15 Best Oil-Based Markers In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Oil-based markers are a fun and versatile medium for art, crafts, and other projects. They come in different colors, blend to create new shades or tones, and leave a professional-looking effect on your artwork. Many oil-based markers claim to be the best, but not all live up to their promises. This article will review some of the top products to know what options work best for your project needs.
Our Top Picks
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Best overall: Artistro Oil-Based Paint Markers• Works on multiple surfaces |
Runner-up: Beric Premium Paint Pens• Weather-resistant |
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Best Complete Set: Arteza Oil-Based Paint Pens• Smooth, consistent flow |
1. Artistro Oil-Based Paint Markers - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
According to several customers, these oil-based inks work on almost anything, and they are of better value than more expensive brands. The colors are also bright and permanent.
Why We Think It's Great
These Artistro paint pens are the perfect tool for any artist. The high-quality inks imported from Japan and Italy dry in just 2-3 minutes. They are also water-resistant and less prone to fading and scratching.
When stored correctly, you'll enjoy your oil-based markers without flooding, jamming, or experiencing any drying of the felt tips. Always wipe off the excess paint before capping the pens and storing them horizontally to prevent the ink from accumulating at the lower part of the barrel. The permanent markers also work on porous and non-porous surfaces like rock, wood, ceramic, glass, plastic, fabric, and metal.
The set has 15 vibrant colors: white, red, orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, bright blue, royal blue, pink, hot pink, purple, brown, and black, and includes two metallics: gold and silver. The colors are also opaque for better coverage.
Aristro also offers a 1-year money-back guarantee on their products, so you'll experience no-worry purchases.
Who Should Buy It
The Aristo Permanent Markers Set is an excellent option for artists looking for an affordable set of oil-based markers. Rock painting artists and glass painting artists also love these markers.
2. Beric Premium Paint Pens - Runner-up
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What Customers Have to Say
Even without baking, the paint markers stay permanent on ceramic tiles and stones, so customers love using them for their artwork. They're safe for kids to use with adequate adult supervision. The paint pens also last a long time, even with frequent use.
Why We Think It's Great
If you're looking for a set of high-quality, weather-resistant paint pens with various colors, Beric markers are an excellent choice. The quick-drying ink and low odor make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, while the lightfast pigments keep your projects looking great for a long time.
These marker pens write on multiple surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, glass, ceramics, metal, etc. The low odor formulation is gentle on your nose and lungs, so these marker pens are safe to use for kids.
The colors included in the set are black, white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, sky blue, purple, pink, metallic gold, and metallic silver.
To use, tilt the marker with the cap on a slight angle. Shake up and down until the shaker ball rattles to mix the paint inside. Remove the cap press the nib on scratch paper until the paint flows. Put the cap back on immediately after each use. Store in a horizontal position.
Who Should Buy It
This paint marker set is best for teachers, students, and professional artists. These markers also work great for multimedia and scrapbooking artists.
3. Emooqi Oil-Based Painting Marker Pen Set
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What Customers Have to Say
Customers love the concentrated inks and how fast they dry. These markers work well on wood, metal, glass, and ceramic. It is also helpful for artists who are looking to paint on plastic or vinyl surfaces.
Why We Think It's Great
This oil-based marker paint pen set is unsuitable for children younger than three years old. It works on canvas, glass, wood, stones, ceramics, and other surfaces. These pens are perfect for anyone looking for vibrant, waterproof, and fade-resistant artwork.
The set includes vibrant red, light red, pink, purple, light purple, blue, light blue, green, light green, and white. It also has yellow, lemon yellow, khaki, orange, cream yellow, brown, dark gray, black, metallic gold, and metallic silver.
They're odorless, so you can create without worrying about any unwanted smells. And if you have any questions or concerns, Emooqi has an excellent customer service team to help you with your concerns.
Who Should Buy It
If the bold, vibrant colors are what you're looking for in a set of oil-based markers, then this set is one to check out.
4. Sharpie Medium Point Oil-Based Paint Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Some customers find the inks very runny, and they tend to form a puddle if left on the surface, even for a short time. The colors are great, but you have to work fast to avoid smudging. According to other artists, they're better than paintbrushes, especially those who have not developed their brush skills.
Why We Think It's Great
Look no further than Sharpie's Medium Point Oil-Based Paint Markers if you're looking for markers that work on both porous and non-porous surfaces. The quick-drying inks resist fading and scratching, even when it gets wet.
