Short answer
For paper, card, wood and rocks, a water-based acrylic metallic marker covers well and cleans up with water. For glass, metal and plastic that will be handled, use an oil-based metallic paint marker. For quick sheen on black paper and posters, a permanent metallic marker such as Sharpie Metallic is the simplest choice. Metallic pigments fade faster than most colors, so keep finished pieces out of strong sun.
Four kinds of metallic marker
Metallic paint markers by formula
| Type | Example | Best on | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based acrylic metallic | Artistro, Arteza, Posca gold, Liquitex iridescent | Paper, card, wood, canvas, rocks | Can rub off glass and metal unless sealed |
| Oil-based metallic paint | Sharpie oil-based gold and silver, Uni Paint PX-20 | Glass, metal, plastic, ceramic decor | Shake and prime; ventilate while drawing |
| Permanent metallic ink | Sharpie Metallic | Black paper, posters, cards, labels | Thinner sheen than paint |
| Liquid chrome | Chrome and mirror effect markers | Mirror-like accents on smooth surfaces | Delicate finish; handle little |
Metallic acrylic paint markers
Water-based acrylic is the friendliest metallic: low odor, water cleanup, and good coverage on porous surfaces. The Arteza metallic set, per its listing, includes 20 metallic acrylic markers with bullet and wide nibs for canvas, glass, plastic, rock, ceramic, wood, stone and fabric. Artistro sells a 24 pen metallic dual tip set, and Posca sells gold in its medium pump marker.
One honest limit applies to every brand. Liquitex notes on its marker page that fluorescent and metallic pigments are naturally less lightfast than its other colors (Liquitex). Metallic designs in a sunny window or on an outdoor rock will dull sooner than plain colors, so seal outdoor pieces and keep display pieces out of strong sun.
Metallic marker pens for glass and metal
On glass, metal and glossy plastic, oil-based paint grips best. The Sharpie oil-based assorted pack includes metallic colors, and Uni Paint PX-20 comes in gold and silver, with a listing that describes opaque, glossy marks on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic. These are the pens for ornaments, jars, bike parts and labels. Prime them on scrap, work in a ventilated room, and give them time to cure before handling. For metal specifically, see paint markers for metal.
Metallic outline markers and paper projects
On paper the job is usually an accent: an outline around lettering, a border on a card, a signature on a dark photo. Sharpie Metallic permanent markers are the easy option here, with no shaking needed and opaque metallic ink sold for black paper and dark surfaces. For bolder coverage on dark card, a water-based gold or silver paint pen sits more thickly on top.
Metallic blue paint marker and other colors
Gold and silver dominate, but metallic sets go further. Shuttle Art’s 60 color dual tip set, for example, includes 15 metallics such as metallic blue, green, pink and purple, per its listing, and Sharpie’s Metallic packs add bronze. If you want one specific metallic shade, a set is usually the only way to get it, since few brands sell metallic blue singly.
Liquid chrome markers
Chrome or mirror markers are a separate category that aims for a reflective finish rather than a shimmer. Hobby Lobby, for example, lists metallic liquid chrome markers in fine, medium and chisel tips alongside its Master’s Touch metallic acrylic sets (Hobby Lobby). They look best on smooth, non-porous surfaces and are better for accents you will not handle much.
How to get the best shine
- Shake well
Metallic flakes settle fast. Shake for longer than you would a plain color, and shake again during long sessions.
- Prime on scrap
Press the tip on paper until the paint looks evenly metallic, not clear or patchy.
- Go over dark grounds
Metallics shine most on black, navy and deep colors. On white they can look grey.
- One smooth pass
Scrubbing back and forth over wet metallic paint drags the flakes and dulls the sheen.
- Seal lightly if needed
Mist a clear spray over outdoor or handled pieces; heavy brushing can smear the paint.
Which metallic page next
- Gold paint pens: gold on cards, ornaments and metal.
- Silver paint markers: silver on dark paper, glass and metal.
- Sharpie metallic markers: the permanent ink and oil-based paint options from one brand.
- Opaque paint markers: when coverage matters more than shimmer.
Metallic paint markers on Amazon
Water-based, oil-based and permanent ink metallics, each listing checked by hand.
-
ARTISTRO metallic dual tip acrylic paint marker pens, set of 24
Twenty-four water-based metallic colors with two tips per pen, per the listing. A wide metallic palette for paper, wood and rocks.
- 24 metallic colors
- Dual tip
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ARTEZA metallic acrylic paint markers, 20 pens
Bullet and wide nibs in 20 metallics; the listing names canvas, glass, plastic, rock, ceramic, wood, stone and fabric.
- 20 metallics
- Bullet and wide nibs
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Sharpie Metallic permanent markers, fine point, 6 count
Two gold, two silver and two bronze, per the listing: opaque permanent metallic ink with no shaking.
- Gold, silver, bronze
- Fine point
-
Sharpie oil-based paint markers, medium, assorted and metallic, 5 count
Oil-based paint including metallic colors, for glass, metal and plastic decor.
- Oil-based
- Medium point
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Grabie 0.7 mm acrylic paint markers, 6 gold and silver
Extra fine gold and silver for outlines, lettering and small dots.
- 0.7 mm
- Gold and silver
-
Liquitex Professional paint marker, Iridescent Rich Silver
An artist-grade iridescent silver acrylic marker for paintings and mixed media.
- Acrylic
- Iridescent silver
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
Does Dollar Tree have metallic markers?
Dollar store stock varies by location and season, and we could not confirm a metallic marker on Dollar Tree’s website, so check your local store or the store’s site before you go. For a dependable metallic, Sharpie Metallic permanent markers and gold and silver paint pen sets are widely sold at craft, office and online stores.
What is the difference between a paint pen and a paint marker?
Nothing meaningful: the two names describe the same thing, a marker that holds opaque paint instead of ink. Makers use them interchangeably. What matters is the paint inside, water-based acrylic or oil-based, and the tip size.
What are metallic sharpies used for?
Sharpie sells its Metallic permanent markers for black paper and dark surfaces, crafts and posters. The listings say the ink is opaque and permanent with a sheen that stands out on light and dark surfaces, dries quickly and resists fading and water. People use them for cards, scrapbooks, signatures on dark photos, labels and gift tags.
What are the best metallic paint pens?
It depends on the surface. Water-based acrylic metallic sets such as Artistro, Arteza or Posca gold suit paper, wood and rocks. Oil-based metallics such as Sharpie oil-based gold and silver or Uni Paint PX-20 suit glass, metal and plastic. Sharpie Metallic permanent markers are the quick, no-shake choice for paper and card.
What’s the difference between paint pens and paint markers?
They are two names for one tool. Both carry paint that sits on top of the surface and covers what is underneath, unlike dye-ink markers that soak in. Choose by paint base (water-based acrylic for paper, wood and rocks; oil-based for slick surfaces) and by tip size.