FAQs | Your Questions About POSCART Answered

The Posca Pen

The Tip The link between the artist and the work
The POSCA range includes no fewer than eight sizes and five different tip shapes. Made either of acrylic or plastic, they are all ultra-hardwearing and perfectly suited to their respective uses. The very high quality of the materials used guarantees a stroke that is always perfectly smooth. The line is regular, the action is unique and the pleasure of creating with POSCA is unparalleled.
The Valve Mechanism POSCA comes to life!
MITSUBISHI PENCIL has developed a unique valve mechanism that guarantees a perfect seal for the marker and conserves the paint over time. The same mechanism is used to prime the POSCA for use and to re-saturate the tip as often as necessary during creation.
Paint The heart of POSCA!
Very rich in pigments, POSCA paint provides results of incomparable density. Its unique water-based formulation delivers bright, matte, opaque colours that withstand the passage of time. It has no odour. Layerable, mixable, water-soluble, weather-resistant… no fewer than 55 colours (some with glitter, metallic or fluorescent) offer unlimited creative possibilities.
The Body An iconic design!
From near or far, POSCA is instantly recognisable. Its deep black body, the five coloured letters of its logo (three primary and one secondary) and the UNI signature are inimitable. Sized differently based on the tip of the marker, the body shape enables an easy, comfortable grip.
THE CAP An explosion of colours!
The sealed cap ensures a long life for the marker. Conveniently, its colour (or the colour of the pocket tab, depending on the model) shows the colour of the paint. The caps of a handful of POSCA markers on a table are a visual treat and the promise of a highly colourful creation!

Product

What colours are available in each tip?

Find our entire colour range and the different associated tips in our colour chart here. To learn more, it’s this way for colours and that way for tips!
Are Posca marked CE?

Posca markers are artistic creation tools, they are not marked CE. Within the scope of a creative artistic activity overseen/supervised by adults, they can be used by children.
My tip is dry, what do I do?

Did you lose sight of the cap and the tip dried in the meanwhile? Don’t panic! Thanks to the marker’s piston mechanism and valve system, the tip can easily be re-saturated with paint. Moreover, in case the tip dries out completely, you can remove it and soak it in water. When you’re ready, simply put it back in and actuate the piston. In the case of non removable tips (PCF-350 et PC-1MR), soak them directly in water, which cannot travel into the marker because of the incorporated valve mechanism. Find all of our tips here.
My tip is dirty, what do I do?

If your POSCA tip is dirty, for example by falling to the ground or by another colour during your creative work, you can remove and clean it with tap water. When you’re ready, simply put it back in and actuate the piston. In the case of non removable tips (PCF-350 et PC-1MR), soak them directly in water, which cannot travel into the marker because of the incorporated valve mechanism. You can repeat these cleaning steps as many times as you like. Find all of our tips here.
Can I replace my POSCA tip?

If they are especially dirty or used, certain POSCA tips can be replaced. These concern references PC-1MC, PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-7M PC-8K, and PC-17K. Extra tip: The PC-3M and PC-5M tips are reversible, which means you can flip them over and double their longevity! Click here to learn more.
Can I recycle my POSCA?

POSCA markers are manufactured using recycled materials (PC-5M, PC-7M, PC-8K), but they’re not themselves recyclable. You can, however, reuse the bodies of your markers as creative material!

Usage

How do I initiate/re-initiate my Posca?

Firmly shake your marker, with the cap tightly closed (!) to allow the ball inside to mix and homogenise the paint. Press the tip on a piece of paper several times to saturate it with paint. Remember to put the cap back on after use. Prime your POSCA on initial use or after leaving your marker unused for several hours, days, or months, though you should also do so during your creative work, depending on the quantity of paint you want to use. Find detailed instructions here.
How do I initiate/re-initiate my Posca tip (PCF-350)?

As with the entire POSCA range, start by firmly shaking your marker (cap closed) to allow the ball inside to mix and homogenise the paint well. Then remove the cap and the pushbutton protection at the other end of the marker. Press the pushbutton several times until the paint saturates the tip. Replace the cap after use. Prime your POSCA on initial use or after leaving your marker unused for several hours, days, or months, though you should also do so during your creative work, depending on the quantity of paint you want to use. To learn more, click here.
Do I need to test my Posca before using it?

To optimise paint flow, conduct a quick test on a sheet of paper before actually using it. Indeed, paint flow is controlled by a valve system and a piston mechanism and, by testing it, you will ensure that the quantity of paint deposited corresponds to what you want. Extra tip: Keep your rough copy close by because we recommend you test the paint quality every time you re-initiate your POSCA. Learn about the POSCA tool.
Is Posca paint permanent?

POSCA are water-based markers and stable pigments that can be applied to all materials. It is permanent with no need for fixatives on porous materials such as wood, cardboard, textiles, pebbles, certain plastics and metals. To learn more, click here
Can I recharge my Posca?

