Image: MomJunction Design Team
White pens might not be too common, but the best white pens do the trick if you’re writing on a black (or dark) surface. Artists, designers, caricaturists, and cartoonists prefer using white pens to give their work a unique emphasis. Medical institutions and research organizations also use white pens to mark X-rays, documents, and other readings.
Finding a white pen to suit your needs might sound simple, but it is not so easy. First, you have to keep in mind the quality of the dye used. So, without further ado, let us look at the best white pen options that can make your life easier as an artist.
Top Picks
11 Best White Pens
1. Best For Writing On Plastic:Â Flymax White Pen
Flymax’s permanent white pen are suitable for various surfaces, including plastic, canvas stone, rock, fabric, ceramic wood, and leather. Its 0.7mm fine tip provides precision control for shading and drawing fine lines and small details on any surface. This pen is ideal for both novice and experienced artists. The water-based ink is non-toxic, lightfast, and water-resistant.
Pros
- Opaque ink
- Useful for creating gradients
- Quick-drying
- Odorless ink
Cons
- Ink may run out fast
- May smudge slightly
"These pens have performed remarkably well regardless of whether I have used them on glass or stone surfaces. The only con is the lower-than-expected ink quantity, but even that feels like a minor issue compared to their versatility and vibrancy."
2. Best For Extended Use: Art-n-Fly White Gel Pen
The Art-n-Fly pen features a 0.7mm fine tip and is comfortable to use over long periods. This pen is ideal for precise drawing and detailed illustrations. It blends well with markers, watercolors, pencils, and pens and works smoothly on all paper surfaces, making it one of the most versatile fine-tip markers. The ink is archival, which means it has been specifically designed to resist weathering and fading. The pen is non-toxic and acid-free. If you want to know more about this white pen for paper crafts and more, check out this product testing video on YouTube.
Pros
- Comfortable grip for a steady hand
- Quick-drying
- Water-resistant
- Does not smudge
- ASTM-tested safe ink
Cons
- May skip at times
- May not paint over pencils
"Impressed by the ball-point-like feel, I use these pens to address envelopes and add final touch-ups to my sketches. They work exceptionally well on papers of all colors, and the thick build does not leave marks on my hands even when I use them continuously."
Quick fact
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 8,684 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
3. Best Smudge-Proof: Arteza White Gel Pens
The Arteza white gel pens have three different nib sizes: 0.6, 0.8, and 1mm. In the set of three, each pen is labeled with the nib diameter so that you can easily select the pen you want to use. A safe and reliable choice, these gel-based markers are smudge-proof, highly pigmented, and acid-free, meaning the white ink will not turn yellow or fade over time. Go ahead and check out this reviewer’s video of testing the usefulness and quality of the product.
Pros
- Opaque white ink
- Works on all colored surfaces
- Ergonomic design
- Consistent ink flow
- Shiny finish
Cons
- May not be water-resistant
- May run out of ink quickly
"I got these pens due to their acid-free ink, and I am glad they do not have a chemical smell. Surprisingly, they aren't waterproof, but I still like using them as their ink does not blend into the nearby colors or smudge even when I accidentally run my hand over it."
4. Best Water-Resistant:Â Akarued White Pen
Akarued acrylic white pens are suitable for drawing semi and medium-line details. They are also perfect for filling large areas because they dry quickly and are resistant to water. The ink can create highly durable, opaque, and glossy finishes on almost all light and dark surfaces, such as stone, leather, plastic, and clay. These acrylic paint markers are leakproof and non-toxic, so children can also use them.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Highly pigmented
- Works on glass
- Leak-proof
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
- May bleed
"I have been using these paint pens for a while, and they have impressed me with their consistent flow. They even coat metal surfaces with just a couple of go-overs, and the ink has lasted longer than any other brand I have tried before."
5. Best For All Surfaces: Artistro White Paint Pen
The 0.7mm extra-fine nib Artistro pen produces an opaque and rich color on its first application on any surface. It has a transparent ink barrel to help you understand the amount of ink remaining on the pen, making it one of the most practically designed artist-grade markers. The pen is suitable on various surfaces such as wood, clay, stone, and terracotta, and the ink dries quickly.
