Short answer
For paper, rocks, wood and canvas, a water-based red acrylic marker such as Posca PC-5M red covers well and cleans up with water. For metal, glass, plastic and outdoor labels, use an oil-based red such as Uni Paint PX-20 red. For fine red lines, an extra fine 0.7 mm red. Red over dark grounds needs two coats, or a white underlayer for the brightest result.
Red paint markers by surface
Red paint markers by surface
| Surface | Best type | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Paper, card, journals | Water-based acrylic | Posca PC-5M red, Artistro red extra fine |
| Rocks and wood | Water-based pump marker | Posca PC-5M red, sealed |
| Canvas and paintings | Artist acrylic marker | Liquitex Cadmium Red Deep Hue |
| Metal, glass, plastic | Oil-based paint | Uni Paint PX-20 red |
| Outdoor labels and tools | Oil-based paint | Uni Paint PX-20 red |
Red acrylic marker for art, rocks and crafts
Water-based red acrylic is the everyday choice. Posca sells red in its medium PC-5M, a 1.8 to 2.5 mm reversible tip; the listing says the ink is opaque, permanent on porous surfaces and erasable on most non-porous surfaces, for indoor and outdoor projects. For fine red lines, Artistro sells a two-pen 0.7 mm extra fine red. Red is the base color of half the classic rock designs, from ladybugs to strawberry painted rocks, so rock painters often buy red in multipacks.
Oil-based red paint marker for metal and glass
For tools, equipment, pipes, outdoor signs and anything handled, oil-based red grips best. The Uni Paint PX-20 listing describes a medium bullet tip, opaque and glossy marks on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic, valve action for smooth flow, and oil-based paint that withstands weather, heat and abrasion. Clean the surface first and ventilate while you work. Compare oil-based pens on oil based paint markers.
Artist reds: shade and lightfastness
Artist-grade markers name their reds by pigment. The Liquitex Professional Acrylic Marker range lists Cadmium Red Light Hue, Cadmium Red Medium Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, Quinacridone Crimson and Fluorescent Red, among others, in 2 mm and 15 mm nibs (Liquitex). Liquitex also notes that fluorescent pigments are naturally less lightfast, so a fluorescent red will fade faster in sunlight than a cadmium hue. For outdoor or window pieces, pick a standard red over a neon.
Craft marker sets rarely give pigment information, so expect bright reds that may shift over time in strong sun. Seal outdoor pieces and keep display work out of direct sunlight.
Getting a bright red over dark colors
- White first
On black or navy, paint the shape in white, let it dry fully, then go over it in red. Red over white is far brighter than red straight on dark.
- Two thin coats
If you skip the white, use two thin coats of red, the first completely dry.
- Clean the tip
Red tips pick up dark paint easily. Wipe the tip on scrap paper if it starts to look brownish.
- Outline last
Add black or white outlines after the red is dry so they stay crisp.
Red with other colors
- Holiday work: red with gold and white; see gold paint pens and white paint markers.
- Bold graphics: red with black outlines; see black paint markers.
- Coverage questions: see opaque paint markers.
Red paint markers on Amazon
Water-based, oil-based and artist reds, each listing checked by hand.
-
Posca PC-5M red, 3 count
Three medium water-based reds for rocks, wood, paper and crafts; opaque and permanent on porous surfaces, per the listing.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- Red, 3 pens
-
Uni Paint PX-20 oil-based markers, medium, red 2 count
Oil-based red for metal, glass, plastic and outdoor labels, described as resistant to weather, heat and abrasion.
- 1.8 to 2.2 mm
- Red, oil-based
-
ARTISTRO red acrylic paint markers, 0.7 mm, set of 2
Two extra fine reds for fine lines, lettering and details.
- 0.7 mm
- Red
-
Liquitex Professional wide paint marker, Cadmium Red Deep Hue
An artist-grade deep red acrylic marker for paintings and mixed media.
- Wide nib
- Cadmium red deep hue
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’s the difference between paint pens and markers?
A paint pen holds opaque paint, water-based acrylic or oil-based, that sits on top of the surface and covers it. A regular marker holds ink, usually dye, that soaks in and stays translucent. So a red paint pen shows up bright on black paper or a dark rock, while a red felt marker looks dark and dull there.
What two colors make red?
In the traditional painter’s color wheel, red is a primary color, so you cannot mix it from other paints. In printing, red is made from magenta and yellow inks. With paint markers, it is easier to buy the red you want than to mix one, since markers layer rather than blend.
Which is the best permanent marker pen?
For permanent marks on slick surfaces like metal, glass and plastic, an oil-based paint marker such as Sharpie oil-based or Uni Paint PX-20, which the makers describe as resistant to water and abrasion. For paper and labels, a classic permanent marker. For permanent opaque color on porous surfaces like wood and stone, a water-based paint marker such as Posca.
What’s in paint marker?
Pigment, a binder that holds it to the surface, and a carrier liquid: water for acrylic paint markers, a solvent for oil-based ones. Pump markers also have a mixing ball and a valve. Classic permanent markers are different: Sanford safety sheets list dyes in alcohol solvents for regular Sharpies.
Can I use acrylic markers on canvas?
Yes, on primed canvas or over dry acrylic paint. Use a medium or broad red to fill and a fine tip for detail, and spray a light varnish coat first when you seal so a brush does not drag the marker.