If you do a search on Amazon for paint pens for rock painting the results can be daunting – so many choices. If you’re like me, preferences can be very personal and subjective but it’s always good to have a starting perspective. In this post, I’m going to share my experience with 8 paint pens for rock painting that I think might be good options. Good luck!
When it comes to rock painting, there are two basic ways that you can paint on rocks. You can use paint, or you can use paint pens or markers. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods of rock painting.
Read more about the differences between paint pens vs paint for rock painting…
What is a Paint Pen or Marker?
A paint marker is a paint pen that uses liquid paint that comes out at the tip of the marker. Most markers come with an attached sponge or brush-type applicator that can be used to blend colors together or to soften hard lines. Markers are very easy to use and can help create a nice, clean line on your rocks compared to paint. But maybe the biggest advantage paint pens have over paint is convenience and clean-up. With paint pens, your rock painting projects are just a cap away – no messy paints and pallets. And clean-up is next to nothing (unless you’re like me and have the occasional … oops).
In this article, I’ll discuss 8 of my favorite paint pens for rock painting and why they might be a good choice for you.
Paint Pens for Rock Painting (and markers too)
1) Uni Posca Paint Markers
Posca paint pens are my, and many other rock painters’ go-to for rock painting. Most rock painters would agree they are a favorite for a variety of reasons. The paint in uni posca paint markers is low-odor and water-based, letting you paint without harsh chemicals or fumes. They provide smooth application and clean up easily. They’re also fade-resistant (see Kim Crick’s review below) and non-toxic. They can be used for layering paint colors or even writing messages on rocks. They come in an array of colors and styles so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs perfectly!
Posca paint markers are relatively expensive. They also can be difficult to apply on some porous surfaces, but really, most paint pens are. Just apply a second coat and you should be good to go. The bullet-tip markers are perfect for coloring and writing clean lines, but they also work well when you want to add some flair.
If you plan to display your painted rocks outside or in direct sunlight, Kim Crick has a review of Posca paint marker’s lightfastness on her website – Acrylic Paint Markers Lightfast or Fugitive UV Sunlight Art Supply Test
If you’re looking for a marker set that can work on any surface, POSCA paint markers might be the way to go.
Here’s an example of a project I’ve used Uni Posca – Winter Rock Painting Ideas: Three Fun Designs
2) Arteza Permanent Markers
Arteza is a good, lower-cost marker option to some of the more expensive paint pens for rock painting. Their markers are non-toxic, not quite odorless but low odor. They also blend easily to create soft lines or textures on rocks. These markers can be bought individually, or in sets.
Arteza paint markers are very affordable. I have found they can have a shorter life span, and some dry out easily. Also, the nib can get distorted when used on porous or rough rocks.
Keep in mind these are permanent markers so mistakes can be difficult to cover up and removal from skin is … challenging. I’ve had good luck with these markers but you might want to start with a single marker, or smaller set, to make sure they are to your liking.
3) Artistro Paint Pens
The Artistro paint pens for rock painting are made with high-quality, water-based Italian inks for a smooth, consistent flow and glossy finish. These safe, nontoxic and odor-free paint pens allow you to draw or write on almost any surface!
Artistro paint pens are perfect for artists. You will save time with their fast-drying ink and the extra-fine tips allow you to be more precise with your rock painting.
I love the colors and pigment density of these pens. The colors are vibrant and the coverage is good! I have noticed they require a little more prep when it comes to mixing the paint in the pens. I’ve had some issues with colors that didn’t match if I didn’t take the proper amount of time to shake the pens adequately. Also, proper prep (shaking) can keep the paint from clogging at the tip – an issue I’ve encountered from time to time. But once prepped properly, I’ve had really good luck with these for my rock painting. Make sure to blot on paper after shaking.
Artistro is a family business and donates to various arts-related institutions. I like supporting a company that gives back.
That’s it! Now go make some art.
4) Niutop Water-Based Paint Pens
The extra-fine point of these paint pens makes them great for detailed work and they dry quickly so your project doesn’t smudge. They also offer a smooth flow, which means there’s less chance that the color will feather. They also offer a pretty good bang for your buck.
When I tried these, I was looking for a paint pen that’s not only rich and smooth but also stays bright after use – these fit both bills. Simply push down on the tip to prime the pen before starting with your rocks.
