Acrylic markers and colouring pens: how to choose the right set for your projects

Acrylic markers and colouring pens are not interchangeable. Drawing on paper, adult colouring, lettering, decorating pebbles, personalising wood or creating designs on glass: each use has its own requirements. Yet packaging often focuses mainly on the number of colours, without clearly explaining what the pens can actually do.

Before you buy acrylic paint pens or art markers, it is worth keeping three common pitfalls in mind.

• Confusing acrylic ink with standard ink: a water-based pen designed for paper will not necessarily cover a dark, smooth or non-porous surface properly.
• Choosing a nib that does not suit your intended use: a broad nib lets you fill an area quickly, but lacks precision for outlines. Conversely, fine-tip pens soon become tedious on large surfaces.
• Underestimating storage and maintenance: some paint markers need to be stored horizontally, while pump-action acrylic pens must be shaken and primed before use. Poor maintenance can cause the nib to dry out prematurely.

What to check before buying

1. The type of ink and the surface to decorate

For paper, bullet journalling and colouring, water-based ink can be perfectly suitable, particularly with drawing and colouring pens such as the STABILO Pen 68 pens. Their ink is described as odourless, washable and suitable for paper.

For wood, glass, stone, metal or ceramics, it is better to choose markers for glass, wood, metal and ceramics with pigmented acrylic ink. Product descriptions may mention opaque coverage, water resistance or good lightfastness. This does not necessarily guarantee permanent decoration on every surface: clean the surface, test the product in an inconspicuous area and check the usage instructions.

Do not automatically use art markers on surfaces intended for contact with food, on skin or on children's items. Always check the manufacturer's warnings.

2. The shape and width of the nib

The right choice depends above all on the effect you want to create:

• Fine tip of 0.7 to 1 mm: outlines, details, writing and precise patterns.
• Round tip of 1.8 to 3 mm: everyday drawing, filling small areas and clearly visible lines.
• Chisel tip of 4 mm: solid blocks of colour, lettering and strokes with varying widths.
• Brush tip: light pressure produces a fine line, while heavier pressure creates a broad stroke. It is particularly well suited to lettering and more fluid illustrations.

Watercolour pens and brush tips often use transparent or easily blendable ink. They are therefore useful for creating gradients, but are generally less opaque than an acrylic marker designed for dark surfaces.

3. Set contents and storage

A set of 48 pieces does not necessarily contain 48 different shades. The Ohuhu 48 PCS Acrylic Paint Pens, for example, contains 24 colours in duplicate: 24 fine-tip markers measuring 0.7 mm and 24 markers with reversible nibs, featuring a round tip measuring 1.8 to 2 mm and a chisel tip measuring 4 mm. This is a practical choice if you want to keep the same palette while varying the line width.

To make your markers last as long as possible:

1. Replace each cap as soon as you have finished using the pen.
2. Store the markers horizontally when recommended in the product description.
3. Shake pump-action acrylic markers with the cap still on.
4. Prime the nib on a sheet of scrap paper without applying excessive pressure.
5. Always test adhesion and drying time on the chosen surface.

Which option suits your needs?

The products below meet different requirements. Before ordering, compare the nib, type of ink, number of colours and compatible surfaces.

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget

Stabilo Pen 68 Premium Fibre-Tip Markers – Set of 12

Why this choice suits this profile : An affordable set for getting started with drawing, colouring, creative notes and journalling on paper.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 1 mm bullet tip is versatile enough for beginners, so you do not need to buy several formats straight away.

Main benefit and key features

Odourless, water-based ink, 12 assorted colours and a drying-resistant technology advertised to last for up to 24 hours without the cap.

Recommended for : Premium enthusiasts

STABILO Pen 68 ARTY – Metal Box of 66 Pieces

Why this choice suits this profile : A generous palette for illustration, mandalas, adult colouring and regular projects that require a wide range of shades.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The set clearly states the number of shades and includes a practical metal box to prevent losses and keep the pens neatly organised.

Main benefit and key features

65 colours advertised across the range, 1 mm M tip, water-based ink, and barrel and cap made from 96% bio-based plastic according to ISCC Plus certification.

Recommended for : Specific uses and intensive users

Ohuhu 48 PCS Acrylic Paint Pens

Why this choice suits this profile : A set designed to take you from precision work to solid blocks of colour on paper, wood, glass, stone, fabric, plastic or ceramics.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Both nib formats use the same 24 colours, so there is no need to rebuild your palette every time you change technique.

Main benefit and key features

Highly pigmented, water-based acrylic ink, 24 fine 0.7 mm nibs and 24 reversible round or chisel nibs.

Recommended for : Lettering and detail work on various surfaces

Sharpie Acrylic Markers – Fine Tip – 12 Colours

Why this choice suits this profile : Illustrators, DIY enthusiasts and personalisation fans can make the most of a fine tip for patterns, outlines and small inscriptions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies the compatible surfaces and recommends testing the marker first on delicate materials, helping you avoid unwanted surprises.

Main benefit and key features

Water-based acrylic ink, fine tip, 12 assorted shades and advertised use on metal, wood, ceramics, glass, stone and canvas.

Frequently asked questions about acrylic markers and colouring pens

Are acrylic markers suitable for glass and ceramics ?

Some models are designed for these surfaces, but adhesion depends on how the surface is prepared and finished. Clean and dry the surface thoroughly, test the product in an inconspicuous area and follow the drying instructions. If the item needs to be washed regularly, additional protection may be required; however, this is not always supplied with the marker.

How long does an art pen last in storage ?

It depends on how often it is used, the pressure applied to the nib, storage conditions and how carefully the cap is replaced. Acrylic inks should generally be capped immediately after use. For water-based pens, horizontal storage and careful closure help maintain a consistent ink flow.

Should you choose fine-tip pens or brush-tip pens ?

Choose fine-tip pens for outlines, details and precise writing. Brush-tip pens are better suited to lettering, gradients and strokes whose thickness varies with pressure. For versatile use, a set combining several nib types, such as certain acrylic paint pens with interchangeable tips, can help you avoid buying multiple sets.