Facing difficulties with putting out messages on your shop window because they get erased easily? For every office, having a dry erase marker is a must. Since there are so many brands that make them, it’s often quite confusing to buy a specific product.
Most of the time when people go to their local office supply store looking for a marker, they don’t know the first thing to look for.
What is the best glass marker? – A question that 9 out of 10 people ask.
If you want something that will be easy to wipe off or something that will stick to the surface for a long time, why not see our list of best markers to write on glass!
Some of the Best Glass Markers Reviews
Through the following list, we’ll review the best markers for glass. You will notice that sometimes they are not labeled under the glass marker category, but they’re still capable of writing and drawing over this particular surface.
1. Chalktastic Chalk Markers -Editors Choice
Right off the shelf, Chalktastic markers are capable of taking our attention easily. It offers high-quality and deeply concentrated chalk ink with beautiful colors, which are suitable for different uses.
For instance, these markers are an incredible solution for us to design that restaurant sign we’ve always wanted. They also work for creating a menu or drawing on mugs.
Naturally, there are many more scenarios where you can use it and get a beautiful result. They are non-toxic, too. Adults won’t have to worry about the children’s safety while using them.
One of the main concerns adults may have is the cleanup and removing the marking on unwanted surfaces. However, the dust-free quality of these products allows easy and fast removal of the markings. After testing them, we noticed taking them off most surfaces is not a complicated task to do.
Nonetheless, there was an issue while using one of these markers. The tip was dry, but after the initial disappointment, it only requires you to press it on the tip a little bit, and it will have the ink flowing once again.
Features
- Eight high-quality and vibrant neon colors
- Works for different applications
- Non-toxic qualities, which makes suitable for all
- The dust-free design makes cleaning easier
2. Thornton’s Art Supply Oil-Based Markers
A marker that fades away quickly is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it is an advantage for the cleaning-up time.
However, it is not suitable if the intended purpose is to keep the drawing on a certain surface, like a menu, chalkboard, over the glass, or another area.
Fortunately, there are sets of markers that are capable of creating incredible art designs without worrying whether or not it will fade.
Thornton’s art supply offers these quality markers that you can use on everything: rubber, metal, plastic, stone, you name it, and it will probably work over it.
The best benefit of these markers? Their ink dries quickly, and it is capable of resisting against water, abrasion, and it won’t fade away quickly. It is an outstanding quality that makes them among the best markers you could find to draw what you want or let the kids have fun with it.
However, if the little ones get a hold of these markers, make sure to keep an eye on them while they have their fun. It is all fun and games until the furniture suffers the consequences.
Features
- Oil-based markers for drawing on both light and dark surfaces
- Low odor with fast-drying
- Resistant to water, fading, and abrasion
- Suitable for children and adults
- Includes 15 permanent markers
3. Pebeo Vitrea 160, Glass Paint Markers
The Pebeo Vitrea 160 markers are available at a higher price than most marker sets. Nonetheless, it offers many benefits that make them a good investment for everyone.
These are transparent and water-based, which allows us to use them in different combinations to create amazing results. They’re highly versatile about the things you can do with them.
For instance, using these markers on glass, porcelain, metal, to name a few, is pretty easy and you’ll be able to do it smoothly.
What we liked the most about this set of markers is how precise they are. It contains nine markers, with each one of them featuring a bullet tip of 1.2mm.
Drawing and making precise art is something that not many markers can offer, whether it is because they don’t have a bullet tip, or because there are ink spills that ruin the surface. Nonetheless, these markers take care of those issues.
Additionally, the baking instructions provided are quite spot-on, too. After following them strictly, you can rest assured your drawing will stick to the surface. However, we do recommend not pushing it. If you draw on a cup or an item that requires washing, try to do it by hand if possible.
Features
- Bullet tip provides high precision for drawings
- Suitable for different surfaces
- Proper baking instructions includes
- Nine water-based markers provide glossy and smooth finishes
- Highly resistant against fading
4. Crayola Washable Window Markers
You know how vibrant and fun Crayola crayons are, don’t you? Well, if you want those same opaque and vibrant hues on your car windows, these glass markers are the way to go.
