What is a refillable paint pen?

A refillable paint pen is a pen designed to be reused by refilling its reservoir with paints or ink, which reduces waste and offers more customization options. These devices can be refilled with some types of pigment-based acrylic paint, offering the precision of a ballpoint pen with the vibrant, opaque qualities of acrylic paints. Refillable markers can be used on paper, canvas, wood, metal, plastic, glass, and ceramics.

The GSW refillable marker range includes four different tip sizes, designed to suit different techniques and levels of detail in model making, art, and crafts.

• 0.5 → With a rotring-type tip, this is the most precise option for ultra-fine lines, filigree, and tiny decorations. Perfect for outlines and details that require maximum accuracy in miniatures or illustrations.
• 0.7 → Equipped with a rigid conical tip, it is very versatile for freehand work, intermediate fills, and applying the final layers in a gradient. It allows for good control of the paint without losing definition.
• 1 → Offers a balance between coverage and detail, ideal for painting miniatures, outlining small to medium-sized areas, and achieving smooth and uniform color transitions.
• 2 → Thanks to its larger capacity and angled tip, it is the most practical option for quick tasks such as primers, base coats, washes, intensity inks, dipping inks, varnishes, or special effects. Its versatility makes it the most useful for effectively covering large surfaces.

Each size provides a unique experience, allowing users to select the marker that best suits the finish they are looking for, whether it is a detailed finish or a broader and faster application.

They can be refilled with acrylic inks and chrome paints such as those from Green Stuff World.

What types of paint or ink can be used in refillable markers?

Refillable markers are designed to accommodate different types of inks and paints, making them very versatile tools. Depending on their design, they can be loaded with fluid acrylic paints, water-based inks, alcohol-based inks, and even more specific products such as chrome inks, washes, speedpaint dipping inks. In some cases, they can also be used with metallic or oil paints, although these require prior dilution with thinner to ensure proper flow and prevent clogging of the tip.

For example, a standard acrylic paint usually needs to be diluted by 50% to achieve the right consistency, while a metallic paint may only require about 25% dilution. Airbrush inks or very fluid acrylics, on the other hand, can usually be used straight from the bottle without additional preparation.

If we paint a very large surface and the paint is not sufficiently diluted, the tip could run dry, so in general the paint should be slightly diluted to facilitate flow from the reservoir to the tip.

In addition, the ability to vary the paint load allows artists to create their own custom blends and shades, expanding creative options far beyond the commercial inks available. This makes refillable markers useful for painting miniatures and dioramas, as well as for illustration, calligraphy, comics, graffiti, and crafts.

How do I refill the refillable paint pen?

To use these gadgets correctly, follow the steps below:

1. Fill it. Unscrew or open the body of the marker and carefully pour the paints or ink into the reservoir. You can use an eyedropper or pour directly from the bottle. Make sure that the paint is sufficiently fluid beforehand, otherwise you may need to thin it. Reassemble the device making sure all parts are securely fastened.
2. Mix the colors. Shake the gadget for a few seconds to mix completely.
3. Prepare the tip. Once mixed, press the tip on a surface to prime it and let the color flow while soaking the tip.
4. Using the device. Apply constant pressure while using the replenishable marker. Depending on your design, adjust the strokes by playing with the size and shape of the tip.
5. Cleaning and maintenance. It is essential to clean the tip regularly to prevent the colors from drying out and clogging the device. In addition, it is important to store these markers in a horizontal position to maintain an even flow of ink.

Are they cost-effective?

Yes, they are cost-effective in the long run, as you only need to buy paints or ink instead of replacing the entire pen. This will save you money and help the environment by reducing the amount of markers consumed while maintaining a sustainable practice.

Can colors be mixed in the gadgets?

Yes, you can make customized mixtures by mixing various shades of colors before refilling the reservoir or directly inside the device. In this way, you can create unique shades for your projects, which will differ from those of other artists. It is important that you clean the refillable paint pen if the new refill is going to be a different color than the last one, as the remains of the previous paints can modify the new tone you want to achieve.

How to clean?

To clean them you must disassemble the device completely and clean its parts with the appropriate product depending on the type of colors you have used:

• Water-based paints. Water-based ones are cleaned from the parts by rinsing them with warm water.
• Acrylic or alcohol-based paints. In this case, you must clean the pieces with the specific solvent for each type of paints.

Once the color residues have been removed from the entire gadget, wait until all the parts are completely dry before reassembling and using it.

Are they environmentally friendly?

Yes, by reducing the need for single-use markers, markers to fill in minimize plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable practice. Plus, you can choose a brand that manufactures its products from recycled materials and fill them with non-toxic colors.

Does a refillable paint pen work as well as a disposable marker?

High-quality ones work just as well, if not better because you can control the type and quality of paints or ink used.

Can they be used for professional projects?

Absolutely. Many artists and designers prefer a refillable paint pen for professional work because of its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. Not only can they create their own shades, but they can choose the shape of the tip with which coloring, adapting to the needs of each part of the project.

How long last?

The lifespan of a replenishable marker depends on its quality and maintenance, but if well cared for, it can last for years. Store them flat with tightly closed caps in a cool, dry place to prevent the paints from drying out or clogging the tip.

Where to buy?

These types of products can be found in specialty craft, model, or miniature stores, both online and offline retailers. If you are looking for a cheap but high-quality replenishable marker, shop at Green Stuff World. You will find them both on our official website and in many of the stores that resell our products. Also, if it is easier for you, go to our online store on eBay or ETSY, where you will find all our products.

You can also purchase our acrylic inks with pipettes to refill the refillable markers and make your mixtures very easily. You can color any surface that you would paint with other markers, in addition to models and miniature figures. Remember to consider the limitations of the size and shape of the tips.