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10 Best Paint Pens 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Betem 24 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens Markers, Premium Acrylic Paint Pens for Wood, Canvas, Stone, Rock Painting, Glass, Ceramic Surfaces, DIY Crafts Making Art Supplies

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,354
Tip Size
Ink Type
Color Range

Most important from
13853 reviews

Tip Size
The dual-tip design is incredibly convenient – the fine tip is perfect for detailed work, while the broader tip covers larger areas with ease.
Ink Type
Excellent quality with smooth ink flow and no messy leaks.
Color Range
The vibrant colors are rich and bold, making projects pop with life.
Drying Time
The paint dries quickly and has a smooth, opaque finish without any streaking.
Durability
Durable pens that hold their pigment well, even after extended use.
Ease of Use
Perfect for any creative project, making them great for artists of all ages and skill levels.

The Betem 24 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens are a versatile choice for anyone interested in crafting or artistic projects. With their dual tip design, featuring both a fine 1mm nib and a broader 1-5mm brush tip, these pens cater to a range of artistic needs—from delicate detailing to larger color areas. The wide array of 24 vibrant colors allows users to explore mixability, making them suitable for a variety of surfaces, including wood, canvas, stone, and more.

One of the standout strengths is the upgraded cotton nibs, which offer a smoother experience compared to typical push-type pens. They dry faster, which can be a significant advantage for those looking to complete their projects promptly. The water-based, odorless, and acid-free ink is not only pleasant to use but also ensures that the colors remain vibrant over time.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. While the dual tips enhance versatility, the fine tip may not be ideal for very intricate designs, and some users might find it challenging to achieve fine lines consistently. Additionally, as with many paint pens, proper cap sealing and horizontal storage are essential to maintain ink flow, which could be a minor hassle for some.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,354
Tip Size
Ink Type
Color Range

Most important from
13853 reviews

Tip Size
The dual-tip design is incredibly convenient – the fine tip is perfect for detailed work, while the broader tip covers larger areas with ease.
Ink Type
Excellent quality with smooth ink flow and no messy leaks.
Color Range
The vibrant colors are rich and bold, making projects pop with life.
Drying Time
The paint dries quickly and has a smooth, opaque finish without any streaking.
Durability
Durable pens that hold their pigment well, even after extended use.
Ease of Use
Perfect for any creative project, making them great for artists of all ages and skill levels.
#2

Sharpie Creative Markers, Water-Based Acrylic, Brush Tip, Assorted Colors, 12 Count – Arts & Crafts, Kids Activity, School Classroom; Works on Paper, Metal, Wood, Ceramic, Glass, Rock, Canvas

Rating
9.4
Color Range
Drying Time
Durability

Most important from
6260 reviews

Color Range
The colors are vibrant and bold, making projects look sharp and professional.
Drying Time
Great coverage and quick drying, with no paint running.
Durability
Excellent for both beginners and experienced crafters seeking durable and colorful results.
Ease of Use
Versatile markers that offer smooth coverage and easy application on various surfaces.

The Sharpie Creative Paint-like Brush Tip Acrylic Markers stand out in the paint pen category, especially for artists and crafters seeking vibrant and versatile tools. With a vivid color range of 12 assorted colors, these markers deliver bold and striking finishes on various surfaces, including paper, metal, wood, and even glass. This makes them ideal for diverse projects, from scrapbooking to DIY home decor. The no-bleed, water-based ink is a significant advantage, as it ensures clean application without unwanted seepage, which can be a common issue with many pens.

One of the notable strengths is the paint-like brush tip that offers excellent control, allowing for detailed work and a smooth application reminiscent of actual paint. Plus, the ability to layer colors enhances the depth of your artwork, providing more creative options. Users will also appreciate that these markers are ready to use right out of the package—no priming is needed.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the markers are designed for a wide range of surfaces, their performance might vary depending on the material. For instance, on very porous surfaces, the ink may absorb differently than expected. Additionally, some users may find the ink drying time slightly longer compared to traditional markers, which could be a factor for those looking for quick-drying options.

Rating
9.4
Color Range
Drying Time
Durability

Most important from
6260 reviews

Color Range
The colors are vibrant and bold, making projects look sharp and professional.
Drying Time
Great coverage and quick drying, with no paint running.
Durability
Excellent for both beginners and experienced crafters seeking durable and colorful results.
Ease of Use
Versatile markers that offer smooth coverage and easy application on various surfaces.
#3

24 Posca Paint Markers, 3M Fine Coloring Markers with Reversible Tips, Posca Marker Set of Acrylic Paint Pens | Posca Pens for Art Supplies, Fabric Paint, Fabric Markers, Paint Pen, Art Markers

Rating
9.1
Tip Size
Ink Type
Color Range

Most important from
5893 reviews

Tip Size
The fine tip delivers incredible precision and control, perfect for intricate designs, lettering, and detailed work.
Ink Type
The ink forms a permanent, waterproof finish that resists smudging and retains brightness over time.
Color Range
The vibrant colors are true to the cap and stand out beautifully on diverse surfaces like paper, canvas, wood, glass, and fabric.
Drying Time
These markers dry quickly, allowing for smooth layering without smudging, which speeds up the creative process.
Durability
The reversible fine tips significantly extend marker lifespan, even with daily heavy use over months.
Ease of Use
Shaking and priming the pens initially takes some effort, but once ready, they flow consistently and deliver thick, vibrant pigment.