Pros
- Acrylic ink with a glossy finish
- Italian ink and Japanese nib
- Non-toxic
- Tested and compliant with ASTM D-4236 safety standards
Cons
- May be difficult to get the right amount of ink out of the pen
- May run out of ink quickly
"Everything about these pens, from the varied tips to the smooth-flowing ink, has made them ideal for adding backgrounds to my images and correcting errors. Besides, its ink dries quickly on paper, so I don't have to worry about smudging or streaking issues."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,763 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
6. Best For Scrapbooking: Ohuhu Gold Silver White Gel Ink Pen
Ohuhu gel pens are available in 20 vibrant colors and suitable for highlighting, scrapbooking, or doing other art projects. The ink flows smoothly on paper and photo albums and is safe, odorless, and non-toxic. They are smudge-proof and dry quickly while retaining their color for a long time, making them the ideal pens for dark surfaces.
Pros
- Fade-proof
- Intensely pigmented
- Water-resistant
- SDS-certified for safety
Cons
- Colors may skip
- Nibs may become scratchy over time
"Quick-drying, smooth, and intensely pigmented�these pens boast everything I sought. They have also proven versatile, writing well on all kinds of papers, including thick and glossy ones. However, I�d recommend storing them upright to keep them from drying."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 1,710 reviews on Amazon.
7. Best For Crafting: Uni-Ball Signo Broad Point White Ink Pen
Uni white pigment pens come in a set of five and are ideal for making birthday and Christmas cards or art journaling. These signo broad gel pens allow you to draw precise and accurate lines. For writing comfort, each pen includes a form-fitting rubberized grip. The pens are ideal for delicate writing. Each white ink paint marker has a sturdy cap to ensure ink safety.
Pros
- Smooth-flowing
- Pigmented
- Scratch-free tip
- Does not skip or bleed
Cons
- May run out of ink quickly
- May not be quick-drying
"Being a big fan of Uniball pens, I quickly got this set for my daughter, and I am happy she likes them, too. While they are not the quickest trying, they flow well, and their vividly opaque ink has been excellent for making illustrations and scrapbooking."
Quick tip8. Best Fast-Drying: Vickay White Ink Pen
Vickay White Ink Pen kit contains six white fine-dot paint markers. The ink volume is large, and the service life is two times longer than conventional white ink pens. This oil-based paint pen from Japan includes a robust pen barrel and a long-lasting acrylic nib. These top-rated markers have undergone multiple tests to ensure proven quality and performance. Above all, they are acid-free, fast-drying, non-toxic, water-resistant, and fade-resistant ink and are ideal for almost all surfaces.
Pros
- Anti-roll design
- Equipped with two extra replaceable nibs
- Free-flowing paint
- Writes on glass
- Compliant with ASTM D-4236 and AS/NZS ISO 8124-3
Cons
- May take some time to get the ink on the nib
- May not be bright enough
"One of the markers had a slight leak issue, but the rest have been leak-free and durable. Their unique build also keeps them from rolling off my table, and the free-flowing ink mechanism has made it easy to try my hand at intricate designs."
9. Best For Illustrations: Modolata White Pens
Modolata pack of six white pens is versatile and ideal for drawing, sketching, and coloring. The size of the fine needle tip is 0.8mm, which makes it suitable for all exquisite illustrations, such as mandala art. These smooth writing pens have a ballpoint tip and gel ink to ensure a consistent flow without breaking.
Pros
- Writes well on craft paper
- Water-based ink
- Acid-free
- Non-toxic and safe for all ages
Cons
- May not be smudge-proof
- Ink may dry out over time
"These pens have been perfect for making mandala designs and chalkboard-style tags. Their ink is not the fastest to flow, but it is still my preferred option for detailed work due to the pointed tip. Plus, the thoughtful design of the cap has kept them from drying out."
