Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best paint markers are used to create a plethora of artwork on materials such as metal, wood, stone, plastic, paper, glass, and fabric. Whether it is a creative project for your child’s school or artwork you intend to do in your leisure time, you could use these paint markers. You could also let your children use them, especially if they love drawing and exploring their creativity through art.
To help you choose the best one, we have rounded up a list of some of the best ones you can consider purchasing. We also give you a few tips on choosing one. Keep scrolling.
Top Picks
15 Best Paint Markers For Kids
1. Best Quick-Drying:Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 24,330 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
The Artistro acrylic paint marker pens feature water-based ink that dries quickly. They give an opaque and glossy finish on both dark and light surfaces and are suitable for drawing detailed and fine line works. You may also use them on and other gifts to customize them. Available in a set of 12 vibrant colors, the acrylic-based paint markers have sturdy tips that consistently flow on a variety of surfaces, including stone, pottery, metal, canvas, fabric, clay, polymer, and more. Explore the tester’s experience in this review video.
Pros
- Comes with an extra fine tip
- Non-toxic
- Odor-free
- Works well on terracotta pots and smooth rocks
Cons
- May not last long
- Cap might require a little gentle opening
"This pack is my son's favorite craft kit. They flow smoothly and have a smooth texture, adding a vibrant touch to every surface. While extra coating is required for fuller coverage, I find it a minor hassle."
Remember2. Best Mess-Free:Do A Dot Art! Rainbow Washable Paint Markers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 8,952 reviews on Amazon.
This paint marker set for kids comes with six washable colors in 2.5oz no-spill bottles. They have an easy twist-off cap and offer a solid grip to hold that needs no brushes or cups and causes no mess. They have large sponge tips that never dry out and are brightly colored. Your kids can use them for layering, blending, mixing, and covering large spaces. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the high-performance product.
Pros
- Good-quality product
- Easy to use
- Free of gluten and latex
- Skin-friendly
- Superior ink quality
Cons
- Felt tips may tear off with rough use
- Younger children might require supervision while using these
"I found these when looking for an alternative that did not require the pincer grasp. My son can easily hold them, and the stamp-like design is much loved. Plus, as they are washable, I no longer worry about him creating a mess."
3. Best Versatile:Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers
If you are looking for washable paint markers with a variety of colors, then this classic set of 20 markers from the trusted brand, Crayola could work for drawing, coloring, and artwork. The washable ink will not bleed through paper, and it is easy to remove from the skin and clothing. Moreover, adults can also use them as lettering and faux calligraphy paint markers whenever needed. This video will help you understand the product better.
Pros
- Snap closure makes it a convenient tool for kids to use
- Bright and sturdy tips
- Non-toxic
- Convenient to draw thick and thin lines
Cons
- May have a peculiar scent
- May dry out fast
"Although skeptical, these conical-tipped markers have impressed me with their ability to make fine lines and broad strokes. They even blend well and wash away easily. While I would have liked them to sport the color names, I am pretty happy with the variety."
Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers | Do A Dot Art! Rainbow Washable Paint Markers | Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Color | Multicolor | Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Pruple | Multicolor |
| Color | Multicolor | - | Multi |
| Dimensions | 5.31 x 2.76 x 0.98 inches | 8.25 x 1.5 x 6.25 inches | - |
| Weight | 5.1 ounces | 1 pounds | - |
| Material | - | - | CRAYONS |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,330 | 8,952 | 718 |
| Price | $24.99 | $17.99 | - |
4. Best For School Projects:Crayola Broad Point Washable Markers
These markers from Crayola have broad conical tips and feature ultra-clean improved formula. The set contains eight color markers that show up vividly on a variety of surfaces. These broad-line markers are easy to wash off from the walls and clothing. They are an excellent choice for school projects and artwork, as they do not smudge or bleed through the paper. The packaging is handy and convenient to store.
