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Well they changed them again! I ran out 2 wks ago of the Sharpie Fine Point paint pen. Went to Michaels today & now they offer either "oil" or "water-base" pens. I am wondering since I am NOT a chemistry major, if I use the oil based pens on my painted light bulbs, will it run when I put on the gloss sealer? I figured that oil would be permanent but will it hold up?

Anyways-I should be back soon - have to finish my state tax report for my business. It's due in January - this year I plan to file early!

Happy New Year to all! It was a very Merry White Christmas for us in north Texas.

as always,

Debi O'

Wow great question Debi. I don't have an answer for you but I will watch this post to see what our fellow crafter say.
Diane

You can paint with oil over acrylic, but not acrylic over oil. I am thinking and not for sure that if you use a waterbased pen over acrylic and then tried to seal it the paint may run unless you use a spray sealer. Not sure if this helps you or not. Just a couple of questions: What do you paint your bulbs with? Why not paint the ornaments with the same paint that you usually use the markers for. Just wondering and not trying to be mean or anything. Just asking for experience.
DJ

OK did some research on this and found this video from Sharpie. States you may use them on glass, wood etc. See the video here.
http://www.ehow.com/video_4767...d-paint-markers.html

Also after reading a lot about it, I think I would seal my paint before I used the paint pen and let dry completely.
DJ

Even a spray sealer can cause a paint pen to bleed. From my past experience it's usually glossy/semi-gloss finishes that cause the reaction that make paint pens bleed. It's got to be something in the properties of the gloss varnishes, spray or brush-on. It's also been my experience that regardless what they say, oil based pens tend to fade over time when exposed to UV light. For that reason I tend to stay away from oil based pens for painting because I do outdoor projects as well as indoor (even though I use indoor/outdoor finishes with UV protection).

Following are some reviews on the performance of the oil based Sharpie pens. One customer says she uses the oil based, let's dry overnight, and then she is able to seal with an acrylic based clear coat or Modge Podge and will not have any bleeding or smearing.

http://www.michaels.com/Sharpi...1650,default,pd.html

http://www.misterart.com/drawi...e-paint-markers.html

http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-...olored/dp/B0004F7GF8

**I still use a paint brush for line work when I can but when I don't I prefer Sakura Permapaque Paint Pens. Have been using them for years and have never had a problem with them fading or bleeding when sealing a project. Love these pens!

http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/Marker-Paint-Markers

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rainee,

rainee, thanks for helping with your research. I am NOT a good computer person. I started using the paint pens probably 3 yrs ago? It really cut down on my time when it came to just "drawing" the detail lines. ie. around the eyes, eyebrows, nose, "wrinkles" (hehehe)... I loved them. I did buy the paint pen that you put acrylic paint in the "well" but the truth is, my painting is NOT smooth by any means so I would get a "blob" or "ooops" way too often. Gave it up right then. Due to my age & eyesight, it's harder for me to see to paint the lines freehand on all of my painted items.

I will go ahead & buy the oil-based pen to see if letting it dry overnight, seal it within a few days. (if not the next day) I will keep you all posted. It's best to find out now before I go bonkers. (hahaha)

as always, I am thankful!

Debi O'

Some really great information given. I saved it in my HGTV private message space.
Thank you.

Well I come before you with my head held down. Yep...if I had READ my paint pen to begin with, it clearly stated "oil based". Yeppers...it sure did. Sooooo it does work great with my gloss sealer! So craft on my friends! (head up now)

as always, thanks for all of your help!!!

Debi O'

Awesome!