Do you ever look at those empty bottles and glasses in your pantry, wishing they looked more colorful? Fortunately, you can express your creative self by drawing on clear surfaces.
In fact, many artists and DIYers have been decorating glass ornaments, writing signs on windows, and upcycling old jars and bottles. For this purpose, only specialized inks can last long on non-porous surfaces without dulling or chipping.
Can’t afford the time to test the markers? Follow our list of the best markers for glass and get right down to dressing up glass bottles, jars, tables, and more.
Be sure to check these three important features:
Ink formula:
The most common type of ink that manufacturers use for glass-writing pens are dry erase, paint, and chalk paint. Dry-erase markers are your typical erasable whiteboard markers.
Acrylic ink is a good choice, but oil-based markers are also worth checking out as they tend to be more opaque, vibrant, and fade-resistant. To achieve a chalk-like texture, opt for chalk paint pens.
Permanent vs. Washable:
When choosing between indelible and erasable markers, think about why you plan to write or sketch on glass surfaces in the first place.
For menu boards to introduce seasonal offerings, it makes more sense to use a dry-erase marker. On the flip side, a permanent marker for glass is more apt for pieces you want to last longer, such as home decor or gift items.
Nib size and shape:
The trick to selecting the right nib is to consider the size of your artwork and whether you need to grab someone’s attention. You can use extra bold markers to create large letterings so that others can read from afar or utilize fine nibs to draw intricate details on smaller objects.
In the latter sections, we will go over the other factors to consider when buying marker sets for glass surfaces. Now, let’s discuss the key features of each brand to know which is more appropriate for your art projects.
3 Premium-Rated Picks
Kassa CM0620 Chisel and Bullet
Number of colors: 8
Point size: 4mm
Nib shape: Chisel and bullet
Table of Contents
- 8 Top-rated Markers for Glass
- 1. Chalky Crown CCBCM8 Bold Chalk Markers
- 2. Kassa CM0620 Chisel and Bullet Dual Tip Marking Pen
- 3. EXPO Neon Dry Erase Markers
- 4. Shuttle Art Dry Erase Markers
- 5. Quartet Glass Board Dry Erase Markers
- 6. GAINWELL Wine Glass Markers
- 7. Crafty Croc CC1-100 Liquid Chalk Markers
- 8. Chalkola BC33000 Washable Window Markers
- Factors to Consider When Buying Markers for Glass
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
8 Top-rated Markers for Glass
1. Chalky Crown CCBCM8 Bold Chalk Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Point size: Bold
- Nib shape: Bullet
- Ink type: Water-based chalk markers
Because I’ve been using these markers several times on different projects, I can confidently say they are worth checking out. That said, let me start by highlighting that they are bold in colors and point size.
This set is intended for dark surfaces, so it does not include a black marker. However, their inks are well-suited for glass objects. Regardless of the background, the hues appear vibrant and opaque. I can easily sketch shapes without visible streaks and write legible letters.
I love that these markers come with reversible nibs with bullet tips on one end and chiseled tips on the other. Normally, I use the former to draw lines with consistent widths. Meanwhile, the latter is useful for creating shapes and text with varying line thicknesses.
Using these markers is a breeze since it only takes a few shakes to get the inks flowing. Even kids can figure that out. I’m sure parents and teachers will also like that they are made of non-toxic materials that are safe for children.
Unfortunately, the water-soluble chalk paint is not as easy to wipe off as advertised. To be fair, it’s not impossible. In any case, I don’t think it’s going to be an issue if you intend to make the markings more long-lasting.
- Well-suited for glass objects
- The hues appear vibrant and opaque
- Comes with reversible nibs
- Takes a few shakes to get the inks flowing
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Not as easy to wipe off as advertised
2. Kassa CM0620 Chisel and Bullet Dual Tip Marking Pen
- Number of colors: 8
- Point size: 4mm
- Nib shape: Chisel and bullet
- Ink type: Water-based liquid chalk
Kassa markers are formulated for all sorts of non-porous materials. Whether it’s a blackboard or a glass item, their liquid chalk inks can adhere to the surface, yet they are easy to erase.
As someone who keeps updating schedules or labels, these are the perfect marking pens to write on glass jars or acrylic calendars. With 20 different colors in the set, they also come in handy for jazzing up seasonal home decor.