I’ve had good luck reproducing fine detail with these pens. The paint dries quickly and clean-up is a breeze. If the tips get clogged a quick rinse with hot water solves the issue. As with all paint pens, mixing (shaking) the paint and blotting before an application will help alleviate most of the typical issues.
5) Artsy Magic Dual-Tip Alcohol Based Permanent Art Markers
Artsy markers are a great tool to have in your art supply kit. They come with two different tips – one broad and the other fine, which means you can do everything from quick coverage of large areas all the way down to specific details like writing out calligraphic letters or drawing hearts on your favorite rock!
The Broad Tip provides broad lines that work well when quick coverage is needed; while Fine Twin Tips can be used similarly but also provide flexibility with thinner details such as writing/highlighting.
These highly pigmented and vibrant paint pens for rock painting will resist fading over time. The alcohol-based markers are long-lasting and waterproof for your outdoor rock painting projects.
I have noticed the ink can flow, generously, on mainly the darker colors. The ink dries quickly, so there’s no need to worry about blotches or streaks! If you’re looking for a versatile marker alternative to your paint pens, these are a good choice.
5) Emooqi Paint Markers
The Emooqi Acrylic Paint Markers are made with highly pigmented acrylic paint that produces a durable opaque finish on light or dark surfaces. The oil-based formula dries quickly and produces excellent results on painted rocks. The perfect tools for every detail, these microfiber tip markers are equipped with a 3 mm, round-tipped design that offers excellent quality and control over the fluid flow.
These paint pens work great for indoor AND outdoor display due to their water resistance property and UV protection from sunlight exposure – ideal rock painting pens for individuals looking to display their Rock Rembrandts outdoors. They work well on rocks, paper, fabric, metal, marble, rubber, ceramic, wood, glass, plastic, and other surfaces.
I find them to be a good value marker. The set I own has medium tips which allow for great coverage. The colors are bright and vibrant and true to their caps. I believe they offer a fine-tipped marker, too. I find them to be less streaky than Sharpies. The white-colored markers in my set may be lower on pigment and require multiple coats on some projects, but that’s not a deal killer for me.
If you’re looking for a versatile paint pen for rock painting, that works on rocks and other surfaces, these are a good choice.
6) ZEYAR Oil-Based Paint Markers
In my opinion, the Zeyar paint pens for rock painting offer a good value for your money. They are ASTM certified so this ink is guaranteed to be non-toxic and acid-free. Water and scratch-resistant. Will not fade under nearly any weather conditions, making it perfect for outdoor rock display. They have Japanese tips utilizing UK inks. My set has fine, 0.7mm tips that work well for detail work.
This will be a common theme with most paint pens for rock painting, but prepping the pen by shaking is vital to good results. Don’t forget to blot, too.
Some of the colors in this set are a little lighter on pigment than other brands, but they’re still pretty durable. You may have to apply multiple coats before everything is opaque enough for your liking!
They have similar tips to Poscas but the longevity of these pens is truly amazing and they seem to clog less than other brands. The tips also seem durable and have survived well over multiple applications on roughed-surfaced rocks.
The pens can be sensitive to pressure and require a little time to get used to regulating the paint flow.
7) PANDAFLY Metallic Marker Pens
When I want to add some metallic flair to my painted rocks I usually reach for these markers. The rich metallic color makes them perfect for adding sparkle and embellishments to your rock painting projects. The nibs on these markers produce a 2.0mm line, for medium coverage.
These are paint markers so unlike most paint pens that require shaking before use, these require no preparation time because they come ready to go.
These inks are water-based and nontoxic. They also contain no xylene or acid which may be harmful to your skin.
The colors tend to apply somewhat translucent and dry a little darker than their cap would suggest so that that into consideration when planning your rock painting projects. The flow on some of the markers can be a little runny, so be careful if you need fine details.
8) Supkiz Acrylic Paint Pens
These paint pens are a good, low-cost option for rock painting. They are like markers in how smoothly the paint flows out of the pen and applies evenly to whatever you’re painting. The colors are deep and vibrant. Unlike other brands’, these actually dry pretty close to the colors on the caps.
The inks are water-based, highly pigmented, and flow smoothly – non-toxic, odor-free.
Like other paint pens, shaking and blotting before use is important for good results. And make sure the caps are secured tightly to avoid dry-up.
Another good, economical paint pen for rock painting.
So there you have it, 8 paint pens for rock painting that could be a good fit for your craft. Give them a shot on your own Rock Rembrandts.
Happy painting!