Short answer
CraftSmart paint pens are oil-based paint markers from Michaels’ Craft Smart brand, sold in fine, medium, broad and chisel tip sets. The listings name ceramic and glass mugs, metal, plastic, wood and porcelain, and the medium line set says the paint is removable from most non-porous surfaces with alcohol. Treat mug designs as decorative unless the pack says otherwise.
Who makes Craft Smart
Craft Smart is a Michaels private brand: Wikipedia lists it among the dozen house brands Michaels produces, along with Artist’s Loft, Recollections, Studio Decor and Creatology (Wikipedia). It is the craft-side line, while Artist’s Loft is the art supply line. Craft Smart paint pens are sold at Michaels, and several sets also appear on Amazon.
CraftSmart paint pen sets
Craft Smart paint pen sets on Amazon
| Set | Tip | What the listing says |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Fine Tip Oil-Based Paint Pens, 12 count | Fine | Assorted colors, multi-surface |
| Premium Chisel Tip Oil-Based Paint Pens, 6 count | Chisel | For ceramic or glass mugs; also metal, plastic, wood and porcelain |
| Medium Line Paint Pen Set, 24 count | Medium | 19 assorted colors; oil-based ink with a steel ball; removable from most non-porous surfaces with alcohol |
| Paint Pen Set, Broad Line, 3 count | Broad | Multi color |
| 14 piece Paint Pen Set | Mixed | Listing title only |
CraftSmart oil based paint pen: what that means
Oil-based paint pens carry solvent-based paint that grips slick surfaces better than water-based acrylic markers. That is why they suit glass, glazed ceramic, metal and plastic, where a water-based pen can be wiped off. The trade-offs are the same for every brand: a solvent smell while drying, a need to shake and prime the pen, and more effort to clean up. For the full picture, see oil based paint markers and acrylic vs oil-based paint markers.
How to use CraftSmart paint pens
- Clean the surface
Wash and dry it, then wipe with rubbing alcohol so oils do not block the paint.
- Shake
With the cap on, shake until the steel ball rattles freely.
- Prime on scrap
Press the tip down on paper a few times until paint flows evenly.
- Draw in one pass
Oil-based paint levels as it dries; going back over wet paint can lift it.
- Let it cure
Leave the piece to dry fully before handling, and ventilate the room.
Mugs, glass and ceramics
The chisel tip set is sold for personalizing mugs, and oil-based paint does grip glaze well for decor. Washing is the problem: the listings we checked give no dishwasher claim. Keep paint off rims and food-contact areas, hand wash gently, or use a bake-on porcelain marker for pieces that go through the dishwasher. Our ceramic markers and glass markers pages explain bake-on pens.
Wood, metal and plastic
- Wood signs: sand smooth and wipe dust off. Oil-based paint is opaque on raw and painted wood; seal outdoor signs.
- Metal: clean and degrease. Good for labels on tools and tins. See paint markers for metal.
- Plastic: test first; some soft plastics stay tacky. Avoid clear acrylic sheet if you may need to remove the paint, since alcohol can damage it.
Cleanup and removal
The medium line listing says the paint comes off most non-porous surfaces with alcohol. Rubbing alcohol on a cloth handles mistakes on glass, glazed ceramic and metal. On porous surfaces such as raw wood the paint soaks in, so plan the design first. Our guide to removing permanent marker from plastic and wood covers the gentler methods.
Craft Smart versus brand-name oil pens
The closest brand-name equivalents are Sharpie oil-based paint markers and Uni Paint PX-20, both widely sold with clear tip sizes and surface claims. Store-brand sets like Craft Smart give more colors per box; the brand-name pens are easier to buy singly when one color runs out. Hobby Lobby’s equivalent store brand is Master’s Touch.
Craft Smart paint pens on Amazon
Five Craft Smart sets, each listing checked by hand.
-
Craft Smart Premium fine tip oil-based paint pens, 12 count
Fine tip oil-based pens in assorted colors for lettering and detail on multiple surfaces.
- 12 pens
- Fine tip
-
Craft Smart Premium chisel tip oil-based paint pens, 6 count
Chisel tips sold for personalizing ceramic and glass mugs, plus metal, plastic, wood and porcelain, per the listing.
- 6 colors
- Chisel tip
-
Craft Smart medium line paint pen set, 24 count
Nineteen colors of oil-based medium line pens; the listing says the paint comes off most non-porous surfaces with alcohol.
- 24 pens
- Medium line
-
Craftsmart paint pen set, broad line, 3 count
A small broad line set for bold strokes on signs and crafts.
- 3 pens
- Broad line
-
Craft Smart 14 piece paint pen set
A 14 piece paint pen set; check the listing for tip and ink details.
- 14 pieces
Each pick links to an Amazon listing we checked by hand. Prices, colors and pack sizes change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Questions people ask
Is Craft Smart a Michaels brand?
Yes. Wikipedia lists Craft Smart among the private brands Michaels produces, alongside Artist’s Loft, Recollections and others. Craft Smart covers craft paints and supplies; Artist’s Loft covers art supplies.
Are CraftSmart paint pens oil based?
The sets we found are. The Premium fine tip and chisel tip sets are sold as oil-based paint pens, and the medium line 24 count listing describes oil-based ink with a steel ball inside. Check the label on the specific pack, since store brands change their range over time.
Can you use CraftSmart paint pens on mugs?
The chisel tip listing suggests them for personalizing ceramic or glass mugs. For a mug you will wash, keep paint off the rim and the inside, and treat the design as decorative unless the pack gives curing and washing instructions. For dishwasher durability, use a bake-on porcelain marker and follow its maker’s directions.
How do you remove CraftSmart paint pen?
The medium line set listing says the paint is removable from most non-porous surfaces with alcohol. Use rubbing alcohol on a cloth, test on a hidden spot first, and avoid alcohol on clear acrylic plastic, which it can damage.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.