Buying guide for Best paint pens
Written by Ariel Lynch
Updated November 2022
Why should you consider buying a set of paint pens? Let’s say you need to work on an art project for school or work—or you’re just feeling a creative urge—but pulling out your full set of paints and brushes sounds like too much work. Let’s say you want to avoid the mess and cleanup involved with traditional painting.
Paint pens are an affordable, easy-to-use artistic alternative. They make little mess and provide a colorful result. These versatile pens can be used for an array of projects or tasks, from drawing and decorating objects to practical purposes around the house.
If you want to buy a set of pain pens, you'll want to know the types available as well as your pricing options.
The pros of paint pens
Paint pens, sometimes referred to as “paint markers,” offer a number of benefits. They’re much easier to use than paint brushes, and because you’re not dealing with separate paint containers and cups of water, they create less mess. In particular, beginning artists and the parents of small children appreciate these benefits.
What’s more, paint pens are highly versatile in that they can be used on a large number of items and materials. And they last for a long time if properly maintained, making them a popular alternative to the classic paintbrush.
Uses for paint pens
Paint pens serve all the same purposes as regular paint and brushes, but they are often easier to use on certain materials. Here are some of the materials on which you can use paint pens:
- Wood, cardboard, and paper
- Rocks and stones (rock painting is a popular activity for children)
- Ceramic, tile, and glass
- Canvas
- Fabric, textiles, and cloth
- Shoes, hats, belts, purses, and other accessories
- Car exteriors (to fill in scratches or blemishes in the paint job)
- Household appliances and furniture
- Metal
- Plastic
Besides being used for arts and crafts, some paint pens are handy for filling in small “dings” or unsightly scuffs on furniture, appliances, and cars. Matching the paint color might take some effort, but if you can find what you need, it’s an inexpensive solution to a potentially expensive problem.
Store your paint pens horizontally for an even distribution of the paint sediment. This also prevents the nib from drying out.
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Types of paint pens
Different paint pens dispense different types of paint. Each type of paint pen is available in almost every color you can think of, including some shiny metallic finishes.
The type of paint you need depends on the surface you’re working with and how long you want your paint to last. There are two main types here: oil-based paint pens and water-based paint pens.
Oil-based paint pens
The paint in oil-based pens is slightly thicker and generally sports a thick or wide tip. Oil-based paint takes less time to dry and might produce a slightly raised surface. It often produces a high sheen, creating a shiny finish. Suitable for use on porous and glossy surfaces, oil-based paint is notably permanent (as opposed to semi-permanent).
Water-based paint pens
Water-based paint pens are semi-permanent and have a lower sheen than their oil-based counterparts. They produce an opaque finish and take longer to dry. All acrylic paint pens are water-based and may use finer tips. This paint absorbs well into porous surfaces but requires sealing when used on glossy surfaces. You can seal water-based paint with a clear coat or varnish spray.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some paint pens are refillable. Simply remove the nib tip and refill the chamber. Just be sure to refill it with the same type of paint, such as water-based, oil-based, or acrylic paint.
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Key features of paint pens
Pen nib tip
The “nib tip” of a paint pen is the writing tip through which the paint flows. Nib tips vary in size and are measured in millimeters. Sizes range from “extra-fine” to “medium” to “broad.”
In addition, there are a number of nib tip types that can affect the shape and desired stroke of your paint:
- Brush tip: Brush nib tips are most similar to standard paintbrushes. These nibs are the most versatile in that users can create a number of different strokes.
- Fine tip: Fine nibs are the smallest and most pointed tips. They produce thin lines ideal for writing words or fine detail work.
- Chisel tip: Chisel nib tips have slanted writing tips that can create both thin and thick lines. These tips are suitable for painting large surfaces and producing calligraphy.
- Bullet tip: One of the most common paint marker tips, bullet nib tips are rounded. For coloring and experimenting with color blending, bullet tip marker pens are an apt choice.
