Short answer
Use an oil-based paint marker on metal. For crafts, labels and tools, Sharpie oil-based or Uni Paint PX-20 lay opaque, glossy marks; the PX-20 listing says they withstand weather, heat and abrasion. For steel, pipe and fabrication, industrial markers such as Markal Paint-Riter are made for the job, including versions for wet and oily surfaces, and Dykem sells a high temperature marker. Degrease the metal first.
Paint markers for metal, by job
Paint markers for metal by job
| Job | Marker | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labels on tools, tins, bike parts | Sharpie oil-based, Uni Paint PX-20 | Opaque, glossy; extra fine to medium tips |
| Black or dark metal | White or silver oil-based | Light colors read best on dark metal |
| Steel, pipe, fabrication marking | Markal Paint-Riter valve action | Industrial; metal barrel, medium bullet tip |
| Wet or oily metal | Markal Paint-Riter+ wet surface | Made to mark on wet surfaces, per the listing |
| Hot parts | Dykem high temp paint marker | Rated for high temperature use, per its title |
| Decorative metal art | Oil-based metallics, or acrylic plus sealer | Seal water-based work |
Metal paint marker for crafts and labels
For everyday metal marking, an oil-based craft paint marker is the right tool. The Uni Paint PX-20 listings describe a medium bullet tip with valve action, opaque and glossy marks on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic, and fast drying oil-based paint that withstands extreme weather, heat and abrasion; they add that lighter colors suit dark surfaces and darker colors light ones. Sharpie’s oil-based listings say the paint works on metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic and stone and resists water, fading and abrasion. Both are sold singly, so you can replace one color. See Sharpie oil-based paint markers for tip choices.
Industrial paint markers for steel
On the shop floor, markers have to survive rough handling and dirty surfaces. Markal’s Paint-Riter is a valve action liquid paint marker with a durable metal barrel and a medium bullet Dura-Nib tip, designed for industrial marking on steel, iron, plastic, glass, pipe, rubber and fabric, per its listing. The Paint-Riter+ wet surface version is engineered for adhesion on wet surfaces, performs from -50 °F to 150 °F, resists running when it contacts water, and works on metal, aluminum, pipes and tubes, plastic, glass, rubber and ceramic, per its listing; it is made in the USA with xylene-free, low-VOC paint.
Dykem sells a high temperature paint marker in black with a medium tip, listed for ceramic, glass and metal. Use a marker rated for heat on parts that are hot when marked or will be heated after.
Best permanent marker for metal: ink or paint?
A classic permanent marker writes on bare metal but is translucent and can rub off with handling or solvents. Paint lays a layer you can see on dark metal and that resists abrasion better. For a quick note on a bare steel bracket, ink is fine. For anything that should last, or any dark, oily or outdoor metal, use paint.
How to mark metal so it lasts
- Degrease
Wipe the area with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser and let it dry. Oil and cutting fluid stop paint from bonding.
- Remove loose rust and scale
A wire brush or abrasive pad gives the paint something solid to grip.
- Shake and prime
Shake with the cap on until the ball rattles, then press the tip on scrap until paint flows.
- Mark in one pass
A single steady stroke dries more evenly than going back over wet paint.
- Cure
Let the paint dry before handling, longer in cold weather. Clear coat decorative pieces that will be handled.
Black paint marker for metal and other colors
Choose contrast. Black and red read best on bright or galvanized steel; white, yellow and silver read best on black, painted and rusty metal. Gold and silver are popular for decorative metal and ornaments; see silver paint markers and gold paint pens. White oil-based markers are covered on white paint markers.
Safety
- Oil-based and industrial markers give off solvent fumes: ventilate, especially in small shops.
- Keep markers away from flames and sparks, and do not mark hot parts with a marker that is not heat rated.
- Store caps on, tips horizontal or as the maker directs.
More oil-based options are on oil based paint markers, and long-lasting outdoor marks on permanent paint markers.
Paint markers for metal on Amazon
Craft and industrial oil-based markers, each listing checked by hand.
-
Uni Paint PX-20 oil-based markers, medium, black 2 count
Opaque, glossy black for labels on light metal; the listing says it withstands weather, heat and abrasion.
- 1.8 to 2.2 mm
- Black
-
Uni Paint PX-20 oil-based markers, medium, white 2 count
White oil-based paint for marking dark and painted metal.
- 1.8 to 2.2 mm
- White
-
Sharpie oil-based paint marker, medium, black, 4 pack
Four black oil-based pens for the shop or garage.
- Medium
- Black, 4 pens
-
Markal Paint-Riter valve action paint marker, white, pack of 12
Industrial valve action marker with a metal barrel, sold for steel, iron, pipe, plastic, glass and rubber.
- 12 markers
- Medium bullet
-
Markal Paint-Riter+ wet surface paint marker, black
Made to mark wet surfaces, rated from -50 °F to 150 °F, per the listing.
- Wet surface
- Black
-
DYKEM paint marker, high temp, black, medium tip
A high temperature paint marker listed for ceramic, glass and metal.
- High temp
- Medium tip
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
What is the difference between a paint pen and a paint marker?
Nothing meaningful. Both names describe a marker filled with opaque paint rather than ink, and makers use them interchangeably. What matters for metal is the paint base: oil-based grips slick metal much better than water-based.
Can you use a paint pen on metal?
Yes, an oil-based one. Sharpie’s oil-based listing names metal first among its surfaces and says the paint resists water, fading and abrasion; Uni Paint PX-20 is sold for opaque, glossy marks on metal. Water-based acrylic pens mark metal too, but they can scratch off unless sealed.
What do welders use to mark metal?
Industrial paint markers are made for exactly this. Markal’s Paint-Riter valve action marker is sold for industrial marking on steel, iron, pipe, plastic, glass and rubber, and Markal sells versions for wet and oily surfaces. For hot parts, use a marker rated for high temperatures, such as Dykem’s high temp paint marker.
Do paint pens stop rust?
No. A paint pen leaves a thin mark for decoration or identification, not a protective coating. To stop rust, remove it and use a rust-inhibiting primer and paint made for metal. A paint marker can be used on top of that finish for labels and details.
Where are paint markers at Walmart?
Store layouts vary. Craft paint pens are usually with craft or art supplies, and heavier-duty markers sometimes sit with paint or hardware. Walmart’s app or website shows the aisle for your local store. We do not track store stock.