Short answer
Posca sells black in every main tip: PC-1M (0.7 mm) for fine outlines and lettering, PC-3M (0.9 to 1.3 mm) for line work, PC-5M (1.8 to 2.5 mm) for bold outlines and fills, PC-7M (4.5 to 5.5 mm) and PC-8K (8 mm chisel) for big lettering and backgrounds. Start with a PC-1M black for details and a PC-5M black for everything bolder.
Black Posca markers by tip
Black Posca markers, per Posca’s range and the listings
| Pen | Tip | Black is best for |
|---|---|---|
| PC-1M | 0.7 mm extra fine bullet | Outlines around color, pupils, fine lettering, hatching |
| PC-3M | 0.9 to 1.3 mm fine, reversible | Everyday line work, comic inking, labels |
| PC-5M | 1.8 to 2.5 mm medium, reversible | Bold outlines, filling shapes, lettering on rocks |
| PC-7M | 4.5 to 5.5 mm broad bullet | Big lettering, shoe panels, signs |
| PC-8K | 8 mm chisel | Backgrounds, block letters, quick coverage |
Every Posca uses the same water-based pigment paint (Posca range); the tip is the only difference. For tip widths across the whole range, see every Posca size.
Why black Posca is the finishing pen
Black is the one color that always covers, so it is the pen you use last. A thin black outline around shapes painted in other Posca colors sharpens wobbly edges and makes the colors look brighter by contrast. That is why many Posca artists keep a black PC-1M or PC-3M even if they own a full set: it is the pen that wears out first. Because Posca paint layers, you can also paint color over black once it is dry, which lets you fix an outline that went too far.
Black Posca line work tips
- Outline last. Paint color areas first, let them dry, then outline. Outlining first and filling next tends to smear the line.
- Light pressure on the PC-1M. The 0.7 mm tip is a fine bullet; pressing hard pushes it in.
- Prime on scrap. Shake, then press the tip on paper until the line is solid; an over-pumped black pen blobs.
- Clean the tip after outlining. A black tip that touched wet color picks it up; scribble on scrap until the line runs black again.
- Flip worn tips. The PC-3M and PC-5M tips are reversible, so a flattened black tip gets a second life.
Black Posca on different surfaces
Posca says its paint is permanent on porous surfaces and erasable on smooth surfaces (Posca FAQ). For black, that means:
- Paper, card, wood and stone: permanent once dry. Black on rocks is the classic outline and seed color; see paint pens for rock painting.
- Fabric and sneakers: usable for customizing with heat setting; see Posca markers on fabric.
- Glass, glazed ceramic, metal and plastic: erasable with a damp rag unless varnished. For black that must survive handling on slick surfaces, an oil-based black is the better tool.
Posca recommends a water-based spray varnish to fix work on many materials. The full picture is on are Posca markers permanent.
Black Posca vs other blacks
| Black marker | Ink | Choose it for |
|---|---|---|
| Posca black | Water-based pigment paint | Outlining paint, drawing on wood, stone and paper, layering |
| Classic Sharpie | Permanent dye ink | Labeling slick surfaces; translucent, can fade in sun |
| Sharpie oil-based paint marker | Oil-based paint | Opaque black on glass, metal and plastic |
| Molotow ONE4ALL black | Acrylic | Refillable pens and refill ink |
More black options across brands are on black paint markers. For the opposite color, which is much harder to make cover, see white Posca markers.
Black on black paper
People often ask whether Posca suits black paper. It does, but with the light colors: white, yellow, pastels, gold and silver sit on top of black paper because Posca paint is opaque. Black Posca still helps there, for outlining inside a light shape or tidying an edge. Plan two thin coats for white on black, and see our best paper for acrylic markers guide for black paper choices.
Black Posca markers on Amazon
Black in four widths, each listing checked by hand.
-
Posca PC-1M black, 3 count
Three extra fine blacks for outlines and lettering, the pen most Posca users wear out first.
- 0.7 mm
- Black, 3 pens
-
Posca PC-5M black, 3 count
Three medium blacks for bold outlines, rock seeds and lettering.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- Black, 3 pens
-
Posca PC-5M black, single
A single medium black if you only need one to finish a set.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- Black
-
Posca PC-7M black, broad
A 4.5 to 5.5 mm broad bullet black for big lettering and shoe panels.
- 4.5 to 5.5 mm
- Black
-
Posca PC-8K black, 2 count
Two 8 mm chisel blacks for backgrounds and block lettering.
- 8 mm chisel
- Black, 2 pens
Each pick links to an Amazon listing we checked by hand. Prices, colors and pack sizes change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Questions people ask
Which is better, Sharpie or POSCA?
For black, it depends on the surface. A black Posca is opaque water-based paint that sits on top of colors, paper, wood and stone, so it is better for outlining paint and drawing on dark or colored grounds. A classic black Sharpie is dye ink that soaks in, writes on almost anything and is better for labeling slick surfaces such as plastic and metal.
What’s so special about POSCA markers?
They put opaque, water-based pigment paint in a pump marker, so one pen works on paper, wood, stone, fabric, glass and more, layers cleanly and covers dark colors. Posca says its paint is permanent on porous surfaces and erasable on smooth ones, and the medium and fine tips are reversible. An independent comparison rated Posca the best pump-action marker overall.
Are POSCA markers good for black paper?
Yes, though for black paper you want the light colors, not the black: white, yellow, pastels and metallics show up on it. Posca paint is opaque, so light colors cover dark paper far better than ordinary markers. Black Posca is still useful there for outlines inside light shapes and for fixing edges.
Do Posca pens wash off skin?
Posca says its markers are not certified for cosmetic use and must not be used on skin. If a little gets on your hands, it is water-based paint, so washing promptly with soap and warm water is the usual approach; dried paint takes a few washes. Do not use solvents on skin, and keep Posca away from face and body art.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.
