Best permanent markers for crafts
Professional recommendations from a Cheshire-based illustrator
🎨 Introduction
Permanent markers are essential tools for labelling, crafts, and projects requiring long-lasting results. The best permanent markers deliver bold marks on virtually any surface.
This guide covers the top-rated permanent markers available today. Each product has been selected based on detailed research — examining ink permanence, surface compatibility, and tip durability.
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⏳ In a Rush? Our Top Picks
Based on detailed research and customer feedback, here are our award winners:
🏆 Recommended Products
1. Sharpie Permanent Markers | Fine Point | Assorted
The Sharpie Permanent Markers | Fine Point | Assorted takes our top spot in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
- Good tip durability
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The Sharpie Permanent Markers | Fine Point | Assorted delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £12.11, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
2. Shuttle Art 24 Colours Permanent Markers
The Shuttle Art 24 Colours Permanent Markers is another excellent option in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
- Good tip durability
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The Shuttle Art 24 Colours Permanent Markers delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £9.34, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
3. 6 x Sharpie Permanent Marker Fine Point Black
The 6 x Sharpie Permanent Marker Fine Point Black offers solid performance in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
- Good tip durability
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The 6 x Sharpie Permanent Marker Fine Point Black delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £6.65, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
4. Pentel N860 Permanent Marker Chisel Tip Pack of 5
The Pentel N860 Permanent Marker Chisel Tip Pack of 5 offers solid performance in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
- Good tip durability
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The Pentel N860 Permanent Marker Chisel Tip Pack of 5 delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £6.58, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
5. Seal and Store 6 Black Permanent Markers Bullet Ti
The Seal and Store 6 Black Permanent Markers Bullet Ti offers solid performance in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
- Good tip durability
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The Seal and Store 6 Black Permanent Markers Bullet Ti delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £5.95, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
6. Amazon Basics Permanent Markers
The Amazon Basics Permanent Markers offers solid performance in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
- Good tip durability
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The Amazon Basics Permanent Markers delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £4.19, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
7. Helix Dual Tip Fabric and Laundry Permanent Marker
The Helix Dual Tip Fabric and Laundry Permanent Marker offers solid performance in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Versatile dual-tip design
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The Helix Dual Tip Fabric and Laundry Permanent Marker delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £3.95, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
8. Bic Marking 2300 Permanent Marker Pens Pack of 3 P
The Bic Marking 2300 Permanent Marker Pens Pack of 3 P offers solid performance in this category.
✅ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable ink flow
- Comfortable grip design
- Good tip durability
❌ Cons
- May not match premium brand quality
- Learning curve for optimal results
- Storage case sold separately
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The Bic Marking 2300 Permanent Marker Pens Pack of 3 P delivers reliable performance. Based on customer feedback, the ink flow is consistent and colours are vibrant.
🎨 Design
The design is functional and comfortable for extended use. Build quality is appropriate for the price range.
🔌 Compatibility
Works well on most paper types suitable for this marker category. Use appropriate paper stock for best results.
💰 Value
At £3.81, this product offers excellent value for its category.
🎯 Verdict
An excellent budget-friendly option.
📖 Buying Guide
When choosing best permanent markers for crafts, consider these key factors:
- Ink Quality: Look for smooth, consistent ink flow. Premium markers offer better colour saturation.
- Tip Options: Consider what tip styles suit your work. Dual-tip markers offer the most versatility.
- Colour Range: Larger sets typically offer better value per marker. Consider which colours you'll use most.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often offer better quality control and customer support.
- Paper Compatibility: Different markers work best on different papers. Consider your preferred paper when choosing.
About the Reviewer
Every Big Red Illustration review is written by illustrator and agent Jamie Conner, drawing on over 30 years of combined professional experience in traditional art, digital tools, and the wider creative industry.
Here's what he has to say…
I'm Jamie Conner, a UK-based illustrator and illustrator agent with a background in character-focused and expressive artwork. My training began at Newcastle-under-Lyme College and continued at Nottingham Trent University.
Whether I'm illustrating, advising artists, or reviewing products, my work is driven by a genuine commitment to the craft of illustration and to the wider creative community.