Paint pens. Has anyone used them? Are they god for customs?

[Princess-Sparkles]

Pretty much what the title says. I saw some paint pens at my craft store I thought of buying one, but I want to know if it's worth buying or not. I figured I'd be much better with the details with a pen rather then a brush.

Any opinions appreciated.

[Sarahlacewing]

Hmm not sure. I have used Pitt pens and India ink pens and they are great but the smear easily and have a slow drying time. What brand/kind were they?

[ViciousJupiter]

I have used decocolor paint pens before, they work okay but tend to be a little sticky until they are sealed.  I don't recommend them for large areas or repaints.  Also they are a little harder to remove with acetone and some of the brighter colors can stain the vinyl on ponies.  But if you think you may feel more comfortable, it's always worth giving it a shot!

[Roogna]

I've used them on older customs for eyes and symbols.
BEWARE: They SMEAR easily until sealed!!!! I recommend using a spray sealer first (so not to smear) then modge podge

*edit - oops I was thinking of GEL: pens
paint pens are too big of a tip!

[MoonHawke]

Paint pens are not worth the trouble, in my opinion. While painting some models for a friend he got me a couple paint pens to help speed up the process.

The tips are too big to get any fine detail work, and you have no control over the amount of paint coming out of the tip really. In my experience, either you get no paint whatsoever or a large steady flow that usually makes a mess.

I don't doubt that there are people out there that have been using them for years with great results, though. If you do decide to go for them, I'd say practice a lot before using them on a pony.

[NoDivision]

Paint pens are not worth the trouble, in my opinion. While painting some models for a friend he got me a couple paint pens to help speed up the process.

The tips are too big to get any fine detail work, and you have no control over the amount of paint coming out of the tip really. In my experience, either you get no paint whatsoever or a large steady flow that usually makes a mess.

I don't doubt that there are people out there that have been using them for years with great results, though. If you do decide to go for them, I'd say practice a lot before using them on a pony.

This has been my experience with them as well. Not a good option for me.

[Zaphy]

I've got an Elmer's black paint pen and I like using it for eyes and any small areas of black that don't need fine detail (besides pupils on eyes, I've used it on Luna's cutie mark and, well, that's it xD). It's very easy for me to get a smooth finish on it, I don't know if it's the particular brand or what but it's never been sticky for me. But yes, it's not the most versatile of tools- I don't think I'll be replacing it when it runs out, I can get the same result from a regular dotting tool.

[MnDancer]

I only tried a paint pen one time and it was so difficult to get a smooth even coat, I gave up on it immediately.

[Princess-Sparkles]

Thanks guys! I think my fiance has one I gonna try it on a beaten up fakie. They sound like they're more problems then anything though. I guess I just need to practice painting.

[Diamond]

Actually one of my fellow mods have done several lovely customs with them.  She did mention they can smear so you need to seal and be careful working with them.  I did pick up an extra fine point black for Thoth to try and work with for her Egyptian customs.  She has not used it yet though.

[Twizel]

I like Pitt Artist pens, myself. They are great for detail work, and you get super thin or just thin tips. They're a little on the expensive side, though. You do have to be careful with them, because they will smudge sometimes if you don't let them dry fully (I usually give 24 hours). I seal mine once they're dry with a polyurethane coating to protect the symbol.

I find other types of paint pen don't hold up as well - they don't dry, or they don't color as well. Stay away from Sharpies!

[ZarineBashire]

Artist quality pens that are acrylic based are pretty good, but I do believe paint pens are actually oil based. They are not good to use on ponies at all. Nail art pens as work okay though.