10 Best Markers To Write On Glass in 2026

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For writing on glass, our Best Overall pick is the ARTISTRO Acrylic Dual-Tip Glass Marker Pens, which wins for its dual tips and pre-activated cotton nibs that make starting easy for beginners. We also recommend the Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel Tips for bold lettering and the Sharpie Creative Water-Based Acrylic Markers for a simple budget option.

The challenge with glass markers is finding ink that actually sticks without smearing and a tip that fits your project, whether that’s fine details on a wine glass or broad strokes on a storefront window. Some markers need shaking or priming, and others are ready to uncap and use.

This guide is based on specifications, manufacturer documentation, and patterns in owner feedback. We cover ten markers across different tip styles, ink types, and price points so you can match the right tool to your glass project.

Top 10 Markers To Write On Glass in the Market

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The Best Markers To Write On Glass, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

ARTISTRO Acrylic Dual-Tip Glass Marker Pens

ARTISTRO Acrylic Dual-Tip Glass Marker Pens
Tip typesFlexible brush + 1 mm fine
Color typeWater-based acrylic
Pre-activatedYes
Nontoxic standardASTM D-4236
SurfacesGlass, ceramic, wood, paper, canvas, rocks
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What We Like

  • Dual tips for varied strokes
  • Pre-activated cotton nibs for beginners
  • Vibrant opaque water-based acrylic
  • Nontoxic and gift-ready packaging

Trade-offs

  • 100 markers require significant storage space
  • Not dishwasher-safe, requires hand washing.

A 100-color set with both a flexible brush tip and a 1 mm fine tip means you can switch from broad, expressive strokes to crisp lettering or outlines without swapping pens. The pre-activated cotton nibs eliminate the push-down priming that trips up beginners. So you can uncap and start decorating wine glasses, mirrors, or ceramic mugs right away. This makes the set a natural fit for anyone who wants variety and ease in one box, especially for party crafts or handmade gifts where multiple colors and line widths matter more than a single specialty nib.

With 100 markers in one set, you get a huge range of colors for glassware designs. But that many pens require a fair amount of drawer space and might be overkill if you only need a few hues for occasional use. The ARTISTRO 24-color Wine Party Set offers a more focused palette with the same dual-tip design, so it’s easier to store and less likely to sit unused. If you regularly personalize glassware for parties or teach group crafts, the extra colors can be a real advantage; for a single wedding project, a smaller set would be more practical.

Best for: Crafters who want a broad palette and dual tips for detailed glassware personalization. Not ideal for buyers seeking a compact, low-cost set for one-time projects.

Product photos

#2Best Broad Chisel Tip

Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel Tips

Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel Tips
Tip TypeBroad Chisel
Surfaces50+ (incl. glass)
Set Size15 markers
Paint BaseWater-based acrylic
SafetyACMI-certified
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What We Like

  • 15-count set for versatile color use
  • Reversible broad chisel tips for varied strokes
  • Water-based paint is mixable and layerable
  • Safe for kids with ACMI certification

Trade-offs

  • Broad tip limits fine detail work on glass
  • No dual-tip flexibility for precision lines

The 15-count set of broad chisel tips gives you a full palette of water-based acrylic paint that is mixable, layerable, and dilutable. Each reversible tip draws clear curves with a graphic calligraphy effect and can color wide areas, flat colors, markings, lettering, and street art creations. The chisel’s width is the whole point: it colors broad areas fast and creates a calligraphy effect you can’t get from a fine point. For projects that need visible, opaque lines and solid fills, this set delivers the range and control without needing multiple marker types. According to the manufacturer, the markers work on over 50 surfaces including canvas, fabric, glass, wood, and metal.

The trade-off is that broad chisel tips aren’t your tool for tiny writing or delicate outlines on a wine glass. If you’re after fine script or precise dots, you’ll want a dual-tip set like the ARTISTRO 100 Acrylic Brush & Fine Tip set instead. Those give you both a flexible brush and a fine tip in one pen, so you can switch between thick and fine work in one marker. But for anyone who already owns a fine-point set or wants the bold look of a chisel’s graphic stroke, this Posca 8K set is the straightforward choice. It’s a paint marker designed for bold strokes, not a multi-tool solution.

