Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers Review: For DIY Ornaments?
Eight opaque, oil-based paint pens that write on glass, metal and plastic. The supply for families who would rather personalize their own ornaments.
Yes, for a family that wants to letter names on plain ornaments together. The oil-based ink stays on glass and resists water and fading [1]. Skip it if you want a finished gift in the mail, because this is a craft supply, not an ornament.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 28, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Count | 8 markers [1] |
| Colors | Black, red, white, orange, purple, yellow, lime green, aqua blue [1] |
| Ink | Oil-based, quick drying [1] |
| Point | Medium [1] |
| Surfaces | Light, dark and reflective [1] |
| Resists | Fading, smearing and water [1] |
Pros and cons
- Needs a priming routine before first use [1]
- Strong smell, use in a ventilated room
- Shaky handwriting shows
Personalize your own ornaments
Not every personalized ornament has to be ordered. A pack of plain glass balls and these pens make an evening of name ornaments for the whole family.
This guide only lists custom ornaments with long review histories, and these markers are the do-it-yourself route for everything else.
It also lets kids personalize ornaments for grandparents, teachers and friends, which is a gift in itself.
Opaque oil ink on glass
Regular markers bead and smear on a glass ball. Oil-based paint ink sits on top of glass and dries opaque, on light, dark and reflective surfaces [1].
The listing says the ink resists fading, smearing and water [1]. White and black are in the pack, so names show on any color of ornament.
Medium tips suit names and dates on a standard ball. For tiny writing on small ornaments, a fine tip is easier to control.
Priming, fumes and handwriting
The pens need priming. The listing says to hold the tip up, push it against a finger, recap, shake and press on a surface several times [1]. Do it on paper first, not on the ornament.
Oil paint pens have a strong smell, so open a window. And a medium tip shows every wobble, so practice the names on scrap paper before writing on glass.
Let each color dry before adding a second one on top, or the colors bleed into a muddy patch.
An ornament night kit
Wrapped with a box of plain ornaments, it becomes a holiday activity, not just a gift.
From this guide, it pairs with the Let's Make Memories Personalized Heartstrings Ornament for friends who also want a finished keepsake, or the Holiday Treasures Snowman Family Ornament for a family that wants both.
Add a few plain glass or plastic balls and a roll of ribbon, and the whole kit costs less than most ready-made personalized ornaments.
Kids old enough to hold a pen steadily can letter their own names, with a parent writing the year underneath.
FAQ
Do Sharpie oil-based paint markers work on glass ornaments?
Yes. The listing says the ink stands out on light, dark and reflective surfaces and resists fading, smearing and water [1]. Let each color dry fully before handling the ornament, and avoid touching the lettering while you work around the ball [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers, Medium Point, 8 Colors
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 28, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.