Gold paint pens

Gold paint pens by surface

Gold acrylic paint pens for paper and crafts

Water-based gold is the friendliest option: low odor, water cleanup, and solid coverage on porous surfaces. Posca sells gold in its medium PC-5M, a 1.8 to 2.5 mm reversible tip; its listing says the ink is opaque, permanent on porous surfaces and erasable on most non-porous ones. Artistro sells a five-pen gold dual tip set, and Grabie an extra fine 0.7 mm gold and silver pack for fine lines and lettering. For artists, Liquitex makes an Iridescent Antique Gold marker in its Professional range.

Gold paint marker pens for metal and glass

For anything slick or handled, oil-based gold is the safer choice. The Uni Paint PX-20 gold listing describes a medium bullet tip with opaque, glossy marks on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic, valve action for smooth flow, and oil-based paint that withstands weather, heat and abrasion. Sharpie sells oil-based gold in an extra fine point and metallic gold in a medium three-pack; its oil-based listings describe paint that resists water, fading and abrasion. Clean metal with rubbing alcohol first and work in a ventilated room. More on metal in paint markers for metal.

Gold metallic marker or gold paint?

A gold metallic ink marker such as Sharpie Metallic writes straight from the cap and suits signatures, labels and cards on dark paper. A gold paint pen lays down a thicker, more reflective layer and covers better on dark or textured surfaces. If the gold needs to read from across a room, or sit on metal or glass, use paint. For the whole range of metallics, see metallic paint markers.

How to get a bright gold line

1. Shake well, and often

   Gold flakes sink quickly. Shake before you start and again every few minutes.

2. Prime on scrap

   Press until the line looks evenly gold, not clear medium with a few flakes.

3. Dark grounds shine

   Gold glows on black, navy, deep green and red. On white it can look mustard.

4. One smooth pass

   Going back over wet metallic paint drags the flakes and dulls the shine. Let it dry, then add a second pass if needed.

5. Protect it

   Mist a clear spray over outdoor or handled pieces.

One limit applies to every brand: Liquitex notes that metallic pigments are naturally less lightfast than its other colors (Liquitex). Keep gold artwork out of strong sun.

Gold paint pens for calligraphy and wedding cards

For lettering, choose by stroke style. A brush or dual tip gold gives thick and thin strokes for modern calligraphy; an extra fine 0.7 mm gold handles small text and addresses; a medium bullet suits monoline lettering. On dark card stock, gold paint pens look richer than gold gel pens. Test on the exact paper first: some coated card stocks resist water-based paint.

Gold on rocks, ornaments and frames

Gold accents lift painted rocks, especially dot mandalas and night skies on dark bases; see Christmas rock painting for gold star and ornament designs. For glass ornaments and frames, oil-based gold grips better than water-based. Pair gold with red paint markers for holiday work, or with silver paint markers for a two-metal palette.