When creating new wood projects at home, or working on a DIY craft, you might need a good pen that can write on wood to complete the piece.
A pen that can write on wood can help you really get creative with your wooden art pieces, and you can take this even further by choosing a wide range of colors to use.
What are the best pens that write on wood? Typically, the best pens to write on wood are acrylic paint pens, but there are some other options that work well too. A good pen to use on wood would be suitable for the surface, would be long-lasting, and should come with a decent color selection.
If you are in the market for new pens to write on wood, you are in the right place. We have covered everything you need to consider when choosing a new pen or a set, and we have listed some of the best pens for wood to choose from right now.
Buyer’s Guide – Pens That Write On Wood
When looking to buy pens that write on wood, there are some features that the pens should have, and you need to be quite selective with the ones you choose, to ensure that they can write on wood easily, and the color lasts long too.
Here are the considerations to keep in mind:
Type Of Ink
The most popular types of pens used to write on the wood are acrylic paint pens, which can be either oil-based or water-based.
Acrylic paint pens have the benefit of having a wide range of colors and flow smoothly and easily onto wood. There is quite a difference between oil-based and water-based acrylic paints though.
Oil-based paints are very durable and have good color retention, and can be quite weather-resistant. Water-based paints have a quicker drying time and are more fluid to use, and are non-toxic too. The problem is that water-based paints are not always long-lasting.
Other ink options include permanent marker ink, which is an oil-based formula. These are also long-lasting and durable, and dry quicker than oil-based acrylic paint. You could also use a basic ballpoint pen for simple markings on wood.
Tip Size
The tip size which is best for you will depend on the project you are working on. You can usually choose between fine, medium, and broad tips. Smaller tips are suited for smaller details and fine lines, medium tips can produce bigger lines and fill out bigger spaces, and broad tips can cover larger areas quicker.
Wood Compatibility
There are pens that are created to be used just for wood, but most of the pens you will come across which are suitable for wood are also suitable for a wide range of other surfaces too.
Choosing a pen that is suitable for wood and other surfaces gives you much more versatility and flexibility with your art and DIY projects.
Color Range
If your projects require a few different colors, it is worth looking for a set of pens that can be used on wood, which are in different opaque, vivid colors. Think about the colors you would need before making a purchase. You could also just stick to black and white ink if you are not wanting anything colorful.
Make sure that the ink or the acrylic paint has enough pigment to be bright and vivid when applied to wood.
Long-Lasting
You don’t want to spend so much time and effort on a DIY wood project, just to have the colors fade quickly. The ink of the pens you are using should be lightfast and they should not fade under UV exposure.
When placing your wooden piece outdoors, it is best to use a water-resistant ink, so that it can withstand the elements, and you can fortify this even more by applying a sealant onto the wood once the ink has dried.
Best Pens That Write On Wood
Below are the best pens that write on wood, in different tips, inks, and colors for you to find the set that would suit your DIY wood projects best!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Artistro Black Paint Pens | Premium quality, glossy finish, fine details |
| 2. | Shuttle Art Permanent Markers | 30 colors, quick-drying, fade-resistant |
| 3. | Niutop Acrylic Paint Pens | Extra-fine, 24 colors, weather-resistant |
| 4. | Pilot Multi Ball Ballpoint Pen | Versatile, bleed-proof, comfort grip |
| 5. | Asani Paint Pens Acrylic Markers | 12 colors, quick drying, gold and silver |
| 6. | Uni-Posca Paint Marker Pen Bold | Non-toxic, waterproof, lightfast |
| 7. | BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Pen | Long-lasting, smooth, black, blue, red |
| 8. | Hethrone Permanent Markers | 72 colors, waterproof, quick-drying |
| 9. | Flysea Gold And Silver Permanent Markers | Gold and silver, waterproof, non-toxic |
1. Artistro Black Paint Pens
These premium quality Artistro extra-fine black tip black pens use acrylic ink that is quick-drying, and which works to create a durable, opaque, and glossy finish on wood and many other surfaces.
Being multi-purpose, you can use these pens to create fine details and lines on wood, but you could use them on rock, stone, metal, pottery, and more. The acrylic paint ink is water-based, so these pens are non-toxic and safe for everyone to use.
As the pens are fine point, they are ideal for creating fine line work and detailed prints on wood and are a great set to start out with.
The high-quality pens feature opaque, pigmented ink that will be bright and clear on the wood surface you are decorating!
2. Shuttle Art Permanent Markers
The Shuttle Art set of 30 permanent markers is a great set to keep if you want a wide range of colors, and the ability to use the pens to create fine details, and to color in larger areas.
This set has 30 bright and vivid colors that can create stand-out designs and impressions. The permanent markers are ideal for drawing and writing on wood, but they can also help cover areas with color too.
With long-lasting, vivid, quick-drying ink, creating art on pieces of wood will be easy. The ink is also waterproof and fade-resistant, which is so important when you do not want your artwork to fade quickly.
Being acid-free and non-toxic, the markers are safe to use from the age of 3 and up, and suitable to be used indoors as well.
With a comfort grip, you do not have to worry about hand fatigue when creating large and intricate pieces with these permanent colors, and you can instead just enjoy all the bright and vivid colors in the set!
3. Niutop Acrylic Paint Pens
These premium-quality paint pens have an extra-fine point nylon tip that allows for fine lines and intricate details.
The pens go down with a smooth flow, and once on the wood surface, dry quickly. Once dry, the ink is weather-resistant and vivid.
