If you caught Part One of this series, you know that I’ve I spent countless hours testing and re-testing as many white pens as I can find to bring you the ultimate best white pen. I took 61 white gel pens, white paint pens and white inks and tested them on black paper, over pencils and markers and so much more, eliminating a few pens at each round until we reached what I believe were the final few, best quality pens.
In this blog, I have put together the ultimate buying guide to white pens and markers so you can decide the best white pen for your art. This article is part two in our series on White Pens so be sure to check out Part 1 HERE and Part 3 HERE
The Ultimate White Pen Shopping Guide!
(You are here! Scroll down to keep reading.)
Top Tips for Using White Pens for Highlights, Art & More!
The White Pens Tested:
These are all 61 gel pens, markers and inks I tested.
Click on each pen to jump ahead to its results, or keep scrolling to see them all.
- Flymax Paint Marker
- Kuretake Zig Brush Pen No. 22
- Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Brush pen
- Life of Colour White Paint Pen
- Mistubishi Uni Paint Marker – Extra Fine
- Mistubishi Uni Paint Marker px – 20
- Pentel Paint Marker (Black outside)
- Pentel Paint Marker
- Pica Classic Instant Permanent Marker
- Pilot Juice Paint Marker
- Sakura Color Paint Marker
About the Results:
Ratings (Out of 5)
The ratings listed here were based on the tests completed in Part 1 of this series. You can watch the full video on my YouTube channel.
1-2 = Terrible
2.5 = Poor
3 = Average
3.5 = Above Average
4 = Good
4.5 = Very Good
5 = Excellent
TBC = To be confirmed – These ratings were not tested (In some cases, these pens were eliminated in earlier rounds) so I may continue this testing at a future date to update these results.
Price Range:
Price ranges are based on the best USD prices I could find at the time of writing this comparison. Price is per single pen/unit.
I’ve broken up the price range into 3 categories:
$ = Cheapest (Under $3)
$$ = Average ($3-5)
$$$ = Expensive (Over $5)
PLEASE NOTE: All information presented in this article are my opinions only. This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you click them (at no cost to you). The Artistro, Life of Colour and Chalkola paint pens were given to me by the brands over a year ago. I am no longer associated with these brands and they are not aware of, or involved in this review. I have personally purchased all of the other pens/inks/markers used in this review.
White Gel Pens
Art-N-Fly Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.7mm * BEST BUDGET GEL PEN*
One of the best gel pens I tried today, and is an affordable price at around $3 each when you buy in a pack of 3. Works well on most surfaces and has a good opacity and flow.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 4.5
Works on Markers: 5
Works on Watercolors: 4
Arteza Gel Pen – 0.6
Gel pen | 0.6mm * WHITEST GEL PEN *
The Arteza Gel Pens come in a set of 3, with 3 different sizes. They are all very bright white, but the small size makes them a little harder to use than other gel pens (breaking their flow at times), especially on colored pencils.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 4.5
Works on Pencils: 4
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Arteza Gel Pen – 0.8
Gel pen | 0.8mm * WHITEST GEL PEN*
The Arteza Gel Pens come in a set of 3, with 3 different sizes. They are all very bright white, but the small size makes them a little harder to use than other gel pens (breaking their flow at times), especially on colored pencils.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 4.5
Works on Pencils: 3.5
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Arteza Gel Pen – 1.0
Gel pen | 1.0mm * WHITEST GEL PEN *
The Arteza Gel Pens come in a set of 3, with 3 different sizes. They are all very bright white, but the small size makes them a little harder to use than other gel pens (breaking their flow at times), especially on colored pencils. Surprisingly, the largest size (1.0) performed the worst of the 3.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 3.5
Works on Pencils: 3
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ohuhu White Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.8mm
The Ohuhu White Gel Pen can only be purchased in a mixed pack of white, gold and silver – which isn’t ideal unless you want to use these other colors, making it more expensive than most. It performed well at first, but it started to skip during the test on markers, so I’m not confident it would last over time.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow: 4.5
Works on Pencils: 4.5
Works on Markers: 5
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Pentel Milky Pop Pen
Gel pen | 0.8mm * HONORABLE MENTION *
The Pentel Milky Pop was one of the nicest gel pens to use and performed well on all the surfaces I tried, keeping a good flow and good opacity during all my testing. I found lots of reviews online that suggested it doesn’t last more than about 2-3 weeks, but it was good during my short time of use.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4.5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 4.5
Works on Markers: 5
Works on Watercolors: 4
Pentel Hybrid Gel Grip DX
Gel pen | 1.0mm
In my first test a few years ago, I was really impressed with the Pentel Hybrid Gel Grip DX Gel Pen. It was really smooth to write with and was really white. It worked on every surface, and still performed quite well 2 years later, although it no longer works on my pencils.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4.5
Consistent Flow: 4
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Pentel Hybrid Gel Grip
Gel pen | 0.8mm
The Pentel Hybrid Gel isn’t quite as nice as the Pentel Hybrid Gel Grip DX. It’s a good gel pen overall, but it hasn’t lasted well over the years to get a fair run in my testing today.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 3.5
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Pilot Juice Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.5mm
