Short answer
Sharpie oil-based paint markers are opaque, solvent paint pens. Sharpie’s Amazon listings describe quick-drying oil-based ink that resists fading, smearing and water, with opaque, glossy marks on dark, light and reflective surfaces. Buy the extra fine for small labels and detail, fine for everyday writing, and medium for bold marks. Keep them off food-contact surfaces.
Sharpie oil-based paint marker tips
Sharpie oil-based tip sizes and typical uses (our suggestions, not maker claims)
| Tip | Good for | Popular colors |
|---|---|---|
| Extra fine | Small labels, serial numbers, fine detail, wine glass names | White, black |
| Fine | Everyday writing on tools, jars and plastic | White, black, assorted packs |
| Medium | Bold labels, pipes, outdoor signs, rocks | White, black, silver, gold |
| Bold | Large marks on crates, lumber and equipment | White, black, yellow |
For the paint itself, the verified Amazon listings in the picks below describe quick-drying oil-based ink that resists fading, smearing and water, and opaque, glossy marks that stand out on dark, light and reflective surfaces. The medium assorted pack is also listed as suited to rock painting, posters and window art. Those are maker claims as listed; test a hidden spot on anything valuable.
White Sharpie oil-based paint marker
White is the color most people buy, because it is the one that shows on black plastic, dark metal, glass and tires. The white Sharpie oil-based paint marker in extra fine point is popular for labeling small parts, writing on mason jars and adding highlights to painted rocks. For larger lettering on dark surfaces, the medium white is easier to keep opaque in one pass.
If the white looks thin, go over it once more after the first pass is dry, rather than pressing harder. Pressing floods the valve and leaves blobs.
Sharpie oil-based paint markers to buy
All listings checked by hand. Packs and colors change, so confirm the tip size on the listing.
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, extra fine, white 4 count
The Sharpie oil based paint marker extra fine point white: small, crisp white text on dark parts and glass.
- Extra fine point
- 4 white pens
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, extra fine, black 4 count
The black version for fine labels on light metal, plastic and glass.
- Extra fine point
- 4 black pens
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, fine, white
A single fine white for everyday labeling where extra fine feels too thin.
- Fine point
- White
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, fine point, 8 pack
Sharpie oil based fine point paint markers in eight colors for color-coding and crafts.
- Fine point
- 8 assorted colors
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, medium, white 3 pack
Bold white marks on tires, pipes, lumber and outdoor signs.
- Medium point
- 3 white pens
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, medium, 8 count
Medium color pack for rocks, pumpkins and craft projects that need tougher paint.
- Medium point
- 8 assorted colors
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.
Sharpie extra fine paint pen: when to choose it
The Sharpie extra fine oil-based paint marker is the smallest tip in the range. Choose it for anything small: model parts, keys, jewelry tags, glass labels and fine rock details. It runs out faster than the medium and dries quicker at the tip, so cap it between uses. If you need a finer line on paper, a classic Sharpie Ultra Fine permanent marker writes thinner, but it is translucent ink, not paint.
How to start a Sharpie oil-based marker
- Shake.
With the cap on, shake until the mixing ball rattles, then for a few more seconds.
- Press to prime.
On scrap paper or cardboard, press the tip down several times until paint flows into it.
- Write lightly.
Let the paint flow; re-press the tip on scrap when the line fades.
- Cap it tightly.
Recap right after use so the tip does not dry out, and keep the pen away from heat.
Still dry? Our paint pen not working guide covers clogs and stuck valves.
Oil based paint markers Sharpie vs water-based
Oil-based paint grips slick surfaces and shrugs off water, but it smells strongly and needs ventilation. Water-based acrylic pens such as Posca or Sharpie Creative are low odor and better on paper and canvas, but they wipe off glass and metal unless sealed. For mixed projects, many people keep both. Our acrylic vs oil-based paint markers guide goes deeper, and oil-based paint markers compares Sharpie with Uni PX-20 and others.
Removing mistakes: wipe wet paint off at once. Dried oil-based paint usually needs a solvent such as rubbing alcohol; that is general guidance, not a Sharpie instruction, so test on a hidden spot first, because solvents can damage some plastics and finishes. For glass projects, see glass markers; back to all Sharpie paint markers.
Questions people ask
Can paint markers be used on glass?
Yes. Oil-based paint markers such as Sharpie oil-based grip glass well; Sharpie’s listings describe marks that stand out on reflective surfaces and suggest the pens for window art. Water-based paint pens like Posca also draw on glass but wipe off with a damp cloth unless sealed. For glassware that will be washed often, use a bakeable glass and porcelain pen instead, and keep any paint off rims and food-contact areas.
Are Sharpie acrylic paint markers good?
Sharpie’s acrylic line is the water-based Creative marker, not the oil-based paint marker. Retailer copy of Sharpie’s claims says Creative markers need no priming and do not bleed through paper. They suit crafts, journaling and rocks; for metal, glass and outdoor marks the oil-based paint markers on this page are the tougher choice.
Is regular Sharpie oil based?
No. A classic Sharpie permanent marker uses alcohol-based dye ink, which is translucent. Sharpie oil-based paint markers are a separate line with opaque, solvent paint and a valve tip that you press to start.
What paint markers are waterproof?
Oil-based paint markers are the most water-resistant once dry; Sharpie’s listings describe the oil-based ink as resisting fading, smearing and water, which is not the same as waterproof. Water-based acrylic markers are permanent on porous surfaces but need a clear sealer to stand up to rain or washing.
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 translucent dye ink. Extra Fine is the smallest tip in the oil-based paint marker range, which has no Ultra Fine version, and it lays down opaque paint. We could not confirm maker line widths for either, so compare on the pack before buying.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.