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{{Short description|American manufacturer of writing instruments}}
{{otheruses4|permanent marker pens|the breed of dog|Shar Pei}}
{{Infobox brand
| name = Sharpie
| logo = Sharpie markers logo.svg
| image =
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption =
| producttype = [[Marker pen]]s, [[gel pen]]s, [[rollerball pen]]s
| currentowner = [[Newell Brands]]
| producedby =
| country = [[United States]]
| introduced = {{start date and age|1964}}<ref name="about" />
| discontinued =
| markets = Worldwide
| previousowners = [[Sanford L.P.]] (1964–1990)<ref name="about" />
| trademarkregistrations =
| ambassadors =
| tagline =
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}
'''Sharpie''' is a [[brand]] of [[writing implement]]s (mainly [[permanent marker]]s) manufactured by [[Newell Brands]], a [[public company]] headquartered in [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. Originally designating a single permanent marker, the Sharpie brand has been widely expanded and can now be found on a variety of previously unrelated permanent and non-permanent pens and markers formerly marketed under other brands.


Sharpie markers are made with several tips, including ultra fine, extra fine, fine, brush, chisel, and retractable tips. Sharpie also produces [[Gel pen|gel]] and [[Rollerball pen|rollerball]] pens.
[[Image:Sharpie.png|thumb|300px|Sharpie Twin Tip Marker]]


== History ==
'''Sharpie''' is a brand name for a line of [[permanent marker]]s manufactured by [[Sanford (writing products)|Sanford]] sold in the [[United States]], [[Canada]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Latin America]], [[Australia]], and parts of Europe (in Germany this brand is completely unknown, because of the existence and popularity of [[Edding]], with exactly the same features and abilities). They are known for their ability to write a clear, well-defined, non-smudging, durable line on glossy surfaces.
{{Multiple image
| title = Sharpie products
| total_width = 350
| perrow = 2
| image1 = Sharpie-marker-types.jpg
| image2 = Black Sharpie.jpg
| image3 = Sharpie-fc.jpg
| image4 = 69613632 - Flickr - pheezy.jpg
| footer = From left to right (above): marker types, black marker; (below): color markers line, and several Sharpies exhibited in a store
}}


"Sharpie" was originally a [[permanent marker]] launched in 1964 by the [[Sanford L.P.|Sanford Ink Company]] named after Camden "Sharpie" Johnson. The Sharpie was the first pen-style permanent marker.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=http://www.sharpie.com/enus/Pages/AboutUs.aspx |title=Sharpie History |website=Sharpie.com |date=2014-01-30 |access-date=2014-04-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502003529/http://www.sharpie.com/enus/Pages/AboutUs.aspx |archive-date=2014-05-02 }}</ref><ref name="made">{{cite book |title=Made in America |last=Freeth |first=Nick |date=2005 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=0-7603-2270-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/madeinamericafro0000free/page/246 246] |url=https://archive.org/details/madeinamericafro0000free/page/246 }}</ref>
==History==


In 1990, Sharpie was acquired by The Newell Companies (later [[Newell Rubbermaid]]) as part of Sanford, a leading manufacturer and marketer of writing instruments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newellrubbermaid.com/public/Our-Brands/Office-Products/Sharpie.aspx |title=Sharpie in Newell Rubbermaid page |publisher=Newellrubbermaid.com |access-date=2014-04-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205125200/http://www.newellrubbermaid.com/public/Our-Brands/Office-Products/Sharpie.aspx |archive-date=2011-12-05 }}</ref>
The Sharpie marker was introduced in 1964.<ref name="made">{{cite book |title= Made in America |last= Freeth |first= Nick |authorlink= |coauthors= |year= 2005 |publisher= MBI Publishing |location= |isbn= 0760322708 |url= |page=246 }}</ref> Since then, it has been expanded into a wide product line and multiple colors. Today, Sharpies are sold in seven varieties, according to the shape and size of their tip(s), ranging from "Ultra Fine" to "Magnum". They also come in forty-four ink colors, along with a single variety in metallic silver for marking on dark surfaces. Metallic gold and copper versions were introduced as well, but these have been discontinued due to problems with the ink formula. In 2004, Sanford released a new line of Sharpies that have a button activated retractable tip rather than a cap. Sharpie Paint markers were also introduced. In 2005, the company's popular Accent highlighter brand was repositioned under the Sharpie brand name. A new version of Sharpie, called Sharpie Mini, was launched; the markers are half the size of a normal Sharpie and feature a clip to attach the Sharpie to a keychain or lanyard. As of 2002, 200 million Sharpies had been sold worldwide.<ref name="made" />