POSCA is not rechargeable. Extra tip: if your marker no longer works, it doesn’t mean it’s empty. Moisten the tip (see My tip is dry, what do I do? , then re-initiate. Indeed, a tip that is too dry can prevent paint flow . Find detailed instructions here.
How long does it take for the paint to dry?

The paint dries extremely fast. In general, the paint dries faster on porous surfaces than on smooth surfaces. In any case, it’ll take no more than a few minutes.The paint dries extremely fast. In general, the paint dries faster on porous surfaces than on smooth surfaces. In any case, it’ll take no more than a few minutes.
Do I need to do anything in particular to fix the paint?

POSCA paint is permanent on porous surfaces and erasable on smooth surfaces. Creations can be secured or fixed, depending on the materials, by applying a water-based spray varnish (for most materials), passing it via the kiln (porcelain), or heating it with the iron (fabric). To learn more, visit our page dedicated to materials here.
How do you prevent run-out?

The valve system and the piston mechanism were developed to prevent run-outs. To regulate flow and make sure the quantity of paint is what you want, conduct a test on a sheet of rough paper. Repeat this procedure every time you need to re-initiate your POSCA. Extra tip: avoid storing your markers at too high a temperature, the paint will become too fluid, which could, in certain cases, generate involuntary run-outs.
How do I rectify an error?

On smooth surfaces like glass, simply use a moist rag to rectify your errors. On porous surfaces where the POSCA paint is permanent, you could layer! It’s true, with POSCA, you can cover your drawing as many times as you want, which could turn out to be very practical! Extra tip: Whether you need to rectify an error or, if it’s part of your creative technique, please wait until your first coat is dry before covering it. Unless of course you are looking for a special effect, because POSCA is “water-soluble” and mixable. View possible effects here.
Does POSCA use require any special equipment?

This is one of the features of POSCA: other than your material (and, ideally, a rough piece of paper), no other piece of equipment is necessary! No brush, water, or rag needed: POSCA allows you to paint cleanly and precisely with no other equipment.
Can Posca markers be used on skin?

POSCA markers are artistic creation tools, they are not certified for cosmetic use and must therefore not be used on skin.
Can I use my POSCA outside?

POSCA are perfectly suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Outdoors, we recommend fixing your creation with a water-based aerosol varnish. Find instructions here and the different materials there.
How do I preserve/store my markers?

POSCA markers can be kept in any position as long as the cap is put back on firmly after use. Indeed, the ball inside can be used at any time to remix the paint, which is itself perfectly preserved in the body of the marker (hermetic thanks to its integrated valve). A special case: the Posca brush, which we recommend you store in a horizontal position. Find instructions here.

How To Use Your Posca

1 Shake

Shake the marker energetically up and down with the cap on. You will hear the ball inside clicking announcing that the paint colour inside the POSCA marker is being mixed.
2 Press

Press the tip several times on a spare piece of paper until the tip is filled with paint. Test the flow on your spare paper – if the line is clear, your POSCA is ready. It is useful to keep a cloth at hand to clean the tip easily or absorb any excess paint.
3 Create

If the paint flows less freely during use, shake the marker again without forgetting to put the cap on first to avoid paint projections. Re-prime the tip and off you go again!

The Effects

Water Soluble
POSCA paint is “water-soluble”: it can be diluted to produce a gradient effect.

The operation takes place before drying: use a brush that has been soaked in water beforehand and work the paint directly on the material to get the effect you want.
Mixable
As long as the paint is wet, colours can be mixed on the work surface by blurring with the tip or a brush to create infinite gradations of colour. If the tip is stained, just clean it and re-prime the marker to restore the initial colour.
Layerable
Dense and opaque, POSCA paint is ideal for layering!

Dark colours can be applied over light colours or light colours over dark. Thanks to its fast drying time, layering can be carried out with no smudges.
Blowing
The “blowing” technique gives the gradient effect seen in street art, similar to the effect obtained with spray paints.

Just blow vigorously (but not too vigorously!) on the tip of the POSCA when it is filled with paint.

This technique works best with broad tips: PC-5M, PC-7M, PC-8K et PC-17K.

The Materials

wood
glass
Fabric
Ceramic
Paper/Cardboard
Metals
Minerals
Canvas
Plastic

Wood

Warm and natural, wood is a material used in many forms and many contexts – decoration, customisation…

It is an ideal complement for POSCA, whether rough or polished, for inspired creations both indoors and outdoors.

Preparation
On treated or varnished wood, it is advisable to roughen the surface with sandpaper before starting to work with POSCA.

With recovered or recycled wood, it is a good idea to clean it first with water and a soft sponge and leave it to dry.