Pros
- Made of non-toxic, high-quality materials
- Easy for kids to grasp
- Works great as a starter kit
- Various colors
Cons
- Some feel these dry up quickly
- Some find it a little difficult to wash off from skin
5. Best Water-Resistant:Penguin Art Supplies 28 Dual-Tip Acrylic Paint Pens
The dual-tipped paint markers come in a nylon zippered pouch that will let your kids’ imaginations go wild. They feature reversible tips that could make bold strokes with a medium 5mm tip or fine lines with a 3mm tip. They give a comprehensive platform to your kid for creating a variety of long-lasting crafts, as they are water-resistant and UV-resistant permanent markers. However, these performance-driven paints could be washed away with warm water and mild soap if it gets on the skin.
Pros
- Some colors like gold has a nice metallic sparkle
- Easy to use
- Bright colors
- Suitable for children and adults
Cons
- Some find the flow of paint to be inconsistent
- Some may find the tips clogging with dried paint
"My child is thrilled with these markers' exciting color options and easy flow. They are reusable and remain equally vibrant even after countless uses, adding charm to her works of arts and crafts. If you are looking for markers offering hassle-free use, I will recommend these."
Quick tip6. Best Leak-Proof:Emooqi Paint Markers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 399 good reviews on Amazon.
Emooqi’s marker set includes 12 vibrant shades suitable for beginners and professionals. It is an oil-based, opaque paint marker compatible with various surfaces, including paper, wood, plastic, glass, metal, stone, and canvas. The tried-and-tested colors of these high-pigmented paint markers can help you be creative and bold without worrying about leakage, smearing, and fading. They are waterproof and quick-drying paint markers that ensure your art stays bright and high-quality.
Pros
- Non-toxic and odorless
- Offers full coverage
- Environmentally friendly
- EN-71-certified
- Highly pigmented and beautiful colors
Cons
- Felt from the tips may come off over time
- Some colors may be less fluid than others
"These vibrant markers go beautifully with various artistic works. They need extra coating if it's a darker background, but the results look satisfactory. I am quite pleased with the quality and pigmentation; go for it!"
7. Best For Eye-Catching:Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens
For eye-catching watercolor painting effects, these Chalkola brush pens work well. They are odorless and non-toxic colors that come with a nylon brush nib. It includes 28 rich color paint pens, two blending brush pens, and a 15-sheet drawing pad. The fine-textured sheets are great for both dry and wet colors. These color markers are not likely to smudge, bleed or streak, and could be used for sketching, calligraphy, or Manga arts, making them efficient and high-performance.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- User-friendly
- For all age groups
- Durable
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to hold
- Some feel some colors lacked brightness
"These markers have come in handy for everything from journaling to calligraphy. However, it took me some time to get the blending process right. Nevertheless, I still consider them an excellent find for my artistic projects."
8. Best For Greeting Cards:Inc. Glitter Markers
This set of 18 assorted glitter markers from Inc can write on various surfaces. They are water-based and their non-toxic ink is suitable for greeting cards, posters, albums, gift cards, and crafting projects. The rounded tips offer precision while writing and drawing. Just shake the pen, push the tip down on a hard surface, and try until the ink starts to flow. You may start drawing when the tip is full of color.
Pros
- Bold tip
- Sparkly
- Can be used to write on various surfaces including a ribbon sash
- Easily washable
Cons
- Tips can get frayed with regular use
- Some did not find the markers to be long-lasting
"Watching my children get amazed by these markers' colors and shimmery ink has been magical. Although the ink quantity was lower than expected, their rounded bullet tips offer richly pigmented strokes even when used with a gentle touch. Hence, they have been a reliable find."
9. Best Opaque:Tfive Overseas Paint Pens
The oil-based paint markers are the ideal choice for students, professional artists, adults, and designers. They are available in 12 vibrant colors made of opaque ink that is non-toxic, odorless, acid-free, and environmentally friendly. The versatile hard tip allows you to draw colorful designs in small spaces too, and with precision. The professional-grade markers can be used on woodcraft, painted rocks, canvas shoes, Easter plastic eggs, Christmas balls, glass jars, and stones and come packaged in a heat shrink film to avoid leakage during transportation.