In 2005, the company's Accent highlighter brand was repositioned under the Sharpie brand name. The Sharpie Mini, a smaller marker with a clip for attaching a keychain or lanyard was also launched. In 2006, Sharpie introduced markers with button-activated retractable tips rather than a cap. Sharpie Paint markers were also introduced. As of 2011, 200 million Sharpies had been sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sharpies: One of the Greatest American Inventions Ever! [Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] |url=http://fierceandnerdy.com/sharpies-one-of-the-greatest-american-inventions-ever-kicking-back-with-jersey-joe |website=FierceAndNerdy.com |access-date=17 July 2018 }}</ref> Sharpie markers are manufactured in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and Maryville, Tennessee, and with numerous off-shore partners globally.<ref>{{cite web |last=Totten |first=Rachel |title=Newell to Add Jobs at Maryville Plant after Mexicali Fire |url=https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/newell-to-add-jobs-at-maryville-plant-after-mexicali-fire/article_27ce7b45-5ae1-5aa5-be46-4dbc6f29f4cf.html |website=The Daily Times |access-date=17 July 2018 }}</ref>
[[Image:sharpie8.jpg|thumb|300px|Standard Color Set Sharpie 8-pk]]


==Uses==
== Marketing ==
{{Multiple image
Sharpie's versatility has led to its use in many applications such as:
| title =
* General labeling in both commercial and residential settings
| total_width = 350
* [[Cartoon]]ing
| image1 = EM DSC 4815 (3110501241).jpg
* [[Graffiti]]
| image2 = Sharpie, W.H. Smith, Enfield.jpg
* Image and poster design
| footer = Fltr (left): Sharpie sponsorship on a NASCAR car, 2014; (right): branded products on sale in London
* Signing [[autographs]]
}}
* [[Wig (hair)|Wig]] coloring
Sharpie sponsored the [[NASCAR]] [[Sprint Cup Series]] [[Irwin Tools Night Race|Sharpie 500]], a night-time race at [[Bristol Motor Speedway]], from 2001 through 2009.<ref name=" made"/> For the 2010 season, Newell Rubbermaid switched the sponsorship for this race to its [[Irwin Industrial Tools|Irwin Tools]] brand. Sharpie sponsored the [[Nationwide Series]] [[Scotts Turf Builder 300|Sharpie Mini 300]] race from 2004 to 2008. Before 2006, they sponsored [[Kurt Busch]], who was the [[2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series|2004 Sprint Cup]] champion. Sharpie also sponsored [[Jamie McMurray]] in the [[2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series|2006 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series]] and the [[2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series]].
* Coloring glass
* Writing on burnable media


In recent years, Sharpie commercials have followed the slogan "Write Out Loud". These advertisements depict people using Sharpies in bad situations, such as using the marker to touch up a car and a college woman highlighting words in a book to notify a male student that his fly was open. Also, a middle-aged woman trying to think of what to write for her resignation letter, writes "I QUIT" with a red Sharpie. [[David Beckham]] is sponsored by Sharpie and appears in a commercial signing autographs with a Sharpie and trying to steal them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=221572 |title=David Beckham Signs With Sharpie - March 6 /PR Newswire UK/ |location=Oak Brook, Illinois |website=PRNewsWire.co.uk |date=2008-02-28 |access-date=2014-04-30 }}</ref>
Each Sharpie has a printed seal [[Art & Creative Materials Institute]] certifying the marker as being non-toxic for normal use.


