Short answer
For glassware you will wash, use a bake-on glass and porcelain pen exactly as its maker directs: KREUL says its Classic pen is dishwasher safe after baking at 160 °C for 90 minutes. For decor you will not wash, an oil-based paint marker grips best. Water-based acrylic markers and liquid chalk wipe off glass, which is ideal for temporary designs. Keep paint off rims and food-contact areas.
Glass paint markers compared
Glass markers by permanence
| Marker type | Lasts through washing? | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bake-on glass and porcelain pens | Yes, when baked as directed | Mugs, plates, vases you will wash | Follow the maker’s temperature and time exactly |
| Oil-based paint markers | Hand-wiping, not dishwashers | Decor, jars, labels, ornaments | Opaque and glossy; ventilate while drawing |
| Water-based acrylic paint pens | No, wipes off | Temporary art, wine glass names | Seal decor that will not be washed |
| Liquid chalk markers | No, wipes off | Windows, menus, mirrors | Matte, bold; not for porous surfaces |
| Dry erase markers | No, wipes off | Notes on glass boards | Translucent, smudges |
Permanent glass markers: bake-on pens
If the glass will go in a dishwasher, only a pen made to be heat cured makes sense. KREUL says its Glass and Porcelain Pen Classic is dishwasher safe after baking at 160 °C for 90 minutes, and advises painting only areas that do not touch food. Other bake-on pens, such as Porcelaine 150 china paint markers, are listed with a heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe formula once cured. Always follow the specific maker’s curing steps: the temperature and time differ between brands.
Acrylic paint pens for glass
Water-based acrylic paint pens draw beautifully on glass, which is why glass marker sets for wine glasses are mostly water-based. The trade-off is staying power: Posca says its paint can be cleaned off glass with a damp rag. That makes acrylic pens ideal for party glasses, window art and practice, and less suitable for anything washed. For decorative pieces that will only be dusted, a clear spray sealer adds some protection; test it first.
White glass markers and markers for writing on glass
White is the most legible color on clear glass, against both light and dark backgrounds. For fine labels on jars and bottles, an extra fine white oil-based paint marker writes small and opaque; for big lettering on mirrors and windows, a jumbo white liquid chalk marker covers fastest. Our white paint markers page compares more whites.
For temporary writing on glass, liquid chalk markers wipe off with water: see chalk markers and window chalk markers.
How to draw on glass
- Clean and degrease.
Wash the glass, then wipe with rubbing alcohol so finger oils do not block the paint.
- Prime the pen on scrap.
Shake and press the tip on paper until paint flows, not on the glass.
- Draw in thin layers.
Let each layer dry before adding another; thick paint on glass runs and peels.
- Cure or seal.
Bake bake-on pens exactly as directed; let paint markers dry fully before handling.
Decorating windows rather than glassware? See window paint markers. Choosing between paint bases? Read acrylic vs oil-based paint markers.
Glass markers on Amazon
Bake-on pens for washable glass, oil-based for decor, water-based for temporary art. Each listing checked by hand.
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KREUL Glass and Porcelain Pen Classic, medium, black
Bake-on glass and porcelain pen with a 2 to 4 mm tip; KREUL says it is dishwasher safe after baking as directed.
View on Amazon: KREUL Glass and Porcelain Pen Classic, medium, black -
KREUL Glass and Porcelain Classic, 1 to 2 mm
The finer KREUL Classic for detail and lettering on glass and porcelain.
View on Amazon: KREUL Glass and Porcelain Classic, 1 to 2 mm -
Porcelaine 150 china paint fine tip marker, Lapis Blue
A bake-on china paint marker listed with a heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe formula once cured.
View on Amazon: Porcelaine 150 china paint fine tip marker, Lapis Blue -
Sharpie oil-based paint marker, extra fine, white 4 count
Opaque white for labels on jars and bottles; the listing describes glossy marks on reflective surfaces.
View on Amazon: Sharpie oil-based paint marker, extra fine, white 4 count -
Uni Paint PX-20 oil-based markers, medium, white 2 count
Oil-based paint the listing describes as opaque and glossy on glass, metal and plastic.
View on Amazon: Uni Paint PX-20 oil-based markers, medium, white 2 count -
Artistro 24 dual tip glass marker pens for wine glasses
Water-based glass marker pens for party glasses and temporary designs.
View on Amazon: Artistro 24 dual tip glass marker pens for wine glasses
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 glass pens permanent?
Some are, after curing. Bake-on glass and porcelain pens become durable once baked as directed; KREUL says its Classic pen is dishwasher safe after baking at 160 °C for 90 minutes. Oil-based paint markers are long-lasting on decor. Water-based paint pens and liquid chalk are not permanent on glass and wipe off.
What are the best glass paint markers?
For washable glassware, a bake-on glass and porcelain pen such as KREUL Classic. For decorative glass you will not wash, oil-based paint markers such as Sharpie oil-based or Uni PX-20. For temporary designs and wine glass names, water-based glass marker pens or liquid chalk.
What are the best chalk markers for glass?
Liquid chalk markers sold for glass and windows, with a nib that suits the job: a 6 mm tip for menus and lettering, a 10 mm or wider nib for big signs. They wipe off with water. Avoid porous surfaces such as unsealed chalkboard paint, where pigment can stain.
Will acrylic markers stay on glass?
Only until it is washed or rubbed. Posca says its water-based paint can be cleaned off glass with a damp rag. That is useful for temporary art and wine glass names, but for anything that must survive washing, use a bake-on glass pen, or seal decor that will not be washed.
Do dry erase markers work on glass?
Yes, dry erase markers write on clean glass and wipe off, which is why glass boards exist. They are translucent and smudge easily, so for visible signs on windows or mirrors, a liquid chalk marker is bolder, and for lasting marks, a paint marker.
Can I put marker-decorated glasses in the dishwasher?
Only if the maker of the specific pen says so, after curing it exactly as directed. Standard acrylic and oil-based paint markers are not described as dishwasher safe. Keep any paint off rims and the inside of cups, bowls and plates.