The Best Luminous Markers for Otherworldly Effects

The ARTnews Recommends Editors
·5 min read

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In the early 1900s, Dr. Sabin Arnold von Sochocky formulated a radium-based paint that glowed in the dark. For many years the radio-luminescent paint was used on things like watch faces so they could be read in the dark. Unfortunately, it was highly hazardous, and von Sochocky’s premature death was likely caused by exposure to the material over his lifetime. Now, glow-in-the-dark ink in items like markers and paint pens contains phosphors like zinc sulfide and strontium aluminate, which slowly radiate the light that they have absorbed (hence the need to “charge” such materials with light). Today’s glowy art tools are safe and nontoxic, freely used by kids and adults alike. Find five of our favorite glow-in-the-dark markers and pens below, for when the light bulb of inspiration switches on.

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ARTNEWS RECOMMENDS
Marvy Uchida Glow in the Dark Fabric Markers
The 3-millimeter bullet-point tips on these markers make it a breeze to write and draw with precision. These markers don’t skip as you draw on fabric or paper. To make the acid-free, water-based ink permanent, it must be set with heat—so it is possible to wash it out if it accidentally gets on clothes. While most glow-in-the-dark markers are available only in clear or highlighter yellow, these come in blue, green, orange, and yellow. They are sold individually.

Buy:
Marvy Uchida Glow in the Dark Fabric Markers

$4.09

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WE ALSO LIKE
The Original Glowstars Glow-in-the-Dark Markers
One common issue with glow-in-the-dark pens and markers is uneven application through the tip. These tubes, which resemble glue sticks, avoid the issue entirely: Simply squeeze them to distribute paint evenly. The paint doesn’t dry out, and when the lights are turned out, the green glow is vividly bright. One package comes with two 10-milliliter pens that last a long time.
Buy: The Original Glowstars Glow-in-the-Dark Markers $7.99

ANOTHER OPTION
Craft Smart Glow-in-the-Dark Water-Based Paint Pen
The medium tip on Craft Smart’s paint pen creates a consistent line that glows brightly time after time. The pens are available in three lightfast, acid-free colors—green, blue, and yellow—and can be used on everything from fabric to wood to paper. Children and those sensitive to odor will be glad to know that the markers don’t have a strong paint smell.

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Craft Smart Glow-in-the-Dark Water-Based Paint Pen

$4.99

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TOP OF THE LINE
Sakura Glow-in-the-Dark Solid Marker
Sakura Solid Markers contain a unique solidified paint that doesn’t dry out like traditional paint markers do. Similar to oil sticks, these apply like a smooth crayon, so they can be used at any angle and can mark most surfaces, including metals, concrete, rubber, glass, wood, plastic, cloth, and canvas. In daylight the pigment appears light, but in the dark you can see a strong glow.
Buy: Sakura Glow-in-the-Dark Solid Markers $15.68

ALSO CONSIDER
Chroma Mural Paint Marker, Aura
Chroma makes hefty paint markers intended for muralists. Sold in 4-ounce bottles with mohair dabber tips, they apply smoothly, and dry quickly. Chroma’s luminescent green Aura marker glows in the dark and is available individually; order the company’s Neon Glow set of 6 markers and you’ll get one Aura marker plus five more markers in neon (though not glow-in-the-dark) colors. Like many paint pens, this product has a somewhat short shelf life and is best for a single or short-term project.

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Chroma Mural Paint Marker, Aura

$6.64

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Brought to you by the oldest and most widely circulated art magazine in the world, ARTnews Recommends helps you make the choice that suits you best from products in hundreds of art and craft supply categories. Our offerings are based on intensive research, interviews with artists and craftspeople, and the accumulated experience of the site’s editors and writers. We provide trustworthy and helpful advice about materials to artists ranging from beginner to professional.

1. DirectGlow Tulip Electric Neon Markers

Tulip’s markers offer color, brightness, and convenience. You get five medium-tip markers to draw or write with; marks are visible in the daytime but brilliant in the dark when exposed to UV light. Although designed for fabric applications, the markers can also be used on paper and even acrylic paints. The markers have good flow and vibrancy, and the set even comes with a mini UV keychain light to illuminate your work.

Buy: DirectGlow Tulip Electric Neon Markers

2. Sakura Solid Marker, Glow-in-the-Dark

For a marker that can cover large surface areas, we like the one from Sakura, which is a chunky, solidly built implement. The paint is in a solidified rather than liquid form, with a waxy, lipstick-like consistency; simply twist the marker to expose more material. It goes on smoothly on virtually any surface, dry or wet, and the results are water-resistant. And the glow is phenomenal, brightly luminous after just a short charge of light. While the marker is quite thick, you can easily trim it to make finer markings.

Buy: Sakura Solid Marker, Glow-in-the-Dark

3. Crafty Croc Liquid Chalk Markers

Craft Croc’s markers are a dazzling alternative to classic chalk. Each marker contains acrylic-based pigment that can be used on common surfaces, from chalkboards to poster board, and glows bright under a black light. In this variety pack you get 10 markers in five neon colors—blue, green, yellow, pink, and orange—that are luminous not only under UV light but in the daytime as well. Presenting excellent flow and easy erasure, they are a winning choice for classrooms or kids’ craft stations.

Buy: Crafty Croc Liquid Chalk Markers

4. Uchida Glow in the Dark Phosphorescent Marker

This marker is a top option if you want a straightforward, glow-in-the-dark marker that shows up in the dark without a black light. It features a fine tip and works best on fabrics, particularly dark ones. The ink stays permanent even after many cycles in the washing machine, but to achieve the best results, you should heat-set your embellished fabric with an iron, so be sure to factor this time into your projects. You also need to apply a lot of ink to get a strong glow, making this marker ideal for light work or small-scale projects.

Buy: Uchida Glow in the Dark Phosphorescent Marker

5. Krink K-55 Acrylic Paint Marker

Krink’s markers are favored by street artists, who like their feel, inkiness, and visibility. These are an excellent choice to make unmissable works—like, say, an outdoor mural. The paint has a satisfyingly smooth and consistent flow—to the point that it can be a little drippy—as well as wonderful vibrancy and opacity. Colors are easy to spot in the daytime but radiate under a black light.

Buy: Krink K-55 Acrylic Paint Marker