When to Use Custom Acrylic Markers？

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Acrylic paint marker pens might just become your new best friend if you love painting but hate the mess. These versatile, easy-to-use tools have taken the art world by storm, making them essential for both beginners and experienced artists alike. Whether you’re customizing your favorite sneakers, decorating a glass jar, or adding detailed highlights to a canvas, acrylic markers can help you achieve crisp, clean results without the fuss of traditional paints.

Before we dive into the key facts you need to know, let me quickly mention Drawlish, a brand that has made a name for itself by providing vibrant, high-quality acrylic paint marker pens. If you’re looking to upgrade your art supplies, they’ve got some great options to check out.

Now, let’s explore everything you should know about acrylic paint marker pens, from their versatility to tips for making the most out of these amazing tools

1. They Work on Almost Any Surface

One of the biggest reasons acrylic paint marker pens have surged in popularity is their ability to work on an incredibly wide variety of surfaces. Whether you’re into drawing on paper, wood, metal, or even unconventional surfaces like glass and plastic, these pens can handle it all.

Think about how many times you’ve had to switch up your materials based on the surface you were working on. With acrylic paint markers, that’s no longer a concern. Here’s a breakdown of the surfaces they work well on:

• Paper & Canvas: Great for traditional art like sketches or full-blown paintings.
• Wood & Stone: Perfect for rustic home décor projects or DIY crafts.
• Glass & Plastic: Ideal for personalized mugs, jars, and even holiday ornaments.
• Metal & Fabric: Customizing metal jewelry or designing on fabric? No problem!

Whether you’re personalizing a ceramic plate or adding details to a wooden sign, acrylic paint markers adapt beautifully to the material. This versatility is what makes them a must-have in any artist's toolkit.

2. Beginner-Friendly but Expert-Approved

Let’s be real, using traditional paints can be intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out. Acrylic paint markers simplify the process. Since they behave like a regular pen, you don’t need the skill of a seasoned painter to get started.

Beginners love these markers because:

• They’re easy to control.
• They don’t require special brushes or mixing palettes.
• There’s minimal cleanup, no rinsing brushes or dealing with spills.

On the flip side, more experienced artists rave about acrylic markers for detailed work. They’re ideal for adding sharp lines, intricate designs, and fine details that can be hard to achieve with a paintbrush. This makes them perfect for professionals looking to enhance their pieces with crisp, polished finishes.

3. The Ink is Waterproof and Long-Lasting

Once your work is complete, you want it to last, right? Here’s some good news: acrylic paint marker pens use ink that’s not only vivid but also waterproof and resistant to fading. This is crucial if you’re creating artwork that will be exposed to the elements, like outdoor projects or pieces that might face wear and tear (think custom sneakers or tote bags).

The waterproof nature of the ink makes it ideal for:

• Outdoor murals: No need to worry about rain ruining your work.
• Wearable art: From shoes to jackets, your designs will hold up over time.
• Functional art: Cups, dishes, and other items that might get wet won’t be affected.

Once dry, the ink becomes permanent (are paint pens permanent? know this first!), allowing your artwork to stand the test of time. It’s a big reason why many artists prefer acrylic markers for projects that need to be durable and fade-resistant.

4. Fast-Drying But Not Too Fast

If you’ve ever worked with traditional paint, you know that drying time can be a pain. Some paints take forever to dry, leaving you vulnerable to smudging and accidental messes. On the flip side, fast-drying paints can dry too quickly, making it hard to blend or correct mistakes.

Acrylic paint markers strike the perfect balance. The ink dries fast enough to prevent smudging, but it still gives you enough time to blend colors or fix any mistakes.

Here are a few tips for making the most of their drying time:

• Work in layers: Apply thin coats and build up to the desired effect.
• Blend while wet: If you’re going for smooth transitions between colors, work quickly to blend before the paint dries.
• Fix small mistakes: Acrylic paint markers allow you a small window to wipe away errors before the paint sets permanently.

The fast-drying nature of these markers also makes them perfect for quick projects when time is of the essence and to speed up the process, click on this guide.

5. Blending and Layering Colors Is Easier Than You Think

You might be wondering, "Can you really blend and layer colors with markers?" Absolutely! In fact, acrylic paint marker pens offer great flexibility when it comes to color blending, despite their marker-like format.

Here’s how you can blend and layer like a pro:

• Work while the paint is wet: As mentioned, you have a small window before the paint dries where you can blend colors together seamlessly. This allows for smooth gradients and shading.
• Layer colors once dry: Acrylic paint markers allow you to layer one color over another once the first layer is dry. This is especially useful when adding highlights or creating depth in your artwork.
• Use a blending tool: Some artists use a brush or blending sponge to mix the colors on the surface for a more polished look.