The colors stand out beautifully against dark, light, and reflective surfaces. The medium point is perfect for rock painting but is also great for scrapbooks, window art, etc., on various surfaces. If you need a finer tip for detailing, Sharpie extra-fine point is the best choice.
The set includes eight colors in black, white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. To use it, press the tip, recap, then shake the barrel. Press the tip on the surface a few times until the ink flows. Clean the tip and the surrounding point before recapping. Always store the pens horizontally to avoid the ink pooling on the pen tip.
Who Should Buy It
If you're looking for oil-based markers for your artwork or making a sign for your business, these markers are a good choice. Working on seasonal signs on glass counters and windows in your shop? These markers are erasable on glass using alcohol, so you can update your window signs with the seasons.
5. Zeyar Oil-Based Paint Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Some customers had difficulty adjusting to these markers since they had previously worked with a different brand. However, Zeyar oil-based markers became their favorite after some time since they're more affordable and easy to use.
Another crafter used these markers to customize skating shoes, and the results were very vibrant and colorful.
Why We Think It's Great
Zeyar Oil-Based Paint Markers are perfect for adding a splash of color to any surface, including rocks, ceramic, fabric, wood, canvas, glass, or plastic. The 0.7mm extra-fine Japanese tip is best for adding details and outlines to your projects.
The valve-action structure allows for better ink control. You can detect the action by the slight rattling sound when you shake the pen before use. The inks are also resistant to fading and scratching. Best of all, these markers apply well on almost any surface and don't fade over time.
The set has 18 AP-certified markers in metallic colors (gold, silver, and copper) and fluorescent colors (flaming orange, hot pink, lemon, glowing green, and brilliant blue). They also include other colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, white, and black. While fun to use and play with, make sure you don’t use the markers on containers that come in contact with food.
To use, shake it a few times with the cap on, remove the cap to allow the marker to vent, then press it on paper to let the ink flow. When not in use, put the cap back on to prevent the ink from drying out.
Who Should Buy It
Anyone who needs to make artistic or permanent marks on any surface will appreciate having these oil-based markers in their crafting supplies. They're also water-resistant, so if you're working on crafts outdoors, these markers are a great fit for the bill.
6. Aroic Oil-Based Marker Pen
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What Customers Have to Say
The ink is soluble in water, so work away from water until it is dry as it only becomes water-resistant once dry. However, it may take longer to dry compared with other oil-based markers. The colors are also sharper than water-based markers.
The inks are also easy to remove with alcohol (depending on the surface) and work great on various surfaces. Customers recommend this brand to their fellow crafters.
Why We Think It's Great
Aroic oil-based marker pens are perfect for both adults and kids. They're weather-resistant, non-toxic, and ASTM D-4236 certified. These markers glide on smoothly and don't produce a strong smell. The 2mm nib provides a nice, thick line perfect for drawing or writing.
The set also comes with a free tutorial ebook that you will receive by email in three days from the date of purchase. The ebook contains tutorials on doodling, coloring, and other marker art.
Customer service is very responsive and is always available to answer any query related to the product and its use. The markers are also very versatile since you can use them for nail art, paint on wine glasses, customize your shoes, shirts, canvas bags, or paint on wood, stones, plastic, or ceramics.
The set has 16 oil-based markers in red, orange, yellow, pink, sky blue, blue, light green, green, light purple, purple, tan, brown, black, and white. It also includes two metallic markers in silver and gold.
To improve ink flow, cap the marker, shake it a few times while holding it upright. Continue holding the marker upright, uncap, then press the tip down for 3-4 seconds to remove the air inside the barrel. Lastly, press the tip of the marker on scratch paper until the ink begins to flow.
Who Should Buy It
If you are an artist or like to keep markers at home, this is a perfect product for your needs. It's also suitable for beginners since it comes with instructional materials and tips on using the marker properly.
7. TFive Paint Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
A parent hosted a painting party for her daughter's friends using these paint markers, and the kids were thrilled with the outcome of their wooden signs. They also work well on plastic models and reverse glass paintings on Christmas plates.
Why We Think It's Great
TFive Paint Markers are the perfect tools for any artist looking to make a bold statement. These markers boast a quick-dry and lightfast formula for a longer effect. They work well on leather, paper, plastic, glass, wood, metal, stones, canvas, concrete, fabric, etc.
The ink is xylene and toluene-free and complies with EU Rohs standards for your safety. It is also odorless, so it's safe to use, even for young kids. Use alcohol or mineral turpentine to clean off.
The set is available in 12 colors: white, green, blue, purple, orange, pink, red, yellow, brown, black, metallic gold, and metallic silver. The pens are individually-packed pens to protect them from leaking during shipment.
