The Best Metallic Markers for 2023

What is a marker collection without the best metallic markers? They are the perfect additions to marker collections because of the sparkle that they bring. With a little bit of gold, silver or bronze, you can make those boring letterings look more festive and more interesting.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or a hobbyist. You still should have metallic markers to bring more flexibility to the art and letterings that you do.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of the top-rated metallic pens out there. I’m here to show you which pens out there would be a great choice and how you can choose the ones that are most suitable for your needs.

Top 10 Metallic Marker Reviews

1. Nianpu Premium Metallic Marker Pens

This is one of the best value-for-your-money metallic marker pens out there. You are getting 12 different colors of the pen at a very reasonable price. Even if you have a student budget, you will surely find this marker a good choice.

One thing to like about this is its color options. These are fun and useful colors that will be in heavy rotation in your marker collection. I find myself enjoying these colors on a variety of mediums. Since they are opaque, I like the look they offer, especially on paper.

These are pen-type markers. They are as thin as pens. I don’t find this size the most comfortable when doing coloring but it’s a good thing, because these have contoured bodies so they are easier to hold. It lessens hand fatigue that way.

I have no complaints about the vividness of the metallic colors. All of them are opaque. Even with one shad, the color comes through.

The ink is very rich. I like how I was able to achieve the thickness of the color that I want even with just one swipe. It makes it easier to do letterings and shading.

Speaking of shading, I think the bullet tips of these markers are great for such a purpose. It doesn’t provide good coverage though but for adding fine details and special touches, these are quite handy to have around.

The tips for these marker pens are finer though so I don’t recommend them for doing bold letterings. For everyday writing styles, they would work more effective.

The manufacturer backs up your purchase with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase within 30 days after getting it, you can get your money back. That’s a good feature if you want to feel secure with your purchase.

2. Sharpie Metallic Permanent Markers

If you are looking for a starter metallic pen kit, these permanent metallic markers would be a perfect choice. It comes with two pieces of gold, two pieces of silver and two pieces of bronze pens that should last for a long while.

I can always trust Sharpie to produce vivid-colored markers and these ones have not disappointed me. All of them delivered. The metallic sheen really stands out even on surfaces that are already shiny or are darker.

I am particularly smitten with the gold ink pen. It looks nice and elegant when doing calligraphy for signages. I have had much success using it even on non-porous surfaces such as glass.

What makes these pens stand out from all the others is that it doesn’t need shaking or activating. The ink actually dispenses without spending too much time and effort shaking the pens first. They are ready to be used anytime, anywhere.

I also like this feature because if you have had pens in the past that needs shaking, you probably know how messy it can get. There are pens that tend to dispel too much ink one go, leading to a big glob of mess.

The ink also has good water-resistant properties. Even after being exposed to a little bit of moisture, it holds its own and stays as vibrant as when you first applied the ink. Its quick-drying functions are also commendable. There were no issues with smearing.

These markers are also pigmented. In fact, I usually just use one pass of these markers. No need to do a double shading because one shade usually suffices to get the look that you want.

The gold and bronze colors do look very similar to each other. If you use them on dark-colored surfaces, the difference in colors might not be that great. The bronze closely resembles the gold and gives off a nice shine.

3. Pilot G2 Metallics Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens

On the lookout for metallic glitter gel pens? Get your hands on these pens from Pilot. Each set comes with 8 different colors including a metallic gold pen. You will not just get basic metallic colors but fun and exciting ones like purple, pink and blue as well. It even comes with a white metallic pen option that can serve a variety of purposes.

I have never encountered pens that write as smoothly as these fine tip metallic pens. These glitter and metallic gel pens glide seamlessly on paper and even rough and porous surfaces like wood. It’s really such a joy to use these.

The gel ink is thick but manageable. I don’t have issues with how it dispenses ink. The ink comes out smoothly all the time even without shaking the pen.

The pens come in a transparent barrel where you can clearly see how much ink you still have left. This makes it easier to see if you need to start looking for other metallic calligraphy pens because your current ones are running out of ink.

Like most gel pens out there, these ones last for a long time. I also like the idea that the ink is refillable. I don’t have to buy the whole set. If I use up the gold and silver pens, for instance, I can just buy a refill for them and not the entire set. This is great if you only use a couple of these pens.

