(Somewhere about 2013...)
One of my many weird obsessions is Sharpie permanent markers. As a crafty/creative person who loves to paint, draw, and doodle, you just can't beat Sharpies (and crayons) for variety and fun. Earlier this year, I made it my mission to acquire every color of Sharpie I could find.
One of my many weird obsessions is Sharpie permanent markers. As a crafty/creative person who loves to paint, draw, and doodle, you just can't beat Sharpies (and crayons) for variety and fun. Earlier this year, I made it my mission to acquire every color of Sharpie I could find.
All product images are copyright of their respective owners and are used here for demonstrative purposes only. No infringement is intended.
Some of the dates below could be off by 1 year, 2 at most. I'm working from archived pages of the Sharpie site. Sometimes a specific year is mentioned in a feature of the website called "Did You Know." If no specific year has been located, I use the year the product appeared on the Sharpie site (which didn't exist until 2003),
or the copyright date on the product if I own it or can find an image of it.
Some of the dates below could be off by 1 year, 2 at most. I'm working from archived pages of the Sharpie site. Sometimes a specific year is mentioned in a feature of the website called "Did You Know." If no specific year has been located, I use the year the product appeared on the Sharpie site (which didn't exist until 2003),
or the copyright date on the product if I own it or can find an image of it.
Sharpie Markers
2000: Sharpie introduces the Liquid Sharpie marker. Offered in black, blue, and red, the ink is visible thru the clear plastic barrel.
Also sports a rubberized grip. This is the basis of the Grip pen introduced in 2002/2003, without the see-thru barrel.
This product has been discontinued.
Also sports a rubberized grip. This is the basis of the Grip pen introduced in 2002/2003, without the see-thru barrel.
This product has been discontinued.
Pre-2003: Sharpie introduces Grip, a Fine Point marker with a rubberized grip for comfort handling (grip along the barrel was added later, see below). Offered in 8 colors - berry, black, blue, green, lime, orange, red, and turquoise. At some point it is redesigned and the barrel is see-thru, like the Liquid Sharpie.
Sharpie Paint markers were introduced in 2004 in 4 tips and two bases - water and oil.
Water-based aka Poster Paint markers
Oil-based markers
The following items were added to the Sharpie site in 2004 but were likely introduced much earlier under Sanford.
2006: 12 more colors are added to the Sharpie lineup as two sets of Limited Edition markers;
quite a few make it to the core lineup
quite a few make it to the core lineup
It should be noted that these colors can all be found in Ultra Fine as well. Up until this point, Ultra Fine caps had a metal clip.
Summer Splash is the last set with metal clips. Wild Flowers is the first set with an all plastic cap.
Summer Splash is the last set with metal clips. Wild Flowers is the first set with an all plastic cap.
2007 - The first Collectors box is launched containing all of the colors made. Shown as a 60 piece set, the Fine Point tray has 26 spaces, and 24 colors listed. Ultra Fine Point has 24 markers, all metal clips. Since MCs were on the chopping block, this large collector's set may have been a way to get rid of them quickly (just a theory). It also contains 8 FP Retractables, a new product, and 4 Metallic Silvers. These 4 had the arc design, a 2nd generation design.
New! 2022 - Slated for release on 9/15/2022, but someone has gotten their mitts on 3 (not me!), early in the month. The new Sharpie Stainless Steel Case replaces the Stainless Steel marker. Nice that it can be used with any color, not just black.
2011: Limited Edition 80's Glam - Jellie Pink, Leg Warmer Orange, Valley Girl Violet, Banana Clip Yellow, Argyle Green.
The Jellie pen pictured in the 5pk is wildly inaccurate. The longest-running LE set ever, you can still find 80s Glam in stores, as of 2020. As of 2021, all "Limited Edition" sets produced from 80s Glam to the current Mystic Gems set are considered Core colors.
The Jellie pen pictured in the 5pk is wildly inaccurate. The longest-running LE set ever, you can still find 80s Glam in stores, as of 2020. As of 2021, all "Limited Edition" sets produced from 80s Glam to the current Mystic Gems set are considered Core colors.
2014: Marks the 50th Anniversary of the Sharpie marker. Sharpie launches the "Sharpie 50 Ways" campaign. Launches Sharpie50Ways.com, where consumers can get a free sampler kit, consisting of 1 each of every Sharpie product. Launches Special Edition packs, but doesn't issue any new colors in conjunction with the anniversary.
2019: While chatting with another collector, we realized that "Teal" was included in the electroPOP 24 and 25 packs. In can also be found, in addition to Turquoise, on the Sharpie website around the time electroPOP was released. Teal and Turquoise are identical in cap color, and nearly identical in ink color. Teal didn't last long, and is no longer in production.
