Short answer
For art and crafts, water-based fluorescent paint markers such as Posca’s fluorescent PC-5M or a Liquitex fluorescent set give the brightest color on paper, card and wood. For posters, Elmer’s neon opaque paint markers are a budget option, and for clothes, neon fabric markers. Paint over white for maximum glow, and keep neon work out of direct sun.
Neon paint markers on Amazon
Fluorescent paint pens for art and posters, plus neon fabric markers, each listing checked by hand.
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Posca PC-5M fluorescent orange, 3 count
A medium water-based fluorescent orange for posters, rocks and black paper art.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- Fluorescent orange
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Liquitex Professional paint marker set, 6 piece, fluorescents
An artist-grade fluorescent acrylic marker set for paintings and mixed media.
- 6 markers
- Fluorescent colors
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Elmer’s Painters opaque paint markers, medium, neon brights, 5 pack
A budget five pack of neon paint markers for posters, signs and crafts.
- Medium point
- 5 neon colors
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Tulip permanent fabric brush tip markers, neon, set of 10
Neon brush tip fabric markers for tees and tote bags.
- Brush tip
- 10 neon colors
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Tulip fine tip and brush tip fabric markers, neon pack, 24 colors
A larger neon fabric set with fine and brush tips.
- Fine + brush
- 24 colors
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.
Fluorescent paint marker options by use
Neon paint markers by use
| Use | Best type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Art on paper, card, black paper | Water-based fluorescent paint marker | Posca PC-5M fluorescent colors |
| Canvas and paintings | Artist acrylic marker | Liquitex fluorescents set |
| Posters and party signs | Budget neon paint markers | Elmer’s neon brights |
| T-shirts and totes | Neon fabric markers | Tulip neon packs |
| Windows and glass signs | Neon liquid chalk markers | See our chalk marker pages |
Posca neon colors
Posca’s range page lists 66 colors, including 8 metallic, 6 fluorescent and 8 glitter (Posca range). The fluorescents are yellow, orange, pale orange, red, pink and green, and they come mainly in the PC-5M medium and PC-8K broad chisel sizes, not in every tip. If you need neon in a fine line, check the exact size before buying. Every Posca color family is on Posca colors.
How to get a neon effect with markers
- White underlayer
Paint the shape in white and let it dry. Fluorescent pigment is semi-transparent, so the white behind it is what makes it glow.
- Thin neon coats
One or two light coats of fluorescent over the white. Thick coats look chalky.
- Dark surroundings
Neon looks brightest next to black or navy. Black paper and black-painted wood are classic.
- Outline last
A thin black line around neon shapes makes them look sharper and brighter.
- Black light
Under UV light, fluorescent paint glows strongly, which suits parties and displays.
Neon fades: plan for it
Liquitex notes that fluorescent pigments are naturally less lightfast than standard colors (Liquitex), and the same is true of most neon craft paints. In practice: keep neon art out of direct sunlight, use standard colors for outdoor rocks and signs, and expect outdoor neon to need touching up. A UV-resistant clear coat can slow fading but will not stop it.
Neon colors one by one
- Neon pink is the most popular; see pink paint markers.
- Neon orange sits with the warm colors on orange paint markers.
- Neon yellow has the lowest opacity of all; see the coverage tips on yellow paint markers.
- Neon green is on green paint markers.
Want sparkle instead of glow? See glitter paint pens. For coverage generally, see opaque paint markers, and for the artist line, Liquitex paint markers.
Questions people ask
How to get neon effect with markers?
Paint the shape in white first and let it dry, then go over it with a fluorescent marker: neon over white is far brighter than neon on a dark or grey surface. Black backgrounds make neon look like it glows. Under a UV black light, fluorescent pigments glow even more. Add a thin dark outline last to sharpen the edges.
Are paint markers safe for kids?
Many water-based paint markers are labeled non-toxic and carry an art materials safety seal, but check each product’s label and age guidance, since some are sold for older children and adults only. Supervise young kids, avoid solvent-based oil paint markers for them, and keep markers away from mouths and skin.
What is a fluorescent marker?
A marker whose pigment or dye is fluorescent: it absorbs ultraviolet light and gives it back as visible color, which is why neon colors look brighter than normal and glow under a black light. Highlighters are fluorescent dye markers; fluorescent paint markers use opaque paint, so they cover other colors and work on dark surfaces.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.