These techniques make acrylic paint markers incredibly versatile and capable of producing effects that rival those of traditional painting methods.

6. Different Nib Sizes Offer Precision and Flexibility

Acrylic paint marker pens come in a range of nib sizes, making them suitable for a variety of artistic styles and applications. Whether you need broad strokes to cover large areas or fine-tipped pens for detailed line work, there’s a nib size for every purpose.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common nib types:

• Fine tip (1mm or less): Great for detailed work, small lettering, and intricate designs.
• Medium tip (2-4mm): Ideal for general drawing, medium-sized details, and filling in larger areas.
• Broad/chisel tip: Perfect for bold strokes, thick lines, or covering large areas quickly.

The ability to switch between different nib sizes means you can easily move from detailed sections of your work to broader strokes without needing to switch tools. It’s this versatility that has many artists raving about the flexibility of acrylic markers.

7. No Primer Needed, but It Can Enhance Results

While you generally don’t need to use a primer before applying acrylic paint markers, using one can make a noticeable difference—especially on non-porous surfaces like metal, plastic, or glass. Priming helps the paint adhere better and results in a smoother, more durable finish.

Here’s when you should consider using a primer:

• On slick surfaces: Glass, metal, and some plastics can benefit from a primer coat to ensure the paint doesn’t peel or flake off.
• For outdoor projects: If your artwork will be exposed to the elements, priming can add an extra layer of protection, ensuring the paint bonds properly to the surface.

Although many artists skip the primer and still get great results, it’s a handy trick to keep in your toolbox when working on trickier surfaces.

8. Non-Toxic and Safe for All Ages

Safety is important, especially when you’re working with kids or planning to gift your artwork to others. Thankfully, most acrylic paint marker pens are non-toxic, which makes them safe for all ages. Whether you’re letting your little ones join in on a weekend art project or you're an adult looking to use them for craft ideas, you can rest easy knowing they’re safe to use.

It’s worth checking the label to confirm that the markers meet safety standards, but most well-known brands ensure their products are free from harmful chemicals.

9. You Can Refill Some Acrylic Markers

One of the lesser-known facts about acrylic paint marker pens is that some brands allow you to refill them. While not every marker is refillable, many high-quality brands offer this feature as a way to extend the life of your markers.

Here’s why refilling is awesome:

• Cost-effective: Instead of buying new markers every time they run out, you can simply refill them, saving you money in the long run.
• Eco-friendly: Less waste is always a good thing! By refilling your markers, you reduce the amount of plastic and materials that end up in the trash.

Check the specific brand of marker you’re using to see if it offers refill options. Some brands even sell individual ink refills, making the process simple and convenient.

Why Acrylic Paint Marker Pens Deserve a Spot in Your Art Supplies

Reason Benefits Why Choose Drawlish Versatile on Multiple Surfaces Works on paper, wood, metal, glass, plastic, fabric, and more. Drawlish markers provide smooth, consistent coverage on all surfaces. Beginner-Friendly Easy to use, minimal mess, and no special tools required. Drawlish pens are designed for simplicity and ease of control. Precise Detailing Allows for intricate designs and fine lines. Multiple nib sizes for detailed and accurate work. Waterproof & Long-Lasting Durable and fade-resistant, suitable for outdoor use. Drawlish ink is highly resistant to fading and wear. Fast-Drying Ink Dries quickly, reducing smudges while allowing blending. Perfect balance of fast-drying and workability. Blendable & Layerable Smooth blending and layering for depth and gradients. Drawlish markers offer rich, blendable ink for artistic effects. Variety of Nib Sizes Supports different artistic styles and techniques. Drawlish provides fine, medium, and broad nib options. No Primer Needed (Most Surfaces) Works without primer, saving time on prep. Performs great on non-primed surfaces for a hassle-free experience. Non-Toxic & Safe for All Ages Safe for kids and adults alike. Certified non-toxic and eco-friendly. Refillable Options Available Cost-effective and eco-friendly with refillable options. Drawlish offers refillable markers for sustainability and savings.

P.S. If you’re still reading, congratulations! You’ve just leveled up your art knowledge. Now go forth and conquer the canvas!

1. Water-Based Paint

The term ‘paint marker’ is used loosely to refer to (1) acrylic paint markers (2) oil-based makers and (3) Permanent ink marker pens. So it’s important to know exactly what acrylic paint pens are not.

