Short answer
Sharpie’s water-based paint pens are the Sharpie Creative Markers (water-based acrylic, in bullet, brush and fine tips) and the Sharpie Water-Based Paint Markers (sold in packs such as an extra fine metallic 3 pack). They have little smell, clean up with water while wet and suit paper, wood, rock, canvas and crafts. For glass, metal, plastic and outdoor marking, Sharpie’s oil-based paint markers grip better.
Which Sharpie paint pens are water-based
Sharpie paint pens by paint type, per the listings
| Sharpie line | Paint | Tips on Amazon | Best surfaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpie Creative Markers | Water-based acrylic | Bullet, brush, fine | Paper, wood, rock, canvas, ceramic decor |
| Sharpie Water-Based Paint Markers | Water-based paint | Extra fine (metallic 3 pack) | Paper, cards, crafts, light decor |
| Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers | Oil-based paint | Extra fine, fine, medium, bold | Glass, metal, plastic, outdoor labels |
| Classic Sharpie | Permanent dye ink | Fine, ultra fine and more | Labeling almost anything; translucent |
The quickest check is the barrel and the box: water-based Sharpie paint pens say water-based on them, and the oil-based ones say oil-based. If a hardware store carries one Sharpie paint pen, it is usually the oil-based one.
Sharpie Creative Markers: the main water-based line
A retailer page repeating Sharpie’s claims describes the Creative Markers as water-based acrylic markers with the opaque look of acrylic paint, for light and dark surfaces, ready to use without shaking, quick drying and layerable without smudging (Modulor). On Amazon they come in bullet, brush and fine tip assortments, plus a combo pack with earth tones and a 36 count variety pack.
Independent reviewer Sarah Renae Clark found the brush version flows well, is very easy to use and mostly opaque, but did not hold up as well on rocks and plastic (direct ink review). We cover the Creative line in detail on Sharpie acrylic markers, so this page sticks to the water-based versus oil-based question.
Water-based vs oil-based Sharpie paint markers
| Water-based Sharpie | Oil-based Sharpie | |
|---|---|---|
| Smell | Mild | Solvent smell; use in a ventilated room |
| Cleanup while wet | Water | Solvent |
| Paper | Good; the listings say no bleed through | Usable, with a strong smell |
| Wood, rock, canvas | Good; seal for outdoors | Good |
| Glass, metal, plastic | Scratches or washes off unless sealed | Grips well once dry |
| Outdoors | Needs a clear sealer | Better weather resistance |
| Layering over acrylic paint | Sits naturally on dry acrylic | Use only on fully dry paint |
The full comparison across brands is in acrylic vs oil-based paint markers.
When to choose water-based Sharpie paint pens
- Kids and classrooms: mild smell and water cleanup while wet.
- Journals, cards and lettering: the fine and brush tips handle paper well.
- Painting over acrylic: outlines and details on a dry acrylic painting.
- Indoor decor on wood and rock: seal it if it will be handled or go outside.
When to switch to oil-based
- Mugs, glass jars and windows that get washed.
- Metal tools, plastic bins and car parts.
- Outdoor labels and signs.
Those jobs are covered on Sharpie oil-based paint markers. For other water-based brands with stronger coverage on rock, see water-based paint markers.
Removing water-based Sharpie paint
While it is wet, water-based Sharpie paint wipes up with a damp cloth. Once dry on porous surfaces such as paper and raw wood, it is there to stay. On hard, nonporous surfaces, Bob Vila suggests plain nail polish remover for permanent marker on sealed granite, laminate and tile, rinsed afterward, and a wet scrubby sponge for walls (Bob Vila). Test on a hidden spot first, especially on plastic, which solvents can damage. More methods are on how to remove paint marker.
Sharpie water-based paint pens on Amazon
Water-based Sharpie lines only, each listing checked by hand.
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Sharpie Creative Markers, bullet tip, 12 count
Water-based acrylic in a bullet tip, the most versatile of the Creative tips, in 12 colors.
- Water-based acrylic
- Bullet tip, 12 colors
-
Sharpie Creative Markers, brush tip, 12 count
The brush version an independent reviewer found easy to use and mostly opaque.
- Water-based acrylic
- Brush tip, 12 colors
-
Sharpie Creative Markers, fine tip, 12 count
Fine tips for lettering, journaling and details.
- Water-based acrylic
- Fine tip, 12 colors
-
Sharpie Creative Markers variety pack, bullet tip, 36 count
A big bullet tip assortment of the water-based acrylic markers, per the listing.
- Water-based acrylic
- 36 count
-
Sharpie Water-Based Paint Markers, extra fine, metallic, 3 pack
The other water-based Sharpie paint line: extra fine metallic paint markers, per the listing.
- Water-based paint
- Extra fine, 3 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
How much are Sharpie pens?
It depends on the line and the pack, and prices change often, so we do not list them. Classic permanent Sharpies usually cost less per pen than Sharpie paint markers. Multipacks lower the price per pen, and office and craft stores run frequent sales.
Are Sharpie water-based paint pens good?
For paper, lettering, journals, wood and light crafts, yes. Sarah Renae Clark found the Sharpie Creative brush markers flow well, are very easy to use and are mostly opaque, though they did not hold up as well on rocks and plastic. For rock painting, a pump-action marker such as Posca usually covers better.
Are Sharpie paint markers water-based?
Some are and some are not. The Sharpie Creative Markers and the Sharpie Water-Based Paint Markers are water-based. The Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, the ones most hardware stores stock, are oil-based, and the classic Sharpie permanent marker uses dye ink, not paint at all. The label says which.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.
