Short answer
To activate a Posca, shake it firmly with the cap on so the ball mixes the paint, then press the tip on scrap paper several times until it fills with paint. Draw with light pressure, let each coat dry (Posca says a few minutes) before layering, and recap firmly after use. If the tip runs dry, shake and press again; if it is dirty, reverse it on the PC-3M and PC-5M or rinse it.
How to activate Posca markers
- Shake with the cap on
Posca says to shake firmly with the cap tightly closed so the ball inside mixes and evens out the paint. You will hear it rattle.
- Prime on scrap paper
Take the cap off and press the tip down on a piece of paper several times to saturate it with paint, as Posca directs.
- Test strokes
Draw a few lines on the scrap. If the line is pale or streaky, press the tip a few more times.
- Start drawing
Use light, even pressure. You only need to pump again when the line starts to fade.
These steps are from Posca’s FAQ. A pump-action marker works this way because a valve behind the tip opens when pressed; how to use acrylic markers explains the mechanism for other brands too.
Posca markers for beginners: basic technique
- Light pressure. Pressing hard pushes extra paint out and wears the tip.
- Big shapes first, details last. Fill with a medium or broad Posca, then add lines with a fine one.
- Wait between layers. Posca says its paint dries extremely fast, in no more than a few minutes, and to wait until the first coat is dry before covering it.
- Light over dark works. Posca is opaque, so white and yellow cover dark colors once the dark layer is dry.
- Fixing mistakes: on glass, Posca says a damp rag removes errors; on porous surfaces, let it dry and paint over it.
- Blending: Posca describes its paint as water-soluble and mixable, so colors can be blended while wet. See how to blend acrylic markers.
How to draw with Posca markers on different surfaces
Using Posca by surface, based on Posca’s directions
| Surface | Prep | Tip choice | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper and card | Use heavy paper, about 160 gsm or more | PC-1M to PC-5M | Nothing needed |
| Black paper | No prep needed | PC-3M or PC-5M for light colors | Nothing needed |
| Rocks and stone | Wash and dry | PC-5M and PC-1M | Spray varnish outdoors |
| Wood | Sand smooth, wipe dust | PC-5M, PC-8K | Varnish for handled or outdoor pieces |
| Glass and windows | Clean | PC-5M to PC-17K | Wipes off with a damp rag |
| Fabric | Prewash | PC-3M, PC-5M | Iron inside out, no steam |
More on what stays put is in are Posca markers permanent, and choosing a width in Posca marker sizes.
How to fix a Posca that is not working
Posca troubleshooting, based on Posca’s FAQ
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No paint comes out | Unused pen or settled paint | Shake with the cap on, then press the tip on scrap several times |
| Dry tip | Cap left off | Posca says the piston and valve let you re-saturate the tip; press it on scrap repeatedly |
| Dirty or muddy tip | Drew over wet paint | Reverse the tip on PC-3M and PC-5M, or remove it and rinse under tap water |
| Blobs and floods | Pumped too much | Blot the tip on scrap, then draw with less pressure |
| Watery, pale paint | Pigment not mixed | Shake longer with the cap on |
Posca says the PC-3M and PC-5M tips are reversible, which doubles their life, and that certain tips can be replaced when dirty or worn. For other brands, see paint pen not working.
Caring for Posca markers
- Recap firmly. Posca says its markers can be stored in any position as long as the cap is on firmly; its brush pen is the exception and should be stored horizontally.
- Clean tips with water. Remove a dirty tip, rinse it under the tap, put it back and press the piston.
- Keep off skin. Posca says its markers are not certified for cosmetic use and must not be used on skin.
- Seal outdoor work. Posca recommends a water-based aerosol varnish outdoors.
Can you make or refill Posca markers?
Posca’s range page lists ten tip sizes but no refill system, and its FAQ does not describe a way to make your own. If you want a pen you can fill with your own paint, refillable systems such as Molotow ONE4ALL sell empty markers and refill bottles. See refillable paint markers.
Posca markers to learn with
A starter range of sizes plus a spray sealer, each listing checked by hand. Project ideas are on Posca art ideas.
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Posca PC-5M paint markers, medium, 8 count
The medium size most beginners should start with.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- 8 colors
-
Posca PC-3M paint markers, fine, 8 pack
Fine reversible tips for lines, lettering and details.
- 0.9 to 1.3 mm
- 8 colors
-
Posca PC-1M paint markers, extra fine, 8 pack
Extra fine tips for the smallest details.
- 0.7 mm
- 8 colors
-
Posca PC-5BR brush tip paint markers, 16 count
Brush tips for lettering and varied strokes.
- Brush tip
- 16 colors
-
Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer spray
A clear spray sealer for Posca work on handled items.
- Aerosol
- Clear
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
How do you use Posca pens for the first time?
Shake the marker firmly with the cap tightly closed, so the ball inside mixes the paint. Then remove the cap and press the tip down on a piece of scrap paper several times, as Posca directs, until paint saturates the tip. Test a few strokes on scrap before moving to your real surface.
What not to do with POSCA markers?
Do not pump straight onto your artwork, which floods the tip and blobs; prime on scrap. Do not shake with the cap off. Do not layer over wet paint. Do not leave the cap off, or the tip dries. Posca also says its markers are not certified for cosmetic use and must not be used on skin.
What is the best thing to use POSCA markers on?
Porous surfaces: paper and card, wood, stone and rocks, canvas, cardboard, terracotta and fabric (heat set). Posca says its paint is permanent on porous materials without fixative. It also works on glass and windows, where it wipes off with a damp rag, which makes it good for temporary window art.
How do I get my POSCA pen to work?
Shake it firmly with the cap on, then press the tip on scrap paper several times to refill it with paint. Posca says the piston and valve system lets you re-saturate a dry tip this way. If the tip is clogged or dirty, remove it, rinse it under tap water, put it back and press the piston again.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.