== In popular culture ==
==Marketing==
{{Importance section|date=February 2022}}
Sharpie is the official marker of the [[Walt Disney World Resort]].
[[File:The Ward 12.jpg|thumb|upright|Actress [[Lyndsy Fonseca]] handling a Sharpie at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival]]
During an October 14, 2002 [[National Football League]] [[Monday Night Football]] game against the [[Seattle Seahawks]], [[San Francisco 49ers]] wide receiver [[Terrell Owens]] pulled a black Sharpie marker out of his sock to sign the football he caught to score a touchdown and then gave the ball to his [[financial adviser]], who was in the stands.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Litsky|first=Frank|date=2002-10-16|title=PRO FOOTBALL; Signature Move by the 49ers' Owens Creates a Stir |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/16/sports/pro-football-signature-move-by-the-49ers-owens-creates-a-stir.html|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


Special [[Camp David]] Sharpies were made for [[President of the United States|United States President]] [[George W. Bush]].<ref name="USNews">{{cite news |last=Bedard |first=Paul |url=http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/whispers/articles/060917/25whisplead.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716160651/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/whispers/articles/060917/25whisplead.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 16, 2013|title=Washington Whispers - Better Make It a Sharpie-or Else| work=U.S. News & World Report|date= September 17, 2006}} (archived 2013)</ref>
===[[NASCAR]] marketing===
Sharpie has sponsored the [[Sprint Cup Series]] [[Sharpie 500]], a popular night-time race at [[Bristol Motor Speedway]], since 2001.<ref name="made">{{cite book |title= Made in America |last= Freeth |first= Nick |authorlink= |coauthors= |year= 2005 |publisher= MBI Publishing |location= |isbn= 0760322708 |url= |page=246 }}</ref> Sharpie has also sponsored the [[Nationwide Series]] [[Sharpie Mini 300]] race since 2004. Prior to 2006, they sponsored [[Kurt Busch]], who was the [[2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series|2004 Sprint Cup]] champion. Sharpie also sponsored [[Jamie McMurray]] in [[2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series|2006]]. Most recently Sharpie sponsored [[Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]] at the [[2007 NASCAR Busch Series|2007]] Sharpie Mini 300.


Sharpies are the writing utensil of choice for [[astronaut]]s aboard the [[International Space Station]] because of their usability in [[zero-gravity]]. According to [[Canadians|Canadian]] astronaut [[Chris Hadfield]], who commanded the International Space Station in 2012–2013, "you can hold it any which way and it still works".<ref>{{cite book |last=Hadfield |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Hadfield |title=An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth |publisher=Macmillan |date=2013 |location=London |page=199 |isbn=978-1-4472-5751-6 }}</ref>
===The Terrell Owens "Sharpie" incident===
On October 14 2002, the Sharpie marker made news in the [[United States]] when during a game of [[Monday Night Football]], after scoring on a 37&nbsp;yard touchdown pass for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] against the [[Seattle Seahawks]], [[American football]] player [[Terrell Owens]] produced a pen he had stored in his sock, [[autograph]]ed the ball with which he had just scored, and passed it to his financial advisor, who was sitting in the audience, during a [[touchdown dance]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB1034865206369200388-yH_gf5piuyxeMTlayakYEcIEgwY_20071217.html?mod=blogs |title= Terrell Owens Runs Afoul
Of the NFL's Mandarins |accessdate=2008-09-22 |last= [[Carl Bialik|Bialik]] |first= Carl |coauthors= Fry, Jason |date= [[2002-10-17]]|work= |publisher= [[Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref>


Former US [[President of the United States|president]] [[Donald Trump]] has a well-known preference for using Sharpies to sign official government documents, as he did when he gave autographs.<ref name=BI>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-uses-personalized-sharpie-pen-2018-11 |title='Make it look rich': Trump told Sharpie to create a custom pen for him to sign important documents |website=Business Insider |date=November 2018 }}</ref>
Many, including team officials, expressed dismay at the apparent arrogance of the move and the implication that Owens' attention was directed toward commercial exploitation of his athletic successes. However, team officials did not discipline him for the incident, and the 49ers went on to win the game.


In September 2019, Trump was involved in a "[[Hurricane Dorian–Alabama controversy|Sharpie-gate]]" controversy, as CNN reported: "Trump defended an apparent Sharpie-altered map of Hurricane Dorian's predicted path."<ref>{{cite web |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2019/09/08/trump-alabama-weather-map-dorian-sharpie-stelter-monologue-sot-rs-vpx.cnn |last=Stelter |first=Brian |title=Trump Failed a Basic Geography Test |date=September 8, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Frias |first=Lauren |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/notable-times-donald-trump-wielded-infamous-sharpie-sharpiegate-signatures-2022-11 |title=6 memorable times Trump wielded his trademark Sharpie |website=[[Business Insider]] |date=November 12, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
In interviews, he called the pen a "Sharpie" by name. Many speculated that Owens hoped to win an endorsement deal from Sanford.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Bob Daenen, brand manager for the Sharpie line, originally said company officials were not interested. However, a year later, Sharpie enlisted Owens for a promotion entitled "Sharpie Metallic AUTOgraphs for Education," involving small donations of cash and school supplies to Bay Area schools.

