When you buy through some links on my website, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is how it works »

Best Acrylic Paint Pens for Arts and Crafts in 2023

Iva Mikles
Best Acrylic Paint Pens for Arts and Crafts in 2023

Acrylic paint pens are fantastic for all art projects, so I thought it was time to thoroughly get into these great creative tools with this artist’s guide for the best acrylic paint marker pens available today!

Let’s have a look at which ones you should get.

Top 4 Acrylic Paint Marker Pens Compared

My Pick
Best Overall
Value PIck
Budget Pick
Description:

My Favorite Acrylic-Based Paint Pen & Fabric Markers

Twin Markers, Pencil Box Main Kit 1, 1.5 mm/4 mm, 12 Markers

Description:

Best Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers Overall

Full range Bundle Set , Mitsubishi Poster Colour ALL COLOR Marking Pen Medium Point ( PC-5M ) 29 Colours ( 22 Standard & 7 Natural )

Description:

Best Value Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers

Bundle for Fabric, Rock Painting, Wood, Card, Paper, Photo Album, Ceramic & Glass

Description:

Best Big Cheap Set of Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers

48 Colors Paint Marker Pen Set Ideal for Rock Wood, Metal, Plastic, Glass, Canvas, Ceramic,Easter Egg and more Painting, Bright Color, Low Odor, Easy to Ink, Convenient DIY

My Pick
Description:

My Favorite Acrylic-Based Paint Pen & Fabric Markers

Twin Markers, Pencil Box Main Kit 1, 1.5 mm/4 mm, 12 Markers

Best Overall
Description:

Best Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers Overall

Full range Bundle Set , Mitsubishi Poster Colour ALL COLOR Marking Pen Medium Point ( PC-5M ) 29 Colours ( 22 Standard & 7 Natural )

Value PIck
Description:

Best Value Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers

Bundle for Fabric, Rock Painting, Wood, Card, Paper, Photo Album, Ceramic & Glass

Budget Pick
Description:

Best Big Cheap Set of Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers

48 Colors Paint Marker Pen Set Ideal for Rock Wood, Metal, Plastic, Glass, Canvas, Ceramic,Easter Egg and more Painting, Bright Color, Low Odor, Easy to Ink, Convenient DIY

Table of Contents

Overview: Best Acrylic Paint Pen Markers in 2023

My Pick: Molotow One4All

My Pick
Molotow One4All Twin Acrylic Markers Set

My Favorite Acrylic-Based Paint Pen & Fabric Markers

Twin Markers, Pencil Box Main Kit 1, 1.5 mm/4 mm, 12 Markers

Molotow acrylic paint markers are considered among the finest on the market today and a standard choice among serious artists and crafters on all levels.

They are also my favorite – I love how they feel in my hand, the way they flow, and the responsiveness and expressiveness of their twin tips (1.5 mm fine tip on one end and 4 mm medium tip on the other).

I am also crazy about the bright, beautiful colors and how they stand up and last on many different surfaces and materials.

A wonderful, long-lasting, and premium quality product in every way, Molotow One4All twin acrylic markers are highly recommended – by me and pretty much anybody who’s ever tried them!

Best Overall: uni Posca Acrylic Paint Marker Sets

Set of 29
Set of 15
Black Set
Description:

Full range Bundle Set , Mitsubishi Poster Colour ALL COLOR Marking Pen Medium Point ( PC-5M ) 29 Colours ( 22 Standard & 7 Natural )

Description:

Water-based pigment ink that is non-toxic, lightfast, and waterproof :: Set includes: white, light blue, gray, brown, orange, peach, light orange, yellow, pale green, purple, blue, green, pink, red, and black

Description:

7 Paint Markers In Various Sizes - Brush, 1Mr, 1M, 3M, 5M, 8K, 17K (Black)

Set of 29
Description:

Full range Bundle Set , Mitsubishi Poster Colour ALL COLOR Marking Pen Medium Point ( PC-5M ) 29 Colours ( 22 Standard & 7 Natural )

Set of 15
Description:

Water-based pigment ink that is non-toxic, lightfast, and waterproof :: Set includes: white, light blue, gray, brown, orange, peach, light orange, yellow, pale green, purple, blue, green, pink, red, and black

Black Set
Description:

7 Paint Markers In Various Sizes - Brush, 1Mr, 1M, 3M, 5M, 8K, 17K (Black)

Yes, the Molotow pens above are my own favorite and a trendy choice among commercial and fine artists and crafters.

Still, I have to admit that probably more creatives of every type, especially worldwide, prefer the uni Posca acrylic pens, and the general consensus is that they are the finest acrylic pens overall.

And I love them too, and at times even prefer them to my Molotow.

They certainly have gorgeous colors and a complete palette – deep and rich, highly saturated, long-lasting, and presented beautifully on any surface.