The 24-pack of Posca Paint Markers is a solid choice for anyone interested in versatile, reliable paint pens. These markers feature reversible fine tips (0.9mm to 1.3mm), which effectively double their lifespan and allow for precise detailing. The ink is water-based and non-toxic, making it safer and more environmentally friendly than alcohol-based alternatives. It also dries quickly, forms a waterproof finish, and stays vibrant over time, which is great for projects on various surfaces like fabric, metal, glass, and canvas.

With 24 colors including metallic gold and silver, this set offers a wide color range suitable for creative expression. Users appreciate the markers’ smooth application and good coverage, though beginners might need a little practice to control the fine tips perfectly. While the markers are durable and suitable for professional use, some may find the tip size limiting if they want thicker lines without switching to a different model.

The markers are easy to handle and comfortable for extended use. This set is ideal for artists, crafters, and hobbyists looking for high-quality, versatile paint pens that perform well across many surfaces.

Rating
9.1
Tip Size
Ink Type
Color Range

Most important from
5893 reviews

Tip Size
The fine tip delivers incredible precision and control, perfect for intricate designs, lettering, and detailed work.
Ink Type
The ink forms a permanent, waterproof finish that resists smudging and retains brightness over time.
Color Range
The vibrant colors are true to the cap and stand out beautifully on diverse surfaces like paper, canvas, wood, glass, and fabric.
Drying Time
These markers dry quickly, allowing for smooth layering without smudging, which speeds up the creative process.
Durability
The reversible fine tips significantly extend marker lifespan, even with daily heavy use over months.
Ease of Use
Shaking and priming the pens initially takes some effort, but once ready, they flow consistently and deliver thick, vibrant pigment.

Buying Guide for the Best Paint Pens

Choosing the right paint pen can make a significant difference in your art or craft projects. Paint pens are versatile tools that can be used on various surfaces such as paper, wood, glass, metal, and fabric. To find the best paint pen for your needs, it's important to consider several key specifications. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the paint pen you choose meets your specific requirements.
Tip SizeThe tip size of a paint pen determines the thickness of the lines it can produce. This is important because different projects may require different line thicknesses. Tip sizes generally range from extra fine to broad. Extra fine tips are ideal for detailed work and intricate designs, while fine and medium tips are suitable for general use and writing. Broad tips are best for filling in large areas or creating bold lines. Consider the type of work you will be doing and choose a tip size that matches your needs.
Ink TypeThe type of ink used in a paint pen affects its performance and suitability for different surfaces. Common ink types include water-based, oil-based, and acrylic. Water-based inks are easy to clean and are great for use on porous surfaces like paper and wood. Oil-based inks are more durable and can be used on non-porous surfaces like glass and metal. Acrylic inks offer vibrant colors and are versatile for various surfaces. Think about the surfaces you will be working on and choose an ink type that adheres well to those materials.
Color RangeThe color range available in paint pens can vary widely. This is important if you need specific colors for your project. Some paint pens come in basic colors, while others offer a wide spectrum, including metallic and neon shades. If your project requires a specific color palette, look for paint pens that offer those colors. For general use, a set with a variety of colors can provide more flexibility and creativity.
Drying TimeThe drying time of the ink in a paint pen can affect your workflow and the final result of your project. Quick-drying inks are convenient for projects that require multiple layers or quick handling. However, they may be less forgiving if you make a mistake. Slower-drying inks allow for more blending and correction but require more patience. Consider your working style and the demands of your project when choosing a paint pen with the appropriate drying time.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the paint pen's ink holds up over time and under various conditions. This is important for projects that will be exposed to the elements or handled frequently. Some paint pens offer waterproof, fade-resistant, and UV-resistant inks, which are ideal for outdoor projects or items that will be exposed to sunlight. If your project needs to last a long time or withstand harsh conditions, choose a paint pen with high durability.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses factors like the comfort of the pen in your hand, the smoothness of the ink flow, and the ease of activating the pen. This is important for ensuring a pleasant and efficient working experience. Some paint pens require shaking or pressing the tip to start the ink flow, while others are ready to use immediately. Consider how often you will be using the pen and choose one that feels comfortable and easy to use for extended periods.

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