Which POSCA markers should you buy? A guide by level and project
POSCA markers are water-based acrylic paint markers, permanent once dry and compatible with almost any surface: paper, wood, fabric, glass, metal, stone, ceramic and plastic. Their biggest advantage is not surface versatility, but real opacity: white covers black, yellow covers red. That's what sets them apart from alcohol markers or conventional liquid acrylics.
The catalogue has more than ten ranges and 66 colours, which can feel overwhelming when you're starting out. This Posca Guide is designed to cut through that complexity. It answers two questions: what are you going to paint? and how much experience do you have? The tables below give you the answer in under a minute.
Before looking at levels and projects, it helps to understand the available ranges. Each model differs mainly in tip type and size, which determines the kind of marks and projects it can handle:
| Model | Tip type | Size | Main use | Metallic colours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC-1MC | Extra fine round conical | 0.7 mm | Detail work with minimal line variation, available in metallic colours | Yes |
| PC-1M | Extra fine round | 0.7 mm | Minimum details, fine lettering, precise outlines | — |
| PC-3M | Fine round | 0.9–1.3 mm | Lettering, illustration, outlines, details | Yes |
| PC-5M | Medium round conical | 1.8–2.5 mm | General use, fills, sketching, mixed projects | Yes |
| PC-7M | Thick round | 4.5–5.5 mm | Large fills, backgrounds, small-format murals | — |
| PC-8K | Chisel | 8 mm | Large lettering, broad fills, backgrounds | Yes |
| PC-17K | Large chisel | 15 mm | Large surfaces, backgrounds, mural art | Yes |
| PCF-350 | Soft brush | Variable | Watercolour effect, organic textures, variable brushstrokes | — |
| MOP'R | Thick mop round | Variable | Urban art, tags, quick fills | — |
Available metallic colours: PC-1MR, PC-1MC, PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-8K and PC-17K are available in metallic colours (gold, silver, bronze and others).
Choose by your experience level
| Level | Recommended models | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | PC-5M, PC-8K | Wide tip, generous flow, less pressure required. Easy to prime and control. |
| Intermediate | PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-7M | A combination that covers both detail and fill work. Allows layering and colour overlap. |
| Advanced | PC-1M, PC-1MC, PC-3M, PCF-350 | Fine tips that require a steady hand and good knowledge of the material. |
| Professional / mural | PC-8K, PC-17K, MOP'R | Designed for large formats where coverage speed is essential. |
Expert note: At Totenart, we find the most common mistake is starting with the PC-1M. Its 0.7 mm tip is demanding: it needs a steady hand and the right paper. For beginners, the PC-5M is far more forgiving.
Choose by your project
| Project / Surface | Recommended models | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper and card | PC-1M, PC-3M, PC-5M | Works on white and black paper. On very absorbent paper, a second coat may be needed. |
| Fabric and sneakers | PC-3M, PC-5M | Paint on clean, dry fabric. Once dry, heat-set with an iron (use a cloth, iron on the reverse, 2 min). Wash inside-out in cold water. See sneaker painting tutorial. |
| Glass and crystal | PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-1MC | Clean with alcohol before painting. Allow 24 h to cure. Not dishwasher-safe unless baked. See glass painting tutorial. |
| Metal | PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-8K | Degreasing is essential beforehand. Excellent adhesion. See metal painting tutorial. |
| Wood | PC-5M, PC-7M, PC-8K | On porous wood, sand and clean first. Apply water-based varnish for outdoor protection. |
| Stone and rock | PC-3M, PC-5M | Clean and dry thoroughly. On porous stone, a second coat may be needed. Seal with water-based varnish. |
| Ceramic | PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-1MC | Not dishwasher-safe or food-safe. For decorative pieces, seal with water-based varnish. |
| Plastic | PC-3M, PC-5M | Good adhesion on most plastics. Avoid very smooth surfaces without primer. |
| Lettering and calligraphy | PC-1M, PC-3M, PC-8K | PC-1M and PC-3M for small letters. PC-8K for large lettering with a chisel-edge effect. |
| Illustration and fine art | PC-3M, PC-5M, PCF-350 | The PCF-350 (soft brush) allows variable brushstrokes similar to watercolour. |
| Urban art / graffiti | PC-8K, PC-17K, MOP'R | Fast, broad coverage. The MOP'R is especially designed for tags and fills. |
| Metallic details | PC-1MR, PC-1MC, PC-3M metallic | Ideal for decorative finishes and details on dark backgrounds. |
For more detail on how to fix POSCA on each surface, see the surface fixing guide.
Recommended starter sets
| Price range | Suggested set | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| From ~€13–15 | 4-pack PC-5M (basic colours) | First introduction. Covers red, yellow, blue and black or white. |
| ~€25–35 | 8-colour PC-5M set | Complete starter kit. Enough palette for most projects. |
| ~€45–60 | Mixed PC-3M + PC-5M set (12–16 colours) | For those who've tried POSCA and want to combine detail and fill work. |
| ~€80–100 | 24-colour PC-5M set or full range set | Regular use, studio, professional illustration. Saving of ~15–20% per unit vs individual purchase. |
Browse all POSCA sets available at Totenart, with real stock and shipping from Spain.
Which colours to buy first?
Starting from scratch, these six colours in PC-5M cover the vast majority of projects:
- White — the most-used colour. Irreplaceable on dark backgrounds.
