Sharpies

[kevincraig]

As with many children the "sharpie pen" has become the must have item for colouring.

So his loving grandparent bought him some, much to my surprise and horror tbh!!

They are permanent markers and soak through the paper onto the desk, table top, T shirt etc!!!

The fumes bothered me as I thought they were an adult product so I search and yes they are only to be purchased my 18 and overs.

Please don't let your children use them the fumes are intoxicating and dangerous!

Thanks stay safe

The actual Sharpie brand can be a bit stinky but the Wilko's/B+M/Hobbycraft versions aren't so bad. Yes they do 'bleed' through paper and will stain but they are designed to be permanent.
I have known dozens of children use these - supervised and with protection on the table etc - and none has had any issues.
I am not sure if the 18+ is due to some type of solvent in them (because they smell) but all the own brand versions don't say 18+. Maybe the Sharpie company are just covering their backs. Technically Pritt Stick and White Glue are 18+ product but you find those in just about every nursery class.

@bookmum08

The actual Sharpie brand can be a bit stinky but the Wilko's/B+M/Hobbycraft versions aren't so bad. Yes they do 'bleed' through paper and will stain but they are designed to be permanent. I have known dozens of children use these - supervised and with protection on the table etc - and none has had any issues. I am not sure if the 18+ is due to some type of solvent in them (because they smell) but all the own brand versions don't say 18+. Maybe the Sharpie company are just covering their backs. Technically Pritt Stick and White Glue are 18+ product but you find those in just about every nursery class.

Pritt-stick and "white glue" PVA (polyvinyl acetate) are removable with water I believe and don't "air off"

I'd rather not let mine use them as children have a tendency to put their face close to their work and hunch over it, supervised or not.

Thanks for the tip on wilko 😀

To be honest most people don't buy the official brand for younger kids because they are very expensive.
Just let the grandparent know for next time !!

@bookmum08

The actual Sharpie brand can be a bit stinky but the Wilko's/B+M/Hobbycraft versions aren't so bad. Yes they do 'bleed' through paper and will stain but they are designed to be permanent. I have known dozens of children use these - supervised and with protection on the table etc - and none has had any issues. I am not sure if the 18+ is due to some type of solvent in them (because they smell) but all the own brand versions don't say 18+. Maybe the Sharpie company are just covering their backs. Technically Pritt Stick and White Glue are 18+ product but you find those in just about every nursery class.

Had a look at the wilko version and there is a warning about fumes etc so seem just as bad tbh.

Good old felt tips for him it would seem 😀