Posca Pens Techniques: How to Create Bold Designs on Any Surface

How-To Guides

Posca pens are perfect for creating bold, bright and illustrative designs. They can be used on various surfaces and are available in multiple nib sizes and assorted sets.

Posca pens can be diluted with water to produce a gradient effect, mixed together when wet, or used straight from the pen and layered!

Step by step - Let's Create

Treated/Untreated Wood

Wood is ideal for use with Posca pens, whether rough or polished.

Preparation: Before starting, it is better to roughen the surface with sandpaper on treated or varnished wood. If using recovered or recycled timber, clean first with water and a soft sponge and allow to dry.

Fixing: Once your design is finished, allow it to dry and apply two coats of water-based spray varnish. Hold the can 30cm away from the surface and apply in slow circular movements.

Card and Board

Posca paint adheres perfectly and permanently to paper, card, board or even papier mâché.

Preparation: No special preparation is needed. If using cardboard, remove any surface dust.

Fixing: To optimise your design over time, allow it to dry and apply two coats of water-based spray varnish. Hold the can 30cm away from the surface and apply in slow circular movements.

Ceramics

For use on earthenware, stoneware or glazed terracotta. Designs will be temporary if the ceramic is glazed or permanent if used on fired clay. After decoration, the ceramic object will no longer be food-safe.

Preparation: Clean the ceramic surface with a cloth and allow it to dry before decorating. Posca paint will take longer to dry if the object is glazed and may need several coats if using large areas of filled colour or if the ceramic is rough.

Fixing: Once your design is finished and dry, it can be heat-fixed. For glazed ceramics, spray design with a water-based spray varnish for non-food use. With rough ceramics, heat the object in an oven slowly to 220°C, then turn it off and allow it to cool completely before lifting out. This is also for non-food use

Glass

For use on windows and everyday items such as glasses, mirrors and vases. Once decorated, objects are no longer food-safe.

Preparation: Clean the glass surface with a cloth and allow it to dry before decorating. If using large areas of filled colour, several layers may be needed. Creations consisting of lines produce the best effect; wipe the area with a damp cloth for any mistakes.

Fixing: Allow to dry, and apply two coats of water-based spray varnish. Hold the can 30cm away from the surface and apply in slow circular movements.

Fabric/Textiles

Posca pens work great on natural or synthetic fabrics or skins, clothing, or soft furnishings and can even be fixed permanently.

Preparation: Before decorating, pre-wash the fabric to remove any dirt or industrial coatings. For skins, wipe them with a humid sponge and allow them to dry. Use card or paper underneath the object to allow the paint to absorb.

Fixing: Heat fix by ironing on the reverse side without steam or using a hair dryer. For extra protection, place a sheet of greaseproof paper between the fabric and iron