In particular, I love the intensity of the color. On the blackboard, they look almost as if they are glowing in the dark. At the same time, their high opacity makes my lettering and illustration stand out against translucent surfaces.
Thanks to the reversible nibs, I never have to buy another set of pens to get different tips. By removing the nib and flipping it around, I can use the bullet tip to draw details or the chisel tip to fill large areas with color. Best of all, they are non-toxic and odorless, making them safe for children.
Activating the ink requires some violent shakes, which is perhaps the only complaint that I have. Rest assured that the liquid chalk oozes out from the nib without skipping once primed.
- Formulated for all sorts of non-porous materials
- Can adhere to the surface, yet they are easy to erase
- Look almost as if they are glowing in the dark
- Their high opacity makes lettering and illustration stand out against translucent surfaces
- The liquid chalk oozes out from the nib without skipping
- Activating the ink requires some violent shakes
3. EXPO Neon Dry Erase Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Point size: 5mm
- Nib shape: Bullet
- Ink type: Dry-erase
Known as one of the top brands of whiteboard markers, Expo expands its product line by formulating one of the best neon markers that write on glass and wipe off easily.
To change the text on the board, I don’t need to use store-bought cleaners to remove the markings. While these pens are formulated for glass, I’m surprised that I did not have a hard time wiping the ink that accidentally got to some woodwork.
As far as the color quality is concerned, these neon dry-erase markers appear vivid and opaque on light, dark, and transparent surfaces. Using the five different hues in the pack, I can create hand-lettering, draw illustrations, and highlight important text.
The bullet nibs render thick lines that allow me to color large surfaces faster and write bold text. With quick drying time, they help me prevent smearing and dribbling down vertical surfaces. These markers are kid-friendly since they are both non-toxic and odorless. Moreover, the chunky barrels are easier for them to grip.
My only criticism is that the yellow and green removable marker inks are near-identical on dark backgrounds, but their differences look more obvious on white paper. Anyway, it’s not a problem since I use these markers for my to-do lists. Still, I wish I could color-code my tasks.
- No need to use store-bought cleaners to remove the markings
- Vivid and opaque on light, dark, and transparent surfaces
- Create hand-lettering, draw illustrations, and highlight important
- Quick drying time
- Non-toxic and odorless
- The yellow and green removable marker inks are near-identical on dark backgrounds
4. Shuttle Art Dry Erase Markers
- Number of colors: 15
- Point size: 2mm fine tip
- Nib shape: Bullet
- Ink type: Dry-erase
Although these dry-erase markers are designed for whiteboards, they work on glass, mirrors, and other non-porous materials. However, since they feature fine-point tips, I use them on smaller objects or the text under the heading.
These markers are most commonly used in classrooms, households, and most workplaces. It offers 15 different colors, more than enough for me to write my schedules on the acrylic calendar or sketch on the glass window for fun with the kids. Anyway, the dry-erase inks do not have nasty smells or harmful chemicals.
At the same time, writing with these markers is super easy thanks to the continuous flow of inks without having to activate them.
Just the same, cleaning up the inks can be accomplished just by wiping the surface with a cloth or the eraser on the marker’s cap. I think adding clips on the caps is a good thing as they prevent these pens from rolling off the table.
So far, I only noticed two minor flaws. For starters, the yellow and lime green markers are a bit too light for my liking. Thankfully, the others look vibrant and solid. Secondly, the built-in magnets tend to get detached from the pen when I try to stick them on magnetic surfaces, but I managed to fix this issue with some glue.
- Work on glass, mirrors, and other non-porous materials
- Features fine-point tips
- Commonly used in classrooms, households, and most workplaces
- Offers 15 different colors
- Do not have nasty smells or harmful chemicals
- Continuous flow of ink
- The yellow and lime green markers are a bit too light
- The magnets tend to get detached from the pen
5. Quartet Glass Board Dry Erase Markers
- Number of colors: 4
- Point size: Broad
- Nib shape: Bullet
- Ink type: Dry-erase
Shelved in the office and school supplies section, Quartet offers three markers for each of the four colors. But unlike the multi-surface rainbow sets I reviewed earlier, the inks within the markers’ barrels are formulated especially for glass boards.
