Short answer
For writing on metal, a classic Sharpie works on clean metal but can wipe off with solvents and fade outdoors. For marks that must last, use a Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker (opaque, shows on dark metal) or Sharpie Industrial permanent markers. The Sharpie Metal Barrel is a permanent marker in a metal body, not a marker made for metal. To remove Sharpie from metal, use rubbing alcohol.
Three meanings of “Sharpie metal marker”
Sharpie metal markers compared
| You mean | Product | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| A Sharpie with a metal body | Sharpie Metal Barrel permanent marker | A permanent marker in a metal barrel; Sharpie lists a chisel tip black |
| A Sharpie for marking metal | Sharpie Industrial, or Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker | Permanent markers and paint markers for tools, parts and equipment |
| A metallic-colored Sharpie | Sharpie Metallic permanent markers | Gold, silver and other metallic inks for dark paper and surfaces |
Sharpie Metal Barrel permanent markers
Sharpie sells a Metal Barrel permanent marker with a chisel tip in black, listed in a 12 count. The metal body is about durability and feel in the hand on a work site or in an office, not about the ink. The ink is still permanent marker ink, so treat it like any classic Sharpie when you write on metal.
Writing on metal with a classic Sharpie
A classic Sharpie writes cleanly on bare and painted metal and is fine for quick labels indoors. But it is a dye ink in alcohol solvents: Sanford safety sheets quoted by an archivist list dyes plus n-propanol, n-butanol and diacetone alcohol for the regular markers (ARSCLIST, 2007). On smooth metal the dye sits on the surface, so alcohol and other solvents lift it, handling wears it, and sunlight fades it. It is also translucent, so black Sharpie barely shows on dark steel.
Sharpie for metal that lasts
Sharpie Industrial
Sharpie sells Industrial permanent markers in a fine point black, in boxes of 12, for marking on the job. Use them where a classic Sharpie fades or wipes off too easily, and test on your actual surface, since oily or coated metal can still resist ink.
Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker
For dark metal, outdoor tools, pipes and anything handled, an opaque oil-based paint marker is the better Sharpie. It leaves a layer of paint rather than dye, so white, yellow and silver show on black steel. Clean the metal with rubbing alcohol first, shake and prime the marker, and let it dry fully. Every point and color is on Sharpie oil-based paint markers, and the white in detail on white Sharpie paint marker.
Metallic Sharpies on metal
Sharpie Metallic permanent markers are made to shine on dark paper and surfaces. On metal they work for decoration, but they are not a tougher ink. Gold and silver oil-based paint markers last better on metal; Sharpie metallic markers compares the two lines.
How to mark metal so it lasts
- Clean and degrease
Wipe the area with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Oil and dust are the main reason marks fail.
- Pick the color for contrast
Black on bright metal, white or yellow on dark or painted metal.
- Mark and wait
Write in one steady pass and let the mark dry before handling; paint markers need longer.
- Protect outdoor marks
For marks that face weather, use an oil-based paint marker, and consider a clear coat over decorative work.
For other brands made for steel, including industrial paint markers, see paint markers for metal.
How to get Sharpie off metal
edding’s guidance for permanent marker applies to Sharpie too: permanent marker can only be removed from smooth, non-porous surfaces, using ethanol, methylated spirit or isopropanol, while paint marker needs a cleaner such as benzine; test on an inconspicuous area first (edding FAQ). In practice:
- Classic Sharpie: rubbing alcohol on a cloth, wiped in small circles.
- Oil-based paint marker: a solvent cleaner suited to the metal’s finish, or careful scraping on bare metal once dry.
- Painted or powder-coated metal: go gently; strong solvents can dull or soften the finish.
The full method for every paint marker type is in how to remove paint marker.
Sharpie metal markers on Amazon
The Metal Barrel, Industrial, oil-based paint and metallic Sharpies, each listing checked by hand.
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Sharpie Metal Barrel permanent markers, chisel tip, black, 12 count
The Sharpie with a metal body, in a chisel tip, per the listing.
- Chisel tip
- 12 markers
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Sharpie Industrial permanent markers, fine point, black, box of 12
Sharpie’s industrial line for marking on the job.
- Fine point
- 12 markers
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Sharpie oil-based paint markers, medium point, assorted 5 count
Opaque oil-based paint for marks that show and last on dark metal.
- Medium point
- 5 colors
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Sharpie oil-based paint marker, medium point, white, pack of 3
White oil-based paint, the most visible color on dark steel.
- Medium
- White
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Sharpie Metallic permanent markers, fine point, assorted metallic, 6 count
Metallic inks for decoration on dark surfaces.
- Fine point
- 6 metallics
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 the Sharpie copper pen real copper?
We found nothing in Sharpie’s listings saying its metallic colors contain real copper metal. Metallic markers get their shine from metallic-effect pigments, and copper, gold and silver are color names. If you need a mark that is chemically copper, a marker will not do it; for a copper look on paper, metal or glass, a metallic marker is fine.
Is there an eraser that can erase Sharpie?
No pencil-style eraser removes Sharpie from paper. On smooth, non-porous surfaces such as metal, glass and whiteboards, a cloth with rubbing alcohol lifts classic Sharpie ink, and scribbling over the mark with a dry erase marker and wiping can lift it from whiteboards and glossy surfaces. Oil-based paint marker needs a solvent cleaner or scraping.
Does Sharpie come off metal?
Classic Sharpie can. On bare, smooth metal the dye ink sits on top, so rubbing alcohol on a cloth removes it, and edding notes that permanent marker on smooth surfaces comes off with ethanol, methylated spirit or isopropanol. Oil-based paint marker holds much better and needs a stronger cleaner; edding suggests a benzine cleaner for paint markers. Outdoors, sun and weather also wear classic Sharpie down over time.
Does WD-40 remove Sharpie stains?
People often use penetrating lubricants like WD-40 to loosen permanent marker on hard, non-porous surfaces such as metal, and it can help. We did not find a WD-40 company page to cite, so treat it as a home remedy: spray a little on a cloth, wipe, then wash the area with soapy water to remove the oily film. Rubbing alcohol is the simpler first try on metal.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.