Top Acrylic Paint Pens: A UK Crafter's Buying Guide

Bringing a creative idea to life should be a joy, not a chore. For many artists and crafters, the vibrant, opaque finish of acrylic paint is ideal, but the setup—with brushes, water pots and palettes—can be cumbersome and messy. This is where acrylic paint pens come in, offering the punch of acrylic paint with the control and convenience of a marker.

However, the market is filled with options, and choosing the right set can be confusing. This guide is designed to help you understand the key features to look for, so you can select the perfect acrylic markers for your projects, whether you're decorating pebbles, customising trainers or creating detailed illustrations.

A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Acrylic Paint Pens

Before diving into specific products, let's look at a few key considerations that will help you make an informed choice.

1. Tip Type: Precision vs. Flow

The tip of the marker dictates the kind of marks you can make. The two most common types offer distinct advantages:

• Dual Tip Paint Pens: These are incredibly versatile, typically featuring a fine point on one end and a medium or chisel tip on the other. The fine tip is excellent for outlining, lettering and intricate details, while the broader tip is efficient for filling in larger areas of colour. This makes them a great all-in-one solution.
• Brush Tip Acrylic Markers: For those who love the expressive, variable lines of a paintbrush, brush tip acrylic markers are an excellent choice. The flexible nylon or felt tip allows you to create thick and thin strokes in a single movement, perfect for calligraphy, fluid illustration and blending colours.

2. Ink Quality and Surface Compatibility

Not all acrylic inks are created equal. For projects that need to last, look for ink that is described as waterproof and lightfast once cured. This ensures your artwork won't smudge with a stray drop of water or fade over time when exposed to light.

The main appeal of multi-surface paint pens is their ability to write on almost anything. If your creative ambitions extend to paint pens for rocks, wood, ceramic, glass, plastic or fabric, check that the markers are formulated for strong adhesion on non-porous and porous surfaces alike. High-opacity ink is also crucial, as it provides solid coverage, even on dark-coloured materials.

3. Colour Selection

A broad and vibrant colour palette can elevate your work. While a basic set is great for starting, larger sets often include a wider range of shades, as well as specialty inks like metallics and neons. These can add a professional and eye-catching finish to your creations, making them stand out. Consider what your typical projects require when deciding on the size of the set.

Our Acrylic Paint Pen Recommendations

Here are a few standout options that cater to different creative needs, from all-purpose crafting to detailed artistic work.

Ohuhu Acrylic Paint Pens 60 Colours: Dual Tips (Round & Fine)

Why It Stands Out This set from Ohuhu is a fantastic all-rounder. It combines the versatility of dual tip paint pens with a comprehensive colour palette. Each marker has a 0.7-2mm fine tip for detail and a 1.7-3mm round tip for coverage. The water-based ink is highly opaque, making it effective on both light and dark surfaces. The 60-colour set includes 45 regular shades, 9 metallics and 6 neons, offering plenty of creative freedom.

Pros

• Dual-tip design provides flexibility for both detail and filling.
• Wide colour range, including metallic and neon shades.
• Comes with a portable carrying case and 8 replacement tips.
• Waterproof and lightfast ink for durable results.

Who is it for? Crafters, hobbyists and artists looking for a comprehensive and versatile set that can handle a wide variety of projects and surfaces.

Ohuhu Acrylic Paint Pens 90 Colours: Dual Tips (Round & Fine)

Why It Stands Out For those who want to take their colour options to the next level, this 90-pen set is a significant step up. It features the same reliable dual-tip system (fine and round) as the 60-piece set but expands the palette considerably. With 60 regular colours, an impressive 24 metallic shades and 6 neons, this collection is one of the most extensive available, making it a strong choice for serious art markers for artists.

Pros

• An expansive 90-colour palette with a large selection of metallics.
• Consistent dual-tip performance for varied line work.
• High-opacity, waterproof ink suitable for multi-surface use.
• Includes a sturdy carrying case, swatch cards and replacement nibs.

Who is it for? Dedicated artists and crafters who require a vast and diverse colour library to ensure they never have to compromise on their creative vision.

Ohuhu Acrylic Paint Markers Direct Liquid 48 Colours: Flexible Brush Tip

Why It Stands Out This set breaks from the traditional pump-action marker design. It features a direct-liquid ink system with a transparent window on the barrel, so you can see exactly how much ink is left. This system provides a smooth, consistent flow without any need for shaking or priming. The 1-5mm flexible brush tip mimics the feel of a real paintbrush, allowing for expressive strokes, fine lines and broad washes of colour.

Pros

• Innovative direct-liquid system for continuous ink flow.
• Flexible brush tip is ideal for illustration, lettering and artistic blending.
• Visible ink window helps you track usage.
• Set includes extra black and white markers for base layers and highlights.

Who is it for? Illustrators, calligraphers and artists who prioritise a fluid, brush-like experience and appreciate the convenience of a no-prime, ready-to-use marker.

Looking for Other Options?

If these specific sets don't quite match what you're looking for, don't worry. The world of acrylic markers is vast, with different tip combinations, set sizes and specialty inks available. To find the perfect match for your next project, we invite you to browse our complete collection.

Explore our full range of acrylic pens to see more choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are acrylic paint pens waterproof?

Yes, once the ink has fully dried and cured, it becomes highly water-resistant. This makes these waterproof paint markers suitable for projects that may be exposed to some moisture, such as decorated mugs (which should be heat-set and hand-washed) or painted rocks placed in a garden.

What surfaces can you use acrylic markers on?

They are incredibly versatile multi-surface paint pens. You can use them on paper, canvas, wood, rock, plastic, ceramic, glass, metal and even fabric. For best results on slick, non-porous surfaces like glass or glazed ceramic, it's a good idea to clean the surface first and consider applying a sealant after the ink has cured to improve durability.

How do you get acrylic paint pens to work?

For most traditional acrylic markers, you need to activate them before first use. With the cap on, shake the marker vigorously to mix the pigment. Then, on a piece of scrap paper, gently press the tip down several times until you see the ink begin to flow and saturate the nib. Some newer models, like those with direct-liquid systems, do not require this priming step and are ready to use straight away. Always remember to replace the cap tightly after use to prevent the ink from drying out.