PS: Also can be found in the original Lion box and the reptile Eye box of 25 FPs (suspect this is a UK/EU release). |
2017: Limited Edition Cosmic Colors, a new set of 10 colors. These 12 packs have Boysenberry and Navy with the 10 new colors. Some sets the Galaxy Green was replaced with Aqua (6th pen from left).
2018: Sharpie redesigns the Professional line and re-brands it as Sharpie PRO.
Ribbed grip, anti-roll, with new ink formulated to mark on wet, oily, dusty, and abrasive surfaces. The cap has a lanyard loop.
Black, blue, red.
Ribbed grip, anti-roll, with new ink formulated to mark on wet, oily, dusty, and abrasive surfaces. The cap has a lanyard loop.
Black, blue, red.
2020: Released around Easter, this combo pack doesn't contain any new colors. Dubbed Light 'n' Bright (by me), this set has matching FP and UFP pens in Solar Flare Red, Pink, Tangerine, Mint, Surf, Blue Ice, Lilac, and Boysenberry. The two additional FPs are Sky (with a new cap color) and Celestial Gray. I believe this set is, or was, exclusive to Target.
Column 1: Guava, Honey, Salted Caramel, Sea Green, Pear, Jade, Indigo, Grape, Plum, Cinnamon, Gray
Column 2: Papaya, Mango, Lemonade, Limeade, Olive, Surf's Up, Scuba Blue, Lavender, Raspberry, Orchid, Brick Red, Light Gray
Column 2: Papaya, Mango, Lemonade, Limeade, Olive, Surf's Up, Scuba Blue, Lavender, Raspberry, Orchid, Brick Red, Light Gray
OCT 2021: the final (?) 6 colors have been released: Clementine, Kiwi, Hydrangea Blue, Waterfall, Autumn Sunset, and Carnation.
Nov 2020: Sharpie released the 30ct Spinning box set at Walmart as a Black Friday promo, which contains the 87th Fine Point color, Peacock Blue. Peacock Blue was released in Ultra Fine when the Mystic Gems set was released in April 2021.
MYSTIC GEMS: Releasing sometime between late Feb and April 2021 (Amazon dates changed from Feb 21 to April) got a hold of a set early :) The colors are (left to right, back to front): Light Blue Topaz, Aquamarine, Geode Green, Citrine, Rose Quartz, Lavender Mica, Violet Chalcedony, Tanzanite, Peacock Blue, Teal Tigers Eye, Jasper Green, Amber, Cabochon Coral, and Purple Fluorite. Fine Points are available in 5, 12, 14 and 24 packs. Ultrafine packs are available in 5, 12, and 24 packs (though the 14ct is only available in Fine Point that I've seen, and finally released in the US in Jun/Jul) . The 24 packs in both tips includes Black, Purple, Blue, Green, Orion Orange, Red, Pink, Peach, Mint, and Celestial Gray. IT SHOULD BE NOTED that while this set contains Peacock Blue, we've discovered that this Peacock Blue is greener than the Peacock Blue from the Black Friday Spinner Set. Also, the Spinner Peacock Blue has the limited edition print on the barrel, and in this set, the limited edition print is on Light Topaz Blue.
We believe they are using up a supply of extra barrels.
Jul 2021: Sharpie has updated their site, and quite frankly, it's horrible. On almost every page, they've taken away the individual marker images and names, so the novice collector has no idea what's what. However, slated for release this September, is the set collectors have been asking for FOREVER. A box of every (current) color core Sharpie (not including Neon or Metallic, which are considered Specialty lines, not Core)! This includes the first 14 colors, 12 colors that were promoted from Limited Edition to Core from the first 7 LE sets, and all the LE sets released since 80s Glam (39)[80s Glam, Electropop, Color Burst, Cosmic, Mystic Gems] which apparently are all now Core colors instead of Limited Edition. So far, this appears to be a Fine Point only release.
2021's Walmart Black Friday box is a collection of 40 Fine Points and 20 Ultra Fines. We get three new colors, marketed as Mystery Colors. The mystery is which of the three is in any given box. So, really, one needs to buy three sets, and hope like heck you don't get doubles! The mystery colors ("never before seen") are Dusty Pink, Pumpkin Spice, and Vibrant Purple. The set is available now (late Oct 2021).
The mystery markers are Fine Point. If Newell/Sharpie follows pattern, the new colors will be released Feb-Apr 2022 with matching Ultra Fine markers. EDIT: That didn't happen. As of Feb 2024, Neons, Metallics, and the 7 of the 9 Mystery markers are the only colors that do not come in Ultra Fine (see Glam Pop for the 2 Mysteries that got promoted)
Three more Mystery Colors were issued with the Walmart exclusive boxes in 2022 - Electric Tiger 30ct spinner (my name for it), and Peacock 60ct box.