And the way these Posca pens feel in my hand, or the way the tip feels when I’m using them – yeah, I get it.

If you are a serious artist or crafter of any type and want the best creative experience and the possible results from your paint pen, you should try the uni Posca, which are undoubtedly the finest acrylic paint markers on the market today.

Value Pick: Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers

Value PIck
Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers Medium Tip Set of 30 and Fine Tip Set of 30

Best Value Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers

Bundle for Fabric, Rock Painting, Wood, Card, Paper, Photo Album, Ceramic & Glass

Ok, around sixty-five dollars may not exactly be “cheap,” but I still stand by my recommendation here!

I mean, for 60 truly premium paint markers – 30 beautiful colors in long-lasting medium-tip pens and the same selection in extra fine-tip pens – and considering the quality of the colors, the extra fine point, and the paint itself, this set is an amazing value!

And with the range of expressivity this big set offers, the possibilities it opens up, and the beauty and quality of the results, value doesn’t just relate to the price but the overall experience.

But you’ll have a great time creating with these paint pens beyond the selection.

The beautiful things you can make should be said that the Artistro acrylic markers are high quality on all levels, with durable and long-lasting nibs, lots of perfect acrylic ink inside, and a wonderful feel in hand.

Not the cheapest set, but an easy choice for the best-value premium acrylic paint markers on the market today, and highly recommended.

For Kids: Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers

Best for Kids
Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers Medium Tip

Best Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers for Kids

Acrylic Paint Pens for Fabric, Rock Painting, Stone, Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Canvas, Porcelain, Metal. Set of 12 Acrylic Paint Markers Medium Tip

I’ve already called on Artistro as one of my favorite acrylic paint pens.

They are a joy to use in every way – easy and effective, wonderful flow, great feeling, beautiful and inspiring colors, and excellent coverage.

And these same qualities make me feel that the smaller Artistro 12 color set is the best choice for children.

I strongly believe that easier, more enjoyable, and better quality products will make kids engage more enthusiastically and fully in the creative experience, feel better about the process and feel better about themselves, be more encouraged on many levels, and be more encouraged on many levels more likely to continue.

And that’s exactly what these affordable, premium-quality Artistro paint pens will do.

Since they are non-toxic, easily washable, and much less messy than paints and brushes, they are perfect for kids.

Budget Pick: Fumile Acrylic Paint Markers

Budget Pick
FUMILE Acrylic Paint Markers

Best Big Cheap Set of Acrylic-Based Paint Pens & Fabric Markers

48 Colors Paint Marker Pen Set Ideal for Rock Wood, Metal, Plastic, Glass, Canvas, Ceramic,Easter Egg and more Painting, Bright Color, Low Odor, Easy to Ink, Convenient DIY

Acrylic paint marker sets can be expensive, and though they give such beautiful results and last so long, they may seem like a bit of an investment for anybody on a tighter budget. 

That’s why I am so excited about the big set of Fumile acrylic paint markers, which gives a full 48 colors, with really beautiful, long-lasting (in pen and once applied) acrylic ink, excellent and durable tips, and a nice feel in hand.

These bright and exciting Fumile paint pens have even more intense and energetic colors than some of the more expensive and “serious” set you can buy and are better than anything else in this price range on pretty much all levels.

The paint flows nicely, covers well on various surfaces, and lasts.

A fun and engaging set offering an amazing range of creative possibilities, the Fumile 48 color acrylic pen set is my choice for the best big, cheap and fun acrylic paint pen set, and an amazing value!

Metallic: ArtShip Metallic Acrylic Paint Pens

Metallic
ArtShip Metallic Acrylic Paint Pen 35 Color Set

Double Pack of Both Extra Fine and Medium Tip Paint Markers, for Rock Painting, Mug, Ceramic, Glass, and More, Water-Based Non-Toxic and No Odor

Where so many metallic pen sets give you gold, silver, bronze, and maybe copper, or at least a minimal range of more creative metallic colors, this big ArtShip set has a full 22 colors of metallic acrylic paint – and surprisingly beautiful colors at that.

While they can be bright and impactful, these high-quality paints never come across as cheap or garish as other sets often do.

There are 35 pens in this great set, with 20 fine tips and 15 medium tips.

The tips themselves are pliant but firm, allowing a wide range of expressivity, and they seem quite durable and able to hold their shape over long-term use.

A great set of non-toxic, high-quality paint pens for the crafter, and an equally good choice for all kinds of artists and other creatives, the ArtShip 35 pen metallic pen set is my choice for the best metallic acrylic paint pens on the market today, and at a surprisingly low price!

