Yes, gel highlighters do dry, but not in the same way liquid highlighters do.
Gel highlighters are made with a wax-like or gel-like substance instead of liquid ink. This means they won't dry out and bleed through paper like some liquid highlighters. However, the gel itself can harden over time, especially if left uncapped. This hardening can make the highlighter less smooth and more difficult to apply.
Here's a breakdown:
- Hardening vs. Drying: The main concern with gel highlighters is the gel hardening rather than the ink drying out completely.
- Cap Importance: Keeping the cap on your gel highlighter when not in use is crucial to prevent the gel from hardening prematurely due to air exposure.
- Bleed-Through: One of the biggest advantages of gel highlighters is that they are less likely to bleed through thin paper compared to liquid highlighters, thanks to their unique consistency and formulation. They are excellent for textbooks and other documents with thin pages.
- Smearing: The referenced text mentions that gel highlighters are quick-drying and prevent smears, which can happen with wet liquid highlighters.
In summary, while gel highlighters don't "dry out" like liquid ink, the gel component can harden over time if exposed to air. Proper storage with the cap on helps to maintain their smooth application and longevity.