==="Write Out Loud"===
In recent years, Sharpie commercials have followed the slogan "Write Out Loud." These advertisements depict people using Sharpies in bad situations, such as using the marker to touch up a car, and a college woman highlighting words in a book to notify a male student that his fly was open. Also, a middle aged woman, trying to think of what to write for her resignation letter. So she writes "I QUIT" with a red sharpie.

===The President's Sharpies===
Indeed, the Sharpie has become so popular in [[American culture]] that it was the marker of choice for the former President of the United States, [[George W. Bush]], who reportedly preferred Sharpies so much that he often rejected other writing utensils in favor of them. The President's Sharpies carried his signature and had the words "[[The White House]]" emblazoned on them. There are even special [[Camp David]] Sharpies.<ref name="USNews">Bedard, Paul. "Washington Whispers - Better Make It a Sharpie-or Else." ''U.S. News & World Report''. September 17, 2006. August 16, 2007: <http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/whispers/articles/060917/25whisplead.htm>.</ref>

Apparently, many celebrities have personalized Sharpies as well, but Sanford North America president Howard Heckes told [[U.S. News and World Report]] that "it's pretty cool" to supply the President of the United States. "Sharpies are good for the President of the United States or the president of the PTA," Heckes said in a September 2006 interview.<ref name="USNews"/>

==Sharpie varieties==
[[Image:sharpiemagnum.jpg|thumb|300px|Sharpie Magnum - The Largest Sharpie]]
[[Image:Black fine point Sharpie.jpg|thumb|300px|A black fine point Sharpie]]
[[Image:Black fine point sharpie.JPG|thumb|250px|Close-up of a black fine point Sharpie]]
*Sharpie (Classic Formula)
**Fine Point
**Extra Fine Point
**Ultra Fine Point
**Super
**Twin-Tip
**Super Twin-Tip
**Chisel Point
**RT Retractable Fine
**Mini Fine
**Micro Ultra Fine
*Sharpie Grip (formerly known as Liquid Sharpie)
**Fine Point
*Sharpie Metallic
**Fine Point
*Sharpie Accent
**Grip Style
**Retractable Style
**Tank Style
*Sharpie Perks
**Personalized
**Pocket Style
**Liquid Pen Style
**Mini
*Sharpie King Size
**Chisel Point
*Sharpie Magnum
**Bold Point
*Sharpie Rub-a-Dub
**Fine Point
*Sharpie Flip Chart
**Bullet Point
*Sharpie Industrial
**Fine Point
**Extra Fine Point
*Sharpie Professional
**Chisel Point
*Sharpie Touch-Up
**Fine Point
*Sharpie Paint
**Extra Fine Point
**Fine Point
**Medium Point
**Bold Point
*Sharpie Poster Paint
**Extra Fine Point
**Fine Point
**Medium Point
**Extra Bold Point
**Extra fine Point
*Sharpie CD/DVD Marker
**Twin-Tip
*Sharpie Pen