Sep 2022: Another leak on eBay of a new product (see the first, Stainless Steel Case, above)... Brush/Ultra Fine Twin Tips!
I will add to these photos with product stock photos as soon as they come out.
I will add to these photos with product stock photos as soon as they come out.
9/9/2022: Dropped in the Sharpie Amazon store tonight - 24ct Brush Twin Tips. Colors TBD, but it looks like most of your basic 24ct with a few substitutions from Mystic Gems. Further information indicates that the 12ct will be released in Oct, with no date given for the 24ct. - It's not going to be released.
The same Core collection as 2021 but in a new box and exclusively available at Costco for the 2022 holiday season
Sep 22, 2023: Group member found that Glam Pop (trademarking started in Nov last year) is out! We were told in spring that there would be no new colors this year. So why is there "new colors" on the package? After finding a pic of the pens out of the package, it looks like 2 of the 3 2021 Mystery colors have been added to the Core lineup! The 5ct & 12ct packs looks to have Vibrant Purple, but if you want Dusty Pink, you have to buy the 24 or 34ct pack.
Both mystery colors are available in the 24ct packs - which now come in Ultra Fine! The original mystery colors did not.
Smaller count packs have only 1 of the new colors.
Smaller count packs have only 1 of the new colors.
late Oct/Nov 2023: Walmart released another exclusive box, with a large owl on front I've affectionately named Owlbert (designed by Jason, a friend and member of the Sharpie group!). We again get 3 new Mystery Colors. As of Nov 5th, we don't have the names, but they are similar to existing colors. One is a touch more yellow than Peanut Brittle and we've taken to calling it Sand. Another is a shade darker than Tanzanite, and we're calling it Periwinkle. The third is a shade darker than Solar Flare, and we're calling it Cranberry.
A new product launch for 2024 are the Creative Markers. Available in 12 opaque colors and in two tip types,
this paint-like ink won't bleed and can be used on a variety of surfaces, from paper, to rock, to glass!
Launched Feb 1, 2024, though there was a leak of the product on eBay in late 2023.
Color names haven't been specified - I'd say Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Mint, Aqua, Blue, Purple, Pink, White, Gray, and Black.
this paint-like ink won't bleed and can be used on a variety of surfaces, from paper, to rock, to glass!
Launched Feb 1, 2024, though there was a leak of the product on eBay in late 2023.
Color names haven't been specified - I'd say Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Mint, Aqua, Blue, Purple, Pink, White, Gray, and Black.
Sharpie Color list
COLORS: You stopped by just to see how many colors there are, didn't you? And here I went and changed everything on you :)
The official Sharpie list of colors for the Fine Point marker is 118 (as of Oct 2023). This includes 67 Core colors, 12 Portrait Colors (which are likely Core), 15 Specialty colors (where I'm placing non-Core Mystery markers for now), and 24 discontinued colors.
There are 3 more Mystery colors releasing in the Walmart exclusive boxes this year.
As of 10/23/23, we do not know the color names; they will bring color tally to 121.
For the UFP markers there are 103, 79 Core and 24 discontinued, as there are no Neon, Metallic, Portrait, and only 2 Mystery.
Here is that list, in alphabetical order
(2021 Mystery colors Dusty Pink and Vibrant Purple are now Core)
The official Sharpie list of colors for the Fine Point marker is 118 (as of Oct 2023). This includes 67 Core colors, 12 Portrait Colors (which are likely Core), 15 Specialty colors (where I'm placing non-Core Mystery markers for now), and 24 discontinued colors.
There are 3 more Mystery colors releasing in the Walmart exclusive boxes this year.
As of 10/23/23, we do not know the color names; they will bring color tally to 121.
For the UFP markers there are 103, 79 Core and 24 discontinued, as there are no Neon, Metallic, Portrait, and only 2 Mystery.
Here is that list, in alphabetical order
(2021 Mystery colors Dusty Pink and Vibrant Purple are now Core)
However. If you are any sort of Sharpie enthusiast, you know that sometimes a purple pen is just not the SAME purple pen. For whatever reason, Sharpie occasionally changes the color of their inks. There is also a working theory about ink degradation over time.
So, purple pen, right?
So, purple pen, right?
Every single one of these ink swatches is a Purple pen in my collection. We've taken to numbering them, and giving them secondary names. Purple 1 is Royal, Purple 2 is Amethyst, Purple 3 is Merlot, and Purple 4 has several names. The polite name is Magenta-in-Purple. The ink appears to be Magenta, but when swatched next to Magenta, is actually a different color.