This gel pen was under-whelming 2 years ago, and it’s only worse now. Sorry Pilot! It’s barely white and very thin, and I eliminated it early on in my testing.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 2.5
Consistent Flow: 3.5
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Pilot Juice Up Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.4mm
I wasn’t a big fan of this pen in the past, and today was no different. It was eliminated immediately because it was scratchy and uncomfortable to use. I don’t recommend it.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow: 4.5
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Sakura Ballsign Knock Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.6mm
The Sakura Ballsign was completely dried up by the second round. And when I tried it 2 years ago, it didn’t work very well then either. It was very fine, and not opaque at all. I don’t recommend it. Sakura has a range of far better options.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Jetpens
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity:
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Sakura Decorese Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.6mm * BEST GEL PEN*
From all the gel pens I tried, I found myself coming back to the Sakura Decorese as my favorite gel pen of them all. It’s more expensive than most, but it writes beautifully. It can’t quite match the results of an acrylic paint pen, but it does a great job and is smooth and enjoyable to use.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow: 4.5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 4
Sakura Gelly Roll – Bold
Gel pen | 0.5mm
The Sakura Gelly Roll come in a set of 3 pens – bold, medium and fine. They are a popular pen and write smoothly, UNTIL you use them on pencils, where they tend to stop working frequently. If you’re not using pencils, these pens are some of the nicest. But on colored pencils, they’re not worth the stress.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 4.5
Works on Pencils: 3.5
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Sakura Gelly Roll – Fine
Gel pen | 0.3mm
The Sakura Gelly Roll come in a set of 3 pens – bold, medium and fine. They are a popular pen and write smoothly, UNTIL you use them on pencils, where they tend to stop working frequently. If you’re not using pencils, these pens are some of the nicest. But on colored pencils, they’re not worth the stress.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow: 4.5
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Sakura Gelly Roll – Medium
Gel pen | 0.4mm
The Sakura Gelly Roll come in a set of 3 pens – bold, medium and fine. They are a popular pen and write smoothly, UNTIL you use them on pencils, where they tend to stop working frequently. If you’re not using pencils, these pens are some of the nicest. But on colored pencils, they’re not worth the stress.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4.5
Consistent Flow: 4
Works on Pencils: 3
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Sakura Glaze Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.8mm * MOST INTERESTING*
The Sakura Glaze & Sakura Souffle pens have a very unique ink. They sit on top of the art, and they appear clear at first, then fade to white after about a minute. They seem to last longer than the other pens I’ve tried, and they work well on all media (even pencils!) I don’t personally enjoy the clear to white experience, but they are unique and a popular choice for many artists.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 3.5
Sakura Souffle Gel Pen
Gel pen | 1.0mm * MOST INTERESTING *
The Sakura Glaze & Sakura Souffle pens have a very unique ink. They sit on top of the art, and they appear clear at first, then fade to white after about a minute. They seem to last longer than the other pens I’ve tried, and they work well on all media (even pencils!) I don’t personally enjoy the clear to white experience, but they are unique and a popular choice for many artists.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 3.5
Want to know what my favorite art supplies are? See my list of recommendations here!
Uni-Ball Signo Angelic
Gel pen | 0.7mm
The Uni-Ball Signo Angelic is very smooth to use and nice to write with, but it does seem to fade on some media more than others. I WANT to like it, but it’s not one of my favorites.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4.5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 3
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Uni-Ball Signo Broad Gel Pen
Gel pen | 1.0mm
The Uni-Ball Signo Broad was my favorite gel pen for a long time, but it has never lasted long. It is affordable, bright, and flows really well – but it just doesn’t last, especially when used regularly on colored pencils. It’s a pen worth trying, but you might replace it sooner than you expect.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 4
Works on Pencils: 4
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Y&C Ge Xtreme Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.7mm
The Yasutomo Y&C Gel Xtreme is another pen that I tried in my testing 2 years ago, and it wasn’t a favorite. It didn’t really work on pencils, and it hasn’t lasted well over time. It’s not very white and I eliminated it early on in this testing.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen
Gel pen | 0.5mm
The Zebra Sarasa pen didn’t really work in the past or again today. It didn’t work on the colored pencil at all, and it was very thin line on the other mediums. On all of the other mediums, even on the plain paper, I found it felt a bit scratchy and didn’t offer that vibrant white that I’m looking for.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow: 4.5
General Performance:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
White Markers
Arteza Acrylic Paint Marker
Paint Marker | 0.7mm extra-fine plastic nib tip * BEST OVERALL WHITE PEN *
This is one of 2 pens I’ve chosen as the “best overall white pen” because it performed so well on every media and in every test I tried. It is available in a bulk pack of 12, making it very affordable per marker. It was one of the whitest whites, and flowed really well. Just make sure you give it a good shake before use!
