Picking up your first Posca pen and not sure what you can actually paint on? Good news, these little legends work on an impressive range of Posca pen surfaces. The not-so-good news: not every surface behaves the same way, and getting that wrong can mean chipped artwork, dull colour, or paint that wipes off in the rain.
This Posca paint marker surfaces guide covers 12 popular materials, how to prime a new pen, plus we’ll provide you with a handy sealing table, so you know exactly what you're getting into before you uncap.
Quick answer:
- Posca pens use water-based acrylic paint (not ink) – which means they behave differently depending on the surface
- Porous surfaces (paper, wood, fabric) absorb paint and hold it permanently
- Non-porous surfaces (glass, plastic, metal) need sealing to make the paint permanent
- Before using a new pen: shake with cap on, then press the tip on scrap paper until paint flows
- Most surfaces benefit from a clear varnish or baking step to lock in your work
Porous vs Non-Porous: Why It Matters for Posca Pen Surfaces
Porous surfaces
Paper, wood, canvas, fabric, stone, terracotta. Paint soaks in and bonds. Naturally permanent – no sealing needed for basic use, though varnish extends longevity outdoors.
Non-porous surfaces
Glass, ceramic, metal, plastic, leather. Paint sits on top. Erasable with water while wet, and will chip or peel without sealing. Always seal these surfaces.
This distinction is the single most useful thing to understand about what you can use Posca pens on, it changes your prep, your process, and your finish.
The 12 Posca Pen Surfaces Explained
Paper & card (porous)
Ideal starting point. Opaque on dark paper. Paint sets quickly, so plan before you commit. Already permanent; no sealing needed.
Canvas (porous)
Texture grips paint beautifully. No primer needed, but gesso boosts vibrancy. Great for layering and thick brushstroke effects.
Wood (porous)
Unsealed wood soaks paint up fast – sand smooth first for fine detail work. Seal with clear varnish for outdoor pieces.
Glass (non-porous)
Vibrant and translucent results. Wipes off easily until baked or varnished. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol first.
Ceramic & tile (non-porous)
Stunning on white ceramics. Bake at 220°C for 45 minutes for permanence. Avoid the dishwasher even after baking; hand-wash only.
Metal (non-porous)
Works on aluminium, tin, and steel. Lightly sand or scuff first. Seal with clear varnish once dry.
Plastic (non-porous)
Low-surface-energy plastics can resist adhesion – clean thoroughly and apply a light scuff with fine sandpaper. Varnish after.
Fabric & textiles (porous)
Works brilliantly on cotton and denim. Place a card inside garments to prevent bleed-through. Iron the reverse side to heat-set and make wash-safe.
Stone & rocks (porous)
A favourite for painted pebbles and garden rocks. Clean and dry the surface. Seal with outdoor varnish for weather resistance.
Terracotta & pottery (porous)
Highly absorbent – paint soaks in fast and sticks well. Bake at 220°C for 45 minutes and varnish for outdoor pots.
Leather (porous)
Works on smooth leather bags and accessories. Let dry fully between layers. Seal with a leather-compatible clear varnish.
Shoes & sneakers (porous)
One of the most popular uses right now. Clean with isopropyl alcohol, let dry, then paint. Angelus finisher or matte varnish recommended.
Sealing & Permanence – Quick Reference
|
Surface |
How to make it permanent |
|
Paper & card |
Already permanent – no sealing needed |
|
Wood |
Clear varnish |
|
Glass |
Bake at 160°C for 45 min, then varnish |
|
Metal & plastic |
Clear varnish |
|
Fabric |
Iron on reverse side (medium heat) |
|
Ceramic & terracotta |
Bake at 220°C for 45 min, then varnish |
|
Leather & shoes |
Leather-compatible clear varnish |
6 Universal Tips for Better Results On Any Surface
- Shake before every use: Cap on, shake vigorously – the ball bearing mixes the acrylic paint inside.
- Do a test stroke: Press the tip on scrap paper until paint flows evenly before touching your surface.
- Let each layer dry fully: Posca layers beautifully, but only when the layer underneath is completely dry.
- Store horizontally: Keeps paint distributed evenly across the tip and prevents drying out.
- Try reversible chisel tips: The chisel tip flips to give you both broad strokes and fine lines from one pen.
- Rinse dirty tips: Pull out the nib, rinse under water, reinsert – keeps colour clean between uses.
Ready to Start Painting?
Whether you're customising sneakers, decorating terracotta pots, or trying rock painting for the first time, the right pen makes all the difference. CraftOnline stocks a full range of Posca pens and paint markers, including fabric paint pens if textiles are your thing.
As a family-owned Australian business with 20+ years in the craft space and 900+ brands in stock, CraftOnline makes it easy to get what you need fast with careful packaging, fast dispatch, and free shipping available over the threshold.
Browse the full range at CraftOnline and get your next project started today.
FAQs
Is Posca permanent on fabric without ironing?
Not wash-safe without it. The paint will adhere but won't survive a machine wash. Iron the reverse side on medium heat for 2–3 minutes to heat-set it properly.
How well does Posca hold up on shoes or skateboards?
Very well with the right prep. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol, let it dry, and seal with Angelus finisher or a flexible clear varnish. Skate decks cop a lot of wear, two coats of varnish is recommended.
What's the best tip size for beginners?
The PC-5M (medium bullet tip) is the most beginner-friendly – broad enough for filling colour, precise enough for outlines. The PC-3M (fine) is great once you're comfortable.
Are Posca pens non-toxic and kid-safe?
Yes. Posca pens are water-based, odourless, and certified non-toxic – they're widely used in schools and kids' craft projects across Australia.
Can Posca pens be blended like watercolours?
Sort of. On non-porous surfaces like glass or plastic, you can blend while the paint is still wet. On porous surfaces paint absorbs quickly, so blending needs to happen fast. Using a damp brush to spread wet paint gives a watercolour-style effect.