Like many other products on the list, this glass marker is pretty versatile. They are marketed as markers for glass, but they also work well on other surfaces such as glass, framers, mirror, ceramic, rock, etc.
You can use this glass pen to create holiday decorations or add personalized doodles to any non-porous surfaces. They are perfect glass markers for kids because you can easily wash any stains off from skin and most fabrics.
However, do note that these are erase markers. So, they are not the best options to go for if you want to deck out a wine glass.
On the flip side, that makes the markings of this glass marker very easy to clean. In short, if you want a glass marker to temporarily write on glass surface, this could be a great option for the job.
Features
- Works on glass, and other surfaces
- Crayola’s bold and vibrant colors make the drawings pop
- easily washable from clothes and skin
- Non-toxic and safe, ideal for kids
5. Paint Pens Acrylic Paint Markers
Without a doubt, these markers provide the quality that other markers fail to provide. They have a beautiful external appearance that is hard to ignore if you see them on the shelf.
This set is available at an affordable low price. It is an incredible benefit for people that don’t want to spend plenty of money on markers. Instead, choosing these products from ARTISTRO ensures you’ll have quality results without hurting your pocket.
One of the first things to notice while using them is the top-quality ink. It dries rather quickly, allowing the marking to stick over the surface without risks of falling off.
Using them is a smooth procedure that creates a highly durable, glossy and opaque finish over different surfaces. Whether it is on a light or dark surface, the drawing will stick to it.
It works virtually over any surface. Overall, these markers are multi-purpose, and you can use them over fabric, metal, wood, stone, rock, and many more. This high versatility makes the markers suitable for many people, and to create different projects.
Another benefit worth mentioning is the tip of the markers. The tips aren’t bullet-tips, but they aren’t too wide either. These markers have a tip of a medium size, which comes handy for drawing fine lines, but also to draw over large areas.
Features
- Bright and pigmented acrylic ink is fast to dry
- creates glossy finishes on different surfaces
- Works over plenty of surfaces like fabric, metal, wood etc.
- Highly resistant against abrasion, fading and water
- Non-toxic, and produces no odor
- Particularly good for ceramic and glass
6. Decoart DGPM14-K Glass Paint Marker
Sometimes, however, a full set of markers is not the way to go.
Instead, a single product is what we need to design and create projects. If that’s the case for you, DecoArt offers its DGPM14-K model to help you through your tasks.
This marker has a firm adhesion to surfaces to cover your needs. Although it works over plenty of surfaces, it shines the most when people use it over porcelain or metal.
It can deliver a solid drawing over these materials, which is a benefit if your purpose is to make cup designs, as well as plenty of more projects.
With the right baking procedure in the oven and dishwasher, it produces a durable and secured flossy finish.
Although it shares the non-toxic feature that most markers have, there is not much else to say about it.
If you only need a single marker, then go for it. However, for higher versatility and variety, you might want to consider buying a full set of markers instead.
Features
- Non-toxic markers
- Durable marking after a proper baking process
- Vibrant colors with a quality finish
- Outstanding performance on both metal and porcelain
7. Creatov Liquid Chalk Markers
If you’ve used one of those reversible markers, then you’ve probably faced disappointment because, honestly, there aren’t many of them that work as they should.
For that reason, it was a surprise finding out that the reversible quality of these markers from Creatov work efficiently.
Using the marker’s broad chisel tip for creating bold lines, then using its fine tip for more details, is a highly interactive process.
It allows the artist in you to let loose the creativity and work to create amazing art. Furthermore, this process is even better because the set includes eight vibrant colors.
The markers are user-friendly for different ages. They are non-toxic, don’t produce any unpleasant odor, and they are long-lasting. Whether adults or kids use them, it will not be unpleasant or uncomfortable at all.
If an accident occurs and someone leaves an unwanted mark over a certain surface, wiping it off is an operation that doesn’t require much effort.
Overall, the Creatov liquid markers are highly versatile to use under different circumstances. For adults that want to have quality tools for their projects, or for kids both at school and home, these markers provide everything to meet your expectations.
Features
- Highly-functional reversible operation, create bold lines and use the fine tip for details
- Versatility to use on different surfaces at home, work, or school
- High quality and durable result
- Comfortable design for everyone to use
8. Beric Premium Oil-based Paint Markers
Beric comes with an offer hard to ignore if you’re looking for the best markers to write on glass. These markers are highly resistant to weather conditions.
