylic polymer 1.60

Mineral oil 0.08

Titanium white 26.00

Total 100

Example 2

Colour formulations having the following content in % by weight based on the total content of the colour formulation are prepared. The specific amount is dependent on the colour pigment and the content thereof.

The colour pigments in the above colour formulations are for example the following: Pigment Blue 15:3, Pigment Green 7, Pigment Green 36, Pigment Yellow 74, Pigment Yellow 83, Pigment Red 122, Pigment Red 221, Pigment Red 188, Pigment Violet 23, Pigment Violet 19 or Pigment Black 7, or a combination thereof.

Example 3

Three paintings are obtained by means of a blender marker pen comprising the blender formulation of example 1 and a variety of colour marker pens comprising colour formulations of example 2. The paintings are presented in figures 2, 3 and 4.

All three paintings in figures 2, 3 and 4 visualize the opacity achieved by the present invention. All three paintings also visualize the nuances that are possible to obtain with marker pens according to the invention. It can be seen that it is possible to achieve a totally smooth transition from dark to bright of a colour. The painting in figure 4 also visualizes the possibility to obtain a coloured painting (here in different shades of grey) on a black paper by means of marker pens according to the present invention. The appearance of the paintings in figures 2, 3 and 4 should be compared with the

comparative painting in figure 1 obtained by traditional marker pens. In the comparative painting of figure 1, the ink is transparent such that the substrate is visible through the ink. In addition there is basically only one nuance of each colour in the comparative painting in figure 1. In particular, there is no smooth transition between nuances and each colour is within a very narrow colour value range.

The foregoing has described the principles, preferred embodiments, aspects and modes of operation of the present invention. However, the description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the particular embodiments and aspects discussed above. As mentioned above, the different features of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention can be combined in other combinations than those explicitly described. It should therefore be appreciated that variations may be made in those embodiments and aspects by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A set of marker pens comprising a blender marker pen and a colour marker pen, wherein the blender marker pen comprises a blender formulation, which blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a blender formulation solvent, wherein the colour marker pen comprises a colour formulation, which colour formulation comprises a colour pigment and a colour formulation solvent, whereby the colour formulation is blendable with the blender formulation when applied to a substrate to achieve an opaque colour painting.

2. The set of marker pens according to claim 1, wherein the colour formulation is transparent.

3. The set of marker pens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the colour pigment is transparent.

4. The set of marker pens according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the blender formulation solvent is a combination of water and alcohol.

5. The blender marker pen according to claim 4, wherein the alcohol content is 21-35 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

6. The blender marker pen according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the water content is 30-45 % by weight based on the total weight of the blender formulation.

7. The set of marker pens according to any of the previous claims, wherein the blender marker pen comprises a blender fiber nib and the colour marker pen comprises a colour fiber nib.

8. The set of marker pens according to any of the previous claims, wherein the blender marker pen comprises an absorbent blender reservoir comprising the blender formulation, and the colour marker pen comprises an absorbent colour reservoir comprising the colour

formulation.

9. The set of marker pens according to any of the previous claims, wherein the opaque pigment is a white pigment.

10. The set of marker pens according to claim 9, wherein the opaque pigment is titanium white.

11. The set of marker pens according to any of the previous claims, wherein the blender formulation comprises a surfactant.

12. The set of marker pens according to any of the previous claims, wherein the blender formulation comprises a rheology modifier.

13. A method of producing an opaque painting comprising providing a blender marker pen comprising a blender formulation, wherein the blender formulation comprises an opaque pigment and a blender formulation solvent, providing a colour marker pen comprising a colour formulation, wherein the colour formulation comprises a colour pigment and a colour formulation solvent, applying the blender formulation to a substrate by means of the blender marker pen, applying the colour formulation to the blender formulation on the substrate by means of the colour marker pen such that the colour formulation is blended with the blender formulation.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the colour formulation is transparent.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the colour formulation is applied to the substrate before the blender formulation has dried.

16. The method according to any one of the claims 13-15, wherein the blender marker pen is a blender marker pen as defined in any of the claims 1-12 and/or the colour marker pen is a colour marker pen as defined in any of the claims 1-8.