The Best Permanent Markers for Plastic in 2023

Many creative ideas can be expressed on plastic items. That’s when we need good markers that appear vividly and clearly on plastic surfaces. There are times we need to classify objects and organize them by marking those items with markers. It’s also helpful to have at-hand markers that can write well on plastics.

A good writing tool allows you to produce an appealing decoration or art piece, which is incredibly beneficial if you have a lot of recycled plastic materials. The possibilities for these markers are almost endless. Their variants are as well.

Assume you’re seeking the best plastic markers on the market right now. In that case, this article will explain how to choose the best one from a multitude of options.

Top 12 Permanent Marker for Plastic Reviews

1. Staedtler Garden Pen Outdoor Markers

I have a little nursery at home and have been growing my vegetable and herb garden for quite some time now. Whenever I head out of town, I always ask my children to tend to them. Aside from grouping them with similar watering needs, I use Staedtler’s marker to label each plant because they always complain that everything looks identical.

Waterproof markers for plastic are designed mainly for outdoor use. Fortunately, this works excellently on my flower pots and plastic plant tags. I love this plastic marker so much that I bought two sets. It is a single-ended marker with a bullet tip that is similar to a fiber-tip pen. I prefer this barrel more because it is made of plastic and makes it lightweight and handy. It also includes a cap with a sturdy clip that I frequently attach to my apron’s pocket for swift access. The line width is approximately 1.0mm and is a perfect fit for my medium handwriting.

A week ago, I used this on my DIY stake bamboo tags. Unexpectedly, it did not bleed or smudge. I also like how it quickly dries in just a few seconds. I’m sure that this will be a knockout for left-handers. Oh, the bold black ink is long-lasting too! Watering does not wash them off. Months later, I can still read outdoor labels. What impressed me the most is the light-fast ability of these plastic markers.

One minor downside is the nib that tends to get soft on prolonged use and heavy pressure. Inevitably it will produce thicker lines that may become less readable for smaller tags and labels. Perhaps, the trick is writing subtlety.

2. Sharpie Extreme Permanent Markers

I used several permanent markers for glass for my everyday job and household chores, but have had no success. Some got easily wiped, some are short-lived. As I was rummaging around in my drawer, I found my old Sharpie highlighters. Huh! I should have known sooner! After all, I can do almost anything with a Sharpie.

To give it a shot, I purchased Sharpie’s extreme variant. As expected from Sharpie, it has a comfortable grip and a clipping snap cap. This set of four comes in all black and has a quick-drying ink. I was still in awe because they are exceptionally waterproof. I love how it writes well on the water-resistant sheets and glass disks we produce at the lab.

Another cool thing about this marker is the fade-resistant capability. They remained visible even if they got soaked and stored for many months. Inventory was less of a hassle nowadays. Besides, it assures that the formulated ink yields up to 96 hours in ultraviolet exposure. Another notable feature you do not want to miss out.

This marker is also reliable in writing on plastic surfaces. The durable fine tip delivers a line width from around 0.9 to 1.1mm and works well on all types of freezer packaging. Because of this, I no longer mistake the contents of my fridge by labeling and dating them with this extreme marker.

One caveat, the length of it is shorter than the specified 16 inches. It does not bother me at the slightest because of my small hands. However, they could have described it accurately. Grownups with larger hands may find it difficult to hold.

3. Iris & Olivia Acrylic Paint Markers Pens

If you are into plants, you will surely encounter the problem of decorating the pots that you are going to use. This can also be equally challenging if you are recycling plastic bottles. Fortunately, there is one art material you can use to make your pots, clay, or plastic, more presentable. Presenting the Acrylic Paint Marker Pens by Iris & Olivia.

I like this marker. It is non-toxic and water-soluble. The lovely color selection (Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Apricot, Blue, Powder Blue, Green, Black, Pastel Purple, Gold, and Purple) made the simple stones a lovely work of art. Compared to oil-based markers that write on plastic leave a strong odor, these are very pleasant and gentle on the skin. Everyone over three years old can safely use these indoors.

Another convenient feature of this marker is the transparent barrels. It’s good that each barrel has a fair amount of acrylic ink in them. It has a round nib that does not easily fray when writing on plastic tags and rough surfaces. I also like that it comes out real quick without leaking. I need to shake this oil-based permanent marker hard before use. Blending and layering were relatively easy.