After using one of them, elements like water or the hot temperature facing the sun will not ruin the marking.
Because of that high resistance, you can use the Beric markers not only at home, but also for children at school, or even professional projects at work. They offer enough versatility for different circumstances and scenarios.
A clear example of that is a mug project we were making. Using a couple of these markers over the surface of the mug which was porcelain, was a quick and comfortable process.The ink has a constant flow, which allows us to continue drawing without making awkward stops. After using, it dried quickly, and made the baking procedure faster.
The final result was a beautiful and vibrant drawing on the mug.
Just like on the mug, the result over different surfaces are top-notch. However, keep in mind that these are permanent, so you want to make sure you have a perfect guideline for the drawing before doing it.
Features
- Versatility for different applications and surfaces
- Safe design suitable for kids as well
- A wide range of colors
- Resistance to water and warm temperature
9. Ecovue Vibrant Oil-based Paint Markers
For the final spot, we wanted to include a set of markers that was a surprising revelation. The Evocue deco markers are capable of creating bold designs with permanent ink. It dries rather quickly, and it’s waterproof.
The high functionality of these markers makes them suitable for many people.
These markers offer an outstanding performance for DIYers and artists, mainly because it is compatible with plenty of surfaces.
A few examples of where to use it are glass, porcelain, clay, metal, paper, fabric, and many more.
Regardless of where you use it, the marker’s drawing doesn’t let you down. It features a high-quality tip to create and design outstanding details during each stroke.
Whether you’re left or right-handed, these markers are perfect for everyone. They allow people to create amazing drawings with a clean and smudge-free result.
It is worth mentioning the baking instructions as well. They are pretty straight-forward, and if you follow them precisely, the final result will be very satisfying.
Features
- Permanent and waterproof ink
- Works on glass, plastic, fabric and all surfaces
- High-quality markers to precise writing
- Provides smudge-free result
10. Expo Dry Erase Bullet Tip Neon Markers
Up next, we have Expo, which specializes in making whiteboard markers. This set of 5 neon-colored markers is meant for a whiteboard, but they work really well as glass markers too.
First off, we were stunned by how opaque and vibrant this glass marker really is! The color shows up extremely well on white as well black surfaces due to this.
So, if the glasses of your car window are tinted black, you can easily use these for a nice flashy design.
Besides working exceptionally well as a glass marker, the markets of this set are really great pens for writing. This is thanks to the durable bullet tip they have; this tip creates thick & broad lines that are easy to see even from a distance.
As you would expect from board markers, removing any markings of these pens could not get any easier. You can very easily remove them whenever you prefer and add a new design.
And since this glass marker is low-odor, you will not face any distracting smells when using it.
Features
- Vibrant, opaque neon colors can be used on both surfaces
- Low-odor markers
- The bulleted tip makes thick, broad lines
- Formulated to be erased easily and quickly
11. Arteza Glass Board Dry Erase Markers
Arteza makes great quality art supplies, and this glass marker set is no different. In this set, you will get 10 glass pens in neon hues.
One thing that makes these markers for glass stand out from the rest is that the manufacturer sells refills for the tips. You will get a tweezer to remove the tips once they are fully used, and then use the refills in the same pen.
This makes the set cost-efficient and environmental friendly. So, if you are someone who goes through glass marker pens quickly, then this would be a way to save costs and help the environment.
You can give these pens to your kids to play with without any worry because they are non-toxic and low in odor. This also makes them great as wine glass markers because no toxin will be getting into your drink.
Often, colored glass marker is not very easy to remove. It leaves smudge marks when wiped, which makes the surface messy. That does not happen to these markers, as they come off pretty easily.
Features
- Extremely versatile and works on any non-porous surfaces
- Has replaceable tips, which is environmental friendly
- Low-odor and non-toxic glass marker
- Provides smudge-free wiping
12. Arteza Wine Glass Markers
Last but not least, we have another set of paint markers for glass from the brand Arteza. If you are looking for some bold colors that will pop on any surface whether it’s light or dark, then go for this one.
