I tested over 1800 acrylic paint markers from every brand I could find… and I’m including all of the results here!
Click on a brand to see its scores in each of my tests.
You can see the full process and how the results were decided in my video below:
PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you click them (at no cost to you). I have personally purchased all of the pencils used in this review, except a few that were given to me by paint marker companies – these include; Arrtx Acrylic Markers (Brush Tip, Liquid Ink and Simptap), Karin Pigment Decobrush & Pigment Realbrush, Let’s Resin Acrylic Markers, Life of Colour (various styles), Ohuhu (Nahuku and Kalalau) and the Sharpie Creative Markers. Supplies were only accepted on the condition that they would have no input into the review before, during, or after publishing.
- Pump Action Markers use the traditional valve-system, made famous by Posca. These come in various sizes and usually have a bullet tip, chisel tip or extra fine plastic tip.
- Cotton Core Markers are more like a water-based marker, with the paint inside soaked in a fibre core (usually cotton) that soaks through to the tip. These are usually bullet or brush tips.
- Direct Ink Markers are a fairly new invention, and include an area for the ink to freely mix, which flows into a small and barrel that helps the ink stay mixed and reduces clogging, then feeds it directly to the tip. These are usually brush tip paint markers.
Pump Action Acrylic Paint Markers
Cotton Core Acrylic Paint Markers
Direct Ink Acrylic Paint Markers
I don’t see a review on the Apple Barrel or Royal & Langnickel markers. I’ve been happy with these for my students.
I also don’t see a category of the valve markers, like the ones used in construction and other industries. They’re very limited on colors, but when it comes to ease of use, opacity, flow & stamina- Mighty Markers probably take the cake for all markers.
One of the materials you should’ve tested on is on canvas. Also liquitex made a new acrylic marker that I just found out about and I’ve heard might replace the current existing ones. I appreciate all the work you done.
Which brands are most opaque? I am looking for something that doesn’t show the lines through my single color coloring book, and I’ve tried Sharpie Creative and Artistro so far. Neither are opaque with anything that isn’t a dark color.
Hi there
Hope you are doing well.
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We noticed that you are selling acrylic markers. We are writing to check if you are looking for cost reduction for your current marker products. We can provide you with practical and customized cost-down solutions with stable quality, to help you cut your procurement budget effectively.
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Thanks & regards,
Selina Li | Sales
Shenzhen Somagi Stationery Co., Ltd
I just found you when looking for recommendations for acrylic paint pens. I am wanting to use them for small amounts of colour on 3d prints where the wastage if I print in colour is not worth the amount of time and waste it produces (like for eyes on a little dog for example, or for things I don’t have the filament for, but don’t want to buy a whole roll in a colour I might never use again. Also, for doing nail art with fine tip ones. I actually used some nail art acrylic pens I got for my 17 year old who has Down Syndrome, and coloured in some cheap Ali Express rubber ducks for a cruise we went on last year. So would love to know more about using acrylic pens for nails, 3d prints, and rubber ducks.
Well, I had no idea there were so many companies making these. Does not sound like fun. Happy testing.
Have you tried Acrylico fine point, I find these are easy ,have great shine and very durable .