SewingMachineTalk is reader-supported so we can earn commissions when you buy through our links.



Are Posca Pens Waterproof or Washable? (Helpful Guide)

The answer to this question depends on the surface you are using the Posca pens on and the conditions it will be exposed to.

Are Posca Pens Waterproof?

Posca pens are water-based, which means they can be easily washed off with water when wet. However, once they dry, they become water-resistant or even waterproof, depending on the surface.

Posca pens are ideal for use on non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, and plastic, where they are water-resistant and can withstand some exposure to moisture.

On the other hand, using Posca pens on porous surfaces such as paper or fabric may result in the ink bleeding or fading when exposed to water or washing.

Posca pens are known for their versatility and ability to work on a variety of surfaces.

Let’s take a closer look.

Are Posca Pens Waterproof on Glass and Porcelain?

Posca pens are waterproof on glass and porcelain surfaces. Once the ink dries, it becomes resistant to water and can withstand light washing.

However, it’s important to note that prolonged exposure to water or heavy scrubbing may cause the ink to fade or come off.

Are Posca Pens Waterproof on Fabric?

Posca pens are not completely waterproof on fabric surfaces.

While the ink is water-resistant, it may still bleed or fade when exposed to water or washing. To make Posca pens more resistant to water on fabric, it’s recommended to heat-set the ink by ironing the fabric on a low heat setting for a few minutes.

We have more here on how to use Posca pens on fabric types.

Are Posca Pens Water Resistant?

Posca pens are water-resistant, but not completely waterproof. Also, they can sometimes become watery – we have an article here with solutions if your Posca pens are too watery.

The ink is formulated to resist water, but it may still fade or come off with prolonged exposure to water or heavy scrubbing.

Testing Posca Pens for Water Resistance

If you’re unsure about the water resistance of your Posca pens, you can test them by drawing on a scrap piece of paper or fabric and then running it under water or rubbing it with a damp cloth.

This will give you an idea of how well the ink will hold up to water.

How to Make Posca Pens More Waterproof

To make Posca pens more waterproof, you can try heat-setting the ink on fabric surfaces, as mentioned earlier.

You can also try using a fixative spray on other surfaces, such as paper or wood, to help seal the ink and make it more resistant to water.

However, it’s important to note that using a fixative spray may alter the appearance of the ink or cause it to become less opaque.

Are Posca pens waterproof or washable?

Let’s start with the second part of that question.

Are Posca pens washable?

Posca pens are water-based and can be washed off with water when they are still wet. However, once they are dry, Posca ink is permanent and difficult to remove.

This can cause problems though. We have listed some common issues with Posca pens here (including being watery)

What is the best way to remove Posca color?

The best way to remove Posca color is to use a specialized cleaner such as the Posca Color Remover.

This product is specifically designed to remove Posca ink from surfaces such as plastic, metal, glass, and ceramics.

Here are a few other ways.

  1. Rubbing alcohol: Dab a cotton ball or cloth in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stain. Rinse with water and repeat as necessary.
  2. Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and soak the stained area for 30 minutes. Rinse with water and repeat as necessary.
  3. Baking soda: Mix baking soda and water to form a paste and apply to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with water.
  4. Laundry detergent: Apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing the garment as usual.

Remember to always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.

Can you use water to remove Posca color?

While water can be used to remove Posca ink when it is still wet, it is not effective once the ink has dried.

In fact, using water on dried Posca ink can actually make it more difficult to remove.

We have more here on materials Posca pens don’t work on.

How do you best remove Posca pens from clothes?

To remove Posca ink from clothes, it is best to treat the stain as soon as possible before it has a chance to dry. Start by using a cloth to blot the stain and remove as much ink as possible.

Then, apply a stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing the garment in the washing machine.

Testing Posca pens for washability

If you are unsure whether a surface or material can be washed after being marked with Posca pens, it is best to test a small area first. Apply the ink to a small, inconspicuous area and let it dry completely.

Then, use a damp cloth or water to try to remove the ink.

If the ink comes off easily, it should be safe to wash the surface or material.

How to remove Posca pen marks

To remove Posca pen marks from surfaces such as walls, use a Magic Eraser or a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the cleaner to the area and scrub gently until the ink is removed.

For other surfaces, such as plastic or metal, use a specialized cleaner such as the Posca Color Remover.

What are the best pens for waterproof art projects?

There are several waterproof pens that are great for art, depending on the type of art you are creating and the surface you are working on.

Here are some popular options:

  1. Sakura Pigma Micron: These pens are available in a range of tip sizes and colors, and are waterproof and fade-resistant. They work well on paper, fabric, and other surfaces.
  2. Staedtler Pigment Liner: These pens have a long metal tip that is ideal for drawing precise lines, and are waterproof and lightfast. They work well on paper and other surfaces.
  3. Uni-ball Signo: These pens have a gel ink that is waterproof and fade-resistant, and come in a range of colors. They work well on paper and other surfaces.
  4. Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens: These pens have a brush tip that is ideal for creating calligraphy and other brushwork, and are waterproof and lightfast. They work well on paper, canvas, and other surfaces.
  5. Copic Multiliner: These pens have a range of tip sizes, and are waterproof and bleed-proof. They work well on paper and other surfaces.

Remember to always test any pen on your chosen surface before starting your artwork to ensure it works well and doesn’t bleed or smudge.