Oh, tidying was a breeze too! No palettes or brushes to clean. It’s cool how it saved me tons of time.

While I want to continue saying how this marker amazes me, I found one minor issue. This marker is not the best for glossy surfaces. Recently, I tried painting a few miniature glass bottles. It took hours to dry. Chips and cracks are visible too.

4. Sharpie King Size Permanent Markers

Organizing your storage boxes may take forever especially if you don’t have the right marker for the job. Unfortunately, you cannot just use any ordinary markers as it will get smudged or faded after you store them away. If you want to maintain the sharpness of the detail that you wish to write on those storage boxes, this particular marker from Sharpie will impress you to no end.

I found the Sharpie King useful and very convenient to use. The plastic barrel is cylindrical, a little bigger, and not slippery compared to tactical markers. Regardless of the size, it has a surprisingly comfortable grip and very lightweight. It usually takes a month of regular use before the ink runs out because of the extra-large ink supply.

What sets this apart from the rest is the versatile chisel tip that allows me to write broad and fine strokes. With this feature, I don’t need to write twice because it is clear and distinctive. One swipe is all you need! Also, the water-resistant ink adheres thoroughly on most surfaces and doesn’t smear. These cool plastic markers work amazing on freezer bags, PVC pipes, trash bins, and even glass.

Furthermore, the storage boxes left at the garage are not showing any signs of fading at all. You would appreciate that there’s no horrid stench from this variant too.

One downside is probably the body advertised as aluminum. It is plastic with a metallic color like aluminum. That could add durability to the markers though it would be a pain to hold it in cold temperatures. I live in Montana, and I’m cool with the plastic barrel.

5. ARTEZA Permanent Waterproof Markers

If you have kids who are starting to show interest in arts, the best thing that you can do as a parent is to give them safe materials. While most of the markers in the market offer great ink quality like brightness, only a few of them are safe for kids. If you want to give your young artists a safe marker, this one from ARTEZA will surely delight them!

There are a lot of good things about these water-based markers from Arteza. First of all, they are amazingly versatile. I love how it adheres to most surfaces, whether it’s paper, glass, or wood. Also, this all-purpose marker is easy to use, fade-resistant, and smudge-proof. The premium quality is parallel to the name brands though it will not break your bank. Plus, you will get a large pack of 36 long-wearing markers in a box. Tempting, right!

The plastic barrel is very suitable for everyday use. We did not have a hard time holding it for hours. Also, the Japanese slanted tip works flawlessly for my envelope calligraphy and hand-lettering. My kids use it to outline their drawings before they color scheme the rest and fill them with watercolors. There is no bleed-through on coloring books because it dries fast.

I was shocked that this pen can write on plastic as well. If you want to label your kitchen containers, plastic wrap, or zip locks, these markers will not disappoint.

The only trade-off was one marker was dry when I got the package. It was a little strange because the cap is on and not damaged. I tried to revive it by injecting water into but to no avail.

6. EKKONG Acrylic Paint pens

When it comes to permanent markers, nothing beats the quality paint markers. This can be used in a wide array of activities in your home, school, or office. If you are looking for a good paint marker, this one from EKKONG will provide you the satisfaction that you need.

These paint pens worked better than I expected. Though it comes with simple packaging, inside is a fantastic set of 15 vibrant and quality-artist paint pens. I also appreciate that each is individually shrink-wrapped and in good condition when it arrives.

Also, the long-lasting and quick-drying ink adheres on a variety of surfaces you could not even imagine. The fine tip is also ideal for writing on plastic, photos, and cardboard boxes for storage.

I enjoyed painting on clear glass jars to store spices, ingredients, and cereals properly. Not only did the gold and silver metallic ink flow smoothly on glasses, but they also add sparkle and liven up the open shelves. It’s amazing because it won’t come off unless I throw it in the dishwasher. Since it is water-resistant, I’ve also designed cork coasters and wood slices by painting them instead of using a wood burner. It was fun and hassle-free!

I thought this would only work on smooth surfaces, but it also works well on rocks. The thick consistency and the rich solution turned out great for their stone and rock painting. Compared to regular brushes and pallets that are a pain to clean, they like these paint markers more. Also, tidying up was a piece of cake and immediately became a big hit for the young ones.

The only trade-off is the application on coarse surfaces like concrete and grip tape. The nibs will wear off pretty quickly so test the waters first on such structures.

