doloha direct liquid type acrylic marker

It sounds like you're referring to a Doloha Direct Liquid Type Acrylic Marker. Please note that "Doloha" is not a major brand name like Molotow or Posca; it is likely a generic, unbranded, or lesser-known Chinese-manufactured product sold under various names on marketplaces like AliExpress, Amazon, or eBay. Here is a breakdown of what this product typically is, how it compares to name brands, and what to expect. What is a "Direct Liquid Type" Acrylic Marker? This term describes the internal mechanism of the marker. Direct Liquid: The marker is pre-filled with liquid acrylic paint. You do not need to shake it to mix a ball bearing (like with Posca). Pump/Action: To get the paint flowing, you usually pump the nib up and down against a scrap piece of paper. This action pushes the paint from the reservoir into the nib. Key Features (Generic "Doloha" Style) Paint Type: Water-based acrylic. It is opaque, dries to a matte finish, and is permanent on most surfaces (paper, wood, plastic, glass, stone, fabric). Nib: Typically a bullet tip (round, 2-3mm) or a chisel tip. The quality of the nib is often the weakest point of generic markersthey can fray or become clogged faster than premium brands. Activation: You must "pump" the tip (press down repeatedly) until the nib is saturated with paint. Shaking: Because it is "direct liquid" (no agitator ball), you must shake the marker vigorously before use to mix the pigment that settles at the bottom. Note: Many users mistakenly think "direct liquid" means no shaking. This is incorrect. You must shake it. Price: Very inexpensive. A set of 12-24 colors might cost the same as 2-3 Posca markers. Pros & Cons of Generic Markers (Doloha) Pros Cons : : Extremely cheap. Great for beginners or kids. Inconsistent quality. Some markers work well, others are duds. Good color range. Often sold in large sets. Nib durability. The tip can dry out or get clogged easily. Basic acrylic paint. It works for most simple crafts. Paint separation. The pigment can settle hard, requiring extreme shaking. Wide availability. Easy to find online. No replacement nibs. Once the tip is ruined, the marker is trash. "Direct Liquid" can feel smoother initially. Lack of ball bearing means you must manually mix the paint by shaking for 1-2 minutes. Comparison to Popular Brands vs. Posca (Uni): Posca is the gold standard. It uses a "valve action" (you push the nib to release paint). Posca paint is more vibrant, more opaque, and the nibs last much longer. Doloha is a budget alternative, not a competitor. vs. Molotow: Molotow is premium, often used for graffiti. Their "One4All" markers are refillable and use high-quality, UV-resistant paint. Doloha is disposable and less lightfast. vs. Arrtx: Arrtx is another Chinese brand that is considered a step up from generic markers. Arrtx markers are more reliable and have a better paint consistency than the "Doloha" generics. How to Use a "Doloha Direct Liquid" Marker Correctly Shake HARD for 30-60 seconds. Hold the cap on and shake vigorously up and down. The lack of a ball bearing means you are the agitator. Prime the tip. Place the nib on a piece of scrap paper. Press down firmly and release (pump). Repeat 5-10 times until you see paint saturating the tip. Test. Draw a line on the scrap paper. If it's pale or watery, pump more. If it's opaque, you're ready. Use. Draw on your surface. The paint flows continuously. Store. Always recap tightly. Store horizontally or nib-down. If the nib dries out, you can sometimes revive it with a drop of water or acrylic medium. Common Issues & Fixes Won't write: Shake more. The pigment has settled. Pump the tip more. Splotchy/Watery: You didn't shake enough. The binder is flowing without pigment. Nib is hard/dry: The paint dried in the tip. Try soaking the nib in warm water for 10 minutes, then pumping. If it doesn't work, the marker is dead. Paint is too thick: The marker may be old. Add 1-2 drops of distilled water or acrylic flow improver into the tip. Summary: Should you buy Doloha? YES, if: You are on a tight budget, doing a one-time craft project with kids, or don't care about long-term durability. NO, if: You need consistent, professional results, plan to paint on fabric (it may wash out), or want a marker that will last for months of regular use. Invest in Posca or Arrtx instead. Bottom line: "Doloha direct liquid type acrylic marker" is a generic budget tool. It can work, but expect to shake it aggressively and be prepared for some markers in a set to be duds.