Pros
- Comes in individual packaging
- Waterproof
- Bright colors
- Has a consistent and smooth flow
Cons
- Some might find issues with leakage
- Might fade over time when used for surfaces like garden tools
"Be it on a plastic surface or metal, the way it brings vibrancy to creative work is commendable. My children's outdoor rock art still shines beautifully due to its waterproof nature. They're worth recommending for young craft enthusiasts."
Caution10. Best Long-Lasting:C&Berg Watercolor Brush Pens
The C&Berg watercolor paint markers set could be a beautiful gift idea for kids who have an artistic and creative side. These come in a set of 20 and 40 bright and beautiful colors and are long-lasting. They are non-toxic, odorless, and acid-free pens that will let your child try calligraphy, draw comics, anime, Manga, mandalas, and more. The set has a water brush and refillable pen along with a special Mandala picture book that would be sent to your email.
Pros
- High-quality ink
- Mess-free
- Adjustable for making thin or thick lines
- Blends well
Cons
- Some colors may not be well-pigmented
- Brush may have stray strands
"My daughter loves decorating cards and coloring with these watercolor markers. Some colors were different than expected, but their mess-free design and smooth brush tips have been a bonus."
11. Best Durable:TwoHands Glitter Paint Markers
The set is available in 12 assorted colors, which could be used on greeting cards, gift cards, homemade cards, and crafts. You cannot use them on glass, metal, marble, plastic, ceramic, and dark surfaces. They come with a premium water-based ink glitter that is of excellent quality and super-smooth, adding charm to any artwork. The large ink reservoir of the glitter markers makes them durable for longer than others.
Pros
- Sparkly and glittery
- Safe for use
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
- Undergoes rigorous testing to meet ASTM and EN standards
Cons
- Some mind find inconsistency with the ink flow
- Tip can dry easily if not closed properly after usage
"My daughter loves using these markers to make handmade greeting cards on every occasion. They have a fine pointed tip, which makes the application more precise, and she seems to like the mild glittery effect."
12. Best For Permanent:Lelix Acrylic Paint Markers
Lelix offers a set of 15 vibrant acrylic-based paint markers that can be used on any surface. These are all permanent waterproof, non-toxic, acid-free, odorless, environmentally friendly, and UV-resistant paint markers. The 2mm rounded tips make them the perfect tool for drawing both fine lines and large area fillings. They come with a tried-and-tested pump-valve system that has an opaque barrel and rubber finish for a smooth flow of the ink.
Pros
- Fun and user-friendly
- Not messy
- Vibrant colors
- Good for detailing
Cons
- Might need to shake them occasionally
- May smudge on certain surfaces
"These markers are truly versatile. My kids have been able to use them for coloring projects and even decorating their mugs and murals. However, remember to shake them before use to ensure a consistent ink flow."
13. Best For Broad Strokes:Madisi Washable Markers
The classroom bulk pack is probably a good buy for classroom activities or drawing competitions. The set has 240 markers in 10 assorted colors with 24 markers of each color. The colors include black, orange, red, yellow, pink, blue, sky blue, green, light green, purple, violet, and brown. These water-based paint markers are non-toxic, and bleed-resistant. The conical tips allow fine line drawing with point strokes and broad strokes when positioned slantingly.
Pros
- Suitable for children above three years
- Easy to clean
- Decent color saturation
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some colors may not be as bright as the rest
- Some might not like the yellow shade of the set
"As an educator and a mom, I approve of these markers' utility—they can be used for personal artwork or classroom activities. These are washable and fit in my tote bags for on-the-go coloring practice. I would recommend them for fostering creativity among kids."
