Asked on Feb 20, 2017

How to set Sharpie marker so that it doesn’t wash off?

Leah Deverett
by Leah Deverett
I’ve recently been loving decorating things with Sharpies...check out some of the things I made! BUT - I don’t want my beautiful creations to rub/wash off. Who knows how I can keep the marker from wearing away?? Thank you!
  6 answers
  • Mom32891 Mom32891 on Feb 20, 2017

    Buy oil-based Sharpie paint pens. For glass & ceramic items, there are many posts for baking to set by searching "Sharpie mugs." For items you wouldn't bake, letting the item dry well before using should be sufficient. (I love Sharpies too!)

    • Jolene Jolene on Feb 25, 2017

      I've used oil based sharpies on glass and tried to set them with various sprays. The still are not water resistant.

  • MadameRã MadameRã on Feb 23, 2017

    Something i wouldn't usually tell the world,however as what i am about to say has been tested & reserched for a few years, now i feel this just may help others who have had similar situations in life;& this is where the Sharpie saved my dignity...

    For years i have endured a Rare illness//cancer based thus treatments often taking off hair everywhere..I could 'fix' many areas, but not the eyebrows,not even proper cosmetic tatooing would hold(& its painful,& expensive)... Being a natural auburn red head, fair skin & very dark eyes,a correct colour eyebrow kit//pencils//khol wouldn't even surfice..even using non toxic paste over the top to hold longer without the fear of a touch smudge to wipe half a brow off didn't work BUT a light gold sharpie did,& does with the added use of a cream base pencil over the top, then with a fine brush using a "touch" of corn starch to build a thicker look.. The Sharpie acts as the firm outline, the rest is to create as natural look as possible as i actually have NO eyebrows (unlike Ms Ga Ga who loves bleaching for the look of having none, great if thats ones thang",& i love her creativity, thus its right for her..:)) *As long as one has a good skin routine,& cleanses every eve(& a basic good cleanser will take it off), then no skin irritations should occur...& believe me with harsh treatments the battle to keep skin reasonable is hard enough so if this does not effect sensitive skin on unwell individuals, then for those with 'eyebrow problems of less hair'~for whatever reasons~ then this is worth a try,& there are many shades of Sharpies now a days too thus finding something to work for most individuals would be out there..• Note if you have oily skin, wash brow area first with a touch of pink rock salt with warm water(dissolved) & a facial cloth,& pat the eyebrow area well, then let dry..then place the Sharpie on (create a simple stencil if you have problems drawing the eyebrow the way you like;its for a base remember & works to hold other ingredients...) additionally on hot days i also use a herbal pump hair spray & spray on a fine brush also & lightly brush upwards, as this creates a feathered look.. It lasts a whole day through, even if one must lightly use a blotting paper on really hot days, brows will still hold..

    For someone who has tried everything, including proffessional made eyebrows(they are terrible & the glue is dubious causing spots;& most difficult with putting on;& Expensive!..) this method created has been the best so far... Nobody out there really makes anything well enough for this quiet but upsetting problem, maybe this might assist some others who keep this annoying reminder of seriousness in some control..

    Heart love to all with real life hardships💜

    • Leah Deverett Leah Deverett on Feb 26, 2017

      Wow, thank you for sharing your story. You're truly an inspiration. And what incredible tips.. We love Sharpies!! All the best wishes to you!

  • Barbara Barbara on Feb 24, 2017

    Have you tried WonderBrows? I have very sparse eyebrows (I guess just due to age) and what I do have are bleached by the sun. So if I don't have anything on them, it looks like I don't have any. I found WonderBrows on Facebook and thought, well why not try it. They have 3 different shades and as I have brown hair I chose light brown . It stays on even after showering. I sweat a lot because I do a lot of work outside. It will not sweat off. It is the best product so far that I have found. It will stay on for about 3 days with just a touch up here or there. I truly recommend you try it. You can just go to 'wonderbrows.com' to order. Hope this works for you!


    Also, I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery.

  • MadameRã MadameRã on Mar 30, 2017

    GREYFOUND 11....Thanking you so kindly for this information, unfortunately i have tried this product & it to does not work on the skins constant changing affects(& i have studied cosmetics to assist those terribly ill,& the problem with Rare illness is the lack of research, leaving it up to some us to figure out..)

    I appreciate your kind thoughts;& also knowing i aint the only one really living without brows...

    love o kindness to you,& i am happy for you..

    Respect:))

  • Liv Liv on Nov 28, 2019

    For sealing sharpies, I usually coat with baby powder, then wipe off. Afterwards I coat with hairspray, leaving to dry from 5-10 minutes. It seems to work well, if this helps. I attached an example piece

  • Cyrus Juliet Cyrus Juliet on Sep 22, 2021

    Some materials can work well on making your markers stay on the plastic, including a mod podge and a nail polish. In this tutorial, They will introduce you to a step-by-step guide to make Sharpie permanent, such as using Sharpie fixative spray to achieve your goals.