==Sharpie colors==
[[Image:Coloured sharpie markers.jpg|thumb|Four Sharpie colors]]
Only the fine point markers feature every color. Metallic colors are available only in fine point.
*Original
**[[silver]] (1980)
**[[red]]
**[[orange (color)|orange]]
**[[yellow]]
**[[green]]
**[[blue]]
**[[purple]]
**[[brown]]
**[[black]]
*Introduced in 2001
**[[berry]]
**[[lime (color)|lime]]
**[[aquamarine (color)|aqua]]
**[[turquoise (color)|turquoise]]
*Introduced in 2002
**[[silver (color)|metallic silver]]
*Introduced in 2003
**[[gold (color)|metallic gold]] (discontinued)
**[[copper (color)|metallic copper]] (discontinued)
**[[burgundy (color)|burgundy]]
**[[marigold]]
**[[olive (color)|olive]]
**[[navy blue|navy]]
**[[plum]]
*Introduced in 2004 (Pastel series)
**[[pink]]
**[[magenta]]
**[[peach (color)|peach]]
**[[tangerine]]
**[[Spring green (color)#Mint green|mint]]
**[[sky blue|sky]]
**[[lilac (color)|lilac]]
*Introduced in 2005 (Nature Tones series)
**[[brick|brick red]]
**[[dandelion]]
**[[spruce|spruce green]]
**[[ocean|ocean blue]]
**[[grey|slate grey]]
*Introduced in 2006 (Summer Splash series)
**[[almond]]
**[[kiwifruit|kiwi]]
**[[pink lemonade]]
**[[blue ice]]
**[[boysenberry]]
*Introduced in 2007 (Wildflower series)
**[[rain]]shower
**[[clover]]
**[[pumpkin]]
**[[rose]]
**[[violet (color)|violet]]blue
*Introduced in 2008 (Cafe Series)
**[[pomegranate]]
**[[mocha]]
**[[blueberry]]
**[[earl grey tea]]
**[[hibiscus|hibiscus tea]]

==Erasing==
{{Unreferenced|date=November 2007}}

Though Sharpie ink will become permanent after setting, it can be easily erased for several hours after writing on many glossy (non-porous) surfaces, most readily smooth metal and glass. Since the ink is based on [[propanol]], butanol and diacetone alcohols, [[denatured alcohol]] will remove permanent ink writing from almost all non-porous surfaces. [[WD-40]] will work moderately well on recent markings if alcohol is not available. Sharpie ink that has dried for more than several hours can be removed with [[acetone]], but due to the power of the solvent, acetone may damage the surface material. On some surfaces, the ink can be removed by coloring over the ink with a dry erase marker and then removing the Sharpie ink and dry erase marker ink with a dry cloth. Steam cleaning has proved effective also. [[Magic Eraser]] has also proven somewhat effective on hard surfaces such as brick and very effective on wood furniture.

==Removal from skin==
Some products that can be used to remove ink from the skin are [[rubbing alcohol]], [[denatured alcohol]], hand sanitizer, [[sunscreen lotion]], nail polish remover, [[shaving cream]], and facial cleaning pads.<ref name="Sharpie removal">[http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf228232.tip.html Removing Sharpie Marker Off Skin<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Tabasco sauce]] or any [[Vinegar]] based product are also particularly effective at removing the ink from skin. However, the ink wears off on its own within two days or so, since the ink is on skin cells that are constantly being shed.

==Effects on health==
There are no warning labels on Sharpie markers. However, they bear the new AP (Approved Product) certification symbol of The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI). According to the organization:

<blockquote>"The new AP (Approved Product) Seal, with or without Performance Certification, identifies art materials that are safe and that are certified in a toxicological evaluation by a medical expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems. This seal is currently replacing the previous non-toxic seals: CP (Certified Product), AP (Approved Product), and HL Health Label (Non-Toxic) over a 10-year phase-in period. Such products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236, and the U. S. Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA)." <ref name="ACMI labeling information">ACMI labeling information http://www.acminet.org/Safety.htm#two></ref></blockquote>

They are considered non-toxic for "normal uses," meaning writing on posters, soccer balls, and such. However, they are not meant for use on skin or fingernails.<ref name="yahoo">[http://ask.yahoo.com/20041231.html Is writing on yourself with ink actually bad for you?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It might take over an ounce of ink from a Sharpie to cause a lethal reaction, and if a Sharpie is used on the skin it generally won't cause an immediate or obvious health effect. However, according to the manufacturer's safety data sheets (MSDS), various Sharpies contain: [[n-propanol]],{{Fact|date=November 2007}} [[n-butanol]],<ref name="BASF on n-butanol">BASF on n-butanol http://www.basf.com/oxoproducts/pdfs/n-but.pdf</ref><ref name="DOW on n-butanol">DOW on n-butanol http://www.dow.com/productsafety/finder/nbut.htm</ref><ref name="OSHA on n-butanol"> OSHA on n-butanol "http://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_222900.html"</ref> [[diacetone alcohol]],<ref name="OSHA on diacetone alcohol">OSHA on diacetone alcohol http://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_231700.html</ref>, and [[cresol]].<ref name="OSHA on cresol">OSHA on cresol http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/organic/org032/org032.html</ref><ref name="CDC on cresol">CDC on cresol http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp34-c8.pdf</ref> The first of these, n-propanol, is commonly used in cosmetics. The other three, however, are industrial solvents, chemicals that should not be sniffed, eaten, or put on the skin. As solvents they penetrate the skin and fingernails, and do enter the bloodstream.

