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.
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.
Tip: If you want to use your pens on rough surfaces such as pebbles you will want tough nibs that will not easily fray.
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.
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.
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!
iii. Outlining
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.
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.
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.
Red Eagle contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
You're onto your next arts and crafts project but want something new. You're used to creating art pieces with acrylic paints, but you want something less messy with the same effects—cleaning your brushes and pallets starts to get old after a while.
But, what if there were a solution? Have you heard of acrylic pens and markers? If you haven't, no worries. Whether you're an artist or a beginner at acrylic painting, these relatively new tools will make the process more fun and less of a hassle.
Here's a guide on acrylic pens and markers and how to use them. But first, let's outline the differences between traditional acrylic paint and acrylic pens.
Traditional Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a popular and versatile medium of choice for artists. Its water-soluble and fast-drying properties make it ideal for abstract motifs, detailed portraits, landscapes, and more.
Acrylic paint is commonly used on durable surfaces including paper, canvas, wood, cloth, and more. It can be thinned like watercolour paints. While it can be a sturdy and reliable form of paint, too much water mixed in with it can cause the acrylic paint to break down, leaving noticeable spots in the paint.
Acrylic Pens and Markers
Acrylic pens and markers are also water-based and serve a similar function as regular acrylic paint. They are not to be mistaken for "paint pens" like sharpies. The major difference here is that acrylic pens are paint-based whereas sharpies are ink-based.
Acrylic paint pens and markers come in highly pigmented ink and different degrees of coverage. You can choose pens that will appear more opaque or transparent.
They often come in a variety of different colours, so the options to create a vibrant art piece are unlimited.
Acrylic pens can be used on practically any surface. This includes paper, canvas, hard surfaces like wood or rocks, glossy surfaces like glass or ceramic, cloth, and fabric.
If you want both a thin and fluid look for your next art piece, acrylic pens and markers are your best bet.
The Main Benefits of Acrylic Pens
There are several reasons to use acrylic pens whether you're a seasoned artist, an amateur or if it's for your kids. Here are four benefits:
1. Easy to Use
Most people find it easier to use an acrylic pen, simply because it mimics writing or colouring with pencils, pens, and regular markers. The gestures and motions are similar and give anyone using it better control over a paintbrush.
The best part about using these markers is that it reduces mess and clean up time. After using them, there is no need to clean any brushes, pallets, or pots. You also don't have to worry about any paint being wasted.
2. Safe for Kids
Acrylic markers and pens are suitable for all ages, including kids ages 3 and up. They provide a no-fuss environment for children to be creative without getting too messy. While the pens are permanent, they are simple to wash off with some soap and water.
They are the perfect addition to your list of fun craft ideas for you and your kids or friends.
3. Dry Quickly
A prominent feature of acrylic pens is that they are permanent. However, there are exceptions. On porous surfaces like paper, rocks, or fabric, the paint dries quickly.
On less porous surfaces like glass or ceramic, the paint will take longer to dry and will not be permanent because the surface is too glossy.
4. Techniques
Just like with regular acrylic paintbrushes, the quality and size of the tip of the brush play a significant role in creating the desired effect.
Acrylic paint pens often have different-sized stroke nibs and widths to accomplish different painting techniques.
These adjustable nibs allow artists to blend, layer and outline their art pieces in similar ways to regular acrylic painting.
How to Use Your Acrylic Pens
Now that you know the differences between acrylic paint and acrylic pens (and their benefits), here's a short guide on how to use them. There are two things you want to do to activate your pen:
First, shake the pen until you hear the mixing balls inside the pen rattling. Remove the cap afterwards.
Second, to fill the nib of the pen, hold the pen at an angle and pump the tip up and down until you see the paint. The best practice is to pump and shake horizontally. Do not pump vertically.
After the nib is filled with paint, it is ready for use.
How to Replace the Nib of the Pen
If your marker runs out of paint, has dried out, or is damaged, you can replace the nib in just a few steps.
First, grab your marker and hold it with the nib facing upward. Take a tissue or paper towel and pull the old marker nib out of the mouthpiece.
Second, place the new nib into the mouthpiece of the marker and repeat the activation steps above.
Get Started With Edding Acrylic Pens
If you're looking for an easy and hassle-free path to painting, acrylic pens are the way to go.
Try out Edding's new line of acrylic markers.
Their four new products offer 26 colours and a variety of unique features to execute your desired effect. Whether you're looking for a 3D effect or broad strokes, these water-based and highly pigmented markers will get the job done.
Replace your acrylic paint with acrylic markers for less mess, less stress, and a beautiful work of art.
Join the fun and add the new Edding acrylic range to your arts and crafts toolbox.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Acrylic Markers Manufacturer.