Each set contains 8 metallic bold colors that are suitable for not only glass but also some other surfaces including – plastic, ceramic, paper, wood and metal.
The most amazing feature is that you can start your work immediately after opening the cap as no shaking is required for these markers.
Even, the ink is quick drying and easily erasable as these are washable. So, these Arteza Wine Glass Markers can be a great option for your next project.
Features
- Provides bold metallic colors
- Quick-drying ink and easily erasable
- Can be used on various surfaces
- Requires no shaking
How Does Glass Markers Work?
Well, first off, there are two different kinds of glass markers you will come across, which are permanent and temporary.
Dry-erase markers are very popular as temporary glass marker for designs you intend to take off. These markers are made with solvents, resin, pigment, release agent, and wax. The resin & pigment together provide a uniform surface of color.
In the marker, the solvent absorbs resin, pigment, and release agent. Once you write, the solvent dries off, leaving two separate layers. The bottom layer is made of the release agent, and the top layer is the resin & pigment.
And the release agent layer does not stick to non-porous surfaces, so when you wipe the design, the mixture of pigment & resin comes off easily.
The main difference between dry-erase and permanent markers is that the latter does not contain any release agent. So, the resin & pigment sticks to the surface you draw.
Permanent markers are used to make long-lasting designs on any non-porous surfaces. Sometimes, to make their design permanent, you often need to bake them.
However, since baking is not possible with windows if you wish for permanent designs on windows, then check the usage instructions when buying the marker.
Using any solvents will remove the ink. Always wash over the design carefully, as being aggressive may damage the design.
Why Do We Use Glass Markers?
Through the following list, we’ll review the best markers for glass. You will notice that sometimes they are not labeled under the glass marker category, but they’re still capable of writing and drawing over this particular surface.
Vibrant Colors: The color intensity of these markers allows you to use it for many tasks, creating unique and vivid designs over surfaces. Gold, red, pink, and plenty more colors are available for more versatility.
Plenty of Surfaces: Birthday parties, chalkboards, restaurant menus, mirrors, cups, jars, wine glasses, furniture, coffee mugs, and many more. The glass markers are suitable to draw over different items.
Removable Ink: Permanent markers have their advantages, but you can wipe off glass markers if you want to erase and start fresh. With only a wet towel, the surface of the item will be ready to draw once again.
Safe: Children get to use the markers too, which is why the safety measures are appreciated. Some brands offer xylene-free pens, dustless, and non-toxic formula. These measures make them eco-friendly as well as safe to use at home and school.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Although we have reviewed only the very best markers out there, you still need to keep these things in mind before you order a set:
Versatility of Use
When buying a glass pen, it is always better to see if it works on other surfaces too. Generally, glass markers work on many surfaces such as metal, plastic, resin, rock, mirror, ceramic, etc; provided that the surface is non-porous.
You never know when you might need to write or design a surface that is not glass, and having a marker ready to go would definitely prove to be useful.
But versatility does not end there. Many markers come with dual tips, one of which is wide and the other is narrow. This is especially important if you want to make designs, as different width is necessary when doing so.
It also adds versatility to the type of things you can do with the marker. So, look out for this option.
Ink Quality
No one would prefer markers that do not provide smooth marks with even and opaque coverage. So, do not go for cheap markers as they might be more work than worth.
Also, if it is a temporary marker, it is a must to check that the design or writing can be wiped off easily with no smudges. Smudges are hard to get off, and good quality ink will not leave any smudges.
How quickly it dries off is also an indicator of ink quality. Some dry off within seconds, while others need a while to dry. Try to get markers that dry off quickly, because otherwise there is a risk of getting smudges if you continue writing or working with the marker.
And if the marker you have is permanent, it should not smudge at all when fully dry. The design will not look as good if that happens. Look out for this, too.
Color Options
Glass marker come in many vibrant colors. In our list, you must have noticed all the fun, vibrant, and sometimes neon colors.
However, do not just buy a set of markers just because it looked pretty. I know it can be tempting, but you should consider whether you have any use for it first.
If you want to make fun, colorful designs or want a fun activity for kids, then getting a rainbow set would be the best choice.
So, consider the usage first before deciding on a set. When buying neon colors, if your window is tinted black, you must ensure that the markers are opaque. Otherwise, the colors will not show up well enough on the window.