You will have come across oil-based paint pens if you’ve ever used a pen where you have to vigorously shake the pen so the ball bearing can mix the paint with the oil before use. Being oil solvent based, these markers leave a strong odour and are, therefore, not ideal for (or around) children or for use in poorly ventilated areas. Oil-based markers will take much longer to dry than acrylic ones. Though they can be used on similar surfaces to their acrylic counterparts, oil-based markers will behave slightly differently. The paint tends to sit slightly better on porous surfaces and offers the advantage of not having to be ‘sealed’ (more on this later). That said, on non-porous surfaces, such as paper and card, they are more susceptible to bleeding on the surface.

Permanent pens, like Sharpie®, are sometimes confused for paint pens. The vital difference is that they are ink-based as opposed to paint-based and, as such, they behave very differently. Beyond drying fast and working well on white surfaces, they are rather limited. The ink will not show up well on darker surfaces nor work particularly well on porous surfaces. Blending and layering is not possible with ink.

So that leaves us with acrylic paint marker pens – a relatively new technology using water-based acrylic paint. Their ease of use amongst other things means they are gaining popularity.

2. Versatility

Simply put, acrylic paint marker pens can be used on anything! Whether the surface is light or dark, rough or smooth it makes no difference. Porcelain, glass, plastic, fabric, wood, metal, rubber or leather you name it! So whether you are decorating a mug, a key ring or a T-shirt there is bags of fun to be had in personalizing any of your own stuff.

Perhaps the most popular use for acrylic paint pens, however, is rock painting (sometimes referred to as stone or pebble painting). Being different shapes and sizes, rocks make brilliant ornaments for children’s bedrooms or excellent presents to gift to others.

Link to Red Eagle

Tip: If you want to use your pens on rough surfaces such as pebbles you will want tough nibs that will not easily fray.

3. Safety

Being a water-based paint, acrylic pens marker pens are very popular amongst all ages – especially children (though they are generally not recommended for those under the age of 3). The pens offer an excellent trade-off between being permanent (discussed in the next section) while still being able to be washed off your hands with some soapy water.

It is a good idea, especially for younger children, to wear an apron to guard against any paint getting on their clothes as once the paint is dry it will be permanent.

It is important to remember that when using acrylic paint pens on items that you wish to consume food or drink from, you check if the paint is food-safe. Most paint pens on the market are intended for decorative purposes only.

The same goes for being dishwasher safe. Some manufacturers will claim that it is perfectly safe to put your decorative work through a dishwasher. Our recommendation, however, is to avoid this. If you’ve spent hours on your creation the last thing you want is to risk a dishwasher ruining it.

Finally, ensure that any pens you buy are non-toxic.

4. Properties

You may notice that most acrylic paint pen markers are sold as being permanent. This is sort of true! Let’s explain.

On porous (or matt) surfaces such as wood, fabric, paper and stone the paint from good quality acrylic pens will dry permanent. So you can rest assure that your artwork will stand the test of time.

If you are looking to use the pens on non-porous (or glossy) surfaces such as glass, mirror, ceramic or metal the paint will not be completely permanent once the paint has dried. It will also take longer to dry on than it would on a porous surface. On glossy surfaces acrylic paint is susceptible to cracking and chipping.

When painting on ceramic or porcelain, after the paint has dried it can be placed in the oven and this is popular with many people. Not only does it give your colours more vibrancy, but it allows the paint to set and become permanent. Before doing this always check that the porcelain or ceramic you are using is oven-safe.

If you wish to preserve your decorated work on these surfaces you can easily ‘seal’ it with a varnish spray to make the paint more permanent and protect it against cracking and chipping. An acrylic-based varnish such as Montana™ Gold varnish spray, available in gloss, semi-gloss and matt, is ideal for sealing. It is advisable that the spraying of varnish be carried out by an adult or at the very least under adult supervision. 

Please see our short guide on how to apply a varnish seal to your work on non-porous surfaces.

5. Ease of use

One of the biggest advantages paint pens have over painting with a brush is that they tend to be less fiddly and messy. No cleaning of brushes and pallets is required. Just put the lid back on the pen when you are finished. Also, there is no wastage of paint as there is with traditional painting where some of the paint is often left in the pallet.

Perhaps the biggest benefit though is that most people feel they have better control with a pen than they do with a brush. Seeing as most of us use pens or pencils frequently this makes perfect sense.

Ensure you choose pens that are simple and easy to get started with. Zieler acrylic paint pens only require you to shake them and then press down the nib on some paper or card until you see the paint come down.