These pens are also user-friendly. They are retractable, dispensing the need for annoying caps that sometimes get lost. If you often lose the caps of your metallic pens for black paper, you will find these pens convenient for your needs.

4. Crayola Metallic Markers

On a tight budget? Get these metallic markers from Crayola. They are more affordable compared to others and you are getting 8 different colors.

The design is similar to old school crayons from Crayola but in a plastic barrel that depicts its color. I actually like the design of these pens. They are nice to look at.

The color options are also great. Aside from the usual gold calligraphy pen and silver metallic pens, there are other metallic options such as black iron, purple steel, green machine, copper mine, and pink bling. These pens actually have a pearly sheen to them more than metallic, so if you are looking for one that is truly metallic, you might be disappointed.

I would use these sparingly or when just doing special projects. They are not great for heavy usage because the tips can get worn-out easily. They are not recommended for children to use since heavy pressure can flatten the tips easily.

The size of these pens is unique. They are not as thick as the regular markers out there but they are thicker than your regular skinny marker.

That said, you will love the colors of these markers. I can say it is the most favorite gold pen I have tried because the gold really shines through. Once it dries up, it holds its pearly or metallic look. I also like the texture once it dries up. It doesn’t get chalky like many markers out there.

These pens seem to have a safe formulation as well. I can’t detect any unwanted odor. I would recommend putting this on top of another marker ink to give it a nice shiny finish.

I can say that these metallic markers for black paperwork. They definitely shine even when you use it against a black surface. The pen also glides smoothly and seamlessly without chafing or snagging.

5. Dyvicl Metallic Markers Paint Marker Pens

Don’t be fooled with the utilitarian look of these pens. These pens deliver covet-worthy metallic colors and even have some colors that you can’t easily find in other marker brands.

Right off the bat, these pens will strike you as professional pens. They did not disappoint because the ink quality is top-notch as well as the opacity and the coverage of the ink deliver. I love how pigmented the ink is.

I can’t detect a chemical scent in the inks as well, so I can assure you that this is safe to use. The manufacturer also said their ink formulation is free from acid and is eco-friendly. It won’t leave a harmful residue behind.

I like the bullet tip of these pens. They are great for making a variety of designs including shading. Although they have good coverage because of the thickness of the tip, I find that they are still comfortable to use even when making fine details. The tips don’t wear out easily as well.

I have tried using these pens on different surfaces such as rocks and wood with a lot of success. They still look visible even when used on dark surfaces. The gold brush pen is the best, in my opinion. It stands out even when used on a black paper or rock.

It’s actually easy to use. Unlike other markers that still needs to be shaken before the ink will flow, these ones don’t.

You can also buy this comfortably because it is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have any issues with the product, you can contact them through their email address and they can send you a replacement or they can give you a refund.[/su_note]

6. DealKits Premium Metallic Marker Pens

Premium quality without a premium price. This is what you can get if you buy these metallic marker pens. They are budget-friendly but they have functionalities that will give more expensive brands of metallic marker pens out there a run for their money.

It comes complete with 10 different marker color options including a red metallic pen, which is something you don’t easily see in other marker sets. These have fine tips that are used for creating thinner letterings and for adding more details to your artwork.

These pens are on the thin side. They are very similar to a regular ball pen. I can do a lot of things with these such as use them for journaling and for stenciling.

The ink is water-based. It is easier to dispense compared to the oil-based ones. I find that the ink flows smoothly each time. I did not have problems with gaps or bubbles. There is consistency with how it dispels ink each time.

You get opaque and vivid results each time. I did not have issues when using this on paper. I have tried it on other surfaces as well such as glass and wood and while the colors might not be as vibrant, they still pop out.

You can rest your worries because the manufacturer offers a 45-day money-back guarantee if you find anything wrong with your purchase. You also get a 24-month replacement if the markers fail during that time. Simply contact their customer service and let them know what your problem is.

7. Frienda Gold and Silver Metallic Marker Pens

If you are looking for a trusty set of gold and silver metallic marker pens only, this would be your best bet. It doesn’t include other colors, just these two popular choices. You get three pieces of each color so this set will last you for a long time.

