Orange paint marker guide

Orange paint markers by surface

Orange paint pen for art, rocks and pumpkins

Water-based orange is the everyday choice. Posca sells orange in its medium PC-5M, a 1.8 to 2.5 mm reversible tip, and a separate fluorescent orange. Orange is the base color for pumpkins, fall leaves, goldfish and sunsets, so it runs out fast in autumn; see painted rock pumpkins and fall rock painting ideas for designs. Molotow sells orange as Dare Orange in its refillable ONE4ALL range, in 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm and 15 mm tips on Amazon.

Fluorescent orange versus standard orange

Fluorescent orange glows on black paper and under blacklight, which makes it fun for posters and neon art. The trade-off is fading: Liquitex notes that fluorescent pigments are naturally less lightfast (Liquitex). Use standard orange for anything that sits in a sunny window or outdoors, and seal outdoor rocks and pumpkins.

Oil-based orange paint marker for metal and tools

For tools, parts, cables and outdoor equipment, oil-based orange grips best. Uni Paint sells orange in its PX-20 medium and PX-21 fine, per its listings; the PX-20 listing describes opaque, glossy marks on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic, and oil-based paint that withstands weather, heat and abrasion. Use solvent pens with ventilation. More on oil based paint markers.

Orange marks on job sites

Orange has a set meaning in utility marking: in the color code locators use, orange marks communication, alarm and signal lines, such as phone and cable (Virginia 811). Keep your own orange paint marks off the ground where crews may dig. Jobsite markers such as Milwaukee’s Inkzall line are built for rough surfaces; one distributor listing for an Inkzall paint marker describes clog-resistant tips that write through dusty, wet or oily surfaces (Dixon Electric).

Getting a bright orange over dark colors

1. White first

   On black, navy or brown, paint the shape white, let it dry, then go over it in orange. Orange over white is far brighter.

2. Two thin coats

   If you skip the white, use two thin coats of orange, the first completely dry.

3. Clean the tip

   Orange tips pick up dark paint and turn brownish. Wipe the tip on scrap paper often.

4. Outline last

   Add black or brown outlines and ribs after the orange is dry.

Orange with other colors

• Warm palettes: orange with red and yellow; see red paint markers and yellow paint markers.
• Contrast: orange on blue or navy, its opposite on the color wheel; see blue paint markers.
• Halloween: orange with black and white; see black paint markers.