If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, the company will refund your money within 24 hours of filing a complaint.
To use it for the first time, hold the marker horizontally with the cap on, then shake it back and forth. Uncap, then press the nib on paper until the ink flows. Clean before recapping.
Who Should Buy It
This set is perfect for artists, doodlers, and anyone who wants to add some color to their life. The vibrant colors and durable tips make this an excellent option for people of all ages. The ink is also non-toxic and acid-free, so it's safe for children to use.
8. ARTIQO Fine Tip Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Many users are repeat buyers since they love the result of their art projects. Some used these markers to paint mugs, rocks, glass, and plastic. A few users remarked that the markers are worth every penny because of their intense colors and smooth application.
Why We Think It's Great
The fine tip of Artiqo Paint Pens makes detail work a breeze. The ink oven-safe, ensuring your masterpiece can go to the oven without any issues. It is dishwasher-safe on the top rack.
The non-toxic formulation means even your youngest artists can join in on the fun without any worries. Waterproof and easy to apply, these pens are perfect for any surface, including rocks, glass, ceramic, plastic, mugs, glassware decoration, stone painting, hand-painted ornaments, canvas, ceramic, mixed-media art, etc.
The set has 15 markers: red, yellow, orange, yellow-green, green, sky blue, blue, lilac, purple, hot pink, white, black, brown, metallic gold, and metallic silver. It also comes with an ebook containing 25 designs for rock painting, sent to you via email after each successful purchase.
To use these marker pens, keep it capped, then hold it at an angle to shake it several times. Uncap the marker while holding it upright. Press the nib several times to release the gas inside. Charge the nib several times on scratch paper until the paint flows. Cap after each use and store in a horizontal position.
Who Should Buy It
This paint pen set is best for graphic artists, designers, and sign makers. These markers also work well for artists who love working on various surfaces and multimedia arts.
9. Castle Art Supplies Oil Based Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Castle Art Supplies oil-based paint pens are nice and waterproof, and many customers use them regularly for their art projects and crafts. One grandmother gave this set to her grandchildren, and everyone was impressed with the quality of the markers.
Another crafter used these markers to highlight her wigs with great results. The hair gets stiff after application, though, but they're great for touch-ups.
Why We Think It's Great
Castle Art Supplies oil-based paint pens use a unique valve action to activate the ink inside the barrel without the usual shaking. It works on various surfaces, including glass, metal, plastic, ceramics, and other porous and non-porous surfaces.
The markers provide excellent coverage and permanent colors on a variety of surfaces. The set includes colors red, orange, yellow, sky blue, blue, green, purple, pink, white, black, metallic silver, and metallic gold.
The exclusive money-back guarantee ensures that you get the best value for your money. The set also comes with an easy-to-follow tutorial on using oil-based markers.
To use, push the nib on a piece of scratch paper a few times until the paint flows. Recap the markers, then store them on their side. Repeat the priming process each time you use the markers.
Who Should Buy It
These paint pens are great for artists looking for budget-friendly oil-based markers. They're also great for people looking for gift ideas for artists. The giftable box is sturdy and looks fabulous even without a gift wrapper.
10. Sakura Pentouch Metallic Paint Marker
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What Customers Have to Say
Users recommend following the priming and painting instructions to allow the markers to do their job well. They look nice on wax seals, so make the design pop out. The resulting design is beautiful and silky, especially black cardstock.
Why We Think It's Great
Add a touch of metallic glamor to your projects with Sakura Pentouch Metallic Paint Markers. These markers use archival-quality ink that resists fading, so your creations will stay looking beautiful for a long time.
These fine-tip markers are perfect for detailed work, and the gold, copper, and silver colors give you lots of options for adding shimmer and shine to your art projects.
Compared with other oil-based markers, Sakura Pentouch markers prime quicker so you can get started on your project right away. While your Pentouch marker is at an angle, hold the cap before giving the marker a good shake. Tilt the marker upright, then push the nib to release the pressure.
Lastly, push the nib on the paper. Wait for up to a minute to allow the ink to travel to the nib. Pushing the nib on paper too much will cause the ink to pool at the nib, causing the inks to flood on the paper.
Who Should Buy It
The Sakura Pentouch Oil-Based Markers are a great option for artists who want to quickly and easily add shimmer and shine to their projects. These markers are also ideal for users who prefer metallic paint markers.
11. Attom Tech Art Paint Pen Set
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What Customers Have to Say
The colors from the paint pens were beautiful, of good quality, and simple to use. They're worth the price, have vibrant colors and flow smoothly and easily. Users love these markers a lot.
