Short answer
For metal, glass, black plastic and outdoor labels, use an oil-based silver paint marker such as Sharpie oil-based metallic silver or Uni Paint PX-20 silver. For black paper, cards and photos, a Sharpie Metallic silver permanent marker writes straight from the cap. For rocks, wood and crafts, a water-based silver acrylic pen. Shake metallics well and let them dry before handling.
Silver markers by job
Silver paint markers by job
| Job | Marker | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Labels on metal tools and black bins | Oil-based silver paint marker | Grips slick surfaces; resists water and abrasion per the listings |
| Signatures and lettering on black paper | Sharpie Metallic silver permanent marker | No shaking; sold for black paper and dark surfaces |
| Rocks, wood, ornaments | Water-based silver acrylic | Opaque on porous surfaces, water cleanup |
| Paintings and mixed media | Artist acrylic silver marker | Liquitex Iridescent Rich Silver |
| Glass decor | Oil-based silver | Better grip than water-based on glass |
Metallic silver paint pen: the oil-based options
For anything slick or handled, choose oil-based silver. The Uni Paint PX-20 silver listing describes a medium bullet tip, opaque and glossy marks on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic, valve action, and oil-based paint that withstands weather, heat and abrasion; it also notes that lighter colors are ideal for marking dark surfaces. Sharpie sells an extra fine oil-based paint marker in metallic silver; its listing says the paint dries in minutes, works on metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic and stone, and resists water, fading and abrasion. Sharpie also sells a medium silver permanent paint marker.
Shake these pens with the cap on until the ball rattles, press the tip on scrap to start the paint, and work in a ventilated room. More on metal in paint markers for metal.
Metallic silver marker for paper
For cards, scrapbooks, black paper and dark photos, a metallic ink marker is the simplest tool. Sharpie’s Metallic silver two-pack is sold for black paper and dark surfaces; the listing describes opaque permanent ink with a sheen that stands out on light and dark surfaces, no shaking needed, quick-drying, fade and water resistant. For bolder silver on dark card, a water-based silver paint pen sits more thickly. See Sharpie metallic markers for the full Sharpie range.
Silver paint pens for rocks, wood and crafts
Water-based silver acrylic pens suit porous surfaces. Artistro sells a five-pen silver dual tip set, Grabie an extra fine 0.7 mm gold and silver pack, and Liquitex an Iridescent Rich Silver marker for artists. Silver looks its best on dark bases: navy, black, deep green and violet. On white, silver can read as grey. For winter rock designs with silver snowflakes, see Christmas rock painting.
Keeping silver bright
- Shake often. Metallic flakes settle within minutes. Shake again during long sessions.
- One smooth stroke. Scrubbing over wet metallic paint drags the flakes and dulls the shine.
- Dark ground. Silver reflects best against deep colors.
- Light and sun. Liquitex notes that metallic pigments are naturally less lightfast than its other colors (Liquitex). Keep silver artwork out of strong sun.
- Seal handled pieces with a light spray coat.
Silver versus white on black
On black, silver and white do different jobs. White is more legible for small text and labels from a distance; silver looks more finished and decorative up close. Many people use white for the main lettering and silver for borders and accents. Compare white paint markers and black paint markers for the rest of the palette, and gold paint pens for the other metallic.
Silver paint markers on Amazon
Oil-based, water-based and metallic ink silvers, each listing checked by hand.
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Uni Paint PX-20 oil-based markers, medium, silver 2 count
Oil-based silver the listing describes as opaque and glossy on metal, glass, wood, rubber, concrete and plastic.
- 1.8 to 2.2 mm
- Silver, oil-based
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Sharpie oil-based paint marker, extra fine, metallic silver
Extra fine oil-based silver for labels and fine writing on slick surfaces.
- Extra fine
- Metallic silver
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Sharpie permanent paint marker, medium, silver
A medium silver Sharpie paint marker for bolder silver lines.
- Medium
- Silver
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Sharpie Metallic permanent markers, fine point, silver, 2 count
Metallic silver ink sold for black paper and dark surfaces; no shaking.
- Fine point
- Silver
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ARTISTRO 5 silver dual tip acrylic paint marker pens
Water-based silver with two tips per pen for rocks, cards and crafts.
- 5 pens
- Dual tip
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Liquitex Professional paint marker, Iridescent Rich Silver
An artist-grade iridescent silver acrylic marker for paintings and mixed media.
- Acrylic
- Iridescent silver
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
Does paint marker wash off?
It depends on the paint and the surface. Water-based paint markers are permanent on porous surfaces such as paper, wood and stone, but can be washed off glass and other smooth surfaces; Posca says a damp rag cleans its paint off glass. Oil-based paint markers resist water on slick surfaces; Sharpie’s listing says its oil-based paint resists water, fading and abrasion.
What’s the best acrylic paint marker?
Posca is the usual benchmark: it scored highest overall in Sarah Renae Clark’s pump-action comparison. For silver specifically on slick surfaces, an oil-based silver is better than any acrylic. For silver on paper and rocks, a water-based silver acrylic pen or Liquitex’s Iridescent Rich Silver marker works well.
Will a permanent marker work on metal?
A classic permanent marker writes on metal but can rub or wear off, and it is translucent on dark metal. For a durable, opaque mark, use an oil-based paint marker: the Uni Paint PX-20 listing describes opaque, glossy marks on metal that withstand weather, heat and abrasion. Clean and degrease the metal first.
What’s the difference between paint markers and alcohol markers?
Paint markers lay down opaque pigment paint that covers the surface, so silver or white shows up on black. Alcohol markers use translucent dye in an alcohol solvent; they blend smoothly on paper for illustration but cannot cover dark colors and do not come in true metallic silver.
How much is a paint pen?
Prices change often and vary by brand, tip and pack size, so we do not list them. Single professional pens are sold individually and multipacks cost less per pen. Check the current listing before you buy.