Sticker bombing is a hugely popular type of graffiti. And if you’re new to the scene, it’s a good way to get involved and help find your graffiti style.
It’s quick, easy and less messy than traditional tagging. And although it requires an extra component (stickers), it can produce some seriously eye-catching results in the streets.
But to get the best results and stand out among the noise, you gotta use the right tools.
In this post, I take a look at 4 of the best markers for graffiti stickers – all tried and tested. Stick around until the end for some top tips for graffiti sticker bombing too.
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What to consider before buying markers for graffiti stickers
Before you pick up some fresh markers for sticker bombing, there are a few things to think about.
Mainly the different types of stickers available, the colour of the stickers and the different types of markers that work best with them.
Types of stickers
There are two main types of stickers graffiti writers use which are vinyl and paper stickers.
Vinyl stickers are the best stickers to use because they’re much more durable than paper stickers. This is because they usually have a waterproof coating which means they’re less likely to deteriorate outdoors.
Vinyl stickers are smooth to write on too thanks to their glossy finish, so tags and throw-ups come out super clean – especially with paint markers.
This is unlike paper stickers which aren’t great for graffiti. Their lack of waterproof coating means they’re likely to fade outdoors and wear away quickly in wet weather.
This isn’t to say paper stickers are useless for graffiti. They do still work and are cheaper than vinyl. But don’t expect long-lasting results with paper stickers compared to vinyl.
Colour of the stickers
The colour of the stickers will need to be considered when choosing the best marker for you.
White stickers are the most common type, so make sure you choose a dark colour to contrast with the white. You can’t go wrong with black or any other dark-toned colours. Choose based on your own personal graffiti style.
For stickers with dark backgrounds like black or navy, again, choose a contrasting colour. White, silver, chrome or yellow are good options.
Different types of markers
You’ve got two main options when it comes to the type of markers for stickers – paint markers and ink markers.
If you’re using vinyl stickers (which are recommended), paint markers will come out the best every time. This is because the smooth surface of the vinyl sticker allows for great flow when writing.
Plus the permanent paint will sit on top of the vinyl to make it pop, similar to tags on glass or other smooth surfaces.
Ink markers on the other hand aren’t great for vinyl stickers, as the ink won’t have a porous surface to bleed into.
Ink markers are more suited to paper stickers instead. However, as you know, paper stickers aren’t optimal because they can fade and peel away quickly outdoors.
Size of marker
The size of your graffiti stickers is going to determine the size of the marker you’ll use.
For your average 10cm x 6cm graffiti sticker (a common sticker size produced by manufacturers), any size marker with a nib between 2mm – 8mm will work best.
Although it will come down to your style, I’d avoid using anything over this size for average-sized stickers as tags become messier and harder to read. For bigger stickers though, scale up your marker if you need to.
4 Best Markers for Graffiti Stickers
Now that you know a bit more about the kind of marker you’re looking for, here’s a complete rundown of the best markers to use for graffiti stickers.
Note: Although these markers are great for graffiti stickers, remember that they are also perfect for writing on most other surfaces like glass, metal and paper.
1. Uni Paint PX-30
The Uni Paint PX-30 is a cult favourite for graffiti writers and has been since the early 2000s when writers realised how versatile, vivid and permanent it is.
The Uni Paint PX-30 uses oil-based permanent paint, which is perfect for vinyl stickers. Expect tags that flow incredibly well and can withstand the elements on vinyl stickers.
It also comes in a range of colours from dark to light, so it can be used no matter what colour your stickers are. I’d recommend the black PX-30 if you’re using white stickers and the white or silver PX-30 for darker coloured stickers.
The 8mm nib size offers a high level of versatility too. Use it at full width to achieve big tags that cover the whole sticker. Or use it at an angle to get a smaller width for skinner tags.
The PX-30 is my top pick on this list for sticker graffiti. But it’s also one of the best graffiti markers out there in general.