These are fine point tip pens, a favorite of mine when it comes to jazzing up my journal and creating sharp and clean lines. I love this for making borders as well. The design of the tips and the barrel of the marker reminds me of calligraphy brushes. If you do calligraphy and you want something handy to bring with you, these pens would be a perfect alternative.

I am smitten with how smoothly these pens write. The ink just flows and flows consistently with no annoying gaps. They dry up quickly which means you don’t have to deal with unsightly smears. I also like that the ink doesn’t bleed through.

The tips of these pens, although fine tips are still good when it comes to shading. They are versatile enough that you can angle them slightly and get more coverage when shading.

These are marker pens that can also work on surfaces that are not completely dry. If you accidentally spill some water, the ink doesn’t run. It’s not permanent though. If you use it on glasses, it will still wash off. This would actually make great markers though since they are washable.

I do find these markers vibrant. They stand out even when you write it on glass or other surfaces where ink tends to look washed out. Of course, these markers will look best if you use them on black paper but for other mediums, they are fairly good.

I also like the gold of this brand. Some markers have gold markers that tend to look bronze or have a yellowish tint to them. This one truly delivers when it comes to its gold colors.

8. Sunshilor Metallic Markers

These are the markers to go for if you are looking for a diverse range of colors. There are 12 different colors of markers in this set and that includes colors you can’t find elsewhere such as fuchsia and orange.

I quite like the fine tips of these markers. They are easy to work with and they don’t dry up easily. They are a tad small compared to others I have tried before but I haven’t had issues with its writing capability even with the size of the tip.

Keep in mind that these are metallic markers. That means if you use them on surfaces, they will stay. You can use them on different surfaces and mediums such as glass, metal, and wood. They will dry up fast and settle so they are resistant to water. I have tried using this on ceramic glasses and they truly stayed even after being washed in the dishwasher.

I like the hexagonal shape of the barrel. It stops the markers from rolling if you set them down on the table. They are also easier to hold this way.

Another thing that makes these markers astounding is their vividness. They never seem to fade even after some time has already passed. They stay as vibrant as when you first used them. They work equally on any kind of surface.

The ink just goes out of the tips seamlessly. It doesn’t require shaking or whatever other things needed to keep the ink flowing. In fact, ink consistency and quality are comparable to those expensive brands.

I like how these pens did not leave a streaky mess. The ink stays where they should be. I haven’t experienced any leak issues and there is no glob of watery ink mess when I use it the first time. It has a lot of good control over how much it dispenses ink

9. Morfone Metallic Marker Pens

At a reasonable price, you are getting 10 different colors of metallic marker pens. There are a lot of interesting colors in this set. It’s a good mixture of basic and fun colors, which will appeal to different kinds of customers.

If you like coloring, you will love the selection of colors in this one. It will give your art more dimension. The colors show up easily, even if you layer them on top of other marker colors. The ink consistency is on the watery side, this being a water-based paint, which means I have had no issues with usage. It just dispenses ink effectively.

The colors aren’t as vibrant as they are depicted on the cap. They are more muted. I do find this useful when adding more dimension to your art.

I haven’t tried it on all surfaces but the manufacturer said this could be used on stone, paper, metal, wood, glass, and plastic. It works well on paper and stays on glossy surfaces like glass. I think its weak point is fabric because the metallic component doesn’t come through.

Some of the colors look similar to each other. That might be a downside to others who are looking for more variety but it is actually useful sometimes when you shade and you want to create more color depth to your work.

I would suggest waiting for a bit of time before you try touching the ink. These have a slight tendency to smear, especially on a non-porous surface. Give it more time to dry up to avoid making a mess.

These markers are leak-proof. The cap has an airtight seal that prevents the ink from leaking. The durability of the nibs is just right. I don’t suggest using them all the time on rough surfaces even though they don’t wear out that easily.

10. BIC Intensity Metallic Permanent Marker

You won’t regret adding these markers to your collection. It comes with 8 metallic colors with fine tips for these writing, lettering and calligraphy needs.

I love the formulation of the ink. They don’t emit a strong odor and they do not have an acid formulation that bleeds on paper. I think these markers will be great no matter what medium you are using.