Why We Think It's Great
Attom Tech Art Paint Pen Set is perfect for beginners and experienced artists as they conform to EN 71-3 and ASTM-D 4236 standards. The pens are also waterproof and fade-resistant, even when exposed to the elements.
Each pen features a non-toxic ink that is safe for both children and adults. It does not have xylene and has a low odor, so kids can use it safely. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, Attom offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
This 12-paint marker set has pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, brown, black, white, metallic gold, and metallic silver. To use them, shake the marker with the cap on. Uncap the marker, then press the marker on a piece of scratch paper to activate the inks.
Who Should Buy It
If you are looking for an affordable oil-based marker set with excellent quality, check Attom markers. These markers are also perfect for all kinds of artists, designers, and art enthusiasts.
12. PINTAR Premium Oil Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Pintar is an excellent marker pen, and they're vibrant enough for painting rocks and flower pots. Customers highly recommend these paint markers, especially since the sellers are very accommodating. Even picky artists love the result of these paint markers.
Why We Think It's Great
Pintar marker pens use premium inks. These are xylene-free and toluene-free, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly experience. They dry quickly and work well on light and dark surfaces. They are also water-resistant and fade-resistant, which allow your artwork to last for years.
The markers work on almost every porous and non-porous surface - stone, ceramics, metal, fabric, porcelain, plastic, and canvas. Each marker is fitted with a fine nib so you can create precise lines and details with ease. The 24-marker set comes in two nib sizes. Black, white, metallic gold, and metallic silver are in 1mm fine tip pens.
Other colors are blue, yellow, pink, green, white, gold, light blue, deep yellow, light green, dark cyan, purple, orange, red, brown, black, silver, fluorescent yellow, bright red, light purple, and amaranth red in 5mm medium tip pens.
Who Should Buy It
This paint set is best for beginners and experienced artists looking for a high-quality, oil-based marker set.
13. Paint Mark Quick-Dry Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
Many users believe these are great pens and comparable with more expensive ones. They are easy to prime and work on porous surfaces like canvas and denim without any issue. The paint also flows smoothly, so artists love using them.
Why We Think It's Great
Paint Mark quick-dry paint pens make it easy to add a splash of color to any surface. The premium quality inks are resistant to fading and smearing, and the weather-resistant quality ensures your work will last longer no matter the conditions.
The paint markers also work well on ceramics, wood, canvas, stone, glass, and fabric. They are non-toxic and acid-free, making them ideal for use by artists of all ages.
The set has 15 markers: black, white, brown, red, orange, yellow, dark green, light blue, and blue. This set also includes more metallic colors: gold, silver, metallic blue, metallic green, metallic pink, and metallic violet.
Who Should Buy It
These markers are best for industrial work and other industrial applications. Multimedia artists also seem to prefer these marker paints.
14. Overseas Black Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
These paint markers work on various surfaces, including repainting motorbike tires. They just need minor shaking for the markers to reactivate. According to customers, they're not for children to use, but they work perfectly on cloth, metal, and wood.
Why We Think It's Great
Overseas paint markers use premium Japanese inks for fade-resistant markings. The 6-marker set has a 5mm tip and 2mm line thickness. This set comes in different colors, making it a nice replacement if you use your other colors.
They are also non-toxic and acid-free. The markers have a nice texture and work on almost any surface, including rock painting, ceramic, wood, fabric, stone, metal, and other surfaces.
Each marker is individually wrapped for extra convenience, and the company offers free refunds on any products that don't meet your expectations.
Who Should Buy It
Overseas paint markers are best for artists working on large art projects. These markers are also best for industrial use.
15. Arteza Oil-Based Paint Pens - Best Complete Set
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What Customers Have to Say
Customers appreciate these oil paint markers because the colors are bright and sharp. They also work well with other brands, so they're perfect for supplementing your dried paint markers. Artists love using them for making cards, labeling, and other craft projects.
Why We Think It's Great
The Arteza Oil-Based Paint Pens have a smooth, consistent flow and overlap perfectly. You can use the markers on rocks, canvas, glass, pottery, plastic, and other porous and non-porous surfaces.
The quick-drying inks also make them ideal for artists working on large projects. They're non-toxic and conform to ASTM D-4236 and ACMI standards.
The 20 markers have round bullet nibs that make bold lines and dots. The vibrant colors work on both light and dark surfaces, plus the ergonomic design of the barrel gives you comfort even for extended use.
To try it, tilt the marker at an angle, then shake it a few times to use the marker. Press the nib on the paper and wait until the inks load on the nibs.
