Funko Pops are one of the more unique collectibles to get autographed.

Unlike a football, helmet, photo, or sports card, you're typically not getting the cardboard box itself signed. The autograph usually goes directly on the clear plastic window of the Funko Pop box.

That surface makes your pen choice extremely important.

We've handled plenty of Funko Pops through autograph signings over the years, and there is one simple rule collectors should remember:

Use a paint pen on Funko Pops. Avoid traditional Sharpies.

Here's why, along with the pens, colors, and tip sizes we've had the most success with.

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Why Paint Pens Work Best on Funko Pops

The clear window on a Funko Pop box is a smooth plastic surface.

A traditional Sharpie will technically write on it, but the autograph usually doesn't have the bold, vibrant appearance collectors are looking for.

It can look thin or somewhat transparent against the Pop and artwork behind the window.

A good paint pen provides much better coverage.

The autograph sits prominently on the window and gives you that bright, bold signature that really pops when the Funko is displayed.

For that reason, our general recommendation is:

Funko Pop = paint pen.

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Our Favorite Pens for Autographed Funko Pops

There are several paint pens that can work well, and your choice will depend heavily on the color you want.

DecoColor Paint Pens

We've had very good results with DecoColor paint markers.

DecoColor markers are oil-based, which we've found works particularly well on Funko Pop windows.

Some of our favorite colors include:

• Silver
• Gold
• Blue
• Pink and other brighter colors, depending on the marker

One color we've historically had less success with is white DecoColor.

White paint pens can be finicky in general, and we've found white Deco markers aren't nearly as consistent as some of their other colors.

If you're choosing Deco, we'd generally lean toward silver, gold, blue, or another color that complements the Funko's design.

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POSCA Paint Pens

POSCA markers are another excellent option for Funko Pops.

We especially like POSCA when collectors want brighter or more unusual colors.

Pink is a great example.

A bright pink autograph can look fantastic on the right Funko Pop, and POSCA has produced some excellent results for us.

The biggest thing to consider with POSCA isn't simply the color.

It's also the tip size.

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What Tip Size Should You Use on a Funko Pop?

Don't go too thin.

A Funko Pop window gives the signer significantly more autograph space than something like a sports card.

You want to take advantage of it.

The fine paint pens we might use for an autographed sports card can look undersized on a Funko Pop.

At the same time, you probably don't need an extremely broad marker either.

For most Funko Pops, we've found something approximately in the 2mm to 3mm range gives you a nice balance.

The goal is a signature that is:

Bold enough to stand out without being so thick that the autograph loses its detail.

Of course, the ideal tip can also depend on the signer.

Someone with a large, flowing autograph might need a different pen than someone whose signature is extremely compact.

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What About Molotow Paint Pens?

Molotow markers can produce some fantastic-looking autographs.

They're bright, bold, and available in colors that really stand out.

However, there is one important consideration.

The Molotow markers we use are acrylic-based, and we've found that the autograph can be more susceptible to chipping on the plastic window.

The paint essentially sits on top of the smooth plastic surface.

That means you need to be especially careful with the autograph—even after it has dried.

Obviously, you shouldn't be touching any autograph unnecessarily, but it's particularly important with this type of paint marker.

If you're using Molotow, give the signature plenty of time to dry and avoid touching or rubbing the autograph afterward.

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Should You Use a Sharpie on a Funko Pop?

We generally don't recommend it.

Will a Sharpie write on the plastic?

Yes.

But that doesn't mean it's the best choice.

When we're getting a Funko Pop professionally signed, we want the autograph to be a major visual component of the collectible.

Paint pens simply tend to provide a much stronger appearance on the clear plastic window. 

If you remember nothing else from this article, remember:

Use a paint pen instead of a traditional Sharpie for Funko Pops.  Keep in mind they do make sharpie paint pens which can be fine.

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Choosing the Best Autograph Color

This is where Funko Pops can be a lot of fun.

You're not limited to the traditional blue, black, or silver autograph that you might use on other types of memorabilia.

You can coordinate the autograph color with:

• The character
• Team colors
• Movie or television artwork
• The Funko Pop's packaging
• A character's costume
• The overall color scheme of the collectible

For example, a bright pink, blue, gold, or silver signature can create an entirely different appearance than a basic black autograph.

Before choosing your color, look at the entire Funko Pop with the figure inside the box.

Remember that the autograph will be on clear plastic, so you're really choosing a color based on everything that will appear behind the signature.

You want contrast.

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Test Your Paint Pen Before the Signing

This is one of the biggest advantages of working with a Funko Pop window.

You can test the pen on the plastic before committing to it.