Best for: Artists and crafters who want bold, opaque glass lettering and wide color fills with a broad chisel tips. Not ideal for anyone needing ultra-fine precision or dual tips for tiny details.
#3Best For Fine Detail

Uni Posca Extra Fine Point Paint Pens

Uni Posca Extra Fine Point Paint Pens
Tip size0.7mm extra fine
Number of colors12
Paint typeWater-based acrylic
Surface range50+ surfaces
OriginJapan
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What We Like

  • 0.7mm extra fine tip for fine detail
  • Water-based paint safe for glass
  • Reversible tips long-lasting

Trade-offs

  • Only 12 colors less than other sets
  • No chisel or brush tip for broad strokes
  • Paint is water-based not oil-based

The 0.7mm extra fine tip draws clear curves and fine details on glass without bleeding or smudging, making it ideal for delicate lettering or intricate designs on wine glasses and small ornaments. The water-based paint is mixable and layerable, so you can blend colors for custom shades right on the surface.

Color variety is limited here: with just twelve markers, you get fewer shades than the ARTISTRO 100 set, which offers more hues for complex designs. If you need broad coverage or bold strokes, the Posca Broad Chisel Tips would fill large areas faster, but for crisp, controlled detail work on glass, this extra-fine point is hard to beat.

Best for: Artists and crafters who need precise, fine-line control for detailed glass writing or intricate designs. Not ideal for projects requiring broad strokes or large color coverage or a wide color variety.

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#4Best Dual Tip Set

ARTISTRO Acrylic Paint Markers Wine Party Set

ARTISTRO Acrylic Paint Markers Wine Party Set
Tip typesBrush + Fine
Color count24
Pre-activatedYes
Surface bondGlass, slick surfaces
SafetyNon-toxic, odorless
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What We Like

  • Dual brush and fine tips
  • Pre-activated for immediate use
  • Non-toxic, odorless formula
  • Designed for glass and slick surfaces

Trade-offs

  • Only 24 colors in set
  • No dishwasher-safe claim for glassware

Twenty-four pre-activated markers with both a flexible brush tip and a precise fine tip give you two tools in one pen, ready to go straight out of the box. That means you can switch from sweeping brush strokes on a window to crisp lettering on a wine glass without capping and uncapping a different marker. The non-toxic, odorless formula makes this set a natural fit for family craft sessions or party decorating where kids and adults work side by side.

These markers are not advertised as dishwasher-safe. So personalized drinkware will need gentle hand washing to keep the artwork intact. If you want permanent party glasses that survive the dishwasher, look elsewhere; if you value creative flexibility and immediate use, this set delivers.

Best for: Crafters and party hosts who want ready-to-use dual-tip markers for temporary glass art and family-friendly decorating.

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#5Best Erasable Pick

Edding 95 Glass Marker White

Edding 95 Glass Marker White
Nib size1.5-3 mm round
Ink typeDry-wipeable, erasable
ColorWhite
Quantity1 marker
SurfacesGlass, windows, glassboards, whiteboards
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What We Like

  • Erasable on glass and whiteboards
  • Opaque white ink for colored glass
  • Odorless and lightfast formula
  • Round nib writes 1.5-3 mm lines

Trade-offs

  • Only one marker per pack
  • White only, no color variety in this pack
  • Not designed for permanent decoration

The white ink is opaque and lightfast, so it shows up vividly even on colored glass surfaces. That makes it ideal for quick notes on windows and mirrors at home or neat diagrams and charts in the office. The round nib lays down a line between 1.5 and 3 mm thick. This marker wipes clean from glass, windows, and whiteboards, so you can erase and start over easily.

You get only a single white marker with this product. So anyone wanting a rainbow of colors for decorative glass projects will need to buy multiple packs or look elsewhere. Compared to the Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel Tips set, which offers 15 colors in a single box, the Edding 95 is best for marks you plan to wipe away. It works well for quick notes on windows and mirrors in the home, or neat diagrams and charts in the office, rather than for permanent art or party glassware.

Best for: Anyone who needs a dry-wipeable white marker for writing on glass or whiteboards. Not ideal for permanent glass art or colorful decorative projects.
#6Best Liquid Chalk Markers

CHALKY CROWN Liquid Chalk Markers

CHALKY CROWN Liquid Chalk Markers
Tip TypeReversible Chisel & Bullet
Tip Size6mm
Pack Size8 Pack
SurfaceNon-porous (glass, mirrors, windows)
RemovalWet wipe off
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What We Like

  • Dustless, non-toxic formula
  • Reversible chisel and bullet tip
  • Easy wet wipe removal from glass
  • Vibrant neon colors included

Trade-offs

  • Only 8 colors in the pack
  • Not designed for permanent or dishwasher-safe use
  • Requires wet paper towel for removal

The reversible chisel and bullet tip lets you choose between a wider mark and a finer point on the same marker, which works well for writing headings and small details on glass or windows. The dustless, non-toxic formula is safe for home use, and the markers wipe off easily with a wet paper towel, so you can update your message quickly.

