14 Best Graffiti Markers In 2023: Tips, Types, and Buying Guide
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Graffiti markers are a great way to create street art with bright, bold colors. They come in various types and brands, so it can be challenging to know which ones are the best for your next project. This blog post will discuss the different kinds of graffiti markers available and provide tips on choosing and using them.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Zeyar Permanent Markers• Up to 15 days cap-off time |
Runner-Up: Posca Medium Acrylic Paint Markers• Reversible nibs |
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Best Detailing Paint Markers: Krink K-42 Paint Marker Set• High-quality paints |
1. Zeyar Permanent Markers - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
Customers bought these markers because someone recommended them best for metal surfaces. These markers also come in handy when you're moving, so you can make clear and easy-to-read labels on your boxes and other things.
Why We Think It's Great
Zeyar Permanent Markers have waterproof inks that won't bleed. These pens are perfect for marking glass, metal, plastic, and more. The 12mm chisel-tip nib is extra broad for large markings, while the quick-drying ink means you can get back to your project in no time.
The markers can also last up to 15 days, even without the cap. The ink used in these markers is non-toxic and safe for children.
The set has 4 colors - blue, red, green, and black. The markers are a great addition to your arts and crafts supplies, and they're perfect for use in schools or at home.
Who Should Buy It
Zeyar Permanent Markers are best for artists looking for extra-wide markers. If you want vibrant colors that won't deteriorate with time, you should get these markers.
2. Posca Medium Acrylic Paint Markers - Runner-up
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What Customers Have to Say
The acrylic markers are of the best quality, and the inks don't blend even when you use them on paper. They also work well on wood and other craft projects.
Why We Think It's Great
Posca Medium Acrylic Paint Marker Set is the perfect tool for your creative endeavors. The reversible nibs maximize the lifetime of the marker. Layering the water-soluble inks is easier and mixed to create any color you can imagine.
The non-toxic, quick-drying inks make it easy to apply on multiple surfaces, and the opaque, matte finish gives your projects a polished look.
The set has 8 markers with the colors white, yellow, pink, red, purple, blue, green, and black. They blend well, so you can still create several other colors with these markers.
Who Should Buy It
Anyone who loves drawing graffiti will appreciate these markers in their collection. Crafters and artists also prefer these markers for their professional look. If you’re into 3D painting on glass, these markers are perfect.
3. Markal B Paintstik Solid Paint Hobo Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
According to many users, these paint sticks are best for murals. The customers were happy as the markers turned out as advertised on many online shops. The vibrant colors and the weather-proof paint are a plus for graffiti artists, who often have to work outdoors.
Why We Think It's Great
With its weather-proof paint sticks in vibrant colors, the Markal B Paintstik Solid Paint Hobo Marker is perfect for marking your territory - whether it's onstage during a concert or on the side of a building.
These paint sticks are also great for resisting oil, dirt, mud, and grease, making them ideal for any outdoor activity. It doesn't need priming or sharpening. The set has 6 paint sticks with colors yellow, white, orange, purple, red, and black, packaged in a bright yellow wrapper.
Who Should Buy It
These Hobo markers are popular among street artists and packers because they work on greasy, dirty, and rough surfaces.
4. Posca Broad Chisel Metallic Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
Posca Broad Chisel Metallic Markers are the best paint markers for windows and are easy to remove with soap and water. Many satisfied artists used them on various surfaces. They're expensive but that’s a premium many artists don’t mind paying specially for its quality.
Why We Think It's Great
These markers use non-toxic inks that are both bleed-proof and fade-resistant, making them ideal for various surfaces. They leave an opaque, matte finish that can withstand outdoor elements.
The 8mm broad chisel tip is great for creating thick lines or broad strokes, making it easy to create beautiful artwork or messages with ease.
The set has 8 metallic markers in gold, silver, copper, blue, green, red, pink, and purple.
Who Should Buy It
Posca Broad Chisel Metallic Markers are the perfect tools for any artist or a DIY enthusiast looking for a metallic look for their art projects. The non-toxic inks and versatile tips make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from graffiti art to home decor.