The fine points are just right for my various writing and drawing needs. I can do a lot of fine detailing and intricate writing. The tips also remain intact even if they get subjected to a considerable amount of wear and tear.

If you angle the tips a little bit, they can create a bolder and thicker line. I would suggest adding a second layer to get more definition to the color and metallic sheen of the ink.

One of the things I like about this is how comfortable they are to hold. The thickness of the barrel is just right. It also has a rubber grip, which makes this easier to hold if you have clammy hands.

The colors are more on the darker side but the metallic sheen really comes out. The gold is more of yellow gold and the silver has a slightly chalky white look to it but they are true metallics.

These would make a good starter marker kit. If you are looking for reliable and versatile markers that you can use for different kinds of projects, you will like these markers.

What to Look for When Buying Metallic Markers

When looking for metallic markers to add to your art or writing repertoire, you should keep the following factors in mind:

Metallic Sheen

Not all metallic markers are true metallics. Some might not have a visible metallic sheen or might have a metallic sheen on certain surfaces only. There are those pens that look more vivid against dark surfaces but can look washed out when you use them on paper.

Choose metallic markers with a metallic sheen that really comes out no matter what medium you are using. Whether you need to use it to paint rocks or write on paper, it should be able to show off its metallic sheen.

Color Choices

Do you need more color options or are you only looking for true metallics such as gold, silver, and bronze? There are products that only include these three basic metallic colors but there are also those with more color choices.

The specialized metallic gold, silver and bronze markers tend to be better for special projects such as writing on glass, wood or metal. They are great for doing calligraphy projects such as wedding signages. I would suggest getting those with white and black metallic markers as well. They are useful in labeling glass jars and doing all sorts of projects at home.

Ink Consistency

One important thing to look for is consistency. You don’t want the ink to have gaps whenever you are using the pen. It’s annoying to trace back to the gaps.

Look for those inks that are water-based and devoid of acid as well. They are the ones that work better.

Long-Lasting

Pick a metallic marker with long-lasting ink. If you are going to use your markers for a long time, make sure it has a good volume of ink. Find out how much ink is inside. That should be included in the back label of the product.

Make sure the ink doesn’t dry up inside the barrel easily. Even if it has a large volume of ink, if it dries up easily, it still will not serve you well for a long time.

Leak-Proof

Check the seal of the cap. Is it airtight? You should be able to hear an audible click whenever you close the cap. If air gets inside, it can dry up the nibs and cannot prevent the ink from flowing out.

Ergonomics

Choose pens that are easier to hold. These marker pens come in different designs and shapes. There are those that have hexagonal shape that prevents the pen from rolling off of the table and allows easier grip for those with poor hand dexterity such as children. There are also those with a rubber grip that allows a firmer grip if you have clammy or sweaty hands.

Affordable

Choose pens that are within your budget. Of course, you also need to make sure that these pens are worth the money. They might be cheap but if they will wear out easily, they are still not value for your money.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is a Metallic Marker?

A metallic marker is a kind of marker that has metallic colors. They usually have a metallic sheen to them much like the shine you can see from metal surfaces, hence their name. This is actually achieved by mixing different kinds of materials. There may be specks of glitter included to create that sheen.

These markers also tend to be bolder and thicker than regular markers. Because of the added materials, they have a more viscous ink consistency compared to solid-colored markers that look flat when applied on surfaces.

How Does it Work?

Metallic markers are no different in usage and functionality than other markers. You basically just remove the cap and start writing with it. The pens will dispense ink as you write. These pens usually have a water-based ink consistency which makes it easier for the ink to flow out of the pen.

Who Is This For?

Metallic markers are for anyone who needs markers to write or draw. They also work on a variety of surfaces such as ceramics, glass, stone, metals and even fabrics.

This can be used by students who need bright and shiny markers to highlight words in their notes. It can be used by professionals who need to make their reports look more interesting.

Metallic markers can also be used by artists when designing ceramic mugs, doing wedding signages, creating art on stone and doing metal works. They can also be used to label wine glasses or glass jars at home for organization.

There are many uses for these metallic markers, which is why they are very versatile.

What are the Different Types of Metallic Markers?