Bargain: Arteza Acrylic Paint Markers

Bargain
Arteza Acrylic Paint Markers 40 Color Set

Long-Lasting Paint Pens, Plastic Nibs, Art Supplies for Painting on Metal, Canvas, Rock, Ceramic Surfaces, Glass, Wood

I kind of threw this final category in at the last minute because I realized I had forgotten to mention one of my favorite sets of acrylic paint pens – the Arteza paint markers – and wanted to make sure they got the attention they so richly deserved.

Designed in so many ways to be like much more expensive fine art markers, from the highly expressive nibs and consistent, controllable flow to the color names and numbers on the tubes, these Arteza markers are most like more expensive pro-level pens in their colors.

An extensive, complete, and useful range of colors is just the beginning because each one is rich and solid, with true and vivid presentation and deep saturation, and finishes with wonderful consistency.

Any artist or crafter would love to use these gorgeous, subtle, powerful colors.

In that they feel and perform like fine art paint markers, have a beneficial wide range of premium colors, and deliver such beautiful results each time, the amazingly affordable Arteza acrylic paint markers are an exceptional set of pens and my (honorable mention) choice for best cheap fine art acrylic paint pens on the market today.

Go Large with Your Acrylic Markers

48″
4 Ft
Description:

A premium art paper for painting, drawing, or whatever, four feet wide and 100 feet long, for really big imaginations and unlimited expression!

Description:

A less expensive paper (or at least twice as long for the same price), but still excellent quality and still just perfect for wild paint-markering and creative mayhem!

48″
Description:

A premium art paper for painting, drawing, or whatever, four feet wide and 100 feet long, for really big imaginations and unlimited expression!

4 Ft
Description:

A less expensive paper (or at least twice as long for the same price), but still excellent quality and still just perfect for wild paint-markering and creative mayhem!

Despite the real possibilities they offer in precise and exacting fine detail work, the subtlety of colors and shades, and vivid presentation even in small subjects, there is something about the best acrylic paint pens that makes you just want to go large!

And so, no matter why you buy them, or how you intend to use them – rock painting, glass, wood, canvas, paper, fabric, the soles of your shoes – I strongly recommend also getting some really big paper and going a little wild with your new acrylic paint pens.

Since all of the choices in my buyer’s guide for the best acrylic markers are known to be long-lasting and have lots and lots of paint, you can do this – get crazy on a huge scale  – without any real concern about how much paint you use – there will be plenty of ink left for your “serious” projects.

Just for a moment, picture yourself spreading a high-quality piece of art paper, bigger than you are, across the floor and making the biggest gestures, the biggest lines, the biggest images, and the biggest art you can imagine.

You might end up with a gorgeous piece of ultra-sized art, or at least an ultra-impactful one.

You will get a feel for what the best acrylic pens are capable of, get the precious practice that you can apply with surprising directness to “normal-sized” projects, and feel creative energy and even catharsis like you won’t believe. 

And you’ll have a blast!

So, again, even though acrylic paints, and acrylic paint markers, are especially well known and loved for their extreme versatility in working on so many different materials and surfaces, I thought I would close with paper – specifically, a couple of choices for great oversized rolls of art paper for acrylic paints – and strongly admonish you to go big or go home.

Tee hee – I’ve always wanted to say that!

What is an Acrylic Paint Marker Pen?

Acrylic paint marker pens work on many different kinds of material and adhere to many different surfaces, and their colors and finish can be really beautiful. Of course, they are equally great for artists and crafters and have about a gazillion other uses.

What is an acrylic paint pen?

What are acrylic markers used for?

Are acrylic paint marker pens permanent?

Are acrylic paint pens good for fabric?

What is an acrylic pen?

Are a paint pen and a paint marker the same thing?

Who makes the best acrylic paint pens?

What kind of acrylic paint pens do most crafters use?

Are acrylic paint pens good for artwork?

An acrylic paint marker, also known as an acrylic marker or acrylic paint pen, may look like any other felt tip marker, but instead of normal ink, they are filled with acrylic paint. 

With the best acrylic paint pens, the paint is ideally diluted, using an appropriate acrylic medium, so it flows beautifully. The best pens will also have a well-designed, well-shaped, and durable nib so that you can paint a variety of line thicknesses and have a wide range of creative possibilities.

Being filled with acrylic paint, these wonderful art and craft markers are great for not just paper or canvas but also wood, plastic, metal, fabric, glass, clay, and stone.

Some say that you can use acrylics on literally anything, and while that is true, you may need some special preparation or treatment to make them hold or last better on some surfaces or materials.

But however you look at it, acrylics are the most versatile of all paints, and acrylic paint markers, for their convenience and flow, very well may be the most versatile and useful form of acrylic paints.

What Are the Advantages of Acrylic Paint Markers?

We have touched upon the advantages of acrylic paint over other types of paint, and to be a little more complete, we can say that acrylic paints are much more versatile – they work great on lots more materials and surfaces than other kinds of paints – and they are water soluble, dry quickly, have really beautiful and vibrant colors, are easy to use and easy to clean up, and can be less toxic than other paints. 