10. Best Odorless: Tfive White Pen
The Tfive white marker uses chemically stable, lightfast, and quick-drying ink. The oil-based ink is odorless, non-toxic, acid-free, and environmentally friendly, and a trusted choice for beginners to professionals. The pen works well on ceramic, plastic fabric, wood, rock, and glass. The diameter of the pen tip is 5mm, which helps you achieve fine precision even on a small surface. This white paint pen collection includes 12 units in a single pack.
Pros
- Water-resistant ink
- Smooth flow
- High coverage
- Comes in a heat shrink film for leak prevention
Cons
- May not be suitable for fine detailing
- Paint may fade over time
"They initially required a bit of prep but have delivered vibrant and lasting results even when I used them to write on my tires. They have proven waterproof, too, and the non-toxic build and lack of fumes have been kind to my senses."
11. Best For Writing On Wood: BriskLearner White Gel Pens For Artists
BriskLearner white gel pens come in packs of five and ten pens, with two free white pencils. The high-quality, non-toxic, water-based ink has a glossy finish and won’t clog, block, or dry out. The pen works smoothly on all surfaces, including thick papers, envelopes, wood, and rocks with smooth surfaces. This package contains five different tip sizes of 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, and 1.2mm for different shading and drawing methods and complete opacity control.
Pros
- Remains bright once dried
- Does not smear or smudge
- Water-based ink
- Consistent ink flow
- Instruction guide included
Cons
- May not be suitable for drawing over paint
- Cap may be difficult to remove
"The highlight of these pens is their different nib sizes, which have been a boon for my craft projects. While decently pigmented, the ink takes some effort to show up on lighter backgrounds. Still, their smooth flow and ergonomic build have made them a staple in my collection."
What To Look For When Buying White Pens?
When choosing a white pen, consider the following factors.
1. Pen tip: There are two types of nibs — felt and metal. Felt tips are ideal for bold strokes, while metal tips are suitable for thin lines.
2. Tip width: Choose between a fine tip and a broad tip. A fine tip helps in detailing, while a broad tip can be used for poster making and signboards.
3. Ink opacity: Opaque ink is more visible, while transparent ink may not be visible.
4. Smudge-proof: The ink should be smudge-proof and not leave behind stains.
5. Pen quality: The pen should be made of metal or high-quality plastic materials, and the grip should be comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there any pen with white ink?
Yes, many pens come with different types and shades of white ink. You can choose a white marker, gel, ball, or felt tip pen to write on different kinds of papers and surfaces.
2. What do artists use for white highlights?
Usually, artists use pens with different shades of pigmented white ink to create highlights. They can also use a mix of different colors to get the desired white shade to create appropriate highlights.
3. How do I use a white highlight pen?
You can give a three-dimensional effect to your art with a white highlighter pen and make it look even more realistic. A white pen for highlighting can help you make the critical parts of your work stand out by giving it depth.
4. Are white markers real?
Yes, white markers are a real piece of stationery. These markers are handy for writing on photo albums, dark surfaces, or blending different colors.
5. What can I use instead of a white gel pen?
You can use a white ball pen, marker, or white paint if you do not have a white gel pen.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, our trusted and experienced writer, reviews household and office products extensively. He has compiled this list of the best white pens, keeping in mind the needs of people from various walks of life, including artists, designers, caricaturists, researchers, and cartoonists. He has done extensive research and analyzed several products with reliable user reviews and ratings to bring you this list. Moreover, he has included a buying guide to help you pick the right white pen that meets your requirements.
White pens are more versatile than you may think. Whether in the medical field, the artistic field, or for studying purposes, white pens or gel pens help highlight important texts and bring life to an artwork. So, use our comprehensive list of the best white pens available online to find the one that best fits your requirements. Pick the right pen based on the nib diameter, opacity, level of smudging, drying time, and ink flow for an effortless writing or drawing experience.
Infographic: How To Use White Pens Properly?
White pens are perfect artistic tools to accentuate, brighten up, and add depth to your existing artwork. They bestow a 3D effect when lettering, add accents and highlights to colors, and serve as delicate outliners. Check out the infographic below to learn how to use white pens more efficiently to add a white flair to your drawings.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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