Magnum Sharpie, King Size Sharpie, and Touch-up Sharpie products contain xylene. The Magnum and King Size Sharpies also contain cresol. However, all other products in the Sharpie line do not contain either of these chemicals, and are considered safe under normal use conditions.

These chemicals are not tested for human consumption, only incidental environmental exposure. So the chemical manufacturers' technical data sheets on these chemicals are ambiguous with respect to how much should be considered a hazardous dosage, but do warn of kidney, liver, and brain damage, other nervous disorders, and DNA effects resulting in birth defects. OSHA has set permissible exposure limits (PEL) at 100ppm for n-butanol, 50ppm for diacetone alcohol, and 5ppm for cresol.
===Sharpie Sniffing Case===
In April 2008 it was revealed that a 3<sup>rd</sup> grade student from a grade school in Colorado was suspended for [[sniffing]] a Sharpie marker.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://cbs4denver.com/local/westminster.sharpie.sniffing.2.692054.html |title= Boy Suspended After Sniffing Sharpie Marker |accessdate=2008-10-22 |last= |first= |coauthors= |date= [[2008-04-04]] |work= |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The news became popular on the Internet and created controversy on the constitutionality of the suspension.{{Fact|date=October 2008}}

==Counterfeits==
[[Image:SharpieVsShoupie.JPG|thumb|right|A Sharpie next to a "Shoupie"]]
[[Counterfeit]] Sharpies appear on the market. Products labeled "Shoupie", "Scarple", "Staunion", and "Shounion" in a [[font]] similar to that of the Sharpie, are sometimes sold at [[dollar store]]s. Normally they are at a cheaper price and many of them also have a high alcohol content, which makes them smell once opened. The ink also dries out much faster.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.sharpie.com/ Official Sharpie website]
* {{Official website}}
*[http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/whispers/articles/060917/25whisplead.htm Better Make It a Sharpie - Or Else: The President's Obsession with Sharpies]
*[http://sharpie.com/sanford/consumer/sharpie/whatsinside/msds.jhtml Sanford's listing of Sharpie] [[MSDS|MSDS files]]
*[http://www.cockeyed.com/inside/sharpie/sharpie1.html How Much is Inside a Sharpie?]


{{Newell Brands}}
[[Category:Writing instruments]]
{{Pen manufacturers}}
[[Category:Newell Rubbermaid brands]]
[[Category:1964 introductions]]


[[Category:Brands that became generic]]
[[fr:Sharpie (stylo-feutre)]]
[[Category:Newell Brands]]
[[simple:Sharpie]]
[[Category:Pens]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1964]]
[[Category:Writing implements]]

Latest revision as of 10:44, 20 November 2024

Sharpie
Product typeMarker pens, gel pens, rollerball pens
OwnerNewell Brands
CountryUnited States
Introduced1964; 61 years ago (1964)[1]
MarketsWorldwide
Previous ownersSanford L.P. (1964–1990)[1]
Websitesharpie.com Edit this at Wikidata

Sharpie is a brand of writing implements (mainly permanent markers) manufactured by Newell Brands, a public company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally designating a single permanent marker, the Sharpie brand has been widely expanded and can now be found on a variety of previously unrelated permanent and non-permanent pens and markers formerly marketed under other brands.

Sharpie markers are made with several tips, including ultra fine, extra fine, fine, brush, chisel, and retractable tips. Sharpie also produces gel and rollerball pens.

