Short answer
The two most common oil based paint marker lines are Sharpie Oil-Based (extra fine to medium) and Uni Paint PX-20 (medium 1.8 to 2.2 mm) with the finer PX-21. Both makers claim resistance to water, fading and abrasion. Use them for metal, glass, plastic and outdoor labels; use water-based acrylic for paper, canvas and crafts.
Oil based paint markers worth a look on Amazon
Sharpie and Uni oil-based markers in fine to medium tips, each a listing we checked by hand.
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, medium point, assorted, 5 count
The everyday oil paint marker for labeling, crafts on glass and metal, and outdoor use.
- Medium point
- Sharpie claims resistance to water, fading and abrasion
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, fine point, 5 count
A finer oil based paint pen for lettering on mugs used as decor, ornaments and small parts.
- Fine point
- Oil-based paint
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, extra fine point, black, 4 count
Extra fine black oil paint marker for detail on non-porous surfaces.
- Extra fine point
- Black, 4 count
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Uni Paint PX-20 Oil-Based Paint Markers, medium, black, 2 count
Uni’s workhorse oil-based marker, sold for marking metal, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic.
- Medium line 1.8 to 2.2 mm (listing)
- Valve action
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Uni Paint PX-20 Oil-Based Paint Markers, medium, white, 2 count
A white oil based marker for dark metal, tires, glass and plastic.
- Medium line 1.8 to 2.2 mm (listing)
- White, 2 count
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, medium point, white ink, pack of 3
Three white oil-based markers, the color most people need most for dark surfaces.
- Medium point
- White, 3 count
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.
Oil paint marker vs water-based paint marker
Oil-based vs water-based paint markers
| Oil-based paint marker | Water-based acrylic paint marker | |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Pigment in solvent and oil binder | Pigment in water-based acrylic or resin |
| Best surfaces | Metal, glass, plastic, rubber, stone | Paper, canvas, wood, rock, pumpkins |
| Once dry | Water resistant per makers | Permanent on porous surfaces; can wipe off glass (Posca) |
| Opacity | Opaque on dark surfaces per makers | The best acrylics usually cover more fully |
| Smell and cleanup | Solvent smell; needs ventilation; solvent cleanup | Low odor; water cleanup when wet |
| Layering | Thin, glossy film | Layers well once each coat dries |
| Examples | Sharpie Oil-Based, Uni Paint PX-20 and PX-21 | Posca, Molotow ONE4ALL, Sharpie Creative |
The full comparison, with when to choose which, is in acrylic vs oil-based paint markers. For water-based options see water based paint markers.
Oil based paint pen surfaces
Sharpie’s Amazon listings describe quick-drying oil-based ink that resists fading, smearing and water, with opaque, glossy marks on dark, light and reflective surfaces. The Uni PX-20 listing describes opaque, glossy marks on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic, and fast-drying oil-based paint that withstands weather, heat and abrasion without fading. Both listings are linked in the picks. Treat both as maker claims: real durability depends on cleaning the surface first and on sun, weather and handling.
Enamel paint pen or oil paint pen?
Enamel paint pen is a loose retail term for a paint marker that dries to a hard, glossy, enamel-like finish. Most enamel paint pens sold for hobby and automotive touch-up are solvent or oil based, so in practice they behave like the markers on this page. Check the listing for the actual paint base before you buy, and never assume an enamel pen is food safe or dishwasher safe.
White oil based marker
White is the most useful oil-based color, because most industrial and outdoor surfaces are dark: tires, steel, black plastic, slate. Sharpie and Uni both sell white in single and multi-packs. Shake white longer than other colors, since the pigment settles. For water-based whites for art and crafts, see white paint markers.
How to use an oil based paint marker pen
- Clean the surface
Wipe off dust, oil and fingerprints. Rubbing alcohol works on glass and metal. The paint bonds to clean surfaces best.
- Shake well
Shake with the cap on until the mixing ball rattles freely, then a few seconds more.
- Prime on scrap
Press the tip down on scrap card a few times until paint saturates it. Do not prime on the workpiece.
- Write with light pressure
Let the valve feed the tip. Pressing hard floods it and leaves blobs.
- Let it cure
Oil-based paint dries to the touch quickly but keep it away from handling and water until fully dry.
Comparing oil-based with water-based for durability? See permanent paint markers.
Safety and ventilation
Oil-based markers contain solvents, so use them in a ventilated room and keep them away from young children. Some Sharpie oil-based listings mention AP nontoxic certification; if safety matters for your use, look for the ACMI AP seal on the specific product (ACMI on art material safety). For kids’ crafts, the non-toxic paint markers page is a better fit. Back to the full range: all paint markers.
Questions people ask
What are the best oil-based paint markers?
Sharpie Oil-Based and Uni Paint PX-20 are the two most widely sold lines, and both claim water, fade and abrasion resistance. Sharpie offers extra fine, fine and medium points; Uni offers the medium PX-20 and the fine 1.2 mm PX-21. We have not tested them ourselves.
Do oil-based paint markers come off?
Once dry they resist water and normal handling, which is the point of them. Wet marks can be wiped off smooth surfaces. Dried paint usually needs a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, tested first on a hidden spot because solvents can damage some plastics and finishes.
What's the difference between paint pens and markers?
A regular marker uses transparent dye ink that soaks in. A paint pen, oil-based or water-based, holds opaque pigment paint behind a valve, so the color covers dark and shiny surfaces. Oil-based paint pens also grip non-porous surfaces like metal and glass better than most inks.
What is an oil-based paint marker?
It is a valve-action marker filled with pigment in a solvent and oil binder instead of water. It dries to a glossy, durable film, which is why it is used for marking metal parts, tires, glass, plastic, stone and outdoor signage. Expect a solvent smell and use it with ventilation.
Do oil-based paint markers wash off?
Not with water once dry. Makers market them as water resistant, so they survive rain and rinsing on most surfaces. On clothing they are hard to remove. For anything that touches food or goes in a dishwasher, do not rely on them unless the maker says the product is suitable.