The Best Paint Markers
Paint markers are a versatile and dynamic tool for artists of all ages, and they allow you to get stuck into a world of color without the characteristic mess of paint splats and dirty brushes. They can also be used in combination with regular paint or other mediums to add accent and color to your designs. We've gathered this list of some of the best paint markers we could find, so take a look below and get ready to make your mark.
What to Look For
As you consider the right pens for your artistic palette, be sure to pay attention to tip width, paint type, and color selection. With all that in mind, our favorite set overall was the eight-pack from Uni Posca. With all the primary colors covered and a nifty dual-tip design allowing you to vary your strokes, this affordable bundle is a versatile choice. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a wider range of tip widths that allow you to articulate the smallest details, we suggest checking out the 24-pack from Artistro. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Uni Posca Acrylic Paint Pens, 8-Pack
Double trouble
Each pen in this versatile set of eight from Posca comes equipped with a reversible medium-point pen tip, allowing artists to work with either 1.8- or 2.5-millimeter thickness. The powerful acrylic paint formula has been tested on over 50 different surface types, so you’ll be ready to get creative on fabric, canvas, metal, ceramics, rock, and much more. With a range of primary colors included, there’s plenty in this set to get your creative juices flowing.
Pros:
- These vibrant colors are easy to blend
- Acid-free ink won’t damage delicate surfaces
- Water-resistant when dry
Cons:
- This resilient paint can be hard to remove once dry
Overseas Paint Marker Pens, 5-Pack
Primary colors
Large bundles of paint markers can often be expensive, and they frequently include specialized colors that might not get as much use as primary hues overall. This downsized set of five from Overseas combines the most commonly used colors in an affordable package so that you get the most bang for your buck. We love that the oil-based paint inside is quick to dry and waterproof once sealed, so you can be sure your designs will stand the test of time.
Pros:
- Oil-based paint is suitable for a wide range of surfaces
- This five-pack can serve as a top-up for depleted primary colors if you’ve already purchased a larger set
- Larger sets with a wider range of colors are also available
Cons:
- The tips might not be suitable for finer applications
Uni Posca Acrylic Paint Pens, 29-Pack
Feast your eyes on a world of color with this bountiful 29-piece set from Uni Posca that spans the full spectrum of the rainbow. Each acrylic marker comes with a reversible dual tip, prolonging its overall lifespan and offering two gradations to mix and match in your designs. And thanks to the odorless and non-toxic formula, you won’t have to worry about ventilation as you work.
Pros:
- Metallic, fluorescent, and glitter colors included
- The water-based formula is easy to touch up as you work
Cons:
- Some of the colors aren’t as vibrant as others
Artistro Acrylic Paint Pens, 24-Pack
Accuracy is key
Sometimes we need to focus on the details to add the finishing touch to a craft project. This large set of extra-fine tip paint pens allows for greater precision that’s great for inscribing text or adding subtle highlights and accents to larger designs. And with a range of 24 vibrant colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the hue you’re looking for inside.
Pros:
- 3-millimeter tips and 5-millimeter chisel tips also included for each pen
- Gold and silver metallic colors included
- Each pen is numbered for easy reference
Cons:
- Scratchy nibs make it difficult to apply multiple coats
ArtShip Design Neon Fluorescent Acrylic Paint Pens
Light me up
Light up your next design with this bold and brilliant set of neon fluorescent acrylic pens. This double pack contains both extra-fine and medium-tip paint markers, making it a versatile option for approaching both large-scale and miniature projects. And best of all, this fluorescent paint will glow in the dark once activated by ultraviolet or black light.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly formula
- Smooth tips make handwriting easy
- Each pen has a clear indicator that displays the level of ink remaining inside
Cons:
- Only seven different colors in the pack of 14
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between acrylic paint markers and oil-based paint pens?
Acrylic paint markers are usually water-soluble, meaning they will work on surfaces like paper or wood but require a sealant to waterproof them. Oil-based paints have longer drying times and can adhere to slick surfaces such as glass and metal without needing to be sealed. They generally provide a more durable finish than regular marker paints, but as a result, they can also be more difficult to alter or erase as you work.
Are there special techniques for using Paint Markers?
For best results, don’t shake the pen too much before use, as this may cause air bubbles that could make it difficult to apply an even coat of paint. When painting longer lines, be sure to apply consistent pressure across all areas within each stroke to create even coverage. When coloring solid shapes, you can also experiment with applying more than a single coat.
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