5. Emooqi Acrylic Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Customers appreciate the excellent customer service of this company. One user complained about her markers and got a prompt response in less than 24 hours and a replacement set within a week from filing the complaint. Other artists prefer them because of the weather-proof property, so their rock paintings stay vibrant for a long time.
Why We Think It's Great
Emooqi Acrylic Paint Pens add an opaque, glossy finish to your projects. You can use these markers on multiple surfaces. The smooth ink flow makes it easy to create detailed designs, and the non-toxic, odorless inks make it safe for both indoor and outdoor projects.
The inks last longer than most competitors because the barrels hold 8 grams of ink. The tip also uses high-density microfiber. You don't have to worry about fuzzy tips even after prolonged use.
The set has 18 markers with 3mm tips for medium lines. Colors included in the set are light pink, hot pink, red, black, white, light green, green, sky blue, blue, light purple, purple, flesh, yellow-orange, orange, yellow, brown, silver, and gold.
Hold the cap tightly to use these markers, then give the marker a few shakes while holding it at a slight angle. Remove the cap, then press the marker slightly on the paper to release the pressure. Pump it a few times until the paint flows. Cap the marker and store it on its side after each use.
Who Should Buy It
Emooqi Acrylic Paint Pens are best for newbie artists because they apply smoothly on various surfaces. Whether you're a rock painter, a card maker, or a mural artist, you'll love using these markers.
6. Krink K-66 Red Paint Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
Krink K-66 paint markers are excellent markers but very expensive. They're effortless to apply, though. Users love the control that the squeeze bottles allow. The smooth flow and exceptional opacity of these inks are also why artists prefer them.
Why We Think It's Great
The Krink K-66 Red Paint Marker features steel tip precision lines and better detailing. The flow-enhancing effect of this marker's design allows you reasonable control over the ink flow.
The barrel has 60ml of non-toxic, alcohol-based permanent ink for long-lasting artworks. The ink covers well and is fade-resistant on various surfaces.
The marker designer is a supporter of graffiti art, having grown in a community of graffiti makers. His passion for graffiti art led him to formulate inks for graffiti artists. Each of the handcrafted batches of inks is excellent quality, making this brand a favorite for outdoor arts.
The Krink K-66 has a limited palette, though. Only 5 paint markers are available for this model - red, white, yellow, silver, and black. You can buy all of them as individual markers.
Who Should Buy It
These paint markers are best for graffiti and wall artists who want more control over their paints. However, we recommend these paint markers for advanced or professional mural and graffiti artists because of their price range.
7. Penguin Art Supplies Dual-Tip Acrylic Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Customers love the intense colors of these markers. A dad got this set for his kids, and it provided a good distraction from mobile devices and helped a lot with their homework. The pack comes with free tweezers to minimize the mess when reversing the tip (from the 5mm bullet tip to the 3mm chisel tip).
Why We Think It's Great
These reversible tip markers are perfect for graffiti artists of all levels. The non-toxic inks are easy to clean with soap and warm water.
The set comes with 28 markers, a free zippered canvas bag that is great for taking your art supplies on the go, and a pair of tweezers for removing the nib to adjust it to a different nib width. The colors included are several shades of green, yellow, red, blue, purple, brown, black, white, and metallic gold and metallic silver.
The UV and water-resistant paint ensure your artwork will last. While these paint markers work best on metal, they also work well on other surfaces, including rocks, concrete, wood, ceramic, and glass. Click through and read on for more glass painting ideas.
Who Should Buy It
Penguin Art Supplies Dual-Tip Acrylic Paint Pens is an excellent choice for graffiti artists looking for paint pens with two tips for various line sizes and permanent paint options.
8. Krink K-55 Black Paint Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
Some users tried these markers in their construction projects and found them very useful since the markings and lines stay visible even under some mud. The markers also work well for mixed media art and apply smoothly on walls.