History

[edit]
Sharpie products
From left to right (above): marker types, black marker; (below): color markers line, and several Sharpies exhibited in a store

"Sharpie" was originally a permanent marker launched in 1964 by the Sanford Ink Company named after Camden "Sharpie" Johnson. The Sharpie was the first pen-style permanent marker.[1][2]

In 1990, Sharpie was acquired by The Newell Companies (later Newell Rubbermaid) as part of Sanford, a leading manufacturer and marketer of writing instruments.[3]

In 2005, the company's Accent highlighter brand was repositioned under the Sharpie brand name. The Sharpie Mini, a smaller marker with a clip for attaching a keychain or lanyard was also launched. In 2006, Sharpie introduced markers with button-activated retractable tips rather than a cap. Sharpie Paint markers were also introduced. As of 2011, 200 million Sharpies had been sold worldwide.[4] Sharpie markers are manufactured in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and Maryville, Tennessee, and with numerous off-shore partners globally.[5]

Marketing

[edit]
Fltr (left): Sharpie sponsorship on a NASCAR car, 2014; (right): branded products on sale in London

Sharpie sponsored the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sharpie 500, a night-time race at Bristol Motor Speedway, from 2001 through 2009.[2] For the 2010 season, Newell Rubbermaid switched the sponsorship for this race to its Irwin Tools brand. Sharpie sponsored the Nationwide Series Sharpie Mini 300 race from 2004 to 2008. Before 2006, they sponsored Kurt Busch, who was the 2004 Sprint Cup champion. Sharpie also sponsored Jamie McMurray in the 2006 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

In recent years, Sharpie commercials have followed the slogan "Write Out Loud". These advertisements depict people using Sharpies in bad situations, such as using the marker to touch up a car and a college woman highlighting words in a book to notify a male student that his fly was open. Also, a middle-aged woman trying to think of what to write for her resignation letter, writes "I QUIT" with a red Sharpie. David Beckham is sponsored by Sharpie and appears in a commercial signing autographs with a Sharpie and trying to steal them.[6]

[edit]
Actress Lyndsy Fonseca handling a Sharpie at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival

During an October 14, 2002 National Football League Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens pulled a black Sharpie marker out of his sock to sign the football he caught to score a touchdown and then gave the ball to his financial adviser, who was in the stands.[7]

Special Camp David Sharpies were made for United States President George W. Bush.[8]

Sharpies are the writing utensil of choice for astronauts aboard the International Space Station because of their usability in zero-gravity. According to Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who commanded the International Space Station in 2012–2013, "you can hold it any which way and it still works".[9]

Former US president Donald Trump has a well-known preference for using Sharpies to sign official government documents, as he did when he gave autographs.[10]

In September 2019, Trump was involved in a "Sharpie-gate" controversy, as CNN reported: "Trump defended an apparent Sharpie-altered map of Hurricane Dorian's predicted path."[11][12]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Sharpie History". Sharpie.com. 2014-01-30. Archived from the original on 2014-05-02. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  2. ^ a b Freeth, Nick (2005). Made in America. MBI Publishing. p. 246. ISBN 0-7603-2270-8.
  3. ^ "Sharpie in Newell Rubbermaid page". Newellrubbermaid.com. Archived from the original on 2011-12-05. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  4. ^ "Sharpies: One of the Greatest American Inventions Ever! [Kicking Back with Jersey Joe]". FierceAndNerdy.com. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  5. ^ Totten, Rachel. "Newell to Add Jobs at Maryville Plant after Mexicali Fire". The Daily Times. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  6. ^ "David Beckham Signs With Sharpie - March 6 /PR Newswire UK/". PRNewsWire.co.uk. Oak Brook, Illinois. 2008-02-28. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  7. ^ Litsky, Frank (2002-10-16). "PRO FOOTBALL; Signature Move by the 49ers' Owens Creates a Stir". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.
  8. ^ Bedard, Paul (September 17, 2006). "Washington Whispers - Better Make It a Sharpie-or Else". U.S. News & World Report. Archived from the original on July 16, 2013. (archived 2013)
  9. ^ Hadfield, Chris (2013). An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. London: Macmillan. p. 199. ISBN 978-1-4472-5751-6.
  10. ^ "'Make it look rich': Trump told Sharpie to create a custom pen for him to sign important documents". Business Insider. November 2018.
  11. ^ Stelter, Brian (September 8, 2019). "Trump Failed a Basic Geography Test". CNN.
  12. ^ Frias, Lauren (November 12, 2022). "6 memorable times Trump wielded his trademark Sharpie". Business Insider. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
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