8 Best Pens to Write on Glass 2026

Unleash bold, permanent artistry on glass with the Overseas Paint Marker Pens—these oil-based powerhouses deliver vibrant, opaque coverage that refuses to fade or wash away. Equipped with a medium round nib and filled with premium Japanese ink, they offer precise control and rapid drying, making them ideal for crafters who demand reliability on non-porous surfaces like glass and ceramic. Whether you’re labeling jars or designing custom wine glasses, these markers solve the all-too-common smudge-and-rub-off frustration with tenacious adhesion and crisp lines.

In real-world use, these pens excel on smooth, hard surfaces, laying down rich color without bleeding or feathering. The 5 ml ink reservoir ensures extended use, while the oil-based formula stands up to water, sunlight, and handling—making your glass projects truly long-lasting. However, on curved or textured glass (like mason jars), slight skipping can occur if the nib isn’t perfectly flush. While they perform well on glass, porous materials like fabric or untreated wood yield even stronger results, so adjust expectations accordingly.

Compared to washable alternatives like the VILMA Liquid Chalk Markers, the Overseas pens are in a different permanence league—perfect for decorative or functional labeling that must endure. They’re best suited for crafters and DIYers who need lasting marks rather than temporary decor. While the Dyvicl Metallic Markers offer similar shine, the Overseas set delivers better opacity and durability on glass, especially in white and black, making it a smarter pick for high-contrast, permanent projects.

Shine bright on dark glass with Dyvicl Metallic Markers—these water-based wonders bring a luxurious shimmer to glass surfaces, especially where contrast matters most. With a 1.5 mm bullet tip, they deliver clean, consistent lines ideal for elegant labeling on wine glasses, holiday ornaments, or painted rocks. The smooth fiber tip glides effortlessly, solving the scratchy, inconsistent flow that plagues cheaper metallic pens, and the quick-drying formula minimizes smudging on vertical surfaces.

During testing, the silver pen stood out brilliantly on black glass, while the gold performed better on lighter backgrounds—though it sometimes reads as sunshine yellow rather than true metallic gold, a notable limitation for purists. On smooth glass, the ink adheres well but isn’t fully permanent; light handling can smudge it before full cure. While it works on glass, it truly shines on porous materials like paper or cardboard, where the metallic pigment bonds more effectively. For temporary holiday decor or kid-friendly crafts, it’s a winner—but not for long-term outdoor use.

Against the GAINWELL wine glass markers, Dyvicl lacks food-safe certification and washability, making it less ideal for partyware. However, compared to the TFIVE fine-tip pens, it offers superior metallic luster and visual impact on dark glass. It’s perfect for crafters wanting festive flair without permanence—think holiday gifts or seasonal centerpieces—where beauty trumps durability. For the budget-conscious artist, it’s a stylish, low-risk entry into metallic detailing, though pros may crave deeper pigment.

Elevate your event with confidence—the GAINWELL Wine Glass Markers are the gold standard for party-ready labeling, combining food-safe, dishwasher-safe ink with vibrant, easy-to-remove color. These pens solve the universal party problem: drink confusion, offering a hygienic, reusable alternative to wine charms that’s both fun and functional. With 8 bold colors including metallic gold, they deliver crisp, fast-drying marks that resist smearing during use but vanish effortlessly with soap and water—ideal for weddings, brunches, or family gatherings.

In real-world testing, the markers perform flawlessly on smooth glass and ceramic, writing smoothly without skipping or bleeding. The ink dries in under 30 seconds, resists light handling, and doesn’t leave residue after washing—making them perfect for rental glassware or home use. They also work well on wine bottles and plates, expanding their utility beyond just drink labeling. However, on textured or frosted glass, the ink may not adhere evenly, and repeated use without cleaning can cause buildup on the nib.

Compared to the Handy Housewares markers, GAINWELL offers more colors and food-safe assurance, making it a clear upgrade for edible environments. While the VILMA set has more colors, it lacks dishwasher safety and food-grade certification. These are best for hosts, event planners, and eco-conscious users who want reusable, safe, and vibrant labeling. Against budget chalk markers, GAINWELL provides superior washability and safety, making it the most trustworthy option for gatherings involving food or kids.

A creative powerhouse for glass artists, the Nauets 30-color set unleashes unmatched versatility with its dual-tip design—dot and fine—delivering two tools in one pen. The 1–5 mm round tip covers broad areas effortlessly, while the 1 mm fine tip excels at intricate detailing, making it ideal for everything from glass mosaic fills to delicate lettering. Filled with upgraded water-based acrylic ink, these pens offer smooth, no-shake application and vibrant, fade-resistant results that bond strongly to glass with zero bleeding.

In practice, the pens lay down opaque, even color on glass, ceramic, and mirrors, with excellent edge control and minimal tip wear. The 30-color palette includes bold primaries, pastels, and metallics, allowing for complex glass art or seasonal decor. After curing, the ink is waterproof and sun-resistant, perfect for outdoor or washable items like mugs. However, on highly curved glass (like wine bottles), maintaining consistent pressure is key to avoid streaking. While they dry quickly, full cure takes 24 hours, so handle painted glass with care post-application.

