Everyone likes a brightly colored piece of art – be it on paper, as graffiti on the wall, or even on craft materials and wood. There are lots of creative things you can do, one of them being crafting and wood projects. To do this, you must have decent, durable paints suited for both indoor and outdoor use.
Most ordinary paint pens and paint markers are going to gradually fade over time.
To achieve a magnificent piece of wood art with paint that can withstand wear and tear, you must use the finest and most trusted pens and markers available. Perhaps you’ve already tested out a couple of markers, and they didn’t meet your standards, or maybe you’re a person who’s passionate about craft design and would like to realize your own designs, and you’re searching for top-quality markers. Stop worrying about it!
Finding marker pens suitable for use both on paper and on tougher materials is not a hassle anymore. We have put together a list of the 5 top paint pens and paint markers available for woodworking and crafts that can be used now.
Paint markers for wood
First, we need to take a closer look at what paint markers for wood are and why you should use them. As the name suggests, paint markers for wood are just that: markers designed to be used on wood. Instead of ink, however, the marker uses paint to create a permanent mark on your wood project.
These paint markers for wood are amazingly versatile and can also be used on chalkboards, stones, canvas, fabrics, glass, and pottery.
No matter how you look at it, pens for writing on the wood are an incredible tool to enhance your DIY projects.
Painting markers for wood are usually oil-based or water-based. If you choose a water-based pen to paint on wood, you will find that it has a thin texture and is quickly absorbed by the wood. Oil-based paint markers for wood, on the other hand, are denser and resist rubbing and staining, but these characteristics make the paint marker for wood more challenging to use.
Best Pens to Write on Wood
Best Choice – ARTISTRO Paint Pens for Wood
We feel that the color range of this wooden crayon kit is a genuine bargain. It is difficult to match some of the shades that are included in this set in other brands. The one thing that makes this brand stand out from the rest is its color. They contain gold and silver, which are must-have colors when decorating on glass or pottery.
Every kit includes 12 different colors. Even though the ink is water-based, they look vivid on surfaces, including even tougher surfaces like wood. They have a shiny sheen that gives them a superb choice for stylish-looking calligraphy.
The pens are supplied with precise directions for use. Every pen is covered with a protective plastic cover to avoid spills. Take off the protective plastic cover and shake the pen to “activate” the ink within. Take off the cap and push the pen tip onto the tiny hole at the top of the pen’s cap. Now push it down on a piece of paper to let the ink run. Check to confirm that the pen is already spitting out ink. When storing it, place the cap back on and keep it level to prevent it from leaking.
The thing that strikes us most about these paint pens for wood signs is the vividness that they offer. In fact, even the white paint pen for wood sets off nicely. We tested out these pens on a number of different surfaces, including glass and pottery, and we had no issues with the colors. All of them come out extremely nicely. You can get this specific kit in both fine tips and medium tips.
The company that makes it is a family-owned and operated business. We think that’s definitely worth a note, as these businesses are certainly worth supporting. You can also rest assured that if there is anything wrong with your purchase, they are going to be able to fix it with ease.
You can use these pens for a lot of purposes, including writing on rocks, and they last well. The tips will not wear down, despite friction on harsh surfaces like wood. It also lasts a very good amount of time before an entire kit is depleted.
Note that the tips of this kit are thinner than you might be familiar with, making them inappropriate for bold characters.
Pros:
- Bright colors.
- Durable for a long time.
- Great choice of colors.
- Includes gold and silver.
- Reasonable option.
Cons:
- Finer tips compared to other markers.
Asani Paint Pens Acrylic Markers Set for Wood
If you are searching for an inexpensive set of acrylic paint pens for wood, this is what you need to pick up. They are multi-purpose and can be used on all kinds of surfaces, not only wood. In fact, you can use them on non-porous surfaces including metal, plastic, glass, and pottery. This paint set includes all the paints you might want to begin using for calligraphy or artwork. Besides, the basic colors, it also comes with a gold color and a silver color to jazz up projects.
These pens feature a thin tip. They come with 0.7 mm tips made from nylon material, allowing you to use them to draw or write the intricate designs you want.
The majority of the colors are awesome. They are vibrant and the ink dispenses smoothly. The only thing that was tricky is getting the white pen to deliver the color. It could have just been a dud, but because it comes with a warranty, the issue can be resolved if you experience the same issue. The black ink is a little too bold when you write it down first. You may have to write the overage on an additional sheet of paper to balance the ink flow.
