Short answer
DecoColor paint markers come in two kinds. The classic DecoColor pens (extra fine, fine, broad, calligraphy and premium metallics) use opaque, oil-based paint that Uchida lists as lightfast and weatherproof, for glass, metal, porcelain, wood and mirrors; they contain xylene, so ventilate and test first. DecoColor Acrylic markers use water-based acrylic for wood, plaster, walls, paper and terra cotta.
DecoColor paint markers: the two families
DecoColor paint marker lines compared
| Line | Paint | Surfaces Uchida lists | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| DecoColor (classic) | Opaque, oil-based, contains xylene | Glass, paper, wood, clay, porcelain, metal, mirrors | Extra fine, fine, broad, chisel |
| DecoColor Calligraphy | Oil-based pigmented ink | Paper, glass, wood, porcelain, metal, mirrors | 2 mm chisel |
| DecoColor Premium | Oil-based metallics | Gold and silver accents | Chisel, fine, extra fine |
| DecoColor Acrylic | Opaque, water-based acrylic | Wood, plaster, foam, walls, paper, terra cotta | 3-way tip, wedge, chisel, jumbo 15 mm |
The DecoColor collection on Uchida’s site spans dozens of products across these lines (Uchida DecoColor collection).
DecoColor paint marker: the oil-based pens
Uchida describes the DecoColor Extra Fine (item 140) as having a point small enough for little details, for drawing, scrapbooking, letter writing, window advertising and crafts. It lists the paint as opaque, oil-based and acid-free, lightfast, permanent and weatherproof, and names glass, paper, wood, clay, porcelain, metal and mirrors as surfaces (Uchida item 140). The Amazon listing for a six-piece fine point set adds stone and says the paint is lead free and available in 30 colors.
Uchida also flags an important caution: the paint contains xylene, and it says the markers are not recommended and may be unsuitable for certain plastics, leather, metals, finished wood, paper and fabric. Always test a small hidden area first, and use them with ventilation.
DecoColor calligraphy and premium metallics
The DecoColor Calligraphy marker has a flat 2 mm chisel tip and oil-based pigmented ink, in gold, silver, white, black, red, blue and green, for cards, invitations, awards and letter art (Uchida calligraphy marker). The Premium metallic pens, in gold and silver, are the ones crafters reach for on dark card, glass and ornaments. For other gold pens, see gold paint markers.
DecoColor acrylic paint marker
The Acrylic line is a different product. Uchida lists the paint as pigmented, opaque, water-based acrylic that is permanent when dry, and says the markers work great on wood, plaster, foam, walls, paper and terra cotta. The Bright Set uses a 3-way tip, and the full acrylic line has 28 colors including 6 metallics. Care instructions: shake well before each use, keep tightly capped, clean the nib when finished, and store horizontally between 60 and 85 °F (Uchida Acrylic Bright Set). Uchida also sells DecoColor Acrylic Jumbo markers with a 15 mm flat tip.
That wall and plaster list makes the acrylic line a good fit for murals and lettering on painted walls; see paint pens for walls.
Which DecoColor to buy
DecoColor picks by project
| Project | DecoColor pick | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Writing on glass, mirrors, porcelain decor | Oil-based extra fine or fine | Uni Paint PX-21 |
| Gold lettering on cards and invitations | Calligraphy or Premium chisel gold | Sharpie metallic paint markers |
| Walls, plaster, terra cotta pots | DecoColor Acrylic | Posca |
| Metal labels and outdoor marks | Oil-based fine | Sharpie oil-based |
For dishware that will be washed, use a bake-on glass and porcelain pen instead; see glass paint markers. The oil-based category as a whole is on oil based paint markers.
Using DecoColor oil-based pens
- Test first
Uchida advises testing on a small, inconspicuous area for suitability and chemical reaction, especially on plastics and finished surfaces.
- Shake and prime
Shake with the cap on, then press the tip on scrap until paint flows.
- Work with ventilation
The paint contains xylene; open a window or work outdoors.
- Let it cure
Leave marks to dry fully before handling or exposing them to weather.
DecoColor paint markers on Amazon
Oil-based fine, extra fine and premium pens, each listing checked by hand.
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Uchida DecoColor fine point paint marker set, 6 pieces
Fine oil-based pens in white, black, red, blue, green and yellow; the listing names glass, metal, stone, wood, paper, mirrors, porcelain and clay.
- 6 colors
- Oil-based
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Uchida Marvy DecoColor extra fine paint marker, black
The extra fine oil-based pen for detail and small lettering.
- Extra fine
- Black
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DecoColor fine tip paint marker set, black, white, gold and silver
Four fine pens in the most useful colors for glass, cards and ornaments.
- 4 pens
- Fine tip
-
DecoColor Premium chisel paint marker, gold
A gold chisel tip for lettering and accents.
- Chisel
- Gold
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
What markers do artists use?
Illustrators often use alcohol markers such as Ohuhu or Copic for blends; lettering artists use brush pens and chisel paint markers such as DecoColor Calligraphy; painters, muralists and rock painters use opaque acrylic paint markers such as Posca or Molotow; and crafters decorating glass and metal often use oil-based paint markers such as DecoColor, Sharpie oil-based or Uni Paint.
What’s the difference between paint pens and markers?
A paint pen holds opaque paint, water-based acrylic or oil-based, that sits on top of the surface and covers it, so light colors show on dark materials. A regular marker holds ink, usually dye, that soaks in and stays translucent. DecoColor makes paint pens in both oil-based and water-based acrylic versions.
What’s in paint marker?
Pigment for color, a binder that holds it to the surface, and a carrier liquid that evaporates: water for acrylic paint markers, a solvent for oil-based ones. Uchida lists its oil-based DecoColor pens as pigmented, oil-based and containing xylene, and its DecoColor Acrylic markers as opaque, water-based acrylic paint that is permanent when dry. Most paint markers also have a mixing ball and a valve.
What’s the best acrylic paint marker?
In Sarah Renae Clark’s 2026 comparison, Posca scored highest overall among pump-action acrylic markers, with Pilot Pintor close behind and Molotow above average on every test. DecoColor Acrylic was not part of that comparison, so we cannot rank it; its strength is the surface list Uchida gives, which includes walls, plaster and terra cotta.
Are paint pens and chalk markers the same thing?
No. Paint pens leave opaque paint that is permanent on porous surfaces and, if oil-based, durable on slick ones too. Chalk markers hold liquid chalk ink made to wipe off non-porous surfaces such as glass and sealed boards with water. A chalk marker is for temporary writing; a paint pen is for marks that stay.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.