Pick up either a black, white or chrome (or even better, all three) and you’ll be good to go.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| + Permanent | – Has a strong odour |
| + Great for vinyl stickers | |
| + Versalite nib size | |
| + Can be refilled |
2. Uni Posca PC-8K Standard Colours
If you want a bigger selection of colours whilst still maintaining Uni’s high quality, go for the Uni Posca PC-8K Standard Colours set.
With a mix of light and dark shades including black and white, it’s a great marker set for sticker graffiti. Plus, they’re water-based unlike the PX-30, so they’re easier on the nose when used indoors.
For best use, use vinyl stickers so the paint colours pop off the sticker. Although paper stickers can be used too, expect the colours to look flatter.
These have an 8mm nib too like the PX-30, so you have the choice to write both wide or skinny depending on how you angle the marker.
Posca pens also double up as great markers for blackbook graffiti, so you can use this set for much more than just sticker graffiti.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| + Permanent | – Difficult to refill |
| + Durable outdoors | |
| + Versalite nib size | |
| + High quality feel in-hand |
3. Molotow One4All 327HS
Germany-based Molotow is globally recognised for producing some of the highest quality graffiti supplies, so you know the Molotow One4All 327HS had to make this list.
It has an 8mm chisel tip nib like the other markers I’ve looked at so far, which is the optimal nib size for most stickers in my opinion.
If you’re looking for the widest range of colours, this is the best marker. Molotow’s One4All range has the most extensive choice of highly opaque, vivid and permanent paint marker colours of them all.
Plus they’re refillable with over 50 acrylic refill colours to choose from, making them a more sustainable option compared to single-use markers.
Don’t forget that along with stickers, these markers are also great for blackbook graffiti and for writing on most other surfaces. This makes them essential for any graffiti writer’s marker collection.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| + Permanent | – More expensive than other markers |
| + Durable outdoors | |
| + High-quality formula | |
| + Refillable |
4. Uni Paint PX-20
The Uni Paint PX-20 is a smaller version of the PX-30 which came in at the top of this list. And it’s one of the best cheap graffiti markers.
It has a smaller bullet nib of 2mm compared to the 8mm nibs you’ve seen so far. This makes it better for smaller stickers or anyone wanting skinnier tags on their stickers.
Although it’s a skinnier nib, over time the nib will naturally become wider as it’s used due to being worn down. It’s worth keeping in mind that you can achieve thicker lines with the PX-20 over time or if it’s frayed using a razor blade, for example.
Just like other Uni Paint pens, the PX-20 has a highly permanent oil-based paint formula. Again, this works best on vinyl stickers for maximum opacity. Plus, it comes in 9 colours ranging from dark to light tones.
Pick up the PX-20 if you’re using smaller stickers or if you want skinner lines. You really can’t go wrong with having this in your marker collection.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| + Permanent | – Smaller nib |
| + Durable outdoors | – Has a strong odour |
| + High-quality formula | |
| + Cheap |
Final thoughts
Sticker graffiti is a good way for beginners to get into graffiti. It’s cheap to get started and hugely popular.
Here are a few final thoughts to make the most out of your graffiti markers for stickers:
- Use vinyl stickers over paper stickers. The reason all the pens on this list are paint markers is that they work best with vinyl stickers. Vinyl stickers combined with quality paint pens create graffiti stickers that last for a long time, no matter the weather. This is unlike paper stickers which are prone to fading and peeling quickly, especially if they get wet.
- Use contrasting colours. To make your stickers eye-catching and readable, make sure your pen colour contrasts with the sticker colour. For example, using black markers on white stickers and white markers on black stickers.
- Practice on paper. Before you go straight into using your new markers on stickers, test them out on paper. Get a feel for how they write and the colour they produce. High quality graffiti stickers aren’t super cheap, so don’t waste your stickers before you’ve warmed up with the marker.
What’s your favourite graffiti marker for stickers? Or got an expert tip for sticker bombing? Leave a comment and let me know.