- Black — outlines, shadows and signatures.
- Red — warm primary, essential in any basic palette.
- Blue — cool primary, base for mixing and backgrounds.
- Yellow — high opacity even over dark tones.
- Medium green — saves mixing time and covers well in a single coat.
You can achieve some blending effects by working wet-on-wet, though mixing is limited. The real strength of POSCA is dry layering: once the first coat is dry, you can apply another on top without the colours bleeding into each other.
To see the full catalogue of all 66 available colours, download the complete POSCA colour chart (PDF).
Frequently asked questions about buying POSCA
What are POSCA markers used for?
POSCA are water-based acrylic paint markers, permanent and opaque once dry. They're used in illustration, lettering, customisation of sneakers and clothing, and decoration on glass, wood, metal, stone, ceramic and plastic. They're popular in fine arts and urban art alike, thanks to their high coverage and range of tip sizes.
Which is the best POSCA for beginners?
The PC-5M (medium round tip, 1.8–2.5 mm) is the most recommended model for beginners. It's easy to prime, flows consistently and handles both fills and detailed strokes. For a starter kit, a 4 or 8-colour set in PC-5M is the most efficient option.
What's the difference between the PC-3M and the PC-5M?
The PC-3M has a fine tip (0.9–1.3 mm) ideal for outlines, details and small lettering. The PC-5M has a medium conical tip (1.8–2.5 mm) that fills larger areas more quickly. If you can only choose one, the PC-5M is more versatile; if you do a lot of detailed work, combine both.
How much does a POSCA marker cost?
An individual POSCA costs around €3.30–4.50 depending on the model. Sets range from ~€13–15 (4-pack) to €80–100 for 24-colour sets. Buying in a set typically works out 15–20% cheaper per marker.
Are POSCA markers safe for children?
Yes. POSCA markers contain no solvents or alcohol, are water-based and non-toxic. They're regularly used in schools and workshops. For younger children, thicker tips like the PC-5M or PC-8K are recommended as they're easier to handle.
POSCA or Molotow: which to buy?
Both are professional-quality acrylics. POSCA stands out for superior opacity, a wider variety of colours and tips, and ease of priming. Molotow One4All markers are refillable, which can make them more economical in the long run. For beginners or for customisation and fine arts work, POSCA is the more recommended option.
What happens if my POSCA dries out and stops flowing?
It's not empty. Shake firmly for 20–30 seconds, remove the cap and press the tip on paper several times until the paint flows. If the tip has dried out, remove it (PC-3M, 5M, 7M, 8K, 17K models) and soak it in warm water for a few minutes. A well-maintained POSCA can last for months.
Can I use POSCA over an acrylic paint base?
Yes. POSCA is compatible with acrylic: paint backgrounds with tube acrylics and use POSCA for details, outlines and text on top. This is a common technique in illustration and urban art. Always wait for the base layer to be completely dry before applying.
Are POSCA markers permanent?
Once dry, yes. POSCA's acrylic paint is water-resistant when cured. On porous surfaces (wood, fabric, paper) adhesion is very strong. On smooth non-porous surfaces (glass, smooth plastic) it can be scratched off with effort; a coat of water-based varnish is recommended as a final protective layer.
Which POSCA do I need for lettering?
For fine, detailed lettering: PC-1M or PC-3M. For medium-size lettering: PC-3M or PC-5M. For large lettering with variable stroke width: PC-8K (8 mm chisel tip). The PCF-350 (soft brush) also works for more expressive calligraphic styles.
How many colours do POSCA markers come in?
The current catalogue has 66 colours, though not all are available in every model. Basic colours (white, black, red, blue, yellow, green...) are available across most ranges. Metallic colours are found in PC-1MR, PC-1MC, PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-8K and PC-17K. Download the complete colour chart (PDF) to see the full catalogue.
Are POSCA markers washable before they dry?
Yes, with water before they dry. Once the paint is dry and cured (30–60 min under normal conditions), it becomes water-resistant. If you accidentally mark clothing or surfaces, clean immediately with soap and water. On fabric that has already cured, the mark is permanent.
Can I mix POSCA colours together?
You can achieve some blending by working wet-on-wet, though mixing is limited. The real strength of POSCA is dry layering: once the first coat is dry, you can apply another on top without the colours bleeding. For precise colour mixing, it's more practical to purchase the colours you need directly from the catalogue.
Do POSCA markers work on dark surfaces?
Yes, and that's one of their biggest advantages over other markers. POSCA's opacity is genuine: white covers black, yellow covers dark blue. On very dark or absorbent surfaces a second coat may be needed. The PC-5M and PC-8K offer the best coverage thanks to their generous flow.
Are there POSCA markers with a metallic or glossy finish?
Yes. The PC-1MR, PC-1MC, PC-3M, PC-5M, PC-8K and PC-17K ranges have versions in metallic colours: gold, silver, bronze, copper and others. They're especially popular for decorative details and customisation on dark backgrounds.
Buy POSCA markers at Totenart
Totenart is a specialist fine arts store with over 20 years of experience. We stock the full POSCA range: every model, every colour available, with shipping from Spain.
Unlike large marketplaces, every product at Totenart is verified and held in our own warehouse. If you have any questions about which model to choose, get in touch with us directly.