So basically, acrylic paints rock! And the best acrylic paint pens / markers can offer even more advantages, even compared to normal acrylic paints in tubes, including:

And acrylic paint pens work great alone or in conjunction with traditional acrylic paints and painting methods.

What Should You Look For in the Best Acrylic Paint Markers?

If you’ve tried really good acrylic paint markers, you know all of this already, and you are probably already a little in love with them. If your experience, on the other hand, has been with some of the cheaper, lower-quality acrylic pens, you may be wondering what all the hype and enthusiasm is about. 

The best acrylic paint pens are markedly better than the cheap, poor-quality ones, and if you choose the right products, you will enjoy:

How Can You Find the Best Acrylic Paint Markers Available?

And the great thing is that the best acrylic paint markers are not necessarily the most expensive ones.

While acrylic pens are more expensive in general than normal ink markers, there are wonderful premium acrylic paint pens and wonderful super-budget acrylic paint pens.

Of course, there are also expensive sets you should avoid and cheap sets I wouldn’t use to paint the soles of my shoes. Hey, there’s an idea…

Anyway, I feel like I’ve tried almost every acrylic paint pen on the market, and while I’m sure that’s nowhere near true, I have certainly tried a lot of them.

So I’m using my own experience, the experiences and opinions of my friends, colleagues, and students, and even the reviews of verified customers from Amazon and elsewhere, to put together a list of the best acrylic paint marker sets on the market today.

I included my recommendations for the best paint pens in the following categories:

My Favorite Acrylic Paint Pens

The Best Acrylic Paint Pen Markers Overall

The Best Value Premium Acrylic Paint Pens 

The Best Acrylic Paint Pens For Kids

The Best Big, Cheap, and Fun Acrylic Paint Pen Set

The Best Metallic Acrylic Paint Pens

Best Cheap Fine Art Acrylic Paint Pens

But first, the pens themselves, and be assured that whichever set (or, if you’re like me, sets) you choose, you’re sure to end up with really great acrylic markers and great value.

FAQs – Acrylic Paint Marker Pens

What are acrylic paint markers used for?

Acrylic paint markers can be used on paper, canvas, vinyl, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, plastics, and other surfaces. When you use them in combination with acrylic paint, they are great for finer details.

Are acrylic paint pens permanent?

Yes, they become permanent when you use them on canvas and paper. They can be washed off when you use them on glossy surfaces, such as glass or ceramics unless you use a fixative.

What is the best acrylic paint marker?

Based on my experience, I think uni Posca markers are the best acrylic paint markers. They have deep and highly saturated colors. And they are long-lasting on any surface.

Visit my blog – Art Side of Life – for tons of other inspiring ideas, resources, articles, artists’ guides, and much more!

Other articles in the Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, and Oils series:

Iva

Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »

More Art Supplies:

Best Colored Pencils for Artists in 2023

Best Colored Pencils for Artists in 2023

☆ Looking to get the best colored pencils? I share my experience with Prismacolor, Koh-i-noor, Caran D’Ache and Faber-Castell. Get my recommendations now!

Paul Rubens Soft Pastels Review 2023

Paul Rubens Soft Pastels Review 2023

Find out why the Paul Rubens soft pastels are a very interesting choice for both professional pastel artists and beginners.

Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing and Sketching in 2023

Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing and Sketching in 2023

Looking for the best mechanical pencil for drawing? Get my recommendations for the best mechanical pencils' brands for artists.

✏️ Best Erasers for Drawing and Artists in 2023

✏️ Best Erasers for Drawing and Artists in 2023

Looking for the best eraser for drawing, sketching, and artists? Get inspired by my recommendations for erasers used by artists!

Best Watercolor Sketchbook in 2023

Best Watercolor Sketchbook in 2023

Looking for the best watercolor sketchbook? Look no further! Here are my top picks for the best watercolor sketchbooks of 2023.

Best Painting Easel in 2023

Best Painting Easel in 2023

Looking for the best easel for painting artists available today? I share my experience in this guide. Find out which one to get!

Best Oil Pastels for Artists in 2023

Best Oil Pastels for Artists in 2023

Looking for the best oil pastels for artists and crafters? I tried the best oil pastel brands. Find out which one to get!

Best Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils in 2023

Best Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils in 2023

Looking for the best pencil sharpener for your colored pencils? I share my experience with different brands and models. Find out which one to get!

Paul Rubens Watercolor Review (4th Generation Artist-Grade Watercolors)

Paul Rubens Watercolor Review (4th Generation Artist-Grade Watercolors)

Find out why the new Paul Rubens 4th generation artist-grade watercolors are a very interesting choice for artists of all levels.

More from Art Supplies »