The points are subtle, but they cover nicely. You can shade using these pens with no issues. The nylon tips also last a long time. But they are prone to getting a little sticky on rough surfaces like canvas or uneven wood. You may need to first sand the wood you use before starting to write on it with these pens to prevent streaks.
One thing that is distracting, though, is the packaging. Every pen comes with a plastic cover that sticks too firmly to the pen. When you get short nails, it’s difficult to get the plastic cover off. This isn’t a big deal, though, it can be frustrating. One of the best features of these Wood Hobby Lobby pencils is that they spread the ink really smoothly. You may have to dab the ink on a piece of paper first, but after you do that, you will be satisfied with the results and the overall quality of the ink. This formula is also safe and non-toxic, so this is a great option for children as well.
Pros:
- Ultra pigmented ink.
- The ink will not run out fast.
- It will not cost the earth.
- The choice of colors is magnificent.
Cons:
- Prone to releasing excessive ink at the beginning.
Morfone Metallic Marker Pens for Wood
When you want metallic markers, go for the Morfone brand. Its metallic sheen is particularly good when written on a dark surface. When used on wood, you might not have any issues with the color quality, though on black paper, it is particularly vibrant.
There are just 10 colors included in the kit, though the color choices are lovely. We believe that these pens are most suitable for writing on wooden panels due to their particular metallic colors.
What’s interesting is that the white pen is transparent at first, once you use it. Leave it to dry and it becomes darker. It isn’t so well suited for other non-porous surfaces, but on paper, it performs fine. The tip of these pens is rather medium. If the fine tip markers seem too thin for you, you will love these. Their tip is thicker, though not to the point of being too bold. It is still possible to make filigree lettering with them. In our opinion, the greatest selling point of these pens is that they release ink consistently. There aren’t any faded areas that you need to pass over once again. When using these pens, you do not need to put on a second layer.
On fabric, the ink would tend to be duller. We would like them to be slightly more pigmented, so you could enjoy the metallic sheen even more. However, we really enjoy the consistency of the ink. It is water-based but does not runny. When you do get it on your hands, it is easy to clean up. Though it needs a bit longer to dry, so you need to be wary of running your hands across the ink, or you will smear it all over the work surface.
The colors are not exactly shown on the cap, however. Actually, we feel that’s a common issue with a lot of pens. The colors may appear differently on the paper. Therefore, you should always perform a trial run before using it to confirm that the color is actually the one you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Perfect for people who are looking for brighter shades.
- Easily distributes ink.
- Easy to grip and write with.
- It may be used on a wide range of surfaces.
- The metallic sheen is attractive.
Cons:
- May become streaky.
Paint Mark Quick-Dry Paint Pens for Wood
No matter if you are looking for paint pens for wood or you are searching for multi-purpose pens that work on every type of surface, whether it is a porous material like pottery or a slippery one like glass, this paint is a great option. You can buy these pens for woodworking at quite a competitive cost. Given the price, it’s quite reasonable given the fact that we get 15 different colors for lettering on wood.
You do get a basic set of colors, however, all of them are lovely and vivid. None of them look washed out or faded. We also like the fact that it comes with a white pen. It does look beautiful and nice on the glass.
The consistency of the paint is thick but smooth. As it is oil-based, it will not wash out easily. In addition, it sets fast, so each stroke is accurate and will not make streaky marks. That can occur if you use a normal pen. For pens that are writing on wood, the ink will dry more quickly, preventing it from spilling onto the writing surface.
There is no need to worry if you buy these color markers, as the manufacturer offers a 365-day warranty. Reportedly, the warranty is actually preferable to have your money back. We do like the tips of these markers more for contouring. You still are able to shade, but as it can be one-dimensional, you need to keep it angled to achieve the desired results.
One thing we dislike about these pens for wood signs is that you need to close the cap after some time and give it a shake to allow the ink to become a thicker texture. It may dry up if you keep it open for a while. This is just a nuisance when working on big projects. With all that said, we find the overall design of the markers pleasant to use. They are not as thick and bulky as other markers, making it convenient to work on bigger projects.
Pros:
- Reasonable price for so many markers.
- Awesome quality of the ink.
- Vivid colors that do not fade and do not streak.
- May be used on a wide range of surfaces, not only wood.
- Simple to use for DIY projects.
Cons:
- May dry out if left uncovered for too long.