These markers are designed for temporary use on non-porous surfaces, wiping off with a wet paper towel when you want a fresh start. They are not intended for permanent glass art or projects that need to survive washing. For erasable, bold writing that cleans up easily and safely, they fit the bill perfectly.

Best for: Teachers, bistro owners, and home organizers who want bold, erasable chalk lettering on glass or windows. Not ideal for permanent glass decoration or dishwasher-safe projects.

Product photos

#7Best Budget Pick

Sharpie Creative Water-Based Acrylic Markers

Sharpie Creative Water-Based Acrylic Markers
Tip typeBrush tip
Ink baseWater-based acrylic
Surface compatibilityGlass, paper, metal, wood, ceramic, rock, canvas
Color count12 assorted colors
Bleed resistanceNo-bleed on paper
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What We Like

  • Works on glass and many other surfaces
  • No priming needed, uncap and use
  • Brush tip offers paint-like control
  • Colors layer for added depth

Trade-offs

  • Only 12 colors limit palette variety
  • Single brush tip lacks fine-point precision

A 12-count set of water-based acrylic markers that work on glass without any priming, just uncap the brush tip and start writing or drawing. This makes them a straightforward, low-fuss option for anyone who wants to add labels, decorations, or quick messages to glass surfaces without worrying about prep work. The brush tip gives a paint-like feel, so you can vary line width by pressure, which is handy for both lettering and small illustrations. For a budget-friendly entry into glass marking, these deliver solid versatility across paper, wood, ceramic, and more, not just glass.

The Sharpie Creative Markers skip the priming step entirely, so you can uncap and start painting on glass, metal, or canvas right away. That convenience matters when you’re labeling jars at a party or making a quick sign for a classroom project. The brush tip gives you paint-like control for layering colors, but the set only includes 12 assorted hues. If you need a broad palette or ultra-fine lines for detailed glass art, a set like the ARTISTRO 100 Acrylic Dual-Tip Glass Marker Pens offers far more colors and both brush and fine tips. For simple, bold work on dark or light surfaces, the Sharpie’s no-bleed, water-based ink works well without extra steps.

Best for: Casual crafters and beginners who want a simple, ready-to-use marker for writing or decorating glass without priming; not ideal for detailed fine-line work or projects needing a wide range of colors.
#8Best Oil-Based Paint Markers

Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers Medium Point

Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers Medium Point
Tip sizeMedium point
Ink typeOil-based
Colors included5 (Black, Red, White, Metallic Silver, Metallic Gold)
Water resistanceResists water, fading, smearing
Surface compatibilityDark, light, reflective surfaces
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What We Like

  • Opaque, glossy marks on any surface
  • Quick-drying oil ink resists water and smearing
  • Medium point for visible lines on windows
  • Includes metallic silver and gold for accents

Trade-offs

  • Only 5 colors in the set
  • Requires shaking and priming before first use

The oil-based formula delivers opaque, glossy lines that resist fading, smearing, and water, so your window art or rock painting stays put even on dark, light, or reflective surfaces. With a medium point that lays down highly visible marks, these pens are ideal for anyone who needs bold decoration that can handle moisture and handling. The set includes black, red, white, and two metallics, giving you enough contrast for most projects without overwhelming you with choices.

A limited color palette is the main difference compared to larger sets like the Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel Tips, which offer fifteen shades for more elaborate designs. You also need to shake and prime each pen before the first use, a small extra step that ensures the paint flows evenly. If you value durability and high-contrast results over a wide color range, these Sharpie pens deliver exactly that.