As wood is a porous natural material, it will absorb a lot of paint. Depending on the effect you want, several coats may be necessary.
Fixation
Once your creation is finished and dry, apply two coats of water-based spray varnish. Hold the can about 30 cm from the surface and spray in slow circular movements.

The varnish can be matte or gloss depending on the look you want.

glass

Transparent or translucent, glass is one of the most widespread manufactured materials.

For hundreds of years, glass decoration has been a much-appreciated practice among artists of all backgrounds. Shop windows and museum displays are increasingly decorated and set off to perfection by professional and amateur artists.

Glass decoration can now be found in the home, not just on windows but also on everyday items such as jugs, glasses, mirrors… (objects which, once decorated, can no longer be used in contact with food).

POSCA is an excellent tool for all these projects: on glass, its colours gain new depth and luminosity, and it can be washed off with water whenever you want to start again.

Preparation
Clean the surface with a cloth and ensure it is not damp or greasy before starting work.

Creations consisting only of lines will produce the best effect. In areas that need to be filled with colour, several coats will be needed for a uniform result, leaving a few minutes of drying time between coats.

If you want to correct mistakes, just wipe the area to be erased with a damp cloth.
Fixation
You can make your creation permanent, though not for food use, by applying two coats of water-based spray varnish. Hold the can about 30 cm from the surface and spray in slow circular movements.

The varnish can be matte or gloss depending on the look you want.

Fabric, Textile & Skins

Whether natural or synthetic, textiles, fabrics and skins are materials with deep roots in all cultures.

They are primarily used for clothing, soft furnishings and decoration.

POSCA makes it easy to personalise and customise these everyday materials.

What’s more, if you follow our fixing advice, you can make your creations permanent.

Preparation
Before starting to work on textiles, machine-wash the fabric to remove any industrial coatings if it is new or dirt if it is used.

For skins such as natural or artificial leather, wipe with a humid sponge and leave to dry. For real or imitation suede, brush gently with a soft brush.

The effects you can produce with POSCA on textiles and skins include mixing and layering colours.

POSCA will always be more heavily absorbed by natural materials. We recommend using an absorbent material beneath your surface (such as paper).

The drying time and the number of coats you will need for a uniform result will vary and can be evaluated visually.
FIXATION
Once your creation is finished and dry, you can iron it from the reverse side without using steam. Take care with the temperature of the iron depending on the fabric.

You can place a sheet of greaseproof paper between the iron and the fabric for extra protection.

If the fabric used is not suitable for ironing, you can fix your creation with a hair dryer. Hold it 30 cm from the surface and make small circular movements.

Ceramic

Pottery or earthenware, stoneware or glazed terracotta… there are many categories of ceramics. Most are made with fired clay.

This medium, often associated with traditional crafts, provides fertile ground for many types of creation. POSCA is ideally suited to creativity using ceramics.

Designs will be temporary if the ceramic is treated (e.g. glazed porcelain) or permanent otherwise (e.g. fired clay).

Either way, if your ceramic objects were previously used with food, they are no longer food-safe after decoration.

Preparation
Clean the surface with a cloth and ensure it is dry before starting work.

The effects you can produce with POSCA on ceramics include mixing and layering colours.

If your ceramic is treated, the time POSCA paint takes to dry will be longer and creations based on lines will be more suitable. For areas filled with colour, several coats will be needed, leaving the paint to dry between coats.

For rough ceramics, several coats will be needed for the whole design because the porous surface will absorb more paint.
Fixation
Once your creation is finished and dry, you can fix it.

With treated ceramics, fix your creation for non-food use using a water-based spray varnish, spraying from about 30 cm in small circular movements.

With rough ceramics, fire your creation in the oven. Heat the ceramic in the oven slowly to 220°, then turn off the oven and allow it to cool completely before taking it out.

Fix the paint on porcelain in the same way, but to a temperature of 160° and for no more than 45 minutes.

To give your creation the longest possible life (for non-food use), you can apply a water-based varnish or adhesive varnish. Afterwards, wash only in cold water.

Paper/Cardboard

Paper (from the Latin papyrus) is a natural medium for expression and creation. Made with plant fibres, it is a fundamental material for writing, drawing and painting.

It is one of the POSCA marker’s closest allies – whether it is a basic sheet of paper, card, Bristol board, crêpe or even papier mâché, the paint adheres perfectly and permanently.

Preparation
No special preparation is needed to use POSCA on paper. For cardboard, remove any dust from the surface.

All the POSCA techniques can be used on paper and cardboard. For a water colour effect, make sure the surface is thick enough, as the thinner the material, the more fragile it will be. Take care also with the amount of water you use on the material, and leave enough drying time to protect it.

If you are drawing on photographic paper, the drying time will be longer.
Fixation
No special fixative is needed for POSCA on paper. However, to optimise conservation over time, you can apply a water-based spray varnish.

Hold the can about 30 cm from the surface and spray in slow circular movements.