PENGUIN ART SUPPLIES Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens for Wood
Think of it as having two tips in one product. Penguin Art Supplies has made it happen, so now you can have more possibilities for your art. Unleash your imagination with this unique two-tip acrylic paint marker set. Make powerful lines with the medium 5mm tip, or draw fine strokes with the multi-purpose 3mm finish tip.
With this paint pen, you can make long-lasting works of art with waterproof and UV-resistant colors.
You can do your art on a wide range of surfaces like wood, porcelain, glass, rock, stone, linen, metal, and paper. This product is supplied with a zippered bag for convenient storage. The cleaning is also straightforward, if it contacts your hand just wash it with soap.
It is non-toxic and safe for any age.
In our opinion, rather than using 12 primary colors, consider using this kit of 28 vivid non-transparent pens to create full-color designs with no need to switch or blend colors.
Pros:
- Convenient storage after use thanks to the zippered bag.
- UV and water-resistant.
- Long-lasting.
- The two tips 3 mm and 5 mm can be set with the forceps contained in the case.
- A wide range of color choices.
Cons:
- You need to keep shaking the pens to get them non-transparent since the pigment quickly loosens from the water.
How to use a paint pen to write on wood?
Once you’re prepared to unleash your creative spirit and add a splash of color to the piece you’ve just completed, there are some important points to consider before applying the paint to the wood. Although the process appears to be straightforward, it’s essential that you understand a couple of things before you begin.
First of all, keep in mind that these refined markers were initially meant for industrial use, although they have since become an artistic tool that can be used to achieve impressive designs on nearly every surface. They perform much better than standard markers in terms of vividness and smooth lines.
However, these markers do need a little jump-starting before they will work. So when you got your marker, you have to shake it to blend the color before activating the pen. Then you push the pen tip down on your finger to release the air, and then you push down on a piece of paper to let the paint run and moisten the tip.
Now we’ve come to the fun portion. We are now going to check out how to write on wood with the freshly bought pens. First of all, don’t try to push too hard on the tip, as that will free up too much ink and you will not get the desired smooth lines. We suggest a smooth, gentle motion to put your lines, words, or artwork on the wood. Just press down on the tip to add the paint – push down on the paper you had previously, or a tissue. Once you feel the paint is becoming too thin, briefly shake the pen to confirm that the paint is blended correctly.
When you are finished working with your pen, it is important to store it correctly.
Most people suggest keeping the pen tip down or lying down, but there is a common consensus that it should never be kept with the tip facing up.
And, certainly, you must always be careful that the cap is on tightly to prevent the tip from becoming dry. Once you open the pen and the point is dry, use thinner to wipe it down to attempt to get it going again.
What to consider when you buy paint pens for wood
What should you use for writing on wood? Use the correct paint pens. These are some of the points you need to pay attention to when buying:
Best brands of markers to draw on wood
- Artistro.
- Paint Mark.
- Asani.
Price of markers to draw on wood
Markers to draw on the wood under 15$:
- Paint Mark Quick-Dry Paint Pens for Wood.
- Morfone Metallic Marker Pens for Wood.
- Asani Paint Pens Acrylic Markers Set for Wood.
Markers to draw on the wood under 30$:
- ARTISTRO Paint Pens for Wood.
Markers to draw on the wood under 45$:
- PENGUIN ART SUPPLIES Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens for Wood.
Paint markers and colored pencils for wood Buyer’s Guide
Working where you can give expression to your own imagination is always fun. You will be able to create anything with no rules to restrict your crazy ideas. Besides, we think your masterpieces deserve to have the best appearance too. Therefore, we have made a list of a couple of things that you need to take into account before you go out and get the best pen or marker for your work:
Quality and texture of the paint
The main thing to consider is how easily the paint distributes. In terms of the kind of paint, you have two general choices: Oil-based paint and water-based paint. In general, water-based inks are problem-free, so the ink is less apt to become clogged or caked. They also come out of the pen quite smoothly and do not have to be forcefully shaken. The texture is also thinner, allowing you to better relish shading and other coloring methods.
But if you are looking for more coverage and durability, oil-based paints are more suitable for you. These are just slightly tricky, so far as we are concerned, plus the texture may differ greatly between brands. Certain oil paints will dry faster and are more inflexible than others. Comparing brands is a great way to go about oil-based pens, instead of choosing randomly to avoid the kind you’ll have trouble working with.