Best for: Artists and DIYers who need water-resistant opaque marks on glass for window art or rock painting. Not ideal for projects requiring a broad spectrum of colors or a ready-to-use, no-prep marker.
#9Best Dual Tip Acrylic Set

Betem Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens

Betem Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens
Tip TypesBrush & Fine
Color Count24
Ink BaseWater-based acrylic
Surface CompatibilityGlass, wood, metal, ceramic
CertificationASTM D4236 & EN71 non-toxic
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What We Like

  • Dual brush and fine tips
  • 24 vivid high-saturation colors
  • Works on glass and many surfaces
  • Pre-activated, no shaking needed

Trade-offs

  • Brush tip at 1-5mm not ideal for large fills
  • No dishwasher-safe claim for glass projects

Twenty-four vivid colors in one set mean you can layer, highlight, and fix mistakes without reaching for another pen. The dual tips, a 1mm fine point for outlines and a 1-5mm brush for broader strokes, give you control for lettering, coloring, or sketching on glass, wood, metal, or ceramic. The water-based acrylic ink dries fast and leaves no sticky residue, so it’s safe for kids to use alongside you. This set suits anyone who wants a versatile palette for glass, wood, metal, or ceramic without having to shake or prime the pens first.

The 1-5mm brush tip handles broad areas well, but covering a large glass surface like a mirror will require more passes compared to a chisel-tip marker. For detailed glass projects where color variety and easy layering matter most, this set delivers bold, high-coverage color that supports layering and error-covering. Just keep in mind that the ink dries fast and leaves no sticky residue, so your work stays clean.

Best for: Creative beginners and hobbyists who want a wide color range and dual tips for detailed glass lettering and small decorative projects. Not ideal for large glass surfaces or dishwasher-safe permanent designs.

Product photos

#10Best For Wine Glasses

GAINWELL Metallic Wine Glass Markers

GAINWELL Metallic Wine Glass Markers
Number of markers8
Colors includedRed, Blue, Green, Purple, White, Gold, 2 Silver
Ink propertiesNon-toxic, food-safe, fast-drying, no-smear
CleanupWashes off easily, dishwasher-safe
Tip typeFine tip
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What We Like

  • Non-toxic and food-safe ink
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
  • 8 colors including metallic gold and silver
  • Fast-drying, no-smear formula

Trade-offs

  • Fine tip only, no brush or broad option
  • Limited to 8 markers compared to larger sets

Eight non-toxic, food-safe markers in a mix of bright and metallic shades let you personalize wine glasses without worrying about ink ending up in your drink. The fast-drying, no-smear formula means guests can write their names and start sipping right away, and the fine tip offers enough control for small lettering or simple doodles on stemware. This set is a natural fit for parties, weddings, or any gathering where you want to keep glasses straight without cluttering the table with charms or stickers.

You get only fine tips with this set. So if you want to fill in large designs or use a brush-like stroke for decorative flourishes, you will need a different tool like the ARTISTRO Dual-Tip set, which includes both brush and fine tips. For straightforward drink labeling and quick party cleanup, though, these markers deliver exactly what the name promises.

Best for: Hosts and party planners who want a quick, food-safe way to label wine glasses with metallic flair. Not ideal for artists needing multiple tip sizes or opaque coverage on dark glass.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Markers To Write On Glass

We reviewed each marker against manufacturer specs for ink type, tip size, and surface compatibility. Our research also considered expert round-ups that compare how acrylic, oil-based, and liquid chalk formulas perform on non-porous glass surfaces. Patterns in owner feedback helped us understand real-world durability and ease of use.

The four criteria that mattered most were tip variety, ink adhesion and permanence, color range, and ease of use. Glass is slick, so a marker that requires shaking or priming is different from one that works right out of the box. For permanent projects, dishwasher-safe claims were key.

This is a research-led evaluation based on available product data and user reports. We do not claim to have tested these markers ourselves, but we have organized the information to help you compare options efficiently.

What To Look For In Markers To Write On Glass

Choosing the right glass marker depends on your project’s needs. Here are the key factors to consider.

Look for water-based acrylic for opaque, permanent marks on glass, or oil-based for extra water resistance. Choose fine tips for details, broad chisel tips for lettering, and dual tips for versatility. Check if the marker needs priming or is ready to use.

Ink Type: Acrylic vs. Oil-Based vs. Liquid Chalk

Acrylic paint markers are the most common choice for glass because they are water-based, low-odor, and easy to layer. Many are opaque and can be made permanent by baking or air-drying. Oil-based paint markers, like the Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, dry faster and resist water and smearing on glass without heat-setting, but they require shaking and priming before each use. Liquid chalk markers are erasable and ideal for temporary signs or window art, wiping off with a damp cloth.

