Short answer
The white Sharpie is the Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker in white, sold in extra fine, fine and medium points. Use extra fine for small labels and detail, medium for bold lettering on dark plastic, metal, glass and tires. For erasable white on boards and windows, Sharpie sells a white wet erase chalk marker. For water-based white on paper and rocks, compare Posca.
Every white Sharpie
White Sharpie markers compared
| Marker | Paint | Point | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-Based Paint Marker, extra fine, white | Oil-based | Extra fine | Small labels, cables, detail, rock highlights |
| Oil-Based Paint Marker, fine, white | Oil-based | Fine | Everyday labeling, jars, ornaments |
| Oil-Based Paint Marker, medium, white | Oil-based | Medium | Bold lettering on dark plastic, metal, tires |
| Sharpie Chalk Marker, white | Wet erase chalk | Medium | Boards, windows, menus; wipes off |
The oil-based whites are covered in depth, with the other colors, on Sharpie oil-based paint markers. This page sticks to white: which one, where it works, and how to make it cover.
Sharpie white paint pen: which point?
- Extra fine: the one for writing. Part numbers on black plastic, names on dark glass ornaments, fine highlights on painted rocks. It needs a light touch and patience on rough surfaces.
- Fine: the all-rounder for labels, jars and tool handles.
- Medium: the one that covers in one pass on dark metal, tires and black bins. Easier to keep opaque than the finer points for big letters.
Sharpie paint marker medium white: getting solid coverage
- Shake hard
Shake with the cap on until the mixing ball rattles freely, then a little longer. White pigment settles fast.
- Prime on scrap
Press the tip down on scrap paper or cardboard until white paint flows. Do not prime on the item.
- One steady pass
Write at an even speed without pressing hard; pressure crushes the tip and floods paint.
- Second pass when dry
If the white looks grey, wait until it is dry and go over it again rather than scrubbing.
Clean the surface first: wipe metal, glass and plastic with rubbing alcohol so the paint bonds. Use solvent paint markers with ventilation. For metal specifically, see Sharpie on metal.
Where white Sharpie paint works best
White Sharpie paint marker by surface
| Surface | Works? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Black plastic, bins, cables | Yes | The classic use; clean first |
| Dark metal, tools | Yes | Oil-based paint grips clean metal |
| Glass, jars, ornaments | Yes, for decor | Can be scraped off flat glass; not for food-contact areas |
| Tires and rubber | Yes | Medium point for raised letters |
| Paper and black paper art | Yes, but strong solvent smell | Water-based white is nicer for paper |
| Painted rocks | Yes, for highlights | Seal outdoor rocks |
White Sharpie chalk marker: the erasable one
For whites that should wipe away, such as menu boards, windows and car glass, Sharpie sells a white wet erase chalk marker; its listing says it wipes off with a damp cloth. It is a different product from the paint marker and will not last on a sign. Details on Sharpie chalk markers.
White Sharpie versus other whites
White paint markers compared
| White | Paint | Choose it for |
|---|---|---|
| Sharpie oil-based white | Oil-based | Easy to find, three points, slick surfaces |
| Uni Paint PX-20 or PX-21 white | Oil-based | Marking metal and equipment; fine 1.2 mm and medium 1.8 to 2.2 mm |
| Posca white | Water-based | Paper, rocks, wood; every tip from 0.7 to 15 mm |
| Artistro extra fine white | Water-based | Budget fine white that reviewed as very opaque |
In Sarah Renae Clark’s pump marker review, the Artistro white extra fine stood out as one of the most opaque whites. The full white category, with water-based and oil-based options, is on white paint markers.
White Sharpie paint markers on Amazon
Every white Sharpie point, the wet erase white and one alternative, each listing checked by hand.
-
Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, extra fine, white 4 count
Four extra fine whites for labels, cables and detail.
- Extra fine
- 4 pens
-
Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, fine, white
A single fine white for everyday labeling.
- Fine
- White
-
Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, medium point, white, pack of 3
Three medium whites for bold lettering on dark metal, plastic and tires.
- Medium
- 3 pens
-
Sharpie Chalk Marker, wet erase, white, 2 count
Erasable white for boards and windows, which the listing says wipes off with a damp cloth.
- Wet erase
- 2 pens
-
Uni Paint PX-21 oil-based paint markers, fine 1.2 mm, white 2 count
An alternative fine oil-based white from Uni.
- 1.2 mm
- White
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
Why is there no white Sharpie?
There is, but not as a classic permanent marker. Regular Sharpies use translucent dye ink that tints the surface, and white dye would be invisible on white and barely show on anything else. White has to be opaque pigment sitting on top of the surface, so Sharpie makes its white as an oil-based paint marker.
Do white sharpie markers exist?
Yes. Sharpie sells white Oil-Based Paint Markers in extra fine, fine and medium points, singly and in multipacks, and a white wet erase Sharpie Chalk Marker for boards and windows. Both are opaque, which is why they show up on black and dark colors.
What is the best white paint marker?
It depends on the surface. For glass, metal, plastic and outdoor marks, an oil-based white such as Sharpie oil-based or Uni Paint PX-20 or PX-21 white grips best. For paper, rocks and wood, a water-based white such as Posca PC-5M covers well; in Sarah Renae Clark’s comparison, the Artistro extra fine white was one of the most opaque whites. Test on your surface.
Does anyone make a white permanent marker?
Yes, as paint markers. Sharpie, Uni Paint and Markal all sell white oil-based paint markers that are permanent on most surfaces, and Posca and Molotow sell water-based acrylic whites that are permanent on porous surfaces. A white dye-ink marker like a classic Sharpie does not really work, because white has to cover rather than tint.
Is there such a thing as a white Sharpie pen?
Sharpie’s white comes as a paint marker rather than a pen. The extra fine oil-based paint marker writes the finest white line in the range and is the closest thing to a white Sharpie pen for small writing, such as labels on black cables or names on dark ornaments.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.