Longevity
If you opt for a genuinely affordable marker, it may initially feel great, but with the time, you will be disappointed to realize that all your hard-worked picture has become dull of its shine. Thus, it is always preferable to go for high-quality markers that are reasonably priced as they will last you a lifetime.
Suitable for any surface
Aside from wood, you can search for markers that can be used on any kind of surface as you do not have to store a different marker/pen for every surface you are going to work on. You don’t have to be concerned though, because if you’ve checked through the list, you’ve already noticed that all markers that are great for wood are also great to use on any kind of surface, and the outcomes will be great.
Non-toxic
When you have children or younger siblings, then you realize why this is so crucial. Because you can’t watch the kids 24/7, having non-toxic pens is a great idea to stay on the safe side. Plus, if you have a paint day occasionally with your family, non-toxic pens will be perfect!
Tip size
Fine-tip paint pens are excellent for all kinds of writing and artwork. They work well on a number of different surfaces, including wood and rocks. If you are searching for a pencil that will allow you to create more complicated artwork, then you should get a fine tip. If not, you may want to get something bigger.
A medium-tipped pen will be able to fill in a bigger surface area, so it’s more suitable for filling in or shading. They are actually easier to check, too. Therefore, if you are planning to be sharing this kind of pencil with your young ones, a pen with a medium-sized tip may be a preferable option.
The number of colors supplied
Be sure to also look at the choice of colors that are provided to you. This will really vary based on your specific needs. If you just want these pens for a project or two, a more basic set of 6-12 colors will be enough. But if you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, a more extensive set is a much better option.
It’s essential to understand the type of colors that are contained. Some also contain metallic and pastel colors and provide a greater selection of choices, allowing you to be as creative as you want to be. If you want to get something for writing on glasses, be sure it contains primary colors like black or white.
How to paint on wood?
Painting on wood is a decorative and applied art that has a long history. Artistic painting on wood was carried out with bright colors. Painted souvenirs were passed from generation to generation and were appreciated by young people. Today, painting on wood is widely used in furniture production, crockery, toys, and musical instruments.
Preparing the wood for painting
Treat the surface of the wooden object with sandpaper. You can use not only a piece of sandpaper, but also an abrasive sanding sponge, but the sponge is more suitable for working on curved surfaces. As you work, make sure to sand the wood in the direction of the wood fibers, not across them.
Wipe off sanding dust with a cleaning cloth. A wiping cloth is a special technical cloth that is used to remove dust from the surface of the objects being sanded. It can be found wherever you find sandpaper – in hardware and craft stores. If you cannot find a special wiping cloth, try to use a regular damp cloth instead.
Paint the object with a layer of primer. Primer can either be applied with a brush or sprayed on with a spray can. It impregnates the wood surface and helps the paint adhere better. Also, the paint shows its color better on the primer, especially if it is a lighter shade.
Allow the primer to dry before proceeding. For an even smoother surface, you can first sand the first coat of primer with sandpaper and then repaint the item with primer. Do this a few more times until there are no irregularities left at all on the object.
Painting on wood and then applying protective varnish
Pour some acrylic paint into a palette. Choose a background color for your design and pour some acrylic paint into the palette. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so don’t pour other colors into the palette just yet. You can use both cheap decorative acrylic paints in cans and more expensive acrylic paints in tubes. In the latter case, you need to dissolve the paint with a few drops of water to a creamy consistency.
Apply the first layer of paint on the object for the background. Apply the paint on the object with a sponge brush or a regular wide flat brush. Allow the paint to dry and apply another coat if necessary. Also, allow the second coat of paint to dry. Paint the front and sides of the object first, wait until they are dry to the touch, and then move on to painting the back.
Allow the first coat of paint to dry and then apply a second coat if necessary. How long it takes for the paint to dry will depend on the particular brand. In most cases, acrylic paints will dry in about 20 minutes. If the paint will be translucent, paint the object with a second coat of paint and allow it to dry as well.
Paint the object and draw the details. You can use stencils or transfer the outlines of the necessary drawings to the wood. You can also draw patterns by hand. Always first apply the basic tone of the painted element of the drawing and only then draw the details. For example, if you need to draw a smiling smiley face, first draw a yellow circle, let it dry, and then add the smile and eyes.
Allow the drawing to dry completely. You can look for the exact drying time of the paint on the label of the tube or can. The dryness of the paint to the touch does not mean that the object can be used or proceed to the varnish treatment. Different brands of acrylic paint vary, but they usually take about 24 hours to dry completely.
