How to Use Refillable Paint Markers for Miniatures

What is a refillable paint marker?

A refillable paint marker is an empty marker that you fill yourself with the paint of your choice. It consists of a body (often aluminium or durable plastic), a felt or fibre nib, and a valve or piston system that regulates paint flow to the nib.

Unlike disposable pre-filled markers, refillable markers let you choose exactly which paint to use: standard acrylic, Contrast, Speedpaint, ink, etc. They can be reused multiple times and produce less plastic waste.

Nibs are generally replaceable and come in several sizes (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, even 6 mm for large surfaces). Some models offer chisel or brush nibs for greater versatility.

Can you put Citadel or Vallejo paint in a marker?

Yes, but it depends on how fluid the paint is. Not all acrylic miniature paints behave the same way in this kind of marker system. Some flow easily, while others may clog the nib within minutes. This compatibility table should help you.

General rule: the more fluid the paint, the better it flows in the marker. Contrast, Speedpaint, and inks are the best candidates. Thick paints like Citadel Base or Vallejo Model Color require careful thinning and regular nib maintenance.

To find equivalents between brands and compare shades before buying, use the ChromaStack paint comparison tool.

How do you choose a refillable paint marker?

Choosing a refillable paint marker depends on three main criteria: the filling system, the nib size, and the quality of the seal.

Valve markers are the most reliable: they regulate flow and prevent leaks. Piston models require a more precise touch but offer better flow control.

Nib size depends on the intended use: 1-2 mm for details, 3-4 mm for base coats and scenery, 6 mm for large flat surfaces. Chisel nibs are useful for variable-width strokes.

Also check that the body is compatible with the thinners and cleaners recommended by the manufacturer, and that the nib is replaceable. A good marker can be fully disassembled for cleaning.

How do you prepare paint for a refillable marker?

Paint preparation is the most important step when using a refillable marker. Poorly prepared paint will clog the nib, flow unevenly, or evaporate too quickly. Follow these 9 steps:

1. Shake the paint — Shake the pot vigorously for at least 30 seconds to homogenise the pigments.
2. Pour a small amount — A few drops in a cup or on a palette are enough. Do not pour directly from the pot into the marker.
3. Add a flow improver — Use a flow improver or acrylic medium rather than water alone. The medium helps preserve the paint binder and pigment suspension.
4. Mix gently — With a toothpick or the back of a brush. Do not whisk, to avoid air bubbles.
5. Test the consistency — The paint should have a fluidity close to airbrush paint or slightly thick ink. If too thick, add medium drop by drop.
6. Filter if needed — For paints with lumps, strain through a fine sieve or a piece of stocking.
7. Fill the marker — Using a syringe without needle or the provided dropper. Do not fill beyond 3/4 to leave room for air.
8. Prime the marker — Gently press the nib against a palette to start the flow. Wait a few seconds for the paint to reach the nib.
9. Test on a spare piece of plastic — Before using the marker on your project, test it on a spare piece of plastic or paper to check the flow and colour.

Important note: there is no universal dilution recipe. Each paint reacts differently depending on its brand, range, and age. Always test on a palette before filling the marker.

Which products should you use to thin acrylic paint?

Dilution is the key to success with a refillable marker. Here are the most suitable products:

Flow improver (Liquitex, Vallejo) — The best choice. It reduces the paint's surface tension without altering colour or adhesion. A few drops are enough.

Matte or gloss acrylic medium — It thins the paint while preserving its binder. Thicker than flow improver, it is ideal for thick paints like Citadel Base.

Distilled water — Tap water may contain minerals that alter the paint's pH and encourage clogging. Distilled water is an acceptable alternative, but less effective than a medium.

Avoid: tap water (limescale), acetone (aggressive), white spirit (not water-miscible), and oil paint thinners.

When is a refillable marker useful?

The refillable marker is not a universal tool. It excels in some contexts and shows its limits in others. Here are the cases where it is truly useful:

Base coats — For quickly applying a base colour over an already undercoated surface (armour, vehicles, scenery). The marker allows fast strokes, but results may vary depending on the paint and nib.

Scenery and game boards — For painting tabletop scenery, walls, floors, or terrain elements. The marker is faster than a brush and easier to control than an airbrush.

Quick touch-ups — A chipped shoulder pad, a damaged base rim, a scratch on armour: the refillable marker is ideal for spot repairs without setting up all your equipment.

Lines, outlines and graphic patterns — For lines, outlines and graphic patterns on miniatures, fine nibs (1-2 mm) allow regular, controlled strokes. Acrylic inks are particularly well suited.

Travel projects — The refillable marker travels easily and requires no palette. Carry it in a sealed bag to prevent leaks. It is practical for painting on the go or at a club.

However, the refillable marker is not suitable for progressive highlights, glazes, subtle blends, or fine detail work. For that, the brush remains essential.

Problems and solutions with a refillable marker

Here are the most common problems with refillable markers and how to solve them:

Cleaning and storing your refillable marker

A well-maintained refillable marker lasts for years. Here are the essential habits:

After each use — Replace the cap immediately to prevent paint from drying in the nib. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage orientation.

Weekly cleaning — If you use the marker regularly, remove the nib once a week and rinse it with warm water. Gently blot it with kitchen paper before reinserting it.

Deep cleaning — For a colour change or prolonged storage, fully disassemble the marker. Clean all parts with warm water and mild soap. Dry completely before reassembling.

Nib replacement — Nibs wear out over time. Replace them when they become irregular, too soft, or no longer hold paint.

Long-term storage — If you do not use the marker for several weeks, empty the reservoir, clean it, and store it dry. Dried paint in the reservoir is very difficult to remove.

Refillable marker, brush or airbrush: which should you choose?

Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a comparison table to help you choose according to your needs:

In practice, these three tools are complementary. The refillable marker is excellent for base coats, scenery, and touch-ups. The brush remains essential for details, glazes, and blends. The airbrush is king for gradients, volumetric shading, and batch work.

Our take on the refillable marker for miniature paint

The refillable marker is an interesting complementary tool, but not a brush replacement. It excels at repetitive tasks, large surfaces, and quick touch-ups. It is also very handy for travel or club sessions.

Our advice: start with a single quality marker, with a 2 to 4 mm nib. Test with an ink or Contrast paint before moving to thick paints. And invest in a flow improver: it is the product that makes the difference between a marker that flows and one that clogs.

To find equivalents between brands and organise your collection, use ChromaStack tools: the paint comparison tool and the collection manager and shopping list.