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Today we’re diving into a question I get all the time: “How can I use paint pens for outlining and lettering without smearing, skipping, or stressing myself out?!”

We’ve all been there — your door hanger is looking so good, and then…it’s time to add those final details. Outlines. Lettering. Words. And suddenly your hand freezes because you’re terrified of messing it up.

Don’t worry, friend! Today I’m sharing my best tips for using paint pens the right way on your door hangers (or any wooden project). You’ll learn how to pick the right pen, avoid smudges, fix mistakes, and even add

You can grab my favorite paint pens here!

Acrylic Paint Pen Tip #1: Choose the Right Size

The first thing to know is that not all paint pens are created equal. I like to keep several sizes on hand — jumbo, medium, fine, and extra fine — because each one serves a different purpose.

If your design is simple and bold, go for a medium or broad tip. It’ll give you those clean, eye-catching outlines. But if your piece has a lot of shading or detail, stick with a finer pen so you don’t distract from all that beautiful work.

And for lettering, always choose a pen that’s slightly smaller than the space you’re writing in. It’s much easier to add a few extra strokes than to cram big chunky letters into a tight space.

Acrylic Paint Pen Tip #2: Make Sure Your Base Coat Is Completely Dry

This one’s big! If your base coat is even the tiniest bit tacky, your pen might drag, skip, or become clogged up. If you’re in a hurry, grab your blow dryer or heat gun and give it a minute to cool off before you start. Trust me — it’s worth the wait!

Acrylic Paint Pen Tip #3: Go With the Grain (and Watch for Texture!)

If you’re using an extra-fine paint pen, it can splatter if you’re not careful. Go with the grain of the wood (if there is one), and remember that shorter, smoother strokes work best.

Now, our door hangers at shopdoorhangers.com are cut from MDF, which is nice and smooth. But even then, textured paint can still make your pen skip. Move slowly over those areas to keep your lines crisp!

Acrylic Paint Pen Tip #4: Keep a Baby Wipe Handy

Speaking of baby wipes — they’re your best friend when you’re outlining or lettering!

If your line jumps, your pen goes rogue, or the pen splatters a bit, a quick swipe with a baby wipe can save the day. Let the area dry, and you’re back in business!

Acrylic Paint Pen Tip #5: Do NOT Use Brush-On Sealers!

This one might be the most important of all!

Never use a brush-on sealer over paint pen lettering. Even if it’s dry, brush-on sealers tend to reactivate the paint and smear those crisp lines you worked so hard on. If you must use one, do a single light coat in one direction — no back-and-forth brushing! 

But a spray sealer is your best bet. It’s quick, easy, and way less risky. 

Acrylic Paint Pen Tip #6: Add a Little Fun with Details and Highlights

Once your outlines and letters are done, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! You can use your pens to add tiny white highlights, shadows, or even playful dots and doodles to make your design come alive. These little touches might seem small, but they give your piece so much character!

You can also add cute little dots or drop shadows around your lettering — it feels like doodling, and it’s so fun! Just remember, if things get a little close together, don’t force it. Stop, lift your pen, and pick it back up on the other side.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process

Friend, you’ve got this! With a little practice, paint pens will become one of your favorite tools. They make your designs pop and help you add those personal touches that make your projects feel all yours!

If this tutorial helped you, and you’re craving more painting tips, step-by-step tutorials, and a community full of creative women who “get it,” come join us inside the Painter’s Clubhouse!

We’d love to have you there — you can learn more about joining the Painter’s Clubhouse here. 

The Painter’s Clubhouse for Door Hangers | Southern Adoornments Decor