Short answer
For graffiti, the most used Posca sizes are the PC-5M medium for blackbook letters and outlines, the PC-8K broad chisel for fills and stickers, and the PC-17K 15 mm for bold tags on paper and boards. Posca is water-based, so it is ideal for sketchbooks, stickers and indoor pieces; for durable outdoor marks on smooth surfaces, writers usually reach for solvent or refillable acrylic markers such as Molotow or Montana.
Posca and graffiti
Posca’s history page says the marker debuted in 1983 and that graffiti artists made it popular in the early 1980s. It is still a staple in writers’ kits, mainly for work on paper and indoors: blackbook letters, sticker tags, outlines and highlights over spray paint, and canvas pieces.
Best Posca sizes for graffiti
Posca graffiti markers by size, widths from Posca listings
| Posca size | Tip | Graffiti use |
|---|---|---|
| PC-1M | 0.7 mm extra fine | Shines, small highlights, signatures, fine details |
| PC-3M | 0.9 to 1.3 mm fine | Outlines in a small blackbook, 3D lines |
| PC-5M | 1.8 to 2.5 mm medium | Letter outlines and fills on A5 to A4 pages |
| PC-7M | 4.5 to 5.5 mm broad | Bold outlines and medium fills |
| PC-8K | 8 mm broad chisel | Fills, sticker tags, chisel strokes |
| PC-17K | 15 mm extra broad | Bold tags and big fills on boards and paper |
Every width is compared on Posca marker sizes. If you buy only two, a PC-5M for outlines and a PC-8K for fills cover most blackbook pieces.
What Posca graffiti pens are good at
- Blackbooks: opaque, quick drying paint that layers, so you can fill, outline and add shines in one sitting. Use heavier paper; see best paper for acrylic markers.
- Sticker tags: Posca sits on top of label paper and dries fast.
- Light over dark: white and yellow cover black paper well, which suits highlights and 3D.
- Low odor: water-based paint is easier to use indoors than solvent markers.
Where Posca is the wrong tool
Posca says its paint is permanent on porous materials and erasable on smooth surfaces such as glass (Posca FAQ). That makes it a poor choice for durable marks on smooth outdoor surfaces: rain and handling remove it. For those, graffiti writers use solvent-based or permanent markers. Only paint where you have permission.
Posca vs graffiti-first markers
Posca vs other markers writers use
| Marker | Paint | Refillable | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posca | Water-based pigment | No, replaceable tips on some sizes | Opaque, clean lines, easy indoors |
| Molotow ONE4ALL | Water-based acrylic | Yes, refill bottles and empties | Refillable, wide size range |
| Montana Acrylic | Water-based acrylic | Yes | Big 15 mm and wider tips, refillable |
| Krink K-60 | Alcohol-based paint, per its listings | Squeeze bottle body | Bold, drippy lines on smooth surfaces |
The full comparison is in Posca vs Molotow, and other graffiti brands are on graffiti markers.
Colors for graffiti
Posca lists 66 colors, including 8 metallics and 6 fluorescents (Posca range). Writers lean on black, white, the fluorescents for pop, and silver and gold for shines and outlines. More on Posca colors.
Posca graffiti markers on Amazon
The Posca sizes writers use most, each listing checked by hand.
-
Posca PC-5M paint markers, medium, 8 count
The medium size for letter outlines and blackbook fills.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- 8 colors
-
Posca PC-8K broad chisel paint markers
Broad 8 mm chisel tips for fills and sticker tags.
- 8 mm chisel
- Water-based
-
Uni Posca PC-17K full range, 8 colors
Extra broad 15 mm tips for bold tags on paper and boards.
- 15 mm
- 8 colors
-
posca uni PC-8K broad 8 mm black, 2 count
Broad black for outlines and drop shadows.
- 8 mm
- Black
-
Posca PC-1M white, 3 count
Extra fine white for shines and highlights.
- 0.7 mm
- White
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
Does Posca graffiti rub off smooth surfaces?
On porous surfaces such as paper, card, wood and stone, dry Posca stays put. On smooth surfaces such as glass, Posca says its paint is erasable with a damp rag, and on plastic or metal it can rub or scratch off with handling. For graffiti-style work on smooth surfaces, seal it or use a solvent or permanent marker instead.
Are POSCA markers like acrylic markers?
Yes, in practice. Posca markers are water-based pigment paint markers, which is what most people mean by acrylic markers: opaque, quick drying and layerable. Posca itself describes its paint as water-based rather than acrylic, but it is used and sold alongside acrylic paint markers for the same jobs.
Are Posca graffiti markers waterproof?
Oil-based and solvent-based paint markers, such as Sharpie oil-based, Uni Paint PX-20 or graffiti markers made for outdoor use, are the most water resistant on smooth surfaces once dry. Water-based acrylic paint pens are water resistant on porous surfaces but can wash off glass, metal and plastic unless sealed.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.