Some pens have reversible nibs or tips so that you get the use of two different style nibs in once piece. The idea of these is good, however, be warned they are fiddly. Normally, a pair of metal tweezers is supplied and, even then, it can be messy turning the nibs around especially when they are wet.

There is also a danger that the nibs may get damaged whilst trying to reverse them. If young children are using the pens it is not recommended to allow them to reverse the nibs as they are small and can be easily dropped or lost.

A criticism often cited against paint pens is that you cannot see how much paint you have left meaning you run the risk of running out of a colour whilst in the middle of your painting! On some occasions users have reported that the paint runs out so quickly that they doubt the pens were full to begin with! There can be nothing more frustrating than not being able to finish off your creative work due to unexpectedly running out of paint.

To help get around this, Zieler paint maker pens use transparent barrels so you can see that they are full. Because you can easily monitor the level of paint at all times, you can better manage your project to a finish. If you can see that one particular colour is running low, finish the section you are working on and switch to another colour.

Tip: Whenever possible, try to store your pens horizontally as this facilitates the paint flow the next time you use then pens and helps prevent the risk of the nibs from drying out.

6. Techniques Achievable

It goes without saying that the effectiveness of any acrylic paint is only as good as the quality of the paint itself and the pigment levels it contains. As well as the paint, the quality of the nib or the tip will also play a big part.

A high quality paint pen can be used to create wonderful effects.

i. Layering

• This is the ability to put one colour on top of another colour. Once the paint is dry a new colour (or the same one) can easily lay over the top of it. This is made easier because the acrylic paint dries quickly especially on porous surfaces.
• Good acrylic paint will be opaque meaning that normally only one layer is required to give you sufficient coverage. However, there will be times where you have an object with a dark surface, such as a rock, which may require an additional layer in order to cover it.
• To help make things easier, you can paint over the dark object initially in white so that it acts as an undercoat on which more colourful layers can be built. These additional layers will sit well on the undercoat and appear more vibrant having the white base underneath them.

Applying this type of base layer is a popular technique amongst artists even when the object is a light colour to start with.
Tip: If you wish to create a base layer use traditional white acrylic paint with a brush so that it saves the paint in your white pen running out!

ii. Blending

• Despite being fast-drying on most surfaces, acrylic paint markers can still be used to blend colours together to create new colours. This tends to be more advanced users as it needs to be done while the paint is still wet.
• Blending allows you to create a vast array of colours that go beyond the colours you get in your pack of pens to start with. It also saves you buying colours that you don’t need. If you have a good choice of colours to begin with you should not need to blend too often unless, of course, you want to.

iii. Outlining

•  If you wish to add borders or outlines to your work you will need an extra fine nib for this. The thickness of the nib required, however, depends on the size of your design and how thin an outline you require.
• Contrary to common belief, acrylic paint pens do not always provide the best option for outlining your colours. This is because even the thinner nib pens are not always sufficiently precise for detailed artwork. Because they are that much thinner they tend to be weaker than the thicker nibs and fray more easily – especially on rougher surfaces.

Tip: If you need very thin outline pen consider using alternatives such as thin-tipped, permanent marker pens which are readily available. For glass and porcelain you can consider thin glass marker pens.

A good quality nib will give you a consistent flow with a smooth action.

Zieler pens are made with highly-pigmented paint, durable fibre nibs and designed with a spring-like mechanism that regulates the amount of paint that leaves the tip.

7. Colour Range and Finish

As well good quality paint, you will want vibrant colours that show off your art work. If the paint used in your pens contains too much water it will adversely affect the vibrancy of the colours as well as the ability to layer the colours effectively.

You will want a set of markers with a good range of colours so that you can vary your projects and only blend new colours when you need to.

Summary

Most acrylic pens appear similar in appearance making it difficult to know what you are really getting.

Though the possibilities of what you can create and personalise are endless, you should consider what surface you would like to paint on and how your paint will behave on that surface. This way you will hopefully get the best results.

The table below the key details of the Zieler acrylic paint marker pens.

Zieler pens produce a semi-gloss finish. If more gloss is required on non-porous surfaces a gloss varnish can be applied.

Most of us are very good at being imaginative and do not need much help producing eye-catching, creative designs. Whatever, we decide our design will be personal to us.

What is also helpful is some guidance as to how to use acrylic pens across different surfaces. The possibilities are endless as you now know. The Zieler marker pens include instructions on how to use the pens plus a little guide with tips for painting on different surfaces.

For more information, please visit Custom Acrylic Markers.