Paint reservoir or chamber
The paint reservoir or chamber is the part of the pen that you grasp when drawing or writing. It is where the paint for the pen is stored, along with the ball bearing. Some paint pen chambers are transparent, allowing the user to see how much paint is left.
Ball bearing
A number of paint pens (usually oil-based models) contain a small metal ball bearing in the paint reservoir. The intention of the ball bearing is to break up paint sediment when shaken so the paint flows freely through the tip. This produces an even streak that is free from clumps and inconsistencies.
Pen cap
Although a paint pen cap may seem like an obvious feature, it is certainly an important one. The cap helps keep the nib tip moist and protects it from getting dirty. Always remember to put the cap of your paint pen back on the tip when you’re finished using it.
If you misplace your paint pen cap, you can secure a small piece of plastic wrap over the tip as a temporary storage method.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wear gloves while working with paint pens. This prevents the paint from directly contacting your skin. While many water-based paints are easy to wash off, some oil-based paints could prove difficult to remove.
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Useful accessories
Disposable gloves
Gloves protect the hands and nails from getting dirty or stained. Disposable gloves are helpful because you can simply remove them and deposit them directly in the trash when you’re finished. If you’d rather reuse your gloves, consider a thin pair of rubber cleaning gloves instead.
Easel
An easel is helpful when painting flat items such as paper, canvas, and fabric. With an adjustable height and angled workspace, an easel can help prevent shadows over your work and is generally more ergonomic for the user than a regular table or desk.
Apron
An apron designated expressly for painting can help protect the artist’s clothes. These are especially convenient for children who are prone to making messes. Many aprons feature pockets where additional paint pens can be stored.
Use a large strip of paper or a reusable tablecloth to protect your work surface.
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Paint pen prices
Inexpensive
The most affordable sets of paint pens cost $10 to $18. These tend to be smaller sets of water-based or oil-based pens (quantities vary from 6 to 16) in basic colors. Some single paint pens with high-quality paint may also be found in this price range.
Mid-range
Mid-range sets of paint pens cost $20 to $45. Sets in this price bracket usually include more pens (20+) in a greater variety of colors. Tip types may vary, and the colors may be water-based or oil-based.
Expensive
The most expensive sets of paint pens usually cost between $45 to $85. These are the largest sets with up to 170 different pens. They feature the greatest variety of colors and may be oil-based or water-based. You can also buy smaller sets of high-quality paint pens in this price range.
Tips
- Keep a cup of water or rubbing alcohol solution nearby when using your paint pens. If you make a mistake, you can dip a cotton swab or small rag into your solution and use it to quickly wipe away your error.
- Press firmly, but don’t apply too much pressure. It might take a few tries to get the hang of your paint pen, so applying a light amount of pressure when you start is a safe method. This prevents the pen from releasing too much paint, and as you practice, you can apply more pressure for more paint.
- When using multiple pens, allow your work to dry in between colors. This prevents the colors from bleeding into each other, which may not be your desired result. By allowing the current color fully dry, you maintain a clean look.
FAQ
Q. Are paint pens and markers the same?
A. No. Paint pens are different from markers. Markers utilize ink, whereas paint pens use a paint-based liquid—and these substances behave very differently.
Many markers are water-based, and while they may dry quickly, they aren’t designed for use on many materials other than paper. Paint pens are intended to be more permanent and can be applied to a wide range of objects and mediums.
Q. Will the paint from my paint pen fade, or will it last forever?
A. Depending on the type of paint and the object or surface, your work should last a few years or even longer. If you’re painting something decorative that won’t endure much wear and tear, your work will last longer.
For good measure, store your work in a cool and dry place out of the sun to prevent fading.
Q. How long should the paint be left to dry?
A. Allow your paint pen work to dry for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The amount of time required depends on the amount of work you’ve done and also the type of paint in the pen. To be safe, you could let your work dry overnight.
