Short answer
For outlines over paint and lettering on craft surfaces, a water-based black acrylic marker such as Posca PC-1M (0.7 mm) or PC-5M (medium). For metal, glass and plastic, an oil-based black paint pen such as Sharpie Oil-Based or Uni Paint PX-20, which dry glossy. Water-based acrylic blacks usually dry closer to matte.
Black paint markers worth a look on Amazon
Black paint pens from extra fine to broad, water-based and oil-based, each a listing we checked by hand.
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Posca PC-1M black, extra fine 0.7 mm, 3 count
A fine black paint pen for outlines over paint, lettering and detail.
- 0.7 mm extra fine tip (listing)
- Water-based paint
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Posca PC-5M black, medium reversible tip, 3 count
The medium black acrylic marker for lettering on rocks, wood and canvas.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm reversible tip (listing)
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Posca PC-8K black, broad 8 mm, 2 count
A broad black paint marker for base coats, backgrounds and block lettering.
- 8 mm broad tip (listing)
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Molotow ONE4ALL acrylic paint marker, 2 mm, signal black
A refillable black for artists who use a lot of black outline.
- 2 mm tip
- Refillable (maker)
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, medium point, black, 4 pack
A glossy black oil-based paint pen for metal, glass, plastic and outdoor labels.
- Medium point
- Oil-based paint
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Uni Paint PX-20 Oil-Based Paint Markers, medium, black, 2 count
Uni’s black oil-based marker, sold for marking metal, rubber, concrete and plastic, including oily parts.
- 1.8 to 2.2 mm (listing)
- Valve action
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.
Black paint pen types compared
Black paint markers by tip and finish
| Type | Tip | Finish | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine black acrylic marker | 0.7 to 1.3 mm | Satin to matte | Outlines over paint, small lettering | Posca PC-1M, PC-3M, Molotow 1 mm |
| Medium black acrylic marker | 1.8 to 2.5 mm | Satin to matte | Lettering on rock, wood, canvas | Posca PC-5M, Molotow 2 mm |
| Broad black paint marker | 8 to 15 mm | Satin to matte | Backgrounds, signs, murals | Posca PC-8K, Molotow 4 to 8 mm |
| Gloss black paint pen (oil-based) | 1.2 to 2.2 mm | Glossy per makers | Metal, glass, plastic, tires | Sharpie Oil-Based, Uni Paint PX-20 |
Finish descriptions are general. Water-based acrylic blacks tend toward a low sheen; The Uni PX-20 Amazon listing in the picks describes opaque, glossy marks. Sheen also depends on the surface and on any varnish you add.
Matte black paint marker or flat black?
Matte black and flat black paint markers are usually water-based acrylic or pigment markers, which dry with little shine. They are the better choice for artwork, because gloss shows glare in photos and under lights. If you want a truly flat result on a finished piece, a matte spray varnish over the whole surface evens out sheen; see how to seal acrylic marker art.
Gloss black paint pen
A gloss black paint pen is almost always oil or solvent based. The glossy film is tougher on non-porous surfaces and resists water, which is why it is used on car parts, tools, glass and signs. It smells while drying, so work with ventilation. More options are on the oil-based paint markers page.
Black acrylic marker for outlines
Black outlines are where paint markers beat ink. A fineliner under paint gets covered; a black acrylic marker drawn after the color sits on top and can redefine shapes. Let the color layer dry fully first, or the black drags color into it. Use light pressure and a primed, not flooded, tip. The fine tip paint markers page covers detail tips, and drawing markers compares black line options for drawing.
Black paint marker on dark and tricky surfaces
- On glass: water-based black wipes off smooth glass per Posca, which is handy for window art. For permanent marks, use oil-based.
- On rocks: black goes on easily; it is the colors on top of black that need layers. See paint pens for rock painting.
- On fabric: use a marker made for textiles; see black fabric markers.
Pairing black with white
Most kits need a strong black and a strong white more than any other colors. They run out first and do the most work, so buy them as singles or multipacks rather than relying on the one in a set. See white paint markers for the white side, and paint markers for every type.
Questions people ask
Does acrylic marker work on black paper?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons people buy acrylic markers: the opaque paint sits on top of the paper, so light colors show. Whites, yellows and pastels usually need a second coat once the first is dry. In independent testing, Tooli-Art and the Artistro and Arteza whites did well on dark paper.
How much is a paint pen?
Prices vary by brand, tip size and pack size and change often, so check the listing. Budget brands sell big sets cheaply, premium brands like Posca and Molotow cost more per pen, and broad tips cost more than fine ones. Black, like white, is often cheaper per pen in a single-color multipack.
What are some good black pens for drawing?
For ink line work on white paper, pigment fineliners are the standard. For a black line that sits on top of paint or colored paper, a fine black paint marker such as Posca PC-1M or Molotow ONE4ALL 1 mm. For bold lines, a medium black paint marker.
What markers work well on black paper?
Opaque markers: water-based paint markers like Posca, gel pens and opaque colored pencils. Regular dye and alcohol markers are transparent and nearly vanish on black. Prime paint markers on scrap and plan two coats for light colors.
How to paint with paint pens?
Shake the pen with the cap on, prime it on scrap until paint flows, then work light to dark with light pressure. Let each layer dry before going over it, add outlines and details last with a fine tip, and seal work that will be handled or go outside.