Why We Think It's Great
The Krink K-55 Black Paint Marker is the perfect way to let your creative side shine! The manufacturer handcrafts the solvent-free paint used on these paint markers. The squeezable barrel allows for excellent ink control, so you can create beautiful works of art with ease. The valve action ensures a superior ink flow for incredible results.
It is an excellent choice for artists looking for intense colors and broad nibs for their paint pens. This paint pen has 7 other colors, each sold individually, to complement the black - silver, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and pink. Aside from silver, red, and black, the other colors are neon and glow when exposed to black light.
The barrel holds 30mm of permanent acrylic ink that goes a long way for your graffiti art.
Who Should Buy It
This paint marker is best for graffiti artists who want a broad nib for their markers. The 15mm wide tip is best for lettering and tagging graffiti art on large walls. We also recommend this marker to sign makers and artists working on large projects.
9. Evolve E7 Permanent Paint Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Users say that these markers are comparable with Krink K-42 markers in quality and coverage. Some artists proudly posted their projects online using these markers, remarking that the Evolve E7 works well on paper, wood, and several other surfaces.
Why We Think It's Great
With its fine nibs, sturdy metal barrel, and quick-drying paint, the Evolve E7 Permanent Paint Marker is perfect for anyone who wants a quality tool for detail work. The paint in these markers is opaque and water-resistant.
You can use these markers for outdoor projects since they resist fading and the outdoor elements. They apply well on paper, glass, plastic, metal, wood, and vinyl. They don't respond well on primed canvas, though.
The set also comes in 12 fun colors to brighten your projects - yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, sky blue, blue, green, white, black, metallic gold, and metallic silver.
Who Should Buy It
Evolve E7 is the best graffiti marker for artists looking for fine nib markers for detailed works. They're also great for artists looking for budget-friendly alternatives for their graffiti art.
10. Krink K-60 Black Paint Marker - Best Mop Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
This paint pen is costly, but the quality is excellent and vibrant. Some users even vowed that they are Krink users for life. The heavy dripping may look messy to others, but these drips add character to their art for serious graffiti artists.
Why We Think It's Great
Krink K-60 Black Paint Marker is perfect for precise, versatile application. The large 60ml paint barrel means you can work on a reasonably large area. The paint is waterproof and permanent.
The alcohol-based paint dries quickly. However, you can control the amount of ink by applying pressure to the barrel. Squeezing the barrel with more force releases more ink if you're looking for drips. The ink is non-toxic and xylene-free, but it may cause skin irritation if left on the skin for a long time.
Aside from the black, other colors available for this type of marker are yellow, orange, red, pink, light pink, green, light green, yellow-green, white, light blue, blue, purple, black, silver, and gold.
Who Should Buy It
If you're looking for a graffiti marker with consistent flow and excellent drip, Krink K-60 is the perfect solution. These markers work well to add drips to your graffiti art.
11. Sakura Solidified Paint Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
In his review post, one of the users showed how well these markers work on signs. The markers apply well and are easy to clean while working, but paints dry well overnight without clumping. The fluorescent colors fade to white, though.
Why We Think It's Great
Sakura Solidified Paint Marker is the perfect tool for anyone who needs to mark on oily and greasy surfaces. The quick-drying ink means your markings will be permanent, and the markings can withstand high temperatures, even when applied to metal.
The solidified paints keep fresh when capped properly, so you can use them several times without any issue. You also don't need to prime or pump your markers every time you use them. The barrel is purple, and the cap shows the color of the paint marker.
Other colors of this solidified paint marker are blue, green, orange, purple, red, white, and yellow. The brand also carries fluorescent orange and fluorescent yellow.
Who Should Buy It
These solid markers are best for artists and artisans working on areas you can't clean well. They also work well for construction workers and freight forwarders as all-weather, all-surface marking tools.
12. Molotow One4All Acrylic Paint Marker Set
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What Customers Have to Say
Some customers observed that the tips are very stiff. The markers are easy to use, refillable, and give coverage. Even first-time users of these markers find themselves in love with these markers. Some artists think the paint in these markers is too runny.