There are standard metallic markers that make use of water-based and acid-free ink. They can be used on different surfaces. They are easy to work with and do not require activation such as shaking the pen.

There are also gel-type metallic markers. The ink is more viscous. This thicker type of ink usually has a longer staying power and has a more vivid output.

Metallic markers also differ when it comes to their design. Some come with a cap that you take off whenever you need to write. There are those that come with a retractable design. Simply press a button at the end of the marker and the tip will come out.

There are metallic markers with refillable inks as well. You can save money if you opt for these markers since you don’t have to replace the entire thing if the ink runs out.

Why Do You Need Metallic Pens?

There are many uses for metallic pens. They can be used to label boxes, jars, and canisters. If you want to organize your pantry, kitchen, or closet, these would be fun to use.

Metallic pens are also great for adding dimension to your colors. You can use it to add a shiny detail on your colorings. If you do some letterings or calligraphy such as those who style weddings, these would be great to use as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most Trusted Metallic Marker Brands?

Crayola, Sharpie, Sunshilor, Staedler, and Faber Castell make some of the best metallic pens today. If you are looking for reliable markers, you can start with these brands. Make sure you also look for other lesser-known brands. They might not be as popular as other brands but they might still offer the vividness and ink consistency that you are looking for.

How to Use?

These markers are ready to be used the moment you remove the cap. Just take off the cap and start writing. These markers usually don’t need to be shaken before use like other markers. Once you are done using them, put the cap back on to prevent the ink from drying out.

If you get the retractable ones, simply press the top button to reveal the tip. Press it back to retract the tip.

You might have to wait for few seconds for the ink to completely dry up before touching it. Not all the markers out there dry fast.

Where to Buy?

These markers are available in various stores including online stores such as Amazon. If there is a particular brand of marker you prefer, you can go to their official website or store and find the markers you want there. These are also usually available at arts and school supplies stores as well as home depots and merchandise chains like Target and Walmart.

What is the Warranty?

Many of these markers come with a warranty. The warranty depends on the manufacturer. Some offer a 30-day warranty where you can get your money back if you have any problems within 30 days. Some will also replace your product in addition to giving you a refund.

Their customer service center is usually open 24 hours a day so you can contact them any time you encounter problems with your markers.

How to Care and Clean?

Keeping your markers clean shouldn’t be difficult. Simply wipe the streaks on the barrel or the cap. You can also use a Q-tip to clean the inside of the marker cap.

How to Prevent Smearing When Using Metallic Markers?

To prevent smearing, try blotting out the marker on a piece of scrap paper first. That way, you can get an even supply of ink when you use it on your coloring book. Give the ink enough time to dry properly. Don’t touch it. You can also try applying a clear coating if you use it on materials such as stone to seal the marker in.

Do Metallic Markers Work on Non-Porous Surfaces?

Yes, they can work on a non-porous surface. Just make sure you check the specifications of your metallic marker and see if it is permanent. If it isn’t permanent, it might wash off easily. If you want the markings to be permanent, go for the permanent ones.

How Long Can Metallic Markers Last?

Most metallic markers, when used occasionally can last for months. It depends on how often you use them though. If you use them all the time, they should last for a couple of weeks. But if you only use them for letterings or underlining words when doing journaling, these should last even longer.

What is the Best Way to Store Metallic Markers?

The best way to store metallic markers is in an upright position with the tips facing downwards. That will help keep the nibs moist with the ink. Keep it in a box for markers or a pencil case to prevent them from getting squashed in your bag with your other things. This also makes it easier to find the colors you want when you need them. Keep them away from direct sunlight and make sure the cap is placed on all the time to prevent the tips from drying out.

Conclusion

The best metallic markers are indispensable when creating more festive art or when elevating your writing and coloring style. They are aesthetically pleasing. But with all the metallic markers out there, you might feel overwhelmed with the options. make sure you take into consideration the products recommended above and consider which ones would best suit your needs. Don’t be afraid to try different brands to see which ones will complement your coloring style.

Robert S. Brown

I am a former art teacher, so it is evident to me the importance of art in educating the new generation. We also want to help parents who plan to teach their children and desire the best tools and tips for them.