The varnish can be matte or gloss depending on the look you want.

Metals

Glossy or matte, metal has been an artistic medium since ancient times, for jewellery making for example, or for tools and instruments.

It is now widely used as a medium for decoration and customisation.

POSCA adheres very well to metals such as iron or aluminium. The colour will be permanent on rough or porous metals and erasable on perfectly smooth metals.

Preparation
Clean the surface with a cloth and ensure it is not damp or greasy before starting work.

The effects you can produce with POSCA on metals include mixing and layering colours.

If the metal used is varnished, the drying time will be longer.
Fixation
Once your creation is finished and dry, we recommend applying two or three coats of water-based spray finishing varnish, especially for outdoor use.

Hold the can about 30 cm from the surface and spray in slow circular movements.

The varnish can be matte or gloss depending on the look you want.

Minerals

In their raw state or transformed by humans, mineral materials are without doubt the most widely available medium all around us!

From natural stone to concrete walls via rocks and pebbles of all kinds and shapes, mineral materials offer an easy way to let your imagination run wild with POSCA.

As long as you respect the environment and public property, of course, minerals represent an inexhaustible source of materials for permanent creation.

Preparation
Clean the surface with a cloth and ensure it is not damp before starting work.

As mineral materials are naturally porous, they will absorb the paint to a greater or lesser degree depending on their nature.

Depending on the effect you want, several coats may be necessary.
Fixation
Once your creation is finished and dry, you can apply two coats of water-based spray varnish to fix the results.

Hold the can about 30 cm from the surface and spray in slow circular movements.

The varnish can be matte or gloss depending on the look you want.

Canvas

Generally made with linen fibres, or sometimes hemp, canvas is the quintessential artistic medium. It is prized by professional artists and budding painters alike for its noble artistic heritage.

Historically associated with classical painting, canvas is now a medium for totally contemporary creation, including street art.

POSCA is intrinsically compatible with this medium, creating immediately permanent results.

Preparation
Make sure the canvas is properly primed before starting work.

All the POSCA techniques and effects can be used on canvas.
Fixation
No special fixative is needed for POSCA on canvas, but if you want to optimise conservation over time, you can apply a water-based spray varnish.

Hold the can about 30 cm from the surface and spray in slow circular movements.

The varnish can be matte or gloss depending on the look you want.

Plastic

Transparent or opaque, matte or glossy – plastics are now part of our everyday lives and cry out to be personalised!

POSCA paint adheres perfectly to plastic, enabling the most original creations without frustration.

Preparation
No special preparation is needed to use POSCA on plastic. However, we recommend removing any dust or grease from the surface if necessary.

The smoother the surface of the plastic, the less porous it is, and consequently the longer the drying time and the longer you will have to wait before handling your creation.
Fixation
Once your creation is finished and dry, apply two coats of water-based spray varnish. Hold the can about 30 cm from the surface and spray in slow circular movements.

The varnish can be matte or gloss depending on the look you want.

POSCA ink content by tip size (ml)

We finally have got the official volume of posca ink inside of each marker.

These are one of the most common questions we receive from our customers about posca pens "How long do they last"? "How many ml is in each pen."? "How much coverage can I get"?.

Posca markers are the marker of choice for so many kids, artists and businesses, and for a good reason!

POSCA ink content by tip size (ml)
MOP'R	68.0
PC-17K	34.0
PC-8K	17.0
PC-7M	17.0
PC-5M (Standard colour)	6.8
PC-5M (Metallic colour)	6.4
PC-3M	3.4
PC-3ML	2.6
PC-1M	2.2
PC-1MR	1.8

Download your pdf copy here

POSCA ink content by tip size (ml)

For more information about Posca ink content by tip size read our blog post here

POSCA ink content by tip size (ml)

Download your pdf copy here

Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping

Bundles

Bulk

Delivery

Do you offer international shipping?

What is the shipping cost?

Can I customise the number of pens in a bundle?

What is the maximum number of pens per bundle?

Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?

What qualifies as a bulk order?

How long does it take for an order to be delivered?

How can I track my order?

The Posca Pen

Product

What colours are available in each tip?

Are Posca marked CE?

My tip is dry, what do I do?

My tip is dirty, what do I do?

Can I replace my POSCA tip?

Can I recycle my POSCA?

Usage

How do I initiate/re-initiate my Posca?

How do I initiate/re-initiate my Posca tip (PCF-350)?

Do I need to test my Posca before using it?

Is Posca paint permanent?

Can I recharge my Posca?

How long does it take for the paint to dry?

Do I need to do anything in particular to fix the paint?

How do you prevent run-out?

How do I rectify an error?

Does POSCA use require any special equipment?

Can Posca markers be used on skin?

Can I use my POSCA outside?

How do I preserve/store my markers?

How To Use Your Posca

The Effects

The Materials

wood