If you love using paint pens for your creative projects, chances are you’ve already picked a favorite. Today, we’re diving into two popular options: the Posca Paint Marker and the Sharpie Creative Marker. Both are versatile tools for artists and crafters, but they do have a few key differences that may sway your decision. Let’s dive right in and take a closer look! Both of the markers I am demonstrating with have the bullet nib.

Posca Paint Marker

Posca paint markers are perfect for artists that are looking for bold, vibrant colors with maximum versatility across surfaces. They feature a paint that is water-based, opaque and vibrant. I personally like all the color options that come in the Posca paint markers. Its matte finish makes it a top choice for layering and mixed media work, giving your art a professional, polished look.

With a variety of nib sizes available, Posca Paint Markers cater to everything from delicate details to bold strokes, letting you unleash your creativity however you like. I personally love to use them for lettering on door hangers. Did you know that you can even blend the paint before it dries? The ability to blend the paint while it’s wet allows you to create soft gradients that can take your lettering to the next level. One hack to know is that you can actually refill your Posca Paint Marker when it runs out of paint!

As much as I love using Posca Paint Markers, I have noticed that sometimes they tend to dry out or leave splatters across your canvas which can be very frustrating. However, I personally love the vibrance of the Posca Paint Markers. You can tell here how much brighter this color is than the Sharpie Creative Marker. And the fact that you can refill your Posca Paint Marker helps with their bigger price point.

Sharpie Creative Marker

Let’s talk about using the Sharpie Creative Marker for door hanger lettering—a reliable tool for crafters who want crisp, glossy letters that truly stand out. This marker’s alcohol-based ink dries quickly. The glossy finish adds a sleek, professional touch that can make your designs pop.

While Sharpie Creative Markers don’t offer a huge range of nib sizes, they’re perfect for outlining, writing, or creating clean, precise lettering on door hangers. The ink doesn’t blend much, but it layers like a dream, allowing you to build bold, intricate details with ease. These markers are fade-resistant and long-lasting, ensuring your lettering stays vibrant and sharp for a long while!

I personally like how the Sharpie Creative Marker goes on, it feels more like a marker than a paint brush to me which allows for smooth application. However, the colors of this Creative Marker aren’t as bold as the Posca Paint Pens.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Posca Paint Markers and Sharpie Creative Markers are great for adding color and creativity to your projects. Whether you’re layering vibrant paint with Posca or crafting sharp details with Sharpie, there’s really no wrong choice—it’s all about what works best for your style and project needs.

Personally, I tend to gravitate toward the Posca more. I love the vibrant colors, especially in this project with the red color. When it comes to the Sharpie Creative Markers, I do like that when outlining the paint doesn’t tend to bleed or spread as much as the Posca which can be convenient when it comes to tiny details, so there are definitely perks to both of these! 

Curious to See Them Both in Action?

Want to see these amazing paint markers in action? I recently went live on Facebook and did a side-by-side comparison of the Posca Paint Markers and Sharpie Creative Markers, showcasing their unique features and how they handle lettering. It was so much fun, and you can tune in here to watch the full comparison. Whether you’re lettering or crafting, these markers offer the precision and durability needed to create polished, professional-looking designs. Depending on your preferences, I really don’t think you can go wrong with either one!