7. AmazonBasics Permanent Markers

Having a trustworthy permanent marker in your house or office is a nice thought. This means you can mark important items without worrying that it would fade in a short while. If you want to have a reliable marker around, this fine point tip from AmazonBasics is the one for you.

This particular permanent marker is great! It is easy to use. I don’t have any trouble writing using this marker. It doesn’t strain my hand doing so. The case is strong enough to withstand accidental drops. This is great if you have a toddler in your home.

In addition to ease of use and durability, this marker has a great ink reserve. I have been using this permanent marker on plastic for three days and the quality of the ink remains consistent. Moreover, the body can withstand extreme pressure which prevents it from breaking easily. This is perfect for kids who like to use pens and markers as drum sticks.

The ink is non-toxic, so parents like me won’t have to worry about their kids inhaling harmful fumes from the ink. Finally, the ink sticks to the plastic surface very well.

My biggest concern about this particular marker is the fact that the ink bleeds too much. This is not a problem if I’m using a single sheet of paper. However, if this is used in notebooks or drawing pads, the bleeding will surely blot on other fresh sheets of paper that could be otherwise used on other projects.

8. Sharpie 1949558 Color Burst Permanent Markers

Having a reliable marker in your arsenal that can be used any time is a task worth pursuing. However, not all markers deliver the same quality. If you need to have a remarkable marker at your disposal, the best brand that you need to include in your shopping list is Sharpie Color Burst 1949558.

What I like about this particular Sharpie model is its simplicity. What you see is what you get. In this model, there are 24 markers inside the package. There is no need for preparing the markers by shaking it or filling it with ink first. I can use it the moment I take it from the packaging.

After using it, I observed that it works well with almost any kind of surface – paper, wood, vinyl, or plastic. This is good for me because I can mark important items in my garage and tool shed that are inside plastic containers. I can also use this as a marker for my plaster projects.

The best thing about this product is the Color Burst feature. These vivid colors help me mark important items in my shed and garage that are supposed to be wrapped in plastic containers. Besides, my kids enjoy using these markers for their art projects or when simply passing time.

The only minor issue I can say about this permanent marker is the fact that it bleeds too much. This could become a problem if this is used as a highlighter on notebooks.

9. Marks-A-Lot Avery Permanent Marker

If you are into calligraphy, getting a good pen or marker is the first task that you should accomplish. However, the best calligraphy pens are quite expensive. For those who are looking for cheaper alternatives, chisel-tipped markers are the best way to go. This is where you will find Marks-a-lot very useful.

I find this permanent marker amazing. The ink is dispersed generously and dries quickly. It writes well even without applying too much pressure. Another great feature of this particular marker is the chisel tip. With this, I can control the width of the lines I’m making.

My only disappointment is that this marker comes only in black. While this is a good marker for labeling items and even for basic calligraphy, I just wish that there are other color options I can go with. Because of this, I had to purchase a separate set of markers with various color options.

10. Shuttle Art Permanent Markers

Choosing a toxic-free marker for your family should always be included in your priorities when shopping for permanent markers. Unfortunately, not all brands have this kind of safety feature. If you want to ensure the safety of your loved ones when using permanent markers, this one from Shuttle Art might be the one for you!

My experience using this set of permanent markers is good. The body is firm and durable. It does not crumble even if I hold it tightly. Besides, the felt tip is similarly durable.

Another feature that I like is the fact that it is smear and fade resistant. This is particularly good for the markings that I make that are exposed to natural elements like rain and sunlight. Once I use it on a plastic sheet, I never have to worry about reapplying the marker every two weeks. The ink stays there for a long time.

What I like the most about this product is this marker is toxic and acid-free. I know that I and my children are safe when we use this marker for our projects. With this, I can leave them alone and let their creativity guide them without worrying about their safety.

My only problem with these markers is the fact that it lacks labels. My vision is not as good as it was, that’s why I always confuse blue with violet. There are times that my children get confused with it as well so we put masking tape and labeled it manually.

11. ZEYAR Permanent Markers

Finding a marker that works well with metallic surfaces can be challenging. This is because not all permanent markers that are available in the market can work with metal. If you want to write on a metallic surface safely, this one from ZEYAR will impress you.

