Mont Marte paint pens are a bit of a game changer – they’re like the lovechild of a marker and a paintbrush, and they’re seriously fun to use. Whether you’re customising your kicks, sketching on skate decks, or doodling your way through a chill Sunday, paint pens make it easy to add colour, detail and style to just about any project. Got questions? We’ve got answers.

1. What can you use paint markers on – and how do I stop them from rubbing off?

Short answer? Almost anything. Fabric, clay, wood, stone, planters, paper, even plastic – paint pens don’t discriminate. But if you want your art to actually stick around, it’s all about prep and sealing.

Here’s the lowdown:

-     Fabric: Wash first, let it dry, then paint away! If you plan to wash the fabric, it’s a good idea to pick up a spray varnish and seal your design. Otherwise use our Fabric Markers and heat-set before wearing.

-     Clay & plaster: Let it dry fully, then seal your design with a clear varnish.

-     Wood & stone: Give it a light sand, clean off the dust, then seal once you’re done painting.

-     Plastic or glossy stuff: Wipe it down with rubbing alcohol, maybe prime it first with gesso, then seal after painting so it doesn’t flake off.

Moral of the story? Prep your surface like a pro and seal the deal at the end.

2. When should I use paint pens instead of, y’know, actual paint?

Honestly, it depends what you’re working on. Grab a paint pen if you want crisp lines, tight details, or you're doing lettering and don’t want a brush going rogue.

Stick with paint + brush for big fills, textured looks, or when you’re after that blended, painterly vibe.

Pro move: do both. Lay down your base coat with a brush, then come in with paint pens to finesse the edges, outline stuff, draw graphics, or add pops of colour.

3. Why is paint pen art all over my feed lately?

Because they’re super satisfying to use, with loads of ways to use them! Personalised water bottles? Tick. Hand-painted planters? Yes. Custom kicks? You bet. Paint pens are having a moment because they make DIY simple – plus, they’re mess-free and compact enough for tiny desks and late-night creative sessions. It’s the kind of tool that makes you feel instantly productive, even if you’re just doodling stars on a notebook.

4. Why is my paint pen streaky or patchy? How to fix a dried pen?

We’ve all been there – you're mid-doodle and your pen starts acting up. Here's how to keep things smooth:

-     Shake it like you mean it – give it a proper rattle to mix the paint.

-     Prime the nib – press it gently on scrap paper till the paint flows.

-     Don’t rush the strokes – slow and steady wins the coverage game.

-     Layer it up – if it’s looking patchy, wait for the first coat to dry and go again.

It’s kinda like painting your nails. First coat’s never perfect – the magic’s in the second. Dedicate some scrap paper to get used to the feel of your pens, drying time, and finish before committing to your artwork. If all else fails, try out our hack to fix a dried paint marker in the video up above!

5. Marker over acrylic paint – yes or no?

Yep, totally. As long as the base layer’s dry (like, properly dry), you’re good to go. Acrylics and gouache make great base layers for paint pen detail. Just steer clear of oily or glossy finishes – they’re a bit slippery and your paint pen might not love it.

If you’re working over a sealed or varnished surface, give it a light sand so your pen has something to grip onto. Then go wild with your outlines, patterns or highlight details.

6. What’s the deal with doodle bombing and line art overlays? Can I try that too?

Absolutely – and paint pens are ideal for it. Here's the scoop:

Doodle bombing is where you take an existing image – like a magazine page, a thrifted painting, or a random print – and draw your own cheeky characters or details over the top. Think googly eyes on statues or monsters lurking in ad campaigns. Use a bold pen (black or white work great) and have some fun with it.

Line art overlays are all about tracing outlines or features over photos. It’s clean, minimal, and looks super slick. Go for a fine-tipped paint pen and trace facial features, shapes, or patterns onto a print or coloured background. Wobbly lines? They add charm.

Bonus: Another popular technique is abstract patterning, which means filling spaces with repeated symbols, shapes, or scribbles. Paint pens make it easy to keep it tight and consistent. Works great layered over coloured blocks or collage backgrounds.

All you need is a dry surface, a steady-ish hand, and a bit of creative chaos.

7. What’s a quick art trend I can try right now for a paint pen project?

Need a project you can smash out in an hour? Try one of these:

-     Sticker art: Paint your own designs onto sticker paper. Easy to cut out, peel and slap onto your sketchbook or laptop. You can even create a similar effect on normal paper by layering tape top and bottom, then cutting it out.

-     Mini murals: Grab a wood panel, canvas pad or even a storage box and go full graffiti-mode. What would your signature font or graphic be?

-     Glow-up detailing: Use metallic or neon paint pens to add highlights to darker artworks and create glowing effects with gradient linework. Great for adding depth and drama.

-     Tag-style monograms: Big bold lettering in your own handwriting style. Try it on notebooks, planters, or gift tags. They’re quick, satisfying, and a great way to make your mark – literally.

Need help picking the right paint pen set? Or want to see how they work in action? We’ve got plenty of inspo and gear to get you started.

If you do create something, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’re excited to see your ideas come to life!

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