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4.5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 5
Artistro White Paint Pen
Paint Marker | 0.7mm extra-fine plastic nib tip * BEST OVERALL WHITE PEN*
The Artistro White Paint Pen has been my go to white paint pen for the past year. This is one of 2 pens I’ve chosen as the “best overall white pen”. I know this pen, I’ve used it over and over again, and I’m familiar with it. It’s never blocked, it’s never dried up, and I’m really happy with it. It comes in a set, making it affordable, and I personally like the colored set with the range of other colored acrylic markers that Artistro gave me to try. The clear barrel also helps you to know when you’ve shaken it enough to mix the paint well.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 4
Artline Laundry Marker
Alcohol based Ink | 1.2mm
This is a fabric marker, and isn’t intended for pencils or paper, but I wanted to try it anyway. It performed well overall, but it failed with the pencils (it just sat on top of the artwork) and is probably better used for its intended purpose.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 3.5
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Artline Calligraphy Pen
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 3
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Chalkola Paint Pen
Paint Marker | 1.0mm
The Chalkola Paint Pen was completely dried up by the time I did this testing, so I was unable to compare it. This isn’t unusual for paint pens, although I was surprised that it has dried up after so little use. Some of my other brands have outlasted this by many months.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity:
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Deleter Neopiko
Paint Marker | 0.5mm extra fine tip *BEST FINE LINE*
The Deleter was the winner from my last white pen comparison 2 years ago. I didn’t know how to use a paint pen properly back then, so I’ve left it a little clogged and messy, which gave it a bit of a handicap today. But despite this, it still performed well in each test and was one of the brightest white pens I found. It has a very fine point, great for details. The only downside is the high price.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 4
Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen – 2.5
India Ink | 2.5mm * HONORABLE MENTION *
I’ve been using the Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen for the past few years to add more subtle highlights to my coloring pages, because it is nice to use, even though it is NOT an opaque white. Although it didn’t work at all on the pencils today, possibly because I’ve been using it so much! The ink is an india ink, not an acrylic ink like many other paint pens. It is highly lightfast and is great for working under watercolor, although they aren’t as opaque as many of the other pens tested today.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen – 1.5
India Ink | 1.5mm Bullet tip
The ink is an india ink, not an acrylic ink like many other paint pens. It is highly lightfast and is great for working under watercolor, although they aren’t as opaque as many of the other pens tested today.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen – B
India Ink | Brush Tip
The ink is an India ink, not an acrylic ink like many other paint pens. It is highly lightfast and is great for working under watercolor, although they aren’t as opaque as many of the other pens tested today.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4.5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen – C
India Ink | Calligraphy Tip
The ink is an India ink, not an acrylic ink like many other paint pens. It is highly lightfast and is great for working under watercolor, although they aren’t as opaque as many of the other pens tested today.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Flymax Paint Marker
Gel pen | 0.5mm
I eliminated the Flymax Paint marker fairly early on in my testing because it wasn’t very bright white, and wasn’t one of the better acrylic paint pens I tried today.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Kuretake Zig Brush Pen No. 22
Water-based Pigment Ink | Small Brush
The Kuretake Zig Brush Pen was a little more complicated to use than I first expected. Being a brush pen, it offers a lot more variety and flexibility than many of the other options I tested, but it’s not the best for a beginner, and I found it to be a bit messy to use. I’d like to try this again as I get more experience using this type of brush marker (I’m putting this failure down to user error!)
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Brush Pen
Water-based Pigment Ink | Ultra fine Brush
Much like the Brush Pen No. 22, the Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Brush pen was difficult to use as a beginner who doesn’t know much about working with brush pens like this. I’d like to give this another try with more time, but I wouldn’t recommend it for general white highlights or for a beginner.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Life of Colour White Paint Pen
Paint Marker | 1.0mm * HONORABLE MENTION *
The Life of Colour Paint Pen passed all of the challenges and is a great all-rounder. It was one of my favorite paint pens, and came close to being recommended alongside my final 2 pens, with the only downside being it was slightly less opaque. It’s an Australian-owned company, which is a bonus for my Australian friends!