14. Best Consistent Flow:U.S. Art Supply Oil Based Paint Pen Markers
The U.S. Art Supply offers versatile paint markers that can be used as glass paint markers, metallic paint markers, wood paint markers, fabric paint markers, and more. These versatile tools have extra-fine tips with valve action to allow free-flow paint on both porous and non-porous surfaces. The quick-drying metallic colors give a glossy finish on both light and dark surfaces. These are xylene-free paints that are durable and resistant to abrasions, smearing, fading, and water.
Pros
- Good for children’s project work
- Paint agitator inside
- Good assortment of colors
- Consistent flow
Cons
- Some feel the actual shades do not match those on the caps
- Doesn’t have removable tips
"This marker set has been perfect for rock painting. They have a slight odor, but the blend of colors is impressive. Moreover, the mix of wide and fine-tipped pens has allowed everyone in my house to create intricate designs."
15. Best Odor-Free:Inspired By Craft Liquid Chalk Markers
The Inspired By Craft liquid chalk paint markers are known for their vibrant hues and removable inks. They come in a pack of eight pens with 6mm chisel tips that give clean, smudge-free lines. The bright neon paint markers include pink, white, green, red, yellow, blue, orange, and purple. They are water-based, non-toxic, xylene-free, and odor-free drawing chalks that are suitable for arts and crafts projects, home rafts, scrapbooks, message boards, decoration, and organization.
Pros
- Dust-free
- Suitable for non-porous surfaces
- Easy to clean
- Fun and user-friendly
Cons
- Some feel these wear out fast
- May take time to get the ink flowing
"These liquid chalk markers are a huge hit with my children for their stunning colors. They aren't particularly great for intricate detailing due to their thick tip, but they work remarkably well for casual artwork."
How To Choose The Right Paint Markers?
You may consider the following points while buying paint markers:
- Long-lasting: Look for high-quality markers that can be used for a long time. They can also save your budget as you need not buy them often.
- Non-toxic: Look for acid-free and non-toxic paint markers that are safe since you cannot monitor your children all the time.
- All surfaces: Markers that could be used on any surface are a good buy. With such multi-surface paint markers, there is no need to buy separate pens for different projects that your child may work on.
- Color sets: Look for broader color options as your child could be creative in trying various shades and combinations.
- Price: Go for a product that is affordable and easy on your budget. You may read the reviews before concluding on a particular brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do paint markers last?
Paint markers come with liquid ink refills that may be prone to drying. Storing the pens upside down and re-capping them after each use can make them last for a year or two.
2. Are paint markers safe?
Yes, markers made for children usually have non-toxic and hypoallergenic ingredients, making them safe. However, you should always read the label for any precautions that may be required.
3. Do paint markers wash off?
Water or acrylic-based paint markers are not waterproof and can wash off easily. On the other hand, solvent or oil-based marker inks can be difficult to remove or wash off.
4. Are paint markers flammable?
Oil-based paint markers can have flammable chemicals like toluene and xylene, but water-based paint markers are usually safe and chemical-free.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our experienced product writers and reviewers bring you this list of the best paint markers for kids to help with their art and craft projects. We have carried out in-depth research and considered user reviews and ratings to pick products that are long-lasting, safe for children, and versatile. Furthermore, we have also listed the factors you should consider when buying markers for children.
The Bottom Line
The paint markers listed here can help your child explore their creative side. These paint markers come in a wide range of colors and are available in most stationery stores. To buy the best paint markers, ensure the colors are long-lasting and of high quality. Also, ensure the ink is non-toxic and will not bleed through the paper. You could also consider buying washable paint markers that are easy to remove from the skin and clothes. Our top recommendations for you include the non-toxic Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers, the Do A Dot Art! Rainbow Washable Paint Markers with non-drying tips, and the versatile Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers that work on different surfaces.
Infographic: How To Use Paint Markers Safely
Paint markers are a great way to apply permanent colors to surfaces such as paper, metal, and stone. However, taking safety precautions when using these paint markers is essential to protect your child’s health. Read the following infographic to learn how to be creative with paint markers while playing it safe.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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