A new challenger has entered the ring in the realm of acrylic paint markers, and they have a never-before-used secret weapon to help launch themselves into the spotlight. Arrtx has released a new top-valve action paint pen, which they’ve labeled as their “Simptap Acrylic Markers.”
Arrtx reached out and sent over a set for me to try out and asked me to give some genuine thoughts on them. Spoiler alert – I like them… quite a bit, actually. Acrylic pens aren’t my typical medium of choice, but these things were fun.
If you’re not into reading long reviews, here’s an incredibly simplified version in table form:
| Acrylic Pen / Marker | Product Link | Price | Blendable | Tip | Opacity |
| Arrtx Simptap 24-pack | See on Amazon | $27.99 | No | Brush (1-6mm) | High |
That’s the short version, but there’s definitely a lot more I can say about these unique paint pens. So, if you’re interested, keep reading to see the pros and cons of the Simptap Acrylic Pen.
Arrtx Simptap Acrylic Markers Pros and Cons
There are several pros and a couple of cons to the Arrtx Simptap Paint Pen. Let’s dive right in:
Pros
- Simple “shake and tap” to get started
- The first use is incredibly simple. You just shake the pen 20 times, press the back, and start working on your artwork.
- Ink flows well
- Unlike some lesser-quality acrylic markers, the Arrtx Simptap Paint Pen has a steady, continual flow.
- No ink leakage
- Ugh, there’s not much worse than an acrylic pen leaking when you’re working on your latest piece. During my testing, I experienced exactly zero leaks (thank you, Arrtx).
- Great Coverage
- If you’re looking for an opaque acrylic marker, you’ve found it. To test this, I set down a layer of black and added a layer of white on top. Even with only one layer, the black was almost completely covered.
- Quick-drying
- If you’re prone to smudging (like me) this is a great pro. The ink dries remarkably quickly, so you can start adding new layers (if desired) with virtually no wait time.
Cons
- Dries Quickly
- Yes yes, I know. This was in the “pros.” Why am I putting it in the “cons” too? Well, quick-drying is a double-edged sword. As you can probably see in my sample art, you can see streaks. If the ink dried slower, you wouldn’t see those. Solution? Paint faster. Haha
- Not Blendable
- This is pretty closely related to the first con, as drying quickly inevitably makes it difficult to blend colors. I’m not as experienced in creating artwork without blending, so it makes using these a challenge. But it’s been a fun learning experience!
Should You Buy Arrtx Simptap Markers?
There is no sense beating around the bush – I would definitely recommend these if you’re looking for a new set of acrylic paint pens to try. They’re high-quality and honestly a really good price for a set of 24. It’s been a fun learning experience, and I hope to start adding new artwork made with these bad boys to the site.
I’d recommend them above the alternatives I’ve listed below and for multiple reasons. But mainly, I just really like the top-valve design. Plus, being able to see the ink level as you use the marker is a huge plus for me. When I was using DecoColor Acrylic Paint Makers, the ink on one of them ran out mid-painting, which left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Simptap Acrylic Pen Alternatives
So, typically, I would include a few “alternatives” that are similar to the product I am reviewing. However, due to the unique nature of the Simptap Acrylic Paint Pen, there’s nothing currently on the market that matches their unique design.
So, just know that the “alternatives” below won’t be a top-valve design but rather a front-valve. This means you’ll be pressing the brush into your surface to bring ink into the tip. They’re still good acrylic markers, but not quite the same thing.
| Acrylic Pen / Marker | Product Link | Price | Blendable | Tip | Opacity |
| ARTISTRO 12-pack | Current Price | ~$15 | No | Medium | High |
| ArtShip 35-Pack | Current Price | ~$30 | Yes (ish) | Med & Fine | High |
| NAWOD 35-Pack | Current Price | ~$28 | Yes | Med & Fine | Medium |