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon | Lifeofcolour
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Pentel Paint Marker MMP20
Paint Marker | Medium Tip
I didn’t like any of the Pentel Paint Markers I tried today. They had a strong smell, far more than any other markers, and they didn’t work as well as I expected.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon | Impactofficesupplies
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 2
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Pentel Paint Marker X100WM
Opaque Ink | 3.0mm
I didn’t like any of the Pentel Paint Markers I tried today. They had a strong smell, far more than any other markers, and they didn’t work as well as I expected.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 2.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 4
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 3
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker
Oil Paint Pen | Extra fine tip
The sharpie oil based paint marker – doesn’t work on paper at all – it is designed for other surfaces (i.e. glass and plastic) so it’s not the right choice for working with pencils and markers.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 2
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Sharpie Water-Based Paint Marker
Water-based Paint Marker | Medium tip * BEST POSCA ALTERNATIVE *
The Sharpie water-based marker was one of my favorites from all the paint pens I tried, and was very comparable to the Posca paint markers. I could only find it in the large size, but it worked well on every medium and was a very opaque white. I’d recommend.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 4.5
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Uni Posca PC-1MR – Bullet Shaped
Paint Marker | 0.7mm Extra fine plastic nib tip
I liked most of the Posca markers, but this one was a bit disappointing, especially when there are so many affordable bullet-shaped paint pens now available on the market. This one sprayed paint a lot more than expected, but I’m not sure if that’s just my marker or is a regular issue for this size.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Uni Posca PC-1MR – Ultra Fine
Paint Marker | 0.7mm Pin-type nib tip
I didn’t like the pin-type Posca pen either, although my Pin-type Posca was a few years old, and I think I might have ended up with a bad one. With the huge variety in Posca sizes available, I still like the brand and find most of their markers are really good to use.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 4
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Uni Posca PC-3M
Paint Marker | 1.3mm felt nib tip * BEST LARGER PAINT PEN *
The Posca PC-3M performed much better than the smaller markers and was one of the best on the pencils and other media. It did, however, absorb into the cheap black paper more than almost any other marker. I didn’t have this issue with some of the competing brands, so I was surprised it was so prominent with Posca.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 5
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 4.5
Uni Posca PC-5m
Paint Marker | 2.5mm felt nib tip * BEST LARGER PAINT PEN *
Much like the 3M, The Posca PC-5M performed much better than the smaller markers and was one of the best on the pencils and other media. It did absorb into the cheap black paper more than other markers.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 5
General Performance:
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 4.5
Inks
Dr. Ph. Martin’s Pen – White
Ultra Fine White Ink * WHITEST WHITE OF ALL*
The Dr Ph Martin’s Pen White Ink was one of the brightest whites on the black paper but completely rejected the pencil pigment. I eliminated it at first, but later discovered it was the only ink I could find that didn’t change color by absorbing the color from the medium under it (like turning pink when used on purple pencils) so that’s a huge win!
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 1
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Kuretake Zig White Drawing Ink
Watercolor Ink * BEST OPAQUE INK *
This ink was one of the best, and was a really bright white. I’d love to explore this more and try using it with a dip pen to see what results it can bring to my art! It worked well with pencils, markers and other media.
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 5
LIQUITEX Professional Acrylic Ink 30 ml Bottle
Acrylic Ink
The Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink is advertised as being a very opaque white, so I was disappointed to find that it wasn’t very opaque at all. I eliminated it early on in my testing today.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3.5
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Maxon Comic Ink
Water-Based Ink
I was disappointed with the Maxon Comic Ink, which wasn’t very opaque at all. It was eliminated early on in my testing.
Price Range: $$
Buy: Amazon
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 3
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
PaperMate Liquid Paper Correction Fluid
Correction Fluid
I tested the PaperMate Liquid Paper (AKA “White-Out”) because I’ve heard so many people enjoy this as a hack to create white highlights. But it didn’t work for me. It was clumpy and hard to control, even after a good shake and mix up. I wouldn’t use this on my art, especially since so many of the other options work out to be much the same price.
Price Range: $
Buy: Amazon | Blick
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 5
Consistent Flow: 2.5
Works on Pencils: TBC
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
Pearl Burnish Liquid Pencil
Liquid Pencil * HONORABLE MENTION*
This is a unique product, handmade in the USA, created specifically for use with colored pencils. It is made from the same ingredients as colored pencils, so it is great for layering without changing the texture of your art. I would love to explore this further!
Price Range: $$$
Buy: Blick | CatharticBox
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 5
Works on Markers: 4.5
Works on Watercolors: 3.5
Ratings (Out of 5)
Opacity: 4
Consistent Flow:
Works on Pencils: 3.5
Works on Markers: TBC
Works on Watercolors: TBC
With so many options on the market, it can be a real mission to choose the right while pen or marker for your coloring pages or art projects. Whether you’re new to using white pens or if you’re just looking for an upgrade in what you have right now, there’s definitely a product and a budget here for everyone. If you enjoyed this article, make sure to head over to Part 3 of the series, where I go into details about the top tips for using white pens for highlights, art and more.
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