Short answer
For paper, card, photos and posters, use Sharpie Metallic permanent markers: opaque metallic ink in fine and chisel tips, no shaking, sold for black paper and dark surfaces. For glass, metal, plastic, rock and outdoor labels, use Sharpie oil-based paint markers in gold or silver: shake-and-press valve pens with opaque paint that resists water, fading and abrasion.
Two Sharpie metallic lines
Sharpie metallic markers compared, per the listings
| Sharpie Metallic permanent marker | Sharpie oil-based paint marker, metallic | |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | Opaque metallic permanent ink | Opaque oil-based paint, valve action |
| Prep | None: no shaking, per the listing | Shake, then press the tip to start the paint |
| Tips | Fine, chisel | Extra fine, fine, medium |
| Colors we found | Gold, silver, bronze | Gold, metallic gold, metallic silver, assorted metallics |
| Best on | Paper, card, photos, posters, labels | Glass, metal, plastic, rock, pottery, rubber |
| Listing claims | Quick-drying, fade and water resistant, AP certified | Dries in minutes; resists water, fading and abrasion; AP certified, xylene-free |
Sharpie Metallic permanent markers
These are the metallic markers most people picture: a Sharpie-shaped pen that writes gold, silver or bronze straight from the cap. The listings call the finish authentic metallic in opaque, permanent ink, with a sheen that stands out on light and dark surfaces, quick-drying, fade and water resistant, and AP certified. The silver two-pack is sold “for black paper or dark surfaces,” which is exactly where metallic ink earns its keep: signatures on dark photos and album pages, black card, gift tags, posters and labels.
The fine point handles writing and outlines; the chisel tip gives you both thin and thick lines from one pen, and its listing says to store it tip down. The six-count assortment holds two gold, two silver and two bronze.
Sharpie metallic paint markers: the oil-based pens
When the job is on glass, metal, plastic or stone, switch to the oil-based paint markers. The metallic silver extra fine listing describes a long-lasting opaque paint marker with valve action that dries in minutes, resists fading and smearing, works on metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic and stone, and resists water, fading and abrasion. It is AP certified non-toxic and xylene-free, per the listing. Sharpie also sells gold in extra fine and a three-pack of metallic gold in medium, plus a medium assorted pack that includes metallics.
These pens need a moment of setup: shake with the cap on, then press the tip on scrap until paint flows. Work in a ventilated room, and give the paint time to cure before handling. For the full oil-based range, see Sharpie oil-based paint markers.
Sharpie silver metallic marker on black
Silver on black is the classic use. On black paper, the Metallic permanent marker is quick and clean. On black plastic, painted metal or dark glass, the oil-based metallic silver lays a thicker, more opaque line that holds up to handling. Sharpie also sells a medium silver permanent paint marker, which we cover on silver paint markers.
Metallic markers permanent: what that means here
“Permanent” on the Metallic marker means the ink resists water and fading once dry on paper and similar surfaces; it does not mean it cannot be removed from glass or bare metal. On smooth surfaces, rubbing alcohol on a cloth often lifts it. The oil-based paint is more durable on slick surfaces. If you want the mark to stay outdoors or on a handled tool, choose paint.
Who makes Sharpie metallic markers
Sharpie is a Newell Brands marker brand that started with the first pen-style permanent marker in 1964 and later added paint markers (Wikipedia). Wikipedia says Sharpie markers are made in Mexicali, Mexico, and Maryville, Tennessee, and by off-shore partners. For metallics from other brands, compare metallic paint markers and gold paint pens.
Which Sharpie metallic to buy
- Cards, scrapbooks, black paper: Metallic permanent markers, fine point, six-count assortment.
- Big lettering on posters and boards: Metallic chisel tip.
- Labels on metal tools, glass jars, bike parts: oil-based metallic silver or gold, extra fine for writing.
- Rocks and ornaments: oil-based metallic medium for bold coverage; seal rocks that go outside.
For water-based acrylic options from Sharpie, see Sharpie acrylic markers, and for every Sharpie line, Sharpie paint markers.
Sharpie metallic markers on Amazon
Metallic permanent markers and oil-based metallic paint pens, each listing checked by hand.
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Sharpie Metallic permanent markers, fine point, assorted, 6 count
Two gold, two silver and two bronze, per the listing: opaque permanent metallic ink with no shaking.
- Fine point
- Gold, silver, bronze
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Sharpie Metallic permanent markers, fine point, silver, 2 count
The silver pair sold for black paper and dark surfaces.
- Fine point
- Silver
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Sharpie Metallic permanent markers, chisel tip, 3 count
Chisel tips for thin and thick metallic lines from one pen, per the listing.
- Chisel tip
- 3 metallic colors
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Sharpie oil-based paint marker, extra fine, metallic silver
Valve-action oil-based paint the listing says works on metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic and stone.
- Extra fine
- Metallic silver
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Sharpie oil-based paint marker, medium, metallic gold, 3 count
Three medium metallic gold paint markers for bold gold on slick surfaces.
- Medium
- Metallic gold
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Sharpie oil-based paint marker, extra fine, gold
Extra fine gold oil-based paint for writing and fine detail.
- Extra fine
- 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
Are Sharpie acrylic paint markers good?
The Sharpie Creative acrylic markers are easy to use and, in Sarah Renae Clark’s direct-ink comparison, mostly opaque, though they did not hold up as well on rocks and plastic. For metallic work, Sharpie’s Metallic permanent markers and oil-based gold and silver paint pens are the more common choices.
Does metallic Sharpie show up on black?
Yes. Sharpie sells its Metallic permanent markers for black paper and dark surfaces, and the listings describe opaque ink with a sheen that stands out on light and dark surfaces. For the boldest coverage on black plastic, metal or glass, the oil-based silver or gold paint marker lays down a thicker, more opaque line.
What is the difference between Sharpie Extra Fine and Ultra Fine markers?
They are different products. Ultra Fine is a classic Sharpie permanent marker with dye ink. Extra Fine is the smallest point in the oil-based paint marker range, including gold and metallic silver, and it lays down opaque paint. Sharpie Metallic permanent markers come in fine and chisel points. Check line widths on the pack, since we could not confirm maker figures.
Does Sharpie come off metal?
Metallic permanent ink and classic Sharpie usually come off smooth, bare metal with rubbing alcohol on a cloth; test first on painted or coated metal. Oil-based paint marker is much tougher: its listing says it resists water, fading and abrasion, so removal takes a stronger solvent or gentle scraping. If you want a mark that stays, the oil-based pen is the right one.
Are sharpies still made in the USA?
Partly. Wikipedia says Sharpie markers are manufactured in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and in Maryville, Tennessee, plus numerous off-shore partners. Country of origin can differ by product, so check the packaging of the specific marker.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.