Speaking of barrels, I like that the manufacturer designed a see-through ink gauge. This nifty feature lets me see how much ink is left. Moreover, the markers deliver consistent ink flow. I don’t even have to go over the lines to jot down readable text.
During discussions with coworkers, I can write large and bold text, all thanks to the thick bullet nibs. When it’s time to move on to the next topic, I can use a regular whiteboard eraser to quickly clean up the glass board without having to deal with ink residue.
Sadly, the color quality of the inks seems a bit inconsistent. The black, green, and blue inks appear solid and vivid. Even if I leave my writing on the board for days, I’m amazed that they do not fade away unless I wipe them, which makes them suitable for acrylic calendars.
But for some reason, the red marker seems dull and almost translucent. Apart from that, I find these markers a bit too expensive.
- Formulated especially for glass
- Lets you see how much ink is left
- Delivers consistent ink flow
- Cleans up quickly the glass board without having to deal with ink residue
- Does not fade away unless I wipe them
- The red marker seems dull and almost translucent
- A bit too expensive
6. GAINWELL Wine Glass Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Point size: Looks like bold
- Nib shape: Bullet
- Ink type: Dry-erase
Decorating wine glasses is always a good idea, especially during the holidays when I invite guests over. Besides creating interesting designs to suit the theme of the party, Gainwell markers also temporarily label the pieces of glassware so no one accidentally sips from another person’s wine glass.
Apart from drinking glasses, this set comes in handy for labeling food containers and bottles. This way, I can instantly tell what’s inside them when I’m looking for ingredients or leftovers in my fridge. Now and then, I would also use them to decorate ornaments and write reminders on mirrors.
For those who are wondering if the markers’ inks are food-safe, the short answer is a resounding yes! But what impressed me the most is that the inks do not smear easily, even if the cold drink moistens the glass.
In a way, they behave like waterproof inks unless I deliberately wash them off. Anyway, the inks can be removed easily by scrubbing the surface with a wet cloth. Alternatively, I pop the glassware in the dishwasher.
Most of the colors are well-saturated, making them visible even if the drink in the glass is a bit dark. However, the silver marker lacks brightness. The other challenge is that the inks take half a minute to dry, which slows me down whenever I’m writing on multiple glasses and plates.
- Comes in handy for labeling food containers and bottles
- The markers’ inks are food-safe
- Does not smear easily even if the cold drink moistens the glass
- The inks can be removed easily by scrubbing the surface with a wet cloth
- The silver marker lacks brightness
- The inks take half a minute to dry
7. Crafty Croc CC1-100 Liquid Chalk Markers
- Number of colors: 10
- Point size: Up to 6mm
- Nib shape: Reversible chisel and bullet
- Ink type: Water-based liquid chalk
Compared to other brands, Crafty Crock loads its markers with more ink so a single pack of 10 can go a long way. Considering that I have been using marking pens to paint on glass surfaces for months, I’m amazed that I have not run out of liquid chalk.
That’s a good thing since the brand’s ink has a nice consistency that allows me to draw on vertical surfaces without having to deal with dripping ink. Aside from that, the neon liquid chalk markers give transparent glass objects and blackboard a gorgeous splash of colors sans the dusty texture.
Even more impressive is the fact this marker pen for glass also works on metals, plastics, cardstock, whiteboard, and tiles! Not to mention, they come with reversible nibs. The bullet nibs are useful for general writing tasks, while the chisel tips help me color large surfaces faster.
So far, I can only think of two minor issues. The markers I got, for instance, need more time to prime. I’m not sure if it’s just a fluke knowing that other users have been praising these markers for their easy-to-use design.
Furthermore, the erasable inks are a bit hard to remove. For that, I use each marker as though it is a permanent marker for glass.
- A single pack of 10 can go a long way
- Draw on vertical surfaces without having to deal with dripping ink
- Gives transparent glass objects and blackboard a gorgeous splash of colors
- Also works on metals, plastics, cardstock, whiteboard, and tiles
- Comes with reversible nibs
- Needs more time prime
- The tips seem to wear down quickly
8. Chalkola BC33000 Washable Window Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Point size: 3-in1 nib; 15mm
- Nib shape: Chisel
- Ink type: Paint-based wet erase
These washable window markers from Chalkola are high on my list because their rectangular nibs can produce three different point sizes.