Who Should Buy It
The Arteza is one of the best paint pens to add to any artist's toolkit. They're also best for industrial-grade arts because they are permanent and resistant to fading, even when left to the elements.
Oil-Based Markers Buying Guide
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Permanence
Oil-based markers are more permanent than water-based markers and regular markers because you cannot remove them with water or even glass cleaners. However, you can remove them with chemical solvents when applied on non-porous surfaces or reactivate them with oil mediums.
If you're looking for a permanent marker for your outdoor crafts, oil-based markers are your best bet.
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Odor and chemical composition
Unlike traditional oil paints, oil-based markers have less odor. Most formulations don't have xylene and toluene, two of the most common solvents present in earlier versions of markers. Always check the presence of these solvents on your oil-based markers.
Though they don't smell as much as other solvents, xylene may cause harmful effects on the eyes, nose, and throat. On the other hand, toluene may have detrimental effects on the nervous system after prolonged exposure.
If you work with oil-based markers with even a slight odor, always open your windows and make sure you have enough ventilation. Wear a mask to protect yourself further.
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Pigments
Oil-based paint markers should have an opaque and glossy finish. The lines should also be consistent and blendable, so there won't be visible overlapping.
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Drying time
Oil paint markers dry faster than water-based paint markers. However, if applied on non-porous surfaces like glass or canvas, you can reactivate the oil paint marker with solvents or oil mediums.
Fast-drying paint means less smudging and bleeding, thus producing better results.
Oil-Based Markers FAQ
1. What is the difference between water-based and oil-based paint markers?
Inks used in water-based markers, also known as acrylic paint pens, are runnier and less prone to drying out. Even if you leave it out for a time, the nibs will retain some wetness, so it is easier to apply the marker again. The colors are more opaque with oil-based markers.
On the other hand, oil-based paint markers have more issues with their thicker consistency, making them quick to dry when applied on the surfaces. If left uncapped for a considerable time, you'll have to expect that the paints have dried out.
Adding a bit of alcohol or turpentine may reactivate the oil paint, but you may only do it once to prevent damage to your markers.
Oil-based paint markers have a less streaky output than water-based paint markers in terms of quality. However, you have to master your strokes to work fast with oil-based markers to prevent chipping the first layer of paint.
Water-based markers are prone to scratching, while oil-based markers are more permanent. Oil-based markers are also more resilient against rubbing, water, or even glass cleaning agents, but they come off with alcohol or acetone.
2. How do you blend oil-based paint markers?
You may treat oil-based markers in the same way as oil paints. To blend it on paper, you can apply the colors you want to use and then blend them with a paintbrush. You may also dab the markers on an oil palette, then dip your paintbrush into odorless mineral spirits and mix your colors as you normally do with traditional oil paints.
3. Can you use oil-based paint markers on canvas?
Yes, you can use oil-based markers on sized canvas to prevent the oils from seeping into the fabric. As mentioned earlier, treat your oil-based markers like traditional oil paint. Check out our article on how to canvas painting for beginners to learn more about preparing your canvas for your oil-based paint markers.
4. What is the difference between regular Sharpies and oil-based Sharpies?
Regular Sharpies work best with fabric and paper, while oil-based Sharpies work well with wood, glass, metals, and on projects exposed to the elements. Oil-based Sharpies (and other oil-based paint markers) are more resilient to the changing weather, making them perfect for outdoor projects.
Regular Sharpies are also easier to remove on glass, and they fade after some time on wood, while oil-based Sharpies are more permanent and harder to remove on porous surfaces.
5. Can you use oil-based paint markers on glass?
Yes. Aside from glass, oil-based markers also work on porous surfaces (wood, stone, ceramics, concrete, or pottery) and non-porous surfaces like plastic and metal. While they're more permanent, you can remove the oil-based markers on non-porous surfaces using turpentine, alcohol, mineral spirits, or acetone.
Conclusion
Our vote for the best paint markers is the Artistro Oil-Based Paint Markers for this review because it works on multiple surfaces. The high-quality inks are resistant to water, fading, and scratching. The ink dries in 2-3 minutes, and the 1-year money-back guarantee is a great help for your peace of mind.
Beric Premium Paint Pens is our runner-up. The quick-drying inks are weather-resistant and have low odors. It is also water-resistant and works on various surfaces.
The best complete set is Arteza Oil-Based Paint Pens. The quick-drying ink flows smoothly and overlaps perfectly. The paint pens are non-toxic and work on multiple surfaces.