Opaque Paint Markers

You will love, love, love using opaque paint markers with your arts and crafts projects!

Craft tip: It's so easy to draw and write with these markers. They are a great alternative to painting with a thin brush for many projects.

I just started using opaque paint markers a few years ago. I saw them one day in a crafts store and ended up buying a package on impulse. Now I use them all the time!

On this page, I will tell you about the kinds I personally have used.

Some markers need to be shaken.

The main difference between the DecoColor and Permapaque markers is that the DecoColor markers need to be shaken before use. Here are the steps to take to "activate" and use a DecoColor marker:

• Shake the marker vigorously for about 30 seconds with the cap securely attached. (You will hear a small metal ball in the barrel of the pen.)
• Remove the cap and press the tip down 3-4 times on a piece of scrap paper to start the ink flowing.
• As you work, you may need to recap and shake the marker periodically for better flow.
• Replace cap tightly and store the marker horizontally when not in use.

Marker tips come in different widths.

I used black and white paint markers to add the detail work to these Halloween jack-o-lantern ornaments. I used extra fine DecoColor markers for the ornament in the left photo and fine Permapaque markers for the ornament in the right photo.

I think both look great! It's just a matter of what look you are going for at the moment -- or what supplies you happen to have on hand!

Other arts and crafts projects I used opaque paint markers for are the clown ornament, glass snowman ornament, Christmas party favors, and painted baby shoes.

I am so delighted I discovered opaque paint markers. Do give them a try!


For other general painting tips, see the Craft Tip and Technique page.