Opaque paint markers that cover

What makes a paint marker opaque

Opacity comes from pigment. A paint marker carries solid pigment particles in a binder, and once it dries those particles form a layer that blocks light from the surface below. A dye-ink marker dissolves its color into the liquid, so the mark tints the surface but does not hide it. Liquitex describes the three opacity classes it prints on its paints: opaque colors do not let light pass through and offer the best coverage; semi-opaque colors let some light through; transparent colors let the most through (Liquitex).

That has two practical consequences. First, opacity varies by color even within one brand: whites, yellows and pastels have the hardest job. Second, how the paint is delivered matters. In Sarah Renae Clark’s direct-ink comparison, many direct-ink markers soaked into rock and lost opacity, while pump-action markers laid down more paint.

Opaque paint pens compared

Elmer’s Painters opaque paint markers

Elmer’s, a Newell Brands name alongside Sharpie (Wikipedia), sells Painters opaque paint markers. The listings describe vibrant acrylic paint that is permanent on wood, plastic, clay, glass, fabric and more and suited to rock painting, with a shimmering opaque sheen, quick-drying, acid-free and non-toxic paint, and a shake-and-push nib to start the flow. They come in medium points, including a neon brights five pack, and in an extra large super chisel tip, including white, for maximum coverage.

Opaque white: the real test

If a marker covers in white, it covers in anything. White over black is where brands separate. Two notes from independent testing help: Sarah Renae Clark wrote that the one thing Posca lacks is a really good white, and that Arteza’s extra fine white was one of the best in her white pen comparison. Our white paint markers page compares whites in detail, and white Posca markers covers Posca’s white in every size.

How to get opaque coverage from any marker

1. Shake longer than you think

   Pigment settles. Shake until the mixing ball moves freely, then keep going for light colors.

2. Prime on scrap

   Press the tip on paper until the line is solid, not watery.

3. Thin coats

   Two thin coats, the first fully dry, cover better than one heavy coat, which streaks and stays tacky.

4. Light underlayer

   For bright colors on dark grounds, lay down white first, let it dry, then paint the color over it.

5. Right tip

   Broad tips put down more paint per stroke; extra fine tips are less opaque by nature. Fill with a medium or broad tip and detail with fine.

Opaque markers by surface

• Black paper and card: pump markers or the Elmer’s medium points; white needs two coats.
• Rocks: a base coat of acrylic paint first, then pump markers. See paint pens for rock painting.
• Canvas: any opaque acrylic marker over primed canvas; see paint markers for canvas.
• Glass, metal, plastic: oil-based paint markers grip and cover best. See oil based paint markers.
• Metallic accents: metallic paint is often less opaque than plain colors; see metallic paint markers.