With 24 vibrant colors in the set, you can create just about any design or art on the wooden surface that you could want.
The unique valve action of the pens means that you simply have to push the tip of the pens down a few tips to prime the pump, and then the paint will flow freely so you can enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted application of color.
Use the pens on wood, plastic, metal, stone, glass, and more, and once applied to a surface, the paint is dishwasher and oven safe!
4. Pilot Multi Ball Ballpoint Pen
If you want to stay away from acrylic paint and permanent markers, and instead need something simple to write on wood, this simple ballpoint pen is a good option.
The ballpoint pen can be used on paper, wood, glass, metal, and plastic, so it is incredibly versatile. It is a simple black ink, but when you are working with a wooden surface and need some simple markings, it can be a very powerful tool!
The ink from the pen is permanent and should not wash off porous surfaces, which is something to keep in mind when working on wood that is both treated and untreated. The pen goes on smoothly and will not run or bleed on the different surfaces it is used on.
Being a Pilot pen, you can trust it has a comfortable grip and that your hand will not tire quickly when using this pen, and it is the perfect size to keep in your pocket for easy access when working on a project!
5. Asani Paint Pens Acrylic Markers
Enjoy multi-surface use with the Asani Paint Pens, which work on just about any surface. They are made with premium quality Italian ink, which is vivid, water-resistant, and fade-resistant. To top it off, the ink dries quickly too!
The marker kit has 12 colors included, with the basic colors of black and white, and then all the other colors that follow, including gold and silver for some extra creativity.
These are a great set of pens to use if you want to achieve detailed work or show off your calligraphy skills on wood, so they are great to use to make signs and place cards for special occasions, or even just a decor piece to put up in your home.
The pens have no odor and are toxic-free, and are suitable to be used by all ages.
6. Uni-Posca Paint Marker Pen Bold
The Uni-Posca Paint Marker Pens feature broad tips, allowing you to cover larger areas easily, and create thicker, bolder lines on wood.
The ink used is a water-based pigment ink that is lightfast and waterproof, so it is quick-drying and long-lasting. As it is non-toxic, it is suitable to be used by all ages.
All of the basic colors you could need are included in the set, such as white, light blue, gray, orange, brown, peach, light orange, yellow, pale green, purple, blue, green, red, pink, and black.
Unlike some alcohol-based marker inks, this ink will not bleed and you will be able to control the ink when applied to wood.
The actual markers are thick and easy to grip, and will not tire your hand out when used over an extended period of time. The ink flows freely from the broad tips, so you get to enjoy non-stop color!
7. BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Pen
A Bic pen is a powerful little tool to keep, and it offers you long-lasting dependability and smooth writing on paper, and on wood!
This ballpoint pen is 35% smoother than the traditional ballpoint pen, gliding seamlessly across different surfaces.
The iconic hexagon-shaped barrel is comfortable and easy to hold and will let you mark and draw for ages on end without feeling the strain on your hand.
Available in black, blue, and red, these 1.0mm tip pens are as versatile as can be and will help you mark and measure on wood with ease.
Keep a box of the BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Pens at home, and use them on just about every surface at home, including wood!
8. Hethrone Permanent Markers
This is the ultimate pen set to have for when you want every color you could need for just about every project!
There are 72 bright and vibrant colors included in this set, as well as black markers, to help create endless pieces of wood artwork.
Each permanent marker produces smooth and legible lines, and the ink is long-lasting. Once dried, the colors are rich and vivid, and waterproof too.
The ink will not smear or bleed, which is such a help when creating detailed or precise pieces.
The ink is odorless, non-toxic, and acid-free, and will not be harmful to use at all. It is quick-drying, so you do not have to wait for ages to complete your DIY wood artwork!
9. Flysea Gold And Silver Permanent Markers
When you want a little bit of shine and sparkle, these gold and silver permanent marker pens are a great choice!
These waterproof paint markers draw smoothly on wood and other surfaces and can bring some extra creativity to a wooden piece you are working on.
The quick-drying ink will not smudge, and once dry, it will not fade quickly. As it is a water-based ink, it is easy enough to clean if any mess is made. Being water-based also means that it is non-toxic and low-odor.
With a comfortable pen grip, you can hold and use the pens for an extended period without dealing with any discomfort. You can easily see the ink inside the pen through the transparent holder, so you know when it is time for a replacement.
There are 3 silver pens and 3 gold pens included in the kit, which should last you through many DIY wood projects.
Final Thoughts
You do have a few options to choose from when it comes to writing on wood, but the best options would be acrylic paint pens or permanent markers.
Choosing the best pens will give you the freedom to create all different designs on your wooden piece, and be creative with the colors and details you use.
Take a look at the above 9 pens to use to write on wood, as well as our handy tips on how to choose the best ones for your needs, and get creating!
Related Questions
Can you use a pencil on wood?
You can use a pencil to write on wood, but it might not be a permanent solution. However, this means that it is suitable to use for markings and measuring when you do not want the markings to be permanent.
Do Sharpie pens work well on wood?
Sharpie does have an oil-based paint pen that can be used on wood, and the color will stay bright if it is a lighter-colored wood. This oil-based paint pen will offer long-lasting color and easy application.
What can write on stained wood?
Acrylic paint pens are best to use to write on stained wood, filling in markings and outlines made with a pencil for precision.
How do you write on wood?
Now that you’ve chosen your pen for writing on wood, you’re probably wondering how to use it for the best results. Below, we’ve linked a great tutorial from the How to Hand Letter channel on YouTube. Take a look!
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