We always recommend properly prepping and testing paint pens before handing them to an athlete or celebrity.

You want to make sure:

• The paint is flowing consistently.
• There aren't any streaks.
• The color looks good against the Funko.
• The tip isn't too thick or too thin.
• The marker isn't releasing excessive paint.

If you test a small area and don't like the result, paint can generally be cleaned from the plastic before the actual autograph is added.

It's much better to discover a problem while testing the marker than when the signer is halfway through the autograph.

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How Should You Send a Funko Pop to an Autograph Signing?

Condition is extremely important with Funko Pops.

For many collectors, the condition of the box is nearly as important as the autograph itself.

That's why shipping deserves some thought.

You generally have two good options.

Option 1: Flatten the Funko Box

You can carefully remove the Pop and flatten the cardboard box.

This can make the item easier to protect during shipping and easier for the athlete or celebrity to sign.

We've found that an 11x14 top loader can work well for protecting a flattened Funko box.

The flat surface can also make signing easier.

Option 2: Use a Hard Funko Protector

If you don't want to flatten the box, you can leave the Funko assembled and place it inside a protective hard case.

Either method can work.

The main objective is protecting the box from dents, creases, crushed corners, and other damage during shipping and handling.

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Where Should the Authentication Sticker Go?

This is another important consideration for collectors sending Funko Pops to autograph signings.

If the autograph is on the plastic window, the authentication sticker may need to be placed on that window as well.

Why?

Because the window is the actual signed surface.

Putting an authentication sticker somewhere else on the cardboard box can create a problem because components could potentially be changed or replaced.

Authentication companies have their own policies, so placement can vary, but collectors should understand that the authentication sticker may be placed directly on the signed window rather than somewhere less visible on the box.

If sticker placement is particularly important to you, it's worth checking the authenticator's current policy before submitting the item.

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Our Recommended Funko Pop Pen Setup

If you're looking for a simple starting point, here's what we've had success with:

Silver: DecoColor paint pen

Gold: DecoColor paint pen

Bright colors: POSCA is an excellent option

Pink: POSCA is one of our favorites

Molotow: Looks great, but be careful about potential chipping

Sharpie: Generally avoid it

Tip size: Approximately 2mm–3mm is a good starting point

There isn't one perfect marker for every Funko Pop.

The character, packaging, autograph size, and desired color all matter.

But choosing a quality paint pen with an appropriately sized tip will put you in a much better position.

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Final Thoughts: What's the Best Pen for a Funko Pop?

Funko Pops aren't particularly difficult to get signed once you understand the surface you're working with.

The biggest mistake is treating the plastic window like you would a photo, card, or other traditional autograph surface.

Use a paint pen.

DecoColor and POSCA have both produced excellent results for us, while Molotow can look fantastic if you're careful with the finished autograph.

Choose a color that contrasts well with the Pop, use a tip large enough to create a bold signature, properly prep the marker, and always test it before the signing.

A little preparation can make a huge difference in how the finished autograph looks.

And when you're paying to have an athlete, actor, musician, or other celebrity sign your Funko Pop, you want to get the pen choice right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pen for an autographed Funko Pop?

We generally recommend a quality paint pen. DecoColor and POSCA are two options we've had very good success with on Funko Pop windows.

Should I use a Sharpie on a Funko Pop?

We typically recommend avoiding traditional Sharpies. They can write on the clear plastic, but paint pens usually create a much bolder and more visually appealing autograph.

What color pen is best for Funko Pops?

It depends on the Pop. Silver, gold, blue, pink, and other bright colors can all work well. Choose a color that provides strong contrast against the figure and artwork visible behind the clear window.

What size paint pen should I use?

A tip around 2mm to 3mm is a good starting point for many Funko Pops. You generally want something thicker than a fine sports-card pen without going excessively broad.

Are POSCA pens good for Funko Pops?

Yes. We've had very good results with POSCA markers, particularly when using brighter colors such as pink.

Are Molotow pens good for Funko Pops?

They can produce excellent-looking autographs, but we've found the acrylic paint can be more susceptible to chipping on the smooth plastic surface. Handle the finished autograph carefully.

Where should a Funko Pop be signed?

Most Funko Pop autographs are placed on the clear plastic window on the front or side of the box.

Should I flatten my Funko Pop box before sending it to a signing?

That's one option. Removing the figure and carefully flattening the box can make shipping easier and help protect its condition. An 11x14 top loader can work well. Alternatively, you can ship the assembled Funko inside a protective hard case.

Where will the authentication sticker be placed?

If the plastic window is the signed surface, some authentication companies may require their sticker to be placed directly on that window. Policies vary by authenticator, so check current requirements if placement matters to you.