Most of the time, they're the same category
In everyday use, 'paint pens' and 'acrylic markers' usually refer to the same thing: a marker body that dispenses acrylic paint through a nib. Some brands use one term more than the other.
How they differ from regular markers
- Opaque paint coverage (great on dark areas).
- More texture and a 'paint' feel.
- They can streak if you overwork the paint.
- They often layer well over other media once dry.
Which should you use for coloring pages?
For full-page coloring, ink markers (water-based or alcohol) are usually faster. For highlights, accents, and fixes, acrylic markers / paint pens are awesome.
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