Erasable or Permanent
This is the most important factor to notice because you don’t want to end up with permanent writings and drawing all over your house when you don’t want it. The markers come with a description of whether or not they are permanent.
Read the descriptions carefully and choose an erasable brand if you need to wipe off the ink later. If you need permanent ones, well, you have that option as well.
Whether or Not to Bake to Get Permanent Ink
Some brands offer markers which are both erasable and permanent at the same time. Usually, when used, they are erasable.
Some ink becomes permanent only after you bake them. So, read the instructions carefully and find out whether you need to bake them to get permanent ink.
Dishwasher Safe or Not
Some brands of permanent ink are not dishwasher safe and need to be washed only by hand. Read the instructions and warnings carefully beforehand so that you do not end up cleaning a mug mistakenly and erasing the ink.
Opacity of Ink
A lot of brands offer markers of very vibrant colors but the colors are too thin, and you need to put multiple layers of ink on them to make the writings visible. Read the reviews and go for the ones who have thick ink.
Only then, you will be saved from the hassle of buying ink that is not very visible.
Price Range
The price range of markers does not vary too much unless you want extremely high-quality ones, of course. However, when you are planning to buy anything, it is always better to have a set budget and plan accordingly.
If you are after good value, look for sets of markers, as each glass marker ends up costing less when bought as a set as opposed to when bought alone.
Frequently Asked Some Questions
We have answered some of the most commonly asked questions for you below:
Q: What Are the Best Markers to Use on Glass?
If you want permanent marks, then oil-based markers are the best to be used on glass. As for the temporary ones, keep the considerations we have talked about above to find the best ones. The ones we have reviewed are great options, too.
Q: What Kind of Markers Write on Glass?
As a glass surface is non-porous, any markers intended for non-porous surfaces would work.
The most popular kind of markers to be used on glass is dry-erase markers. They provide even writing on glass. You can easily wipe them off with no issues when needed.
Aside from those, oil-based and chalk-based markers can also be used to write on glass.
Q: Do Dry Erase Markers Work on Glass Boards?
Yes, they do. Since the resin & pigment layer and the releasing agent layer need to be separate when writing with dry erase markers, they require a non-porous surface.
Porous surfaces would absorb these layers, making the writing permanent and irremovable.
So, they do not work on porous surfaces. As glass boards are definitely non-porous, dry erase markers work quite well on them.
Q: How to use a permanent glass marker?
These are the steps to using a permanent glass marker –
Step 1: Cleaning
Thoroughly clean and dry off the glass surface you wish to use the glass marker on. You can use either rubbing alcohol or soap & water to do this. Make sure it is fully dry.
Step 2: Guideline
Since the markings will be permanent, you should ensure that the writings on designs are exactly as you intended them to be. For that, placing any sort of guides would be very helpful.
You can use tapes or dry erase markers as guides. However, do not write with a permanent marker on top of dry erase marks, as it will not stick.
Step 3: Drawing
Now, carefully draw your intended letters or design on the glass surface. Wait for it to fully dry. You may draw over the lines again once it is fully dry if you think the coverage is too light. Double drawing will make the design more durable. Wait for it to thoroughly dry again.
Step 4: Baking (Optional)
This step is only applicable if you are drawing on small items such as mugs and are using a type of marker that needs to be baked. Otherwise, your work is finished in the previous step.
Place the item you have drawn on in a cool oven. Then, heat the oven to 365 F and leave the item in/Leave it in the oven until it is fully cooled down. Once it is cooled, you are done.
Q: How to draw on glass permanently?
To make your writings and drawings on glass permanent, you need to buy markers that are instantly permanent when dried off. Check the descriptions to ensure if you are purchasing permanent markers or not.
Q: Does Sharpie come off the glass?
No, Sharpie doesn’t come off the glass easily as long as you are not using chemicals to wash the glass.
Final Thoughts
We hope that now you know plenty about the best glass markers and will be able to pick the perfect ones to meet your needs!
Just remember to check the most vitals aspects before buying, so that you don’t mistakenly buy the ones that you do not need. Also, always remember to read the descriptions carefully before you make a purchase and use them.
Happy drawing!