Wine glass markers

Wine glass markers by job

Washable glass markers for names

Most wine glass markers are erasable metallic pens. The Gainwell set is listed as eight metallic pens that are non-toxic and food-safe, for glasses and ceramic plates at parties and weddings. Handy Housewares lists a reusable gold and silver set with quick-dry, smudge-free, erasable ink. Metallic colors stand out against red and white wine alike, which is why gold and silver are the usual choice.

Treat “food-safe” as meaning safe to have on the outside of a glass, not something to drink. Write on the outside of the bowl or on the foot, never on the rim, and let marks dry before pouring.

Wine glass markers with name ideas

• Names or initials: the classic; short names fit best on the curve of the bowl.
• Symbols: a star, a heart, a moon or a monogram letter for guests who do not want their name on show.
• Doodles: stripes, dots or a tiny flower around the base of the bowl.
• Stemless glasses: write lower down, where your hand does not rub, or on the bottom third of the glass.
• Stemmed glasses: the foot is a great spot; it stays dry and readable.

Erasable markers for glass: how to remove the marks

Washable wine glass markers usually wipe off with a damp cloth, or come off in warm soapy water. If a mark has sat for days, let the glass soak for a few minutes first. Avoid scouring pads on fine glassware. Liquid chalk marker comes off the same way. Oil-based paint marker and dried acrylic paint pen take more work; the methods are in how to remove paint marker.

DIY wine glass markers that stay

For personalized gift glasses, you need a permanent design. The reliable route is a bake-on glass and porcelain pen. KREUL says its Glass and Porcelain Pen Classic is dishwasher safe after baking at 160 °C for 90 minutes, and advises painting only areas that do not touch food (KREUL). Porcelaine 150 china paint markers are another bake-on option, listed for porcelain, ceramic and glass.

1. Clean

   Wash the glass, dry it, and wipe the area with rubbing alcohol so no fingerprints remain.

2. Plan

   Keep the design on the outside of the bowl and the foot, at least a couple of centimeters below the rim.

3. Draw

   Prime the pen on paper, then draw with steady strokes. Wipe mistakes off with a damp cotton swab before the paint dries.

4. Dry and bake

   Let the paint dry as the pen’s maker directs, then bake exactly as instructed, starting and cooling in the oven so the glass does not crack.

Water-based acrylic paint pens such as Artistro’s glass marker sets are fine for decor glasses, candle holders and vases that will not be washed often, but acrylic on glass can be scratched or washed off unless it is cured or sealed as its maker directs. The full comparison is on glass paint markers.

Gold and silver for glass

Metallic ink is the favorite for glassware because it shows on clear, tinted and filled glasses. For metallic pens on other surfaces, see gold paint markers, silver paint markers and metallic paint markers. For mugs and plates, see ceramic paint markers.

Safety notes

• Never write on the rim or inside a glass.
• Oil-based paint markers are solvent-based: they are for decor and labeling, not drinkware contact areas.
• Bake only pens made for baking, only as directed, in a ventilated kitchen.
• Hand-wash decorated glasses unless the pen maker says they are dishwasher safe after curing.