Short answer
For general art on paper, wood and rocks, start with a mid grey water-based paint marker such as a Posca PC-5M grey, and add a deep grey for shadows. For shading, a gray tones set (light to dark, such as Artistro’s 5 gray tones or Posca’s grey tones set) does the most. For metal and plastic, an oil-based grey such as the Pentel MMP20 grey grips better. Big areas suit an 8 mm or broad chisel grey.
Grey paint markers
Greys by depth, tip and paint type, each listing checked by hand.
-
Posca PC-5M grey, medium tip
A mid grey in the medium tip for shadows, stone, fur and lettering.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- Grey
-
Posca PC-5M deep grey, 3 count
Three medium deep greys for darker shadows and outlines that are softer than black.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- Deep grey, 3 pens
-
Posca PC-5M medium grey tones, set of 3
Three grey tones in one set, per the listing, for shading from light to dark.
- Medium tip
- 3 grey tones
-
ARTISTRO 5 gray tones dual-tip acrylic paint markers
Five grey tones with two tips each for value studies and monochrome drawing.
- Dual tip
- 5 gray tones
-
Posca PC-8K grey, 2 count
Broad 8 mm chisel greys for backgrounds, concrete textures and big areas.
- 8 mm chisel
- Grey, 2 pens
-
edding 5000 acrylic marker broad, grey
A broad 5 to 10 mm chisel acrylic marker in grey, sold for canvas, art paper and wood.
- 5 to 10 mm chisel
- Grey
-
Pentel MMP20 paint markers, black, grey and white, 3 pack
An oil-based grey paint marker with black and white, for metal, plastic and glass.
- Medium bullet
- Oil-based
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.
Grey paint markers by depth
Grey paint markers by depth and temperature
| Grey | Use it for | Good with |
|---|---|---|
| Light grey | Soft shadows on white, clouds, highlights on dark grey | White, pastels |
| Mid grey | Stone, concrete, fur, feathers, metal objects | Black and white |
| Deep grey | Strong shadows, outlines softer than black | Mid and light grey |
| Warm grey | Wood, sand, skin shadows, vintage looks | Browns, creams |
| Cool grey | Steel, sky, water, modern designs | Blues, white |
Most people need just two: a mid grey and a deep grey. Add a light grey if you shade a lot of white objects, such as snowmen, ghosts or clouds.
Shading with a set of grey tones
A set of three to five greys turns flat shapes into round ones. Pick a light source, then:
- Base color first
Fill the shape in its main color and let it dry.
- Lightest grey on the shadow side
Lay a light grey crescent on the side away from the light.
- Mid grey inside it
Add a narrower band of mid grey along the darkest edge.
- Deep grey last
A thin line of deep grey where the object meets the ground.
- Soften the steps
Dot or dash along each boundary with both greys so the bands blend.
Shading white objects this way is the easiest way to make white paint markers look solid on paper. For the darkest values, see black paint markers and black Posca markers.
Grey on different surfaces
- Paper and canvas: water-based greys layer cleanly; broad chisels such as an edding 5000 or Posca PC-8K fill backgrounds fast.
- Rocks: grey gives realistic stone, elephants, koalas, sharks and storm clouds. Seal outdoor rocks.
- Metal and plastic: an oil-based grey grips better. Pentel lists grey among the 15 colors of its MMP20 paint marker (Pentel UK); see Pentel paint marker.
- Fabric: paint markers stiffen fabric; for soft grey on clothes, see grey fabric markers.
Grey vs silver
Grey is a flat color; silver is metallic and shifts with the light. For steel and chrome that should shine, use silver paint markers; for shadows, stone and anything matte, grey. A deep grey under silver gives metallic objects a convincing shadow side.
Gray or grey?
Both spellings are correct: gray is more common in American English and grey in British English. Marker makers use both, sometimes on the same box, so search for both when shopping. For every color and type, see paint markers.
Questions people ask
Is a grey paint pen different from a grey paint marker?
No real difference: both names mean a marker that holds opaque paint, water-based acrylic or oil-based, instead of dye ink. Sellers use the two names interchangeably. What matters is the paint type, the tip size and whether the pen is pump action, which needs shaking and priming, or direct ink.
Does Sharpie make a gray marker?
Sharpie’s classic permanent markers come in many colors, but they use translucent dye ink, so even a grey one will not cover like paint. For an opaque grey paint marker, look at Posca’s grey and deep grey, Pentel’s MMP20 paint marker, which Pentel lists in grey, or gray tone sets from brands such as Artistro and Guangna.
How to start a paint pen?
With the cap on, shake the pen hard until you hear the mixing ball rattle, then keep shaking a little longer. On scrap paper, press the tip down gently several times until paint soaks into it and the line runs solid. Do not press so hard that it floods. If it stays dry, shake again and repeat.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.
