What are POSCA paint markers?
February 09, 2022
POSCA ambassador Ella Johnston takes you through POSCA paint markers. Ella discusses how to prime your POSCA through to the materials that POSCA paint markers can be used on. She also devises a beginners shopping list to get you started on your creative journey.
Ella Johnston takes you through POSCA paint markers.
Beginners guide
POSCA Paint Markers are fantastic for a range of art, crafts and up-cycling projects. If you’re getting started with these paint markers, we’ve put together a handy beginner’s guide on how to use these paint pens so you can enjoy them whatever your style.
Prime your POSCA
When you unwrap your POSCA pen and flip the lip off, you will see the pen has a white nib. That’s because, unlike many alcohol based markers, the water-based POSCA pigment lives in the barrel of the pen, not the nib. That means your pen will last longer and your paint colour can be refreshed every time you use the pen.
To get your pen working just give it a shake to activate the paint and press the nib down on a piece of scrap paper to get the paint flowing. It should have a creamy consistency on the page.
The multi-surface marker
POSCA paint markers are the gold-standard multi-surface creative pen. This makes makes them great value as one pen has a multitude of uses.
POSCA pens are also permanent and bleed-proof on paper, card and canvas. And they can be made permanent on the following:
- Terracotta – bake at 220°C for 45 minutes, then spray with clear varnish
- Porcelain – bake at 160°C for 45 minutes, then spray with clear varnish
- Glass – bake at 160°C for 45 minutes then spray with clear varnish
- Textiles – iron on reverse
- Metal, stone, leather, plastic and wood – spray with clear varnish
Five key nib sizes
POSCA markers are available in eight nib sizes from the extra fine 0.7mm 1MR to the big and bold 17mm chisel tip. Here’s our quick and easy reference to five of POSCA’s key nib sizes.
PC-1MR
Slim and smooth, the PC-1MR’s 0.7mm fibre tip is for people who love precision. Its ultra-fine tip is perfect for defined outlines and neat handwriting. As the tip is protected by metal, it works well with stencils.
PC-1M
The PC-1M’s extra-fine 0.7mm bullet tip makes it excellent for fine detail and small projects such as fiddly decorations, card-making or delicate illustration. Hold it straight on for fine dots and lines, use it at an angle to create expressive strokes and to colour-in.
PC-3M
Versatile and vibrant, the PC-3M fine bullet tip can be enjoyed by artists, crafters and customisers alike. The 3M’s neat, steady line and solid colour gives you the power to outline and fill. Allowing you to customise, create, decorate or make a mark on anything that inspires you.
PC-5M
The PC-5M medium 1.8-2.5mm bullet tip produces bold lines and is ideal for colouring. Comfortable to hold and available in a wide choice of colours, this robust pen is great for a wide range of projects.
PC-8K
The PC-8K’s 8mm broad chisel tip draws neat curves and covers large surfaces in a wide range of colours. A ‘Street Art’ favourite, it is also fantastic for large italic-style hand-writing and large format work.
Beginner's shopping list
Because POSCA’s work on practically any surface, you can get started with your pens on a wealth of projects with various products. Why not start with practicing your designs in a sketchbook and then have a play by creating works on canvas to start off.
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Remember to share your POSCA creations, tagging @londongraphiccentre
