Metallic crayons and glitter markers shine most on dark or already-colored areas, used as a finishing touch rather than to fill a whole page. On plain white paper the shimmer can look pale. On a deep blue sky, a lantern or a crown, it catches the light and makes a page feel special. Think of them as a treat set alongside everyday crayons and markers, not a replacement.
Below: where shimmer works best, how to layer it, crayons versus markers, and what to check before buying.
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Where metallic colors look best
- Night skies: stars, moons and the edges of clouds (see how to color a night sky).
- Lanterns and lights: a gold glow inside a lantern.
- Treasure: crowns, coins, keys and buckles.
- Celebrations: party hats, ribbons and cards.
- Water: a few silver ripples on a pond.
How to layer shimmer
- Color the area first in a normal color (a dark one makes shimmer pop).
- Add the metallic crayon or marker on top, pressing lightly.
- Keep it small: a highlight, an edge or a few dots.
Metallic shimmer is a natural partner to highlights: our guide to coloring shiny things shows where the light falls.
Crayons or markers?
| Metallic crayons | Metallic & glitter markers | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Soft shimmer | Bolder shine and sparkle |
| Over other colors | Layers well over crayon | Best on dry color or dark areas |
| Big areas | Less coverage than classic crayons | Better on heavier paper |
| Mess | Same as regular crayons | No loose glitter, but check washability |
Two ways to add shimmer
| Pick | Best for | Good to know | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Soft shimmer, layers over crayonCrayola Metallic Crayons, 16 Count
|
Beautiful on moons, lanterns and stars | Less coverage than classic crayons on large areas | $12.03 on Amazon.com Price as of DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. |
Bolder shine for special pagesCrayola Metallic & Glitter Markers Combo, 14 Count
|
Metallic and glitter in one pack | Usually less washable than the Ultra-Clean range: check the label | $17.88 on Amazon.com Price as of DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. |
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Tap any name for our full write-up, including what it’s not good for.
A note on washability
Special-effect markers are usually less washable than everyday washable markers. Check the label, cover the table, and keep them for the moments when sparkle matters.
One Lantern at a Time
A lantern walk turns a hill into a trail of warm little lights.
Print it freeFive special pages to save shimmer for
| Page | Where the shimmer goes |
|---|---|
| A lantern walk | A small gold glow in each lantern |
| A starry night | Stars and the edge of the moon |
| A birthday | Candle flames, ribbons and party hats |
| A treasure map | The X, a few coins and the compass |
| A pond at dusk | Two or three silver ripples |
Common mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Filling a whole sky with metallic: it looks patchy. Color the sky normally, then add shimmer to the stars.
- Using it on thin paper: special markers can show through. Heavier paper or a sheet underneath helps.
- Coloring over wet marker: wait until the first layer is dry, or the colors smear.
- Using it everywhere: when everything shines, nothing does. A few bright spots look best.
Metallic colors on dark paper
Metallic crayons and markers look their best on dark backgrounds, so try them on black or navy paper. Draw a simple outline in white or silver, then color the inside in gold, copper and silver: the effect is closer to a stained-glass window or a night market than to an ordinary page. Children who rarely sit still for coloring often stay for this because the result is so striking.
Easy dark-paper ideas: a fireworks sky, a jellyfish in the deep sea, a treasure chest, a single big snowflake, lanterns hanging in a row.
Which shimmer for which job
| Job | Best tool | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Stars and tiny dots | Metallic marker | Press briefly for a clean dot |
| A soft glow | Metallic crayon over yellow | Press lightly, in small circles |
| Outlines | Metallic marker on dry color | Go slowly; the ink is thicker |
| Big shiny areas | Metallic crayon, layered | Two light layers beat one heavy one |
| Sparkle | Glitter marker | A few touches, not a whole area |
Storing special supplies
Keep metallic and glitter supplies in their own box, separate from the everyday set. It keeps them special, stops them being used up on practice pages, and means the less-washable markers only come out at the table. Bring the box out for cards, celebrations and the pages your child is proudest of.
A shimmer project for a special day
Make a "lantern window" for a celebration. Fold a sheet of dark paper in half and draw three lanterns on the front. Color the lantern frames in gold or silver, fill the glass with yellow and orange, and add tiny metallic stars around them. Inside, write a short message. Stand it on a windowsill, and the shimmer catches the light all day.
The same idea works for a birthday card (balloons with silver strings), a winter card (snowflakes in silver on navy) or a thank-you note (a single gold star). One special touch on an otherwise simple card is what makes it feel handmade and precious. More ideas in making holiday cards with kids.
Keep the shimmer for the moments that deserve it: a card for someone special, a page your child is proud of, a celebration. Used that way, a small box of metallic colors lasts a long time and never loses its magic. Everyday coloring stays with the regular crayons and markers, and the special box becomes something children look forward to opening.
Questions parents ask
Do metallic crayons work on white paper?
Are glitter markers washable?
Can you use metallic crayon over regular crayon?
What are metallic markers good for?
The one thing to remember
Shimmer is a finishing touch. Color first, add sparkle last, and save it for the bits that should glow.
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