Why We Think It's Great
The Molotow One4All Acrylic Paint Marker Set is the perfect way to get creative. The paint in this hybrid acrylic-based, solvent-free paint marker dries in seconds, so you don't have to worry about smearing and smudging.
The patented pump marker system ensures better ink flow for a more even distribution of color. The paint is also UV and weather-resistant, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. You can dilute the paint with water or acetone to create different hues and effects.
This basic paint marker set has 10 colors; zinc yellow, dare orange, traffic red, shock blue middle, true blue, currant, neon pink, mister green, signal white, and signal black. The markers are also refillable and have a 4mm bullet tip.
Aside from the basic sets (available in 3 sets of 6 and 10 color combinations), Molotow has pastel color sets and metallic sets in 3 other nib widths.
Who Should Buy It
The Molotow OneforAll Acrylic Paint Marker Set is an excellent investment for artists and graffiti writers. You can paint glass bottles using these acrylic markers.
13. Montana Cans 15mm Acrylic Paint Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
These markers are excellent. Most users gave them a thumbs-up because of the convincing quality of these markers.
Why We Think It's Great
Montana Cans 15mm Acrylic Paint Marker has the perfect paint marker for all your creative needs. The 15mm Acrylic Paint Marker is compatible with most surfaces, except on grainy surfaces. The marker applies smoothly.
The durable inks will provide opaque coverage, and you can refill the transparent barrel as needed. However, the marker is best only for indoor applications. If you use outdoor surfaces, you need to apply acrylic varnish.
You can buy these markers individually, with 36 colors available to choose from. The opaque coverage is excellent for indoor use, and the leak-proof cap ensures your paint marker stays in good condition.
Who Should Buy It
This marker is best for artists looking for a broad nib for wide application. You can also use these markers for painting on wine glasses and other glass surfaces.
14. Krink K-42 Paint Marker Set
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What Customers Have to Say
According to some users, these markers are dope because they don't bleed much on computer paper even with their excellent coverage and dripping action. Some artists sharpened the tip and found no issues with the coverage. Many users think these markers are worth every penny you pay for them.
Be careful when handling these markers, though, as the ink may cause skin irritations when left on the skin for some time. Also, users recommend working in open spaces with good ventilation and away from open flames as the paint in these markers is flammable.
Why We Think It's Great
The Krink K-42 Paint Markers hold 10ml of permanent and opaque alcohol-based paint that doesn't have any offensive odor. These markers will give old and uninteresting glass, metal, or painted surfaces a new appearance. They also apply to other porous materials, including paper, canvas, and stones.
The barrel design is comfortable on the hand, so even if you work for hours, you'll only experience minimal hand fatigue. The colors available in this set are black, silver, white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, light blue, green, and yellow-green.
Aside from sets, you can also buy these markers individually. Purchase light pink, teal, light green, and gold to complete your 16-marker collection.
Who Should Buy It
The Krink K-42 Paint Markers are best for graffiti artists looking for fine-tip paint markers for detailing work and tagging. These markers are also great for lettering and adding highlights to your drawings.
Types of Graffiti Markers
Steel Tip Markers
Steel-tipped markers are ideal if you're going for thin lines, drips, and painting on metal, concrete, and textured surfaces. These markers have thicker paints than other markers. They're prone to leaking, though. You also don't have much control over the drips.
White Out Markers
White-out markers are best for working on smaller areas because they're tinier than steel tip markers. You'll make really thin lines using these markers. They're also intermediate between steel tip and felt tip markers in terms of surfaces to work on. They last a long time, but they don't work well to create drips.
Felt Tip Markers
Unlike steel-tipped markers, felt-tip pens are best for smooth surfaces. They're also the most commonly used graffiti paint pens. They come in different nib sizes - medium, wide, and ultra-wide. The markers are refillable, but the tips sometimes feel rigid.
Mop Markers
Mop markers are fantastic for large, dripping tags on glossy floors. You may squeeze the barrel to release as many drops as you need. They work well on smooth surfaces, but they can be messy. When working on a hard surface, the sponge and fuzzy tips of mop markers break apart.