The design is simple—I just need to hold the marker at different angles to get the desired line widths. It’s a far simpler approach that also prevents leaks that are usually caused by pulling and reinserting nibs.
With the longest side of the nib, I can create 15mm-thick lines. Meanwhile, the shorter edge renders slightly narrow lines. Let’s not forget—the corner of these two sides can draw thin lines.
With the intensely bright inks, I can make bold illustrations and letterings for , as well as attention-grabbing detailed patterns for my glass painting. Best of all, I never have to go over the lines to make them appear more solid.
Note that each marker contains ink that is 8 times more than other brands. But while they stick to the surface longer, I can clean up the artwork on glass effortlessly. It only takes a couple of minutes to wipe off the inks with glass-cleaning wipes.
That said, the process of activating inks and sketching poses some learning challenges. If I don’t shake or pump enough, the marker will not have enough ink on the tip. If I overdo the priming, it gets very drippy. Finding the sweet spot takes time.
- Their rectangular nibs can produce three different point sizes
- Prevents leaks that are usually caused by pulling and reinserting nibs
- Intensely bright inks
- Contains ink that is 8 times more than other brands
- It only takes a couple of minutes to wipe off the inks
- The process of activating inks and sketching poses some learning challenges
Factors to Consider When Buying Markers for Glass
Color Selection
Besides our favorite hues, the shade, tone, and finish that we often use reflect our taste. For this reason, manufacturers also develop different colors to help artists achieve certain designs. Apart from the standard marker colors, you can find types of ink with powdery chalk texture, muted tones, and metallic finishes.
If you’re still exploring your creative style, there’s nothing wrong with trying different markers. But don’t go overboard. Pick up several to try at a time, since inks may dry up in the barrel before you even get the chance to use them.
Abrasion and Water-resisting Properties
If you intend to make temporary signage, you may not need inks that can withstand water or abrasion since you are bound to erase them anyway. But if you plan to create something more permanent, these two properties are crucial in ensuring that the ink or paint can adhere to the surface longer.
Ease of Use
Many factors make markers easy to use. A watery consistency, for instance, can be harder to control as it may drip down to the curves of a wine glass or a bottle, which is why it’s better to use inks with thicker viscosity. Likewise, markers with reversible nibs can leak if the tips could not be placed back securely.
We suggest exploring various options to learn which type of glass markers works the easiest for you. Look for something that feels natural in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Glass Markers Be Erased or Removed from Glass?
Yes! You can remove dry-erase marker inks with a wet paper towel or alcohol. You can use the same technique to clean up chalk ink on glass surfaces. For paint-based inks, apply store-bought stain removers based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Note that oil-based markers are harder to remove, but it is possible with a clean cloth soaked with disinfectant alcohol.
For permanent markers, you can use Isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover, and a lot of elbow grease to remove the ink. It’s an engineer’s job, so expect a lot of scrubbing.
Are Glass Markers Safe for Children?
Generally speaking, glass markers are safe for children as long as they’re non-toxic and age-appropriate. Certain markers may not be suitable for younger children due to small parts or the nature of the ink.
Non-toxic markers are formulated with ingredients safe for children if accidental ingestion occurs. However, if a large amount of ink is consumed, it’s advisable to bring the children to immediate medical attention.
Also, keep in mind that glass objects are brittle, and the shards may cut them.
All in all, to ensure children use glass markers safely, exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How Do I Store Glass Markers Properly?
The proper way to store a glass marker depends on the ink formula. Most chalk paint markers can be stored upright, and the tips are facing down. As for acrylic paint pens for glass, manufacturers recommend storing them horizontally. I advise staying on the safe side and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can Glass Markers be Used on Other Surfaces Besides Slass?
Yes. In most cases, inks that are formulated to draw on glass can work on other non-porous surfaces such as metals, photographs, and plastics. Some glass markers are even compatible with whiteboards and dry-erase surfaces. They’re great for writing or drawing on whiteboards, making them very flexible.
Conclusion
With the best markers for glass, you can breathe new life into discarded marmalade jars and wine bottles. Apart from art projects, you can also use them to write eye-catching reminders or signs on mirrors or windows in your shop, office space, or home.
Besides, you don’t have to limit yourself to glassware since many of them contain inks that work on multiple surfaces like chalkboards and plastics!
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