Tip Size and Shape

The tip determines what you can draw. Fine points around 0.7mm, like the Uni Posca Extra Fine Point Paint Pens, are best for intricate details and small lettering. Broad chisel tips, like the Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel Tips, create bold lines and fill large areas quickly. Dual-tip markers, such as the ARTISTRO sets, give you both a fine and a brush or bullet tip in one pen, offering the most flexibility for mixed projects.

Permanence and Cleanup

Decide whether you want the writing to last. Permanent glass markers, such as the GAINWELL Metallic Wine Glass Markers, are dishwasher-safe and require hand washing. Erasable options, like the Edding 95 Glass Marker White, wipe off with a dry cloth from glass and whiteboards. Liquid chalk markers need a wet paper towel for removal. Check the product’s claim for dishwasher safety if you plan to use the glassware for drinking.

A good rule of thumb: for permanent glassware, choose an acrylic marker that claims dishwasher safety; for temporary signs or windows, go with a liquid chalk or erasable marker.

Markers To Write On Glass Compared

The table below compares our top picks across key specs so you can see at a glance which marker suits your project.

ProductTip TypeInk BaseSurface Compatibility
ARTISTRO Acrylic Dual-Tip Glass Marker PensFlexible brush + 1 mm fineWater-based acrylicGlass, ceramic, wood, paper, canvas, rocks
Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel TipsBroad ChiselWater-based acrylic50+ (incl. glass)
Uni Posca Extra Fine Point Paint Pens0.7mm extra fineWater-based acrylic50+ surfaces
ARTISTRO Acrylic Paint Markers Wine Party SetBrush + FineAcrylic inkGlass, slick surfaces
Edding 95 Glass Marker White1.5-3 mm roundDry-wipeable, erasableGlass, windows, glassboards, whiteboards
CHALKY CROWN Liquid Chalk MarkersReversible Chisel & BulletLiquid chalkNon-porous (glass, mirrors, windows)
Sharpie Creative Water-Based Acrylic MarkersBrush tipWater-based acrylicGlass, paper, metal, wood, ceramic, rock, canvas
Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers Medium PointMedium pointOil-basedDark, light, reflective surfaces
Betem Dual Tip Acrylic Paint PensBrush & FineWater-based acrylicGlass, wood, metal, ceramic
GAINWELL Metallic Wine Glass MarkersFine tipNon-toxic, food-safe, fast-drying, no-smearGlass, ceramic plates

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of marker works best on glass?

Acrylic paint markers are the most versatile choice for glass because they are opaque, water-based, and can be made permanent. For fine details, choose an extra fine point. For bold lettering, a broad chisel tip works best. Oil-based markers offer extra water resistance but require shaking before use.

Are glass markers permanent or erasable?

It depends on the marker. Acrylic markers can be permanent if heat-set or if the formula is designed to be dishwasher-safe. Erasable markers, like liquid chalk or the Edding 95, wipe off with a dry or damp cloth. Always check the product description for permanence claims.

Can you write on glass with regular Sharpies?

Regular permanent markers may write on glass but they often smear and wear off quickly, especially with hand washing. The Sharpie Creative Water-Based Acrylic Markers are specifically formulated for glass and other non-porous surfaces, offering better adhesion and opacity.

How do you make acrylic markers permanent on glass?

Many acrylic markers become permanent if you let the paint cure for several days. Some brands recommend baking the glassware in an oven at a low temperature to set the paint. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific marker you buy.

What is the best marker for writing on wine glasses?

For labeling wine glasses, look for a food-safe and dishwasher-safe marker like the GAINWELL Metallic Wine Glass Markers. These are non-toxic, fast-drying, and come in metallic colors that show up well on clear glass. Fine tips are ideal for small names or designs.

The Bottom Line

For most crafters, the ARTISTRO Acrylic Dual-Tip Glass Marker Pens offer the best combination of color variety, dual tips, and beginner-friendly design. It is the best overall choice for anyone who wants to personalize glassware with detailed designs and a broad palette.

If you are on a budget, the Sharpie Creative Water-Based Acrylic Markers give you a simple brush-tip marker that works without priming. For bold lettering on windows or storefronts, the Posca Acrylic Paint Markers Broad Chisel Tips deliver bold, opaque lettering with ease.

The single most important factor is matching the tip size to your project, choose a fine tip for details, a broad tip for lettering, or a dual-tip set for both.