The Best Paint Pens For Arts and Crafts

Posca markers create vibrant art that doesn’t compromise on detail.

Our, and the rest of the world’s, all-around favorite paint pen is the Uni Posca. First, its ink formula is bold and quick-drying. Posca colors are close to perfectly opaque, with just a hint of translucency that creates depth when layered. They can be blended when wet and come in novel options like subtle glitter or moody dark colors.

After creating a great paint formula, Uni poured it into a dazzling range of tip sizes. These pens come in sizes from extra fine, which are great for adding lines or details in a drawing (though the fine tips can catch on rough surfaces like toothy paper), to ultra-chunky extra broad. Our favorite size for most applications is the medium point, which works fabulously well for anything from laying in color in a drawing to making an eye catching sign. Unique among paint pens, the Posca also offers a brush tip. While the brush tip is wider and less precise than most brush pens, it creates lively and energetic lines.

Posca ink is permanent on paper and fairly durable on nonporous hard surfaces, though it can be scraped or scrubbed off. Use a sealant on anything that will get knocked around if you want to keep it forever.

Our one quibble with these pens: you’ll like them so much you’ll use them up, and they’re not refillable!