Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
Paper Mate Flair wins for most writing needs—12 vibrant colors, smear-proof ink, and 0.03 inches felt tip at $10.19. Sharpie's fine-tip permanent markers are the choice for waterproof labeling at $8.99.
The Verdict
Winner
Paper Mate Flair 12 Count
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12 Count vs Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 12 Count, side by side
Pros:
- 12 assorted colors for color-coding and notes
- Smear-proof and fade-resistant ink
- Teacher favorite with 57,000+ verified reviews
Cons (honest weight):
- Not waterproof; ink smears on wet surfaces
- Tip may fray after heavy use
Pros:
- Permanent, waterproof ink marks on multiple surfaces
- Fine 0.01 inches tip for precise lines
- Quick-drying and fade-resistant
Cons (honest weight):
- Only black color in 12-count pack
- Not washable from skin or clothing
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Paper Mate takes 1; Sharpie Permanent takes 2.
| Dimension | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12 Count | Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 12 Count | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceSharpie costs $1.20 less for the same count. | $10.19 | $8.99 | Sharpie Permanent |
| Tip TypePaper Mate bolder; Sharpie finer — both useful. | 0.7mm felt (medium) | 0.3mm felt (fine) | Tie |
| Ink BaseBoth are water-based, but Sharpie adds permanent resins. | Water-based | Water-based | Tie |
| WashableNeither is washable from skin or fabric. | No | No | Tie |
| WaterproofSharpie marks resist water; Paper Mate's ink runs. | No | Yes | Sharpie Permanent |
| Color CountPaper Mate offers 12 colors; Sharpie only black. | 12 assorted colors | 1 color (black) | Paper Mate |
| Best ForDifferent use cases — choose based on need. | Everyday writing, grading, notes | Labeling, crafts, permanent marking | Tie |
| RatingBoth have excellent Amazon ratings. | 4.8 stars | 4.8 stars | Tie |
| Overall | 1 win | 2 wins | Sharpie Permanent |
Price — Sharpie saves $1.20 per dozen
Sharpie costs $8.99; Paper Mate $10.19. That's a 13% savings for the same 12-count box. For bulk buyers, the difference adds up.
In daily use, the $1.20 gap is negligible. You probably won't notice the savings unless you buy 10 packs at once.
Prioritize price if you're outfitting a classroom on a budget. Sharpie's lower price lets you stock up for labeling supplies.
Tip Type — Fine vs Medium
Paper Mate uses a 0.03 inches felt medium tip; Sharpie a 0.01 inches fine tip. The thicker line makes Paper Mate better for bold signatures and filling in areas.
In everyday writing, Paper Mate's tip feels smoother and less scratchy. Sharpie's fine tip is better for tiny labels and precise outlines.
Choose Paper Mate if you write large or want visible color. Choose Sharpie if you need micro-lettering or detailed crafts.
Ink Base — Both Water-Based
Both markers use water-based ink, but Sharpie adds permanent resins. Paper Mate's ink is smear-proof on paper; Sharpie's dries into a waterproof film.
Paper Mate's formula is gentler on paper — less bleed-through. Sharpie's can ghost through thin sheets.
Pick Paper Mate for double-sided copying; Sharpie for surfaces that get wet.
Washable — Neither Is
Neither marker washes out of clothing or skin. Paper Mate stains hands with heavy use; Sharpie is known for permanent stains.
If you need washable markers for kids, look at Crayola Ultra Clean Washable instead. For adult use, it's manageable with hand washing.
Avoid both if you're buying for toddlers or messy crafters.
Waterproof — Sharpie Wins
Sharpie is fully waterproof; Paper Mate's ink runs when wet. The waterproof quality comes from Sharpie's proprietary permanent ink formula.
In humid basements or outdoor storage, Sharpie labels stay legible. Paper Mate's ink will blur or disappear if exposed to rain.
Choose Sharpie if your marking needs to survive weather or spills.
Color Count — Paper Mate Offers Variety
Paper Mate comes in 12 colors; Sharpie only black. That's 12 shades for color-coding, highlighting, or creative projects.
Teachers love the variety — red for grading, blue for comments, green for correct. Sharpie's single black limits its use to basic labeling.
Pick Paper Mate if you ever want more than one color in your drawer.
Best For — Different Niche
Paper Mate excels for everyday writing, journaling, and grading. Sharpie dominates labeling, crafting, and permanent marking.
If you only keep one set at your desk, Paper Mate covers more tasks. But if you frequently label jars or packages, Sharpie is irreplaceable.
Own both — they complement rather than compete.
Rating — Both Top-Rated
Paper Mate has 57,428 reviews at 4.8 stars; Sharpie 44,928 at 4.8 stars. Both are among the highest-rated markers on Amazon.
Paper Mate's reviews praise color variety and smooth writing; Sharpie's highlight permanence and tip precision. The tie reflects strong satisfaction in each category.
You're unlikely to be disappointed with either based on rating alone.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Grading papers | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12 Count | Paper Mate's 12 colors let you assign red for errors, green for correct. |
| Labeling storage bins | Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 12 Count | Sharpie's permanent ink resists fading and water on plastic bins. |
| Art journaling | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12 Count | Variety of colors and smooth felt tip suit creative writing and doodling. |
| Crafting with kids | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12 Count | Non-toxic and washable from hands (though not clothing). Paper Mate safer. |
| Office supply closet | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12 Count | One box covers multiple uses; Sharpie only black limits utility. |
| Outdoor labeling | Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 12 Count | Sharpie's waterproof ink survives rain and moisture. |
Paper Mate's 12 colors let you assign red for errors, green for correct.
Sharpie's permanent ink resists fading and water on plastic bins.
Variety of colors and smooth felt tip suit creative writing and doodling.
Non-toxic and washable from hands (though not clothing). Paper Mate safer.
One box covers multiple uses; Sharpie only black limits utility.
Sharpie's waterproof ink survives rain and moisture.
What if neither is right?
Posca Paint Markers, 15 Count Medium
$29.99
Best for opaque, paint-like coverage on non-porous surfaces like glass and plastic.
Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers, 100 Count
$14.97
Best for young artists who need washable ink and a huge color selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paper Mate Flair vs. Sharpie Permanent: which is better for everyday writing?
Paper Mate Flair is better for everyday writing because of its 12 colors, smooth felt tip, and smear-proof ink. It's the teacher and office favorite.
Is Sharpie worth the $1.20 savings over Paper Mate?
If you only need black permanent marks for labeling, yes. Sharpie is cheaper and waterproof. But for color variety, Paper Mate justifies the higher price.
Can I use Paper Mate Flair on labels or packages?
Not recommended. Paper Mate's water-based ink is not waterproof and will run or fade on plastic or in wet conditions. Stick with Sharpie for labels.
Which marker is safer for kids?
Both are non-toxic and AP certified. However, Sharpie is harder to wash off skin. For younger children, Crayola washable markers are a better choice.
How long do these markers last?
Both last several months with moderate use. Paper Mate's tip may fray faster; Sharpie's tip stays sharp longer. Neither is refillable.
We compared both markers using Amazon product listings, verified buyer reviews, and manufacturer specifications. Data was collected in May 2026. Prices reflect current Amazon listings.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Based on 102,000+ verified reviews and side-by-side spec analysis.