I am happy I found this particular marker. It may have a short tip but it works remarkably. I have used this efficient jumbo size marker in so many ways and on different surfaces. Besides, it is water-resistant and dries faster than regular markers. It eliminates the possibility of smudging or creating puddles.

Moreover, it features a strong metal barrel that is a little longer and feels great in the hand. Having a sturdy nib is quite advantageous for me since I am heavy-handed and tends to damage pen tips often. For the record, I have labeled tons of boxes within a couple of days. Surprisingly, the nib could take the pressure of my handwriting.

What I like the most is the distinctive air-resistant ink. Oh boy, this saved me big time because I forget things from time to time. True to what it claims, it didn’t dry out after I left it uncapped for three days. I haven’t tried up to 15 days but I’m sure it will still work over this period. It is also an ideal permanent marker for glass projects because it won’t wash off easily.

Writing on an uneven plastic surface is not as good as it should be. It’s difficult for the nib to get into the deep grooves. Otherwise, it works pretty well on smooth surfaces I have tried so far.

12. Keebor Basic Advanced Permanent Markers

Buying a marker can be stressful sometimes. This is because after using it for one or two occasions, you may lose it accidentally. With this, you need to purchase another one and the cycle goes on and on. What if you could own 60 markers in one package? If you don’t believe it, Keebor will certainly make sure you do!

In all honesty, I am deeply impressed with the sheer quantity of this marker brand. There are 60 black markers in this box that are perfect for my marking needs at work. The typical white plastic barrel is pleasant to hold, easy to control, and fits well in my hand. The length and weight also make it easier to write on anything. I haven’t had any difficulty writing on boxes, sheet metal, glass, and pretty much any surface because it quickly dries after application. The sturdy bullet tip is another thing; it’s not flimsy and won’t wear easily.

With the smear-proof ink, writing on plastic surfaces has become effortless. Also, it is fade-resistant because the label on my wife’s Tupperware and light-colored storage canisters are still intact after months. Plus, the ink is odor-free and safe to use around children. It also holds well on my homemade wooden signs.

On constant use, the ink will not last long. It has a relatively thin ink reservoir which means less ink capacity. In my experience, each marker lasted for a while on simple tasks but it will run dry on big projects. Also, don’t carelessly leave the cap off because it tends to dry out fast.

How to Choose Permanent Marker for Plastic

Buying permanent markers for plastic can be a real headache, especially if you know nothing about it. This is the reason why some people always get it wrong when they are shopping for one. The experience can be difficult if the ink smudges now and then.

If you want to get the perfect marker for plastic, you certainly need to learn a thing or two about it. This is practical especially if you want to know how to write on plastic cups permanently.

Here are some things that you need to look for when shopping for a permanent marker for plastic surface:

Fine Plastic Writing Capability

Believe it or not, not all permanent markers can be used on a plastic surface. Most of these markers would just smudge the surface once the ink was dispensed out of the ink chamber. However, permanent markers for plastic have specially-formulated inks that adhere to most plastic surfaces such as PVC, vinyl, and polyethylene.

The best way to know if the permanent marker adheres to plastic is by testing it. If you are shopping at your local art supply store, bring a sample of the plastic surface that you are going to write or mark. If the ink sticks well and does not smudge even if you try to wipe it off, then it is the right one for you.

Durable Tip

Some permanent markers have a very frail tip. If you have a heavy hand, the tip would just crumble while you are writing. This causes the ink to be dispersed improperly resulting in sloppy lines or marks. When shopping for a permanent marker, make sure that the tip is strong enough to endure the weight of your hand. This way, you can always make a good line or stroke when writing.

Steady Ink Flow

If you are looking for a permanent marker to write on plastic surfaces, make sure that the one you are getting has a steady ink flow. Other permanent markers have inconsistent ink flow, that’s why they are difficult to use. When shopping for one, make sure that you test it first. If you are shopping online, always read the customer reviews to determine its performance beforehand.

Non-Toxic

The last thing you want to experience while using your permanent marker is poisoning. If you have children around your working space or if they need to use a marker, this is also something you have to prevent from happening. A non-toxic permanent marker can help you bring not only a creative and productive space but also a safe one.

Water and Fade Resistant

Most markers have their inks fade over time. Especially if the plastic surface that you wrote it on is exposed to sunlight or natural elements such as rain and dust. When shopping for a permanent marker for plastic, look for the one that is fade and water-resistant.

