Short answer
On porous surfaces (wood, paper, cardboard, fabric, rock), a water-based acrylic paint marker such as Posca is permanent once dry; Posca says so in its FAQ. On slick surfaces (glass, glazed ceramic, metal, many plastics), choose an oil-based paint marker such as Sharpie Oil-Based or Uni Paint PX-20, or seal water-based work. For outdoor use, add a clear varnish.
Permanent paint markers worth a look on Amazon
Oil-based and water-based options, each listing checked by hand.
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, medium point, 5 count
Oil-based paint for slick surfaces such as metal, glass and plastic. The listing calls them great for rock painting too. Ventilate when you use them.
- Oil-based
- Medium point
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Uni-Ball Uni Paint PX-20 oil-based paint markers, medium, black, 2 count
A medium 1.8 to 2.2 mm oil-based paint marker, per the listing, and an alternative to Sharpie for slick surfaces.
- Oil-based
- 1.8 to 2.2 mm
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Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, medium point, white
A permanent white for labels and lettering on dark, slick surfaces.
- Oil-based
- White
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Posca PC-5M paint markers, 8 count
Water-based acrylic that Posca says is permanent on porous materials such as wood, cardboard, textiles and pebbles. Low odor, good for art.
- Water-based
- Medium reversible tip
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MOLOTOW One4All acrylic paint marker, 2 mm, white
A refillable water-based acrylic marker for art on walls, boards and canvas.
- 2 mm
- Refillable
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.
Paint markers permanent on which surfaces?
Water-based behavior from Posca’s FAQ; oil-based from listings
| Surface | Water-based acrylic | Oil-based | Make it last |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood, cardboard, paper | Permanent once dry | Permanent | Seal outdoor wood |
| Rock and pebbles | Permanent once dry | Permanent | Clear spray for outdoor rocks |
| Fabric | Permanent once heat set, per Posca | Not sold for fabric | Iron inside out, wash cool |
| Glass and glazed ceramic | Wipes off when wet | Durable | Bake or seal water-based work |
| Metal | Holds on some, wipes on others | Durable | Test first; varnish outdoors |
| Plastic | Varies by plastic | Usually durable | Clean with alcohol first |
Posca says its water-based paint is permanent with no fixative on porous materials such as wood, cardboard, textiles, pebbles, certain plastics and metals, erasable on smooth surfaces, and that work can be fixed with a water-based spray varnish, an iron on fabric or a kiln on porcelain (Posca FAQ).
Waterproof paint markers and waterproof acrylic markers
Waterproof usually means the dry paint will not wash off with water on the surfaces the maker intends. Water-based acrylic is water-resistant once dry on porous surfaces, but it can still lift from glass. Oil-based paint resists water on slick surfaces too. Neither is weatherproof forever; sun and rain wear down any paint, so outdoor work needs a clear varnish and the occasional touch up.
Outdoor paint pens
- Rocks and garden decor: water-based acrylic plus clear spray sealer. See how to seal acrylic marker art.
- Metal tags, tools and bins: oil-based paint markers. See oil-based paint markers.
- Murals and boards: wide refillable acrylic markers. See graffiti art markers.
- Car decorations: use removable window chalk markers instead: window chalk markers.
Permanent paint pens versus permanent markers
A classic permanent marker uses translucent dye ink: it is hard to wash off but does not cover, so it barely shows on dark or colored surfaces. A permanent paint pen lays down opaque pigment that sits on top of the surface. That is why white, gold and silver only exist as paint markers. The full comparison of the two paint types is in acrylic vs oil-based paint markers.
Making any paint marker more permanent
- Clean the surface
Wipe slick surfaces with rubbing alcohol to remove grease and fingerprints; let porous ones dry fully.
- Prime the pen
Shake with the cap on and press the tip on scrap until paint flows evenly.
- Thin coats
Two thin coats bond better than one thick, gloopy coat.
- Cure
Let paint dry fully; thick layers take longer than a few minutes.
- Seal or set
Varnish for outdoors, heat set fabric as directed, bake ceramic as directed.
Water-based options are compared on water-based paint markers; every type is on paint markers.
Questions people ask
Are acrylic markers permanent?
On porous surfaces, yes. Posca says its water-based paint is permanent with no need for fixatives on porous materials such as wood, cardboard, textiles, pebbles, certain plastics and metals, and erasable on smooth surfaces like glass. To make acrylic marker permanent on slick surfaces, seal it with a varnish, or bake it on porcelain as the maker directs.
Which is the best permanent marker pen?
For hard, slick surfaces such as metal, glass and plastic, an oil-based paint marker such as Sharpie Oil-Based or Uni Paint PX-20 is the most durable common choice. For art on porous surfaces, a water-based acrylic marker such as Posca is permanent once dry and much lower in odor. Classic dye-ink permanent markers are not opaque.
How much is a paint pen?
We do not list prices because they change daily and vary by pack size and seller. As a rule, budget multi-packs cost the least per pen, mid-range brands such as Posca and Sharpie Oil-Based cost more per pen, and wide or refillable markers such as Molotow and Montana cost the most up front but less over time if you refill.
How long are paint pens good for?
Kept capped, paint pens last a long time. Posca says its markers can be stored in any position with the cap firmly on and that the valve keeps the paint preserved inside, with a mixing ball to remix it. A dried tip is not always an empty marker: Posca suggests soaking the tip in water and re-priming. Heat shortens paint pen life.
How much do paint markers cost?
Prices move too often to quote, so check the current listing. Per marker, budget sets of 24 or more are cheapest, single professional markers cost more, and extra broad 15 mm markers cost the most. Refillable systems cost more at first and less later, because you buy paint by the bottle.