Coat the object with one or two coats of protective varnish. Protective varnishes come in a variety of textures, including matte and glossy. Choose the one you like best. Apply a thin coat of spray varnish or use a simple varnish and brush and let it dry. If necessary, coat the object with a second coat of varnish and let it dry as well.
Using other painting techniques
Skip the primer step if you want to paint directly on the wood. Instead, consider pre-tinting the wood or staining it with lacquer. Wait for the stain or varnish to dry and then apply the pattern on top. Don’t forget to topcoat everything again after the paint dries.
Stencil the design. Buy or make a stencil and place it on the wooden surface. Cover the slots in the stencil with decoupage glue. The glue will soak the wood and also keep the paint from seeping under the stencil. Allow the glue to dry and then apply paint on top. Remove the stencil while the paint is still fresh. Protect the design with a layer of spray paint or regular varnish, which should be applied with a brush.
Use tracing paper to trace the outlines of the design onto the wood and then paint over them. Place the sheet of tracing paper on the wooden surface with the black graphite side down. Place the sheet with your design on top, trace its outlines and remove the paper from the wood. Trace the outlines of the drawing on the wood with a thin paintbrush, and then paint the inside gaps with a flat brush. This method works best on painted wood. It is also applicable to untreated wood, but then the paint may not adhere well to the wood surface.
Tint the wood to bring out its texture better. Apply a thin coat of acrylic paint to the wood with a dry brush. Dip a wet rag in a small amount of paint and then rub the wood surface with it. This will blur the brush strokes and bring out the natural texture of the wood with the paint, without masking it.
Make a homemade chalkboard. Paint the board with 2-3 coats of blackboard paint. Allow the paint to dry, then paint it with regular paint if desired. Allow the decorated board to dry completely. After that, you can safely write on it with chalk and erase it.
Tips:
- You can spray-paint the wood first and then paint more detailed patterns on top with acrylic paint.
- Don’t forget to prime, paint and varnish the underside of your wooden object as well!
- It’s better to apply a few thin coats of primer, paint, and varnish to the surface than to paint the object with one or two thick coats of these products.
- When it comes to brushes, you get what you pay for. For the smoothest paint finish, consider splurging on a high-quality brush.
- Leave the paint and varnish to cure for three weeks before you start using the wooden item. If you need to start using the item sooner, do so gently and with the utmost care.
- Choose the colors of acrylic paints with care. Acrylic paints usually become 1-2 shades darker when dry.
- Use small, pointed round brushes for detail, and broad, flat brushes for backgrounds and uneven surfaces.
- Applying primer is not a critical step but is highly recommended. However, when doing simple children’s creative projects, this step can be safely skipped.
Warnings
- Be sure to work with aerosol primers and varnishes only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- For extra protection, wear a dust mask when sanding wood with sandpaper.
FAQ
Q: Which are the most reliable brands for wood paint pens?
A: It all comes down to what you are looking for and your overall budget, honestly. When you’re searching for more reasonably priced pens, Sharpie, Paint Mark, and Aristro are several of the best-known brands in the paint marker business. When it comes to pricier items, Konker is a local favorite.
Q: Will Sharpies work on wood?
A: Yes, Sharpies produce pens that are specially made for wood. But not all Sharpies will work on wood. If you are using a standard Sharpie, you might not achieve the same outcome as you would with the pens that are intended for wood. Therefore, if you wish to achieve the greatest results, you need to use pens that are suitable for wood.
Oil-based Sharpies may also be used on wood, so be sure you understand what you’re buying.
Q: Which paint pens perform better on wood?
A: Most of the water-based colored pencils are excellent for wood. We find that they are more manageable and are suitable for novices as well. Since they are water-based, they are more lenient and give off the color more easily.
Oil-based paints, however, are more durable. If you anticipate getting the fonts scratched often, then these pens are more appropriate. They have better durability than standard wood. You may opt for these pens, but be sure that they provide a good flow of ink.
Conclusion
Wood markers are an indispensable tool for woodworkers as well as other artists of different types of media. They are a popular tool for sketching designs on surfaces before a craftsperson or artist starts cutting work. Much like a dressmaker would write his sketches on fabric, woodworkers use markers to highlight their sketches on plywood or other wood materials. This will help them with their measurements and design.
Because of these reasons, layout artists might favor pen markers that are clearly writable, do not fade, and will write on a range of materials. This article is meant to give store owners and woodworkers a sufficient understanding of the best markers for writing on wood and other surfaces.