We love you, but .... "DAAAAMMMMNNN YOU, SHARPIE!!!"
So, my Sharpie group (see link at bottom of this section; when I say "we," this is who I'm referring to) has started compiling
a list of variations. To qualify for the list, more than one person has to have the color, and it should be identifiable in
both Fine Point and Ultra Fine Point. The list is somewhat fluid as I have variations that others don't, so this is sort of my master list.
Many of the light blue/light green colors (Surf, Nano, Mint, Jetset, Turquoise, Aqua, Rain Shower, etc) suffer from fading/ink degradation and with the exception of Aqua 2 and Turquoise 2, may be taken off the list at some point/ignored.
To see just a list of colors, go to my site SharpieColors.com
a list of variations. To qualify for the list, more than one person has to have the color, and it should be identifiable in
both Fine Point and Ultra Fine Point. The list is somewhat fluid as I have variations that others don't, so this is sort of my master list.
Many of the light blue/light green colors (Surf, Nano, Mint, Jetset, Turquoise, Aqua, Rain Shower, etc) suffer from fading/ink degradation and with the exception of Aqua 2 and Turquoise 2, may be taken off the list at some point/ignored.
To see just a list of colors, go to my site SharpieColors.com
This list is extremely fluid and seems to change weekly, sometimes daily.
For the latest discoveries, join my Facebook group, Sharpie Addicts Worldwide
For the latest discoveries, join my Facebook group, Sharpie Addicts Worldwide
Sharpie Pens
Packaged multiple ways, you can usually find:
2- or 4-pack of black
4-pack with black, blue, red, and green
4-pack with turquoise, clover, coral*, and hot pink
6-pack with black, blue, red, green, orange, and purple
6-pack with turquoise, clover, coral, orange, hot pink, purple (pictured at left)
12-pack: 2 black, 2 blue, turquoise, clover, coral, orange, hot pink, purple, red, green (below)
*coral was previously called watermelon
There have also been:
5-pack with black, blue, green, orange, and purple
14-pack with 6x black, 2x blue, red, purple, coral, clover, hot pink, and turquoise
2- or 4-pack of black
4-pack with black, blue, red, and green
4-pack with turquoise, clover, coral*, and hot pink
6-pack with black, blue, red, green, orange, and purple
6-pack with turquoise, clover, coral, orange, hot pink, purple (pictured at left)
12-pack: 2 black, 2 blue, turquoise, clover, coral, orange, hot pink, purple, red, green (below)
*coral was previously called watermelon
There have also been:
5-pack with black, blue, green, orange, and purple
14-pack with 6x black, 2x blue, red, purple, coral, clover, hot pink, and turquoise
Rebranded again, 2020/2021. The Sharpie office products card graphics used to be primarily green, but in the last year or two, it has been updated to red.
Now instead of Art Pens, they are Felt Tip pens (though the Sharpie website, as of Apr 2022 has the 24pk Art Pens picture instead of this one). Same color line-up; you get duplicates of Black, Blue, Red, and sometimes other colors.
Now instead of Art Pens, they are Felt Tip pens (though the Sharpie website, as of Apr 2022 has the 24pk Art Pens picture instead of this one). Same color line-up; you get duplicates of Black, Blue, Red, and sometimes other colors.
Introduced around 2019, Sharpie Roller comes in three colors - black, blue, red - and 2 sizes. Needle is a .5mm tip, while Arrow is .7mm
Introduced in 2020, S-Gel is Sharpie's gel pen. Available in black, blue, red with green and purple recently added.
Three tip sizes: Fine (0.5mm), Medium (0.7mm), and Bold (1.0mm).
Sharpie has also added two additional barrel colors - Pearl White and Frost Blue. These are only available in blue & black ink.
For a more executive feel, Sharpie has also established the Sleek Metal Barrel S-Gel in
Gunmetal and Champagne barrels with blue or black ink.
Oct 2021: Matte Black, Crimson Red, and Midnight Blue have been added to the Metal Barrel lineup
Three tip sizes: Fine (0.5mm), Medium (0.7mm), and Bold (1.0mm).
Sharpie has also added two additional barrel colors - Pearl White and Frost Blue. These are only available in blue & black ink.
For a more executive feel, Sharpie has also established the Sleek Metal Barrel S-Gel in
Gunmetal and Champagne barrels with blue or black ink.
Oct 2021: Matte Black, Crimson Red, and Midnight Blue have been added to the Metal Barrel lineup
Forest Green and Icy Violet were added to the fashion color barrels in Feb 2024
This page last updated 8 Feb 2024
This page launched 14 Feb 2015
This page launched 14 Feb 2015