Permanent Markers

How can you color wooden toothpicks with permanent markers without it bleeding?

I need to color toothpicks with permanent markers. It keeps bleeding through the wood. Is there a coating I can put on the toothpicks or something to prevent this from happening?

Public Comments

1. you can be careful by using your hands.
2. They actually make colored toothpicks. I have seen them in primary colors: red, yellow, green, blue. The brand that makes them is Diamond & I've seen them in the grocery store. GOOD LUCK!
3. haven't ever tried it myself, so these are just ideas that may or may not work. and these are only if you don't use them in food or are coloring only the uninserted end - a coat of varnish before you start coloring ? - mix some PVA glue in water - dilute it to 1:1 or 1:2. dip/coat the sticks & let dry. it will form a transparent coating over which you can paint easily. - soak the sticks in water for a few hours. then let dry completely. now paint over them - the color should not bleed since the wood fibres have been soaked/expanded. - use acrylic or oil paints instead of permanent markers ? hope at least one of these will help you all the very best & have fun.
4. Have you tried painting them with Acrylic craft paint. You can find little jars of Acrylic paint in craft and art supply stores like Michael's. It's a standard paint for used for painting wooden projects.