Marking Tools

Oil-based paint markers have a liquid paint reservoir and a valve-action tip that dispenses pigment under pressure. They produce a smooth, glossy line and work on most surfaces including smooth metal and plastic. Solid paint markers are a compressed crayon of pigment, wax, and oil. They write like a grease pencil and cut through rust, scale, oil, and moisture that would clog a liquid marker. Fabricators typically use solid markers on raw steel and oil markers on finished or coated surfaces.

Solid paint markers are designed for this. They physically deposit pigment by abrasion, so surface contamination doesn't prevent marking. Liquid oil-based markers also hold up well on lightly oiled or mill-scaled steel but may skip on heavy grease. For the worst surfaces, use a solid marker.

Yes. Paint markers are a standard method for applying A13.1 identification legends and flow-direction arrows to pipe. A13.1 specifies colors and label positions but not the marking medium, so either paint markers or pre-printed adhesive labels satisfy the standard. Paint markers are generally preferred in hot or insulated applications where adhesive labels can lift.

Oil-based pigment on a clean, primed surface typically holds six months to two years in direct sun and weather before fading. On rough concrete and timber, the marks embed into the surface and last longer. For temporary layout marks you want to remove later, use a water-based or removable marker.