Filzstift

Filzstift, literally “felt-tip pen” in German, refers to a marker with a porous felt tip that draws ink from an internal reservoir. Filzstifte are widely used in schools, offices, and art for writing, coloring, and marking. The felt nib releases ink as it wicks to the surface, producing broad, saturated lines. Inks vary by purpose and brand and can be water-based or solvent-based; water-based versions are common for education and crafts and are often washable, while solvent- or alcohol-based markers provide more permanent color on many surfaces.

Common varieties include markers with fine or broad tips, and some models offer brush tips for calligraphy or illustration. Refillable nibs exist in a few lines, but most consumer products are disposable and protected by caps to prevent drying. Tip design and ink formulation influence odor, washability, and surface compatibility.

Applications range from labeling and note-taking to art projects, design sketches, and textile coloring, with surface compatibility depending on ink type. Safety considerations emphasize non-toxicity for classroom use, proper ventilation for solvent-based inks, and keeping caps on when not in use to prevent drying and accidental exposure.

History: Felt-tip markers emerged in the mid-20th century and quickly gained popularity in German-speaking regions before spreading globally. Notable brands such as Staedtler and Stabilo helped establish Filzstifte as a standard category of markers in education and art.