Now that you know how to choose the right permanent marker for plastic, you can go ahead and proceed with your purchase. Aside from the price and brand name, always consider these tips on your shopping trip.

How to get Permanent Marker off Plastic Containers

There are various methods to remove permanent markers from plastic containers even if they are there for a while. You can try several cleaners available at home as follows.

Rubbing alcohol

If the marker ink is fresh, a bit of rubbing alcohol (90% or above) will suffice. Just pour the alcohol onto a cotton ball or a paper towel, then rub it onto the surface gently until the marks are gone.

If the permanent marker stains have been on your plastic container for a while now, you can leave rubbing alcohol on its surface for 3 – 5 minutes before scrubbing it with the paper towel or cotton ball.

Magic eraser

If you have a magic eraser sponge, use it to remove the marker stains. Just dip it into water or rubbing alcohol (if the marks are stubborn). Then, rub the sponge onto the container surface for 5 – 10 minutes in circles.

Baking soda and toothpaste

Another combination that works wonders for permanent marker stains on plastic containers is the mix of baking soda and white toothpaste.

Just combine them to max a cleaning paste, then apply them onto the marker lines you want to remove. Then, use a cloth to rub gently until the markers come off entirely.

Other cleaning products you might want to try include:

• Dry-erase marker and glass cleaner
• Hand sanitizer
• Acetone
• Baking soda mixed with vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Hairspray

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is This For?

Not all permanent markers were created equal. Those who are using it in different situations regularly know it very well. If you have tried writing or marking on a surface that is made of plastic, you’ll know how difficult it is to accomplish it.

Since plastic is a smooth surface, most inks will just leave a temporary impression on it and will get erased or fade later on. This is the reason why you need permanent markers for plastic.

This type of marker is very good for:

What are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Permanent Markers for Plastic?

Every product has its advantages and disadvantages. Believe it or not, even permanent markers for plastic have it. Knowing the pros and cons of using plastic permanent markers will help you use it to the fullest. It will also help you avoid misusing it thus severely affecting its performance in the long run.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using permanent markers for plastic surfaces:

PROS:

CONS:

Now that you know the pros and cons of using permanent markers for plastic, you will be able to use and maximize its capability according to your needs.

Where to Buy?

You can buy your permanent marker for plastic at your local art supply or school supply store. You can also purchase them at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Ace Hardware, and many more.

However, there are moments when we cannot find the exact brand that we are looking for in our local stores. This is where online shopping comes in very useful. Online stores such as Amazon.com provides a wide selection of permanent marker brands. From there, you will have a chance to get to know more about your choices by reading various customer reviews about the product that you wish to purchase. By doing this, you will be able to get a glimpse of how the permanent marker brands will perform under different circumstances.

How to Clean and Care?

Just like any other resource, the ink inside the permanent marker is not unlimited. Furthermore, if the tip is not covered immediately, there is a chance that it will dry out, thus impairing its ink-dispersing capability.

Here’s how you can prolong the lifespan of your permanent marker for plastic:

What are The Best Permanent Markers for Plastic Brands?

In your search for the right permanent marker for plastic surfaces, you will encounter several brands in the market. While most of these brands have their gimmicks in attracting customers such as 4-in-1 or 24-in-1 packages, only a handful of brands will truly cater to your needs.

Here is a shortlist of permanent marker for trustworthy plastic brands that you can include in your shopping list:

These brands have been used by satisfied customers all over the world. They have withstood the test of time, therefore would be a great addition to your collection.

How to Choose The Best Tips for Markers for Plastic?

For instance, you want to know how to write on plastic tumblers, you need to get the right marker for your project.

Pens and markers or any other writing tools are known for their tips.

Conclusion

Purchasing the best permanent marker for plastic is not as easy as it seems. You have to consider so many things aside from the price and brand such as ink quality, safety concerns, durability, and so on. This is because you need to think about how this permanent marker for plastic will be used by other people like children and the elderly or people with sensitive health concerns. Not doing so may bring harm rather than good.

Before deciding to purchase one, researching the product will help you understand how it performs under various circumstances. Reading product reviews such as this will give you an idea of how it will perform in your possession. Most people avoid doing this because it’s tedious and takes a long time. However, once you learn more about the product, you get it cheaply and maximize its use.

So, if you have decided to purchase permanent markers for plastic, this article is the best place for you to learn a great deal about them!