Love acrylic painting but dread the mess? Pick up a set of acrylic paint markers, which allow you to lay down controlled, neat lines that look just like paint and are generally more opaque than those made by solvent-based markers. Acrylic paint markers can be used on paper and canvas, of course, but they also perform well on other surfaces such as glass, wood, and ceramics. You can use them alongside traditional acrylic paint, particularly for highlights, fine lines, and other detail work. And they come in a variety of nib sizes so you can vary your lines with ease—no brushes or water necessary. Most use water-based inks that are easy to clean up when wet and are water resistant when dry. Find the best set of paint markers for your projects below.
Brought to you by the oldest and most widely circulated art magazine in the world, ARTnews Recommends helps you make the choice that suits you best from products in hundreds of art and craft supply categories. Our offerings are based on intensive research, interviews with artists and craftspeople, and the accumulated experience of the site’s editors and writers. We provide trustworthy and helpful advice about materials to artists ranging from beginner to professional.
Perry Rubenstein, Art Dealer Who Faced Grand Theft Charges, Dies at 68
Find the Best Oil Pastels for Landscapes, Still Lifes, and Portraits
Ousted Orlando Museum Director Behind Seized Basquiat Exhibit Had a History with 'Discovered' Art Works
Our favorite paint markers strike the right balance between price, consistency, and ease of use. They seamlessly lay down ultra-opaque, incredibly pigmented paint that is water-soluble while wet and water-resistant when fully dried to a matte finish. This happens quite quickly when the paint is left alone, which makes the markers ideal for layering. They leave temporary marks on nonporous surfaces and are permanent on porous materials such as wood or paper. Suitable for users of all ages, Posca’s markers are sold individually in 29 colors or in sets like this one, with seven tip sizes to choose from—from 0.7 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters. Don’t forget to shake before use and apply pressure to the nib to release uniform, even lines.
Buy: Uni-Posca Paint Markers and Sets
If you find Posco’s color palette too limiting, consider Pebeo’s product, which is more of a fine art marker. You have 47 colors to choose from—sold individually or in curated sets such as blues, primaries, or “precious colors,” like this set we’re featuring. Notably, each has an excellent lightfastness rating. While the nib selection is smaller than Posca’s, with just three sizes, we like the nice, big, four-millimeter option. These markers dispense paint with control—thanks to a built-in pump mechanism that produces an optimum flow—so it’s easy to achieve precision. This paint is compatible with a wide range of surfaces including metal, plastic, canvas, and wood. It can be cleaned up with water while wet and is permanent when dry. Note that the drying time is relatively long: It can take 10 to 30 minutes to be dry to the touch, and up to 12 hours to be fully cured.
From the makers of professional-grade acrylic spray paint, this is the priciest marker on our list but offers outstanding pigmentation and vibrancy. As with our other selections, the ink in these markers is easy to clean up with soap and water when wet. Seal it with Montana varnish after it’s dry for a water- and abrasion-proof finish. The markers are available in some unique hues such as Sahara beige, malachite light, shock Kent blood red, and shock lilac, so you might want to check out Montana if you like uncommon shades. Like Pebeo’s markers, these feature a pump valve system that regulates the liquid contents to help achieve accurate application. Since the tips are highly responsive, you can vary your pressure to create different effects. Montana’s markers are also great for the eco-conscious as you can refill them with ink and replace their nibs; however, they are available in only two sizes: extra-fine (0.7 millimeters) and fine (two millimeters).
Buy: Montana Acrylic Markers and Sets
Best used for crafts (they’re a popular choice for rock painting), Elmer’s acrylic markers feature a short, thick, rounded tip that is well suited for all kinds of lines. Once dry, the paint is virtually permanent and leaves a shimmery finish. It delivers opaque coverage, but a perfect, even flow can be slightly more challenging to achieve than with higher-priced brands, requiring users to give the nib just the right amount of pressure. If you don’t mind some subtle streaking, these markers are a good budget-friendly and kid-friendly pick since they’re washable when wet, quick-drying, and nontoxic. You also have to prime them just once, which helps to cut down on mess. This set of 28 markers offers a range of colors and tips so you can freely experiment.
Buy: Elmer’s Painters Opaque Paint Markers, Set of 28
Another excellent fine-art option, Montana’s paint markers are UV and weather resistant. As with some of the brands above, these acrylic markers feature pump valves that help to ensure a continuous, even flow. In addition to offering top-notch performance, these markers are well balanced and long lasting. The paint goes a long way, and because the nibs are replaceable, you won’t wind up with a marker without a usable tip. Though the paint is water-based, it dries almost instantly. This basic set of 10 colors will get you started.
Buy: Molotow One4All Acrylic Paint Marker Set
From Animals in Formaldehyde to NFTs, Here Are Five of Damien Hirst’s Most Controversial Works to Date
Ethel Reed, the Early 20th Century's Most Famous Female Poster Artist, Gets a Long-Overdue New York Survey
Why Thomas Gainsborough’s Iconic 'Blue Boy' Was Once the Most Famous Painting in the World
Click here to read the full article.
Breathe new life into dilapidated chairs, dressers, desks, and more by adding a fresh coat of paint.
Blue-green paint colors can bring a fresh and bold perspective to any room in your home. Check out 10 of our favorite designer-approved shades.
The Home Edit is tackling our makeup and hair disasters with a brand new line of beauty organizers and hair accessories. Plus, everything is under $50.
SNS nails—or dip powder manicures—involve dipping the nails in colored powder while applying layers of adhesive in between. Here's what else you should know.
'I get so many compliments' — you'll also get over 30% off these beauties.
Nearly 17,000 rave reviewers are aglow about this easy-to-use gadget.
The comfy, all-year frock has a secret: pockets!
Demi Moore says that it's been "liberating" to embrace her age as her 60th birthday nears.
Get Walmart's mega markdowns on Vizio, Google, Nintendo and more!
Lupita Nyong'o has one distinguished palate. The Us star shared a video of herself eating a piece of fruit garnished with ants on Instagram on Friday.
Targeting wrinkles, large pores, acne and redness, this product is seriously adored: 'Miracle in a bottle.'
Bring all the comforts of home to your dorm room this fall. Must-haves are on sale now!
"We want to show on the runway how people look in real life and you know, for everyone to feel comfortable the next day when they go to the beach and wear their swimwear," Stojanovic tells Yahoo Life.
John Kanell, the social media star behind Preppy Kitchen, started out as a teacher before pursuing a career in the kitchen.
Are you sure you're secure? Here's why you should evaluate your privacy settings to make sure they're still right for you.
To ring in her 31st birthday, Scout Willis, the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, shared a racy snap on her Instagram page showing off her backside as she took a dip in a hot tub overlooking a scenic canyon.
Your mattress can have a major impact on how well you sleep. This is what doctors say you should look for.
Dress it up or dress it down, this tunic top will become a summer wardrobe go-to.
Wrap yourself in comfort every time you step out of the shower with these soft, affordable towels.
In the video above Dr. Sheila shares what's in her stash this summer as a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics. Her tips will leave your skin with a healthy glow. Shop the picks below! Shop the video: Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel Glycolic Acid Pads Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Almay Clear Complexion Foundation Gillette Venus Skin-Smoothing Exfoliator