Graffiti Markers Buying Guide
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Color Range and Opacity
Choose graffiti markers with excellent pigment dispersion to let you achieve the most out of each piece. The colors should have excellent lightfastness and opacity to make your artwork stand out.
Also, choose the right opacity for the inks of the markers you buy. If you're working on graffiti art, look for one with high inks of high opacity.
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Ink Type
Good graffiti markers use different inks and paints. Here is a quick rundown of the most common graffiti marker according to ink type:
Acrylic-based ink uses a high-tech method to break down the color pigments into tiny beads for excellent dispersion. They're colorfast inks that you can't remove easily. Most acrylic-based inks use non-toxic materials for your safety.
Alcohol-based ink works on non-porous surfaces and uses alcohol as the solvent. They don't have the same color saturation when used on porous surfaces.
Paint solid marker uses crystallized color pigments that hold fast on greasy and dusty surfaces. They may look like oil pastel, but in reality, the composition of these markers is paint.
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Tip Size
When writing or drawing, the size of a marker's tip may define the precision and uniformity of strokes and lines. Aside from that, knowing the tip size can aid in selecting which markers are more pleasant to use and control.
Some markers have smaller nibs at 2-3mm, while others are ridiculously wide at 15mm. Smaller nibs are best for fine and crisp lines, while wider nibs are for shading and other similar tasks on your graffiti art.
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Drying Time
Some markers dry relatively faster than others, especially if you're using water-based ones. However, even markers of the same ink type have varying drying times. Quick-drying inks allow you to add more layers without waiting too long for them to dry.
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Versatility
Choose the graffiti marker that you can use on various surfaces. The usual surfaces are concrete, metal, canvas, fabric, and wood.
Graffiti Markers FAQ
1. Who is the most famous graffiti artist?
While graffiti may seem a form of antisocial behavior, it is also an expressive art form. Many artists embraced this art form and became famous for them.
Some of the famous artists of the graffiti world are Bansky, Keith Haring, Dmitri Vrubel, David Choe, King Robbo, Shepard Fairey, Eduardo Kobra, and Os Gemeos. Learn more about these graffiti artists in this article.
2. Can you use Sharpies for graffiti?
Sharpies work on both porous and non-porous surfaces. However, they don't last well when used on concrete, but, yes, you can use Sharpies for graffiti art. These markers are best for blending and layering.
3. How do you make a graffiti mop pen?
You need an empty dripstick, high-performance enamel paint, paint thinner, or brake fluid. Mix the paint and a small amount of paint thinner to make the paint slightly runny but not watery. You may also use the brake fluid. However, the brake fluid reacts with plastic, storing your extra inks in a mason jar.
Fill the dripstick with the ink with the small funnel or plastic pipette. Use the homemade mop pen in the same way as a store-bought mop pen. To store it, secure the openings and the mop part with electrical tape. Store upright to prevent leaking.
4. What is a tag in graffiti?
A tag in graffiti is an embellishment or series of symbols used to attract attention, aside from adding design to your graffiti art.
5. How do you tag with a chisel tip?
It's easier to add a tag with a chisel tip marker by simply realigning your markers. Using different nibs on your markers helps make better tags on your graffiti art.
Conclusion
Though graffiti art is still illegal in many states because it is a form of expression vandalism, it has breached the art world and shifted to become mainstream art. So as long as you make graffiti drawings in your backyard or front gate or secure permission, they’re okay. Here are our top picks for graffiti markers.
Our best overall pick is the Zeyar Permanent Markers. Aside from its waterproof and quick-drying paint, this brand has an excellent 15-day cap-off time, so even if you leave it uncapped for a week for so, you can always use these markers.
Our runner-up pick is the Posca Medium Acrylic Paint Markers. These markers feature reversible nibs and water-soluble paints that layer well for better coverage.
For your detailing needs, our pick is the Krink K-42 Paint Marker Set. These markers use high-quality paints with no offensive odors. The ergonomic design of these markers helps to keep hand fatigue to a minimum while working with paint markers.