Compared to the TFIVE fine-tip pens, Nauets offers far greater creative range and dual functionality, though with a slightly thicker line width. Against the Overseas set, it provides more colors and dual tips, but slightly less ink opacity in metallic shades. It’s perfect for artists, educators, and crafters who want one set for all projects—from rock painting to glass signage. For the price, it outperforms in color variety and tip utility, making it the best value for serious DIYers over single-purpose markers.

Sleek, sustainable labeling defines the Handy Housewares markers—elegant gold and silver pens designed for repeated event use without the waste of disposable labels. With a fine-point tip, they deliver sharp, legible writing on wine glasses, mirrors, and ceramic mugs, solving the partygoer’s dilemma of lost drinks with a refined, smudge-free touch. The quick-dry formula sets fast, resisting smears during handling, while the erasable ink washes off easily with soap and water—making them a green alternative to single-use markers.

In real use, the ink adheres cleanly to smooth glass, dries in under a minute, and removes without scrubbing—ideal for rental glassware or wedding rentals. The precision tip allows for cursive or block letters with equal ease, and the metallic sheen adds a touch of class to any table setting. However, on textured or etched glass, the ink may not wipe off completely, and frequent reuse can dull the nib over time. While durable, they’re not dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is required to preserve tip integrity.

Versus the GAINWELL set, Handy Housewares offers only two colors but at a lower price point and reusable focus. It lacks food-safe certification, so it’s better for decorative labeling than direct food contact. For event planners and frequent entertainers, it’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly choice over disposable options. Compared to chalk markers, it provides better metallic shine and cleaner erasure, making it ideal for upscale gatherings where presentation matters.

Precision meets permanence with the TFIVE Paint Markers—featuring an ultra-fine 0.7 mm chisel tip, they deliver razor-sharp lines and crisp details on glass, making them a top pick for technical labeling and fine art. The acrylic pigment ink is waterproof, chemically stable, and quick-drying, ensuring your marks stay put without bleeding or fading—perfect for numbering lab glassware, crafting stencils, or detailing glass signs. The wear-resistant nib withstands pressure, solving the fraying issue common in budget fine-tip pens.

In testing, these pens excel on flat, smooth glass, producing consistent, narrow lines ideal for writing small text or intricate patterns. The black ink is jet-black and opaque, while the white offers strong coverage even on dark-tinted glass. They bond permanently without curing additives, and the water-based formula is safe for classrooms and homes. However, on curved surfaces like bottles, maintaining a steady hand is crucial to avoid wobbling. The two-color limit restricts creative flexibility, but for precision tasks, it’s a non-issue.

Compared to the Nauets dual-tip set, TFIVE offers superior fine-line control, though less versatility. Against the Overseas markers, it provides thinner lines and better detail, but fewer colors. It’s ideal for engineers, teachers, or artists who need accuracy over variety. For users prioritizing fine detail on glass, it outperforms broader-tip competitors, making it the best choice for technical or minimalist glass marking.

Command attention on the move with the Glass Pen Window Marker—a high-visibility, washable liquid chalk pen built for bold, temporary messaging on car windows, storefronts, and mirrors. With a reversible 5 mm narrow or 15 mm jumbo tip, it switches from fine writing to broad signage in seconds, solving the need for multiple tools in mobile advertising or event decor. The white ink delivers strong contrast on dark glass, dries quickly, and resists light rain, making it perfect for parades, sales promotions, or wedding cars.

In real-world use, the pen writes smoothly on vertical glass without dripping, and the pigment-rich formula stays put during short-term outdoor exposure. The jumbo tip covers large areas fast, ideal for “Just Married” or “Sale Today” signs, while the fine tip handles names or dates. However, heavy rain or windshield wipers can smear the ink, so it’s best for static displays. While washable, residue may remain if not wiped promptly, especially in sun-baked conditions.

Compared to the VILMA 12-pack, this pen offers larger tip options and bolder coverage, but only in white. It lacks the color variety of multi-packs but excels in impact and size flexibility. For car decorators, small businesses, or event planners, it’s a no-nonsense tool for high-visibility messaging. Against permanent markers, it provides easy removal and safety, making it the best choice for temporary, eye-catching glass graphics where cleanup matters.

A rainbow of temporary brilliance, the VILMA Liquid Chalk Markers bring vibrant, washable color to glass surfaces with effortless wet-erase convenience. With 12 bright hues and a 2 mm precision tip, they offer crisp, smooth writing on car windows, mirrors, and chalkboards—perfect for kids’ crafts, café menus, or holiday greetings. The German-engineered ink flows evenly without shaking, solving the clog-and-sputter issue of many chalk markers, and wipes clean with a damp cloth—no streaks, no mess.

In testing, the markers perform exceptionally on smooth, non-porous glass, delivering opaque color that resists smudging once dry. The narrow tip allows for legible small text, ideal for labeling or signage, and the eco-friendly formula is safe around children and pets. However, on textured or frosted glass, the ink may not erase completely, and prolonged sun exposure can cause slight fading. While durable, they’re not rainproof, so outdoor use should be brief and sheltered.

Versus the Glass Pen Window Marker, VILMA offers more colors and finer control, but less bold coverage than jumbo-tip rivals. It lacks the permanent bond of acrylic pens but excels in reusability and safety. For teachers, parents, or small business owners, it’s a versatile, family-friendly choice for rotating displays. Compared to permanent options, it trades longevity for flexibility, making it the best washable multi-color set for dynamic glass use.