How To Erase Posca Markers on most surfaces – check out the list

How to erase Posca Markers on Most Surfaces – Having used Uni Posca Markers (also known as Posca Paint Pens) at home and in the studio for many years, and letting my 6 year old play with them I can tell you that I have had a lot of experience cleaning up after using them or having to erase mistakes i’ve made during a work in progress.

The simple answer to how to erase Posca markers depends on what the Posca markers have been applied to or written on. Being a water based marker, it can be a lot easier to clean or erase if the paint is still wet unless you get it on clothing.

On most surfaces you can clean or erase Posca markers with a damp wash cloth, a wet paintbrush if you are retouching a fresh artwork or a blade if you are erasing from glass or metals. If cleaning Posca paint from clothing, then your best bet is to soak the affected area and use stain remover such as Resolve, you will then need to scrub with soap until clean. You only require water – no solvents such as turpentine are needed.

In this article I have a table that will cover how to remove Posca pen from plastic, how to get Posca pen out of fabric, and how to get Posca out of clothes.

Search Amazon for the Latest in Posca Markers
Uni-Posca Paint Marker Pen – Medium Point – Set of 15 (PC-5M15C)

The following table can assist in determining how to erase Posca markers

In all cases, you can overwrite a Posca marker with another layer of Posca marker once the first layer is completely dry. Posca markers are opaque and will color over the previous layer quite well. If you are working on a white background, a white Posca marker will cover most colors over but if you must erase or clean up a mistake then:

How to remove Posca Pen – Extra

While my above list of all the things you can get Posca pens on and how to remove them tend to work for most, sometimes the solution just will not work as not all materials are made the same. Some are more porous and Posca paint pens will struggle to wash off. For those cases, here are some more methods you can use to remove Posca pen:

Rubbing alcohol: Soak a cotton ball or cloth in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the ink. This can dissolve the some of the more stubborn dried Posca paint and make it easier to wipe away. Be sure to test the rubbing alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface. Yes Posca paint pens are water based but the rubbing alcohol is acting on the surface not the paint. The same applies with Acetone below.

Acetone: Acetone, which is commonly found in nail polish remover, can also help dissolve ore stubborn dried Posca paint. Apply a small amount of acetone to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it over the ink. Be sure to test the acetone on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface.

Magic eraser: A magic eraser can be used to remove stubborn Posca paint from most surfaces like walls or tiles. Wet the magic eraser and gently rub it over the remnants of paint. This can remove the paint without damaging the surface.

Sandpaper: This is the nuke option for when things are just not budging. For harder surfaces like plastic or metal, you can use sandpaper to remove the dried Posca paint. Gently sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper until the paint is removed.

Remember, the method you use to remove Posca paint will depend on the surface it is on and also how long the paint has dried. I have found that the longer you leave Posca markers to dry the harder it is to remove. Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface.

how to remove posca pen from fabric

Why am I calling out fabric specifically? I have found that working out how to remove Posca pen from fabric isn’t a one size fits all solution. I know this for a fact as I recently got some on my daughter’s school uniform and went into a panic when my usual solution would not work and her mom was going to be home soon.

Removing Posca pen from fabric can be a bit challenging, but with the right method, you can successfully remove it. Here are some steps you can take to remove Posca pen from fabric:

Act quickly: The faster you can treat the stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. As soon as you notice the stain, spray some heavy duty stain remover such as Resolve and try to remove as much paint as possible by blotting it with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Use vinegar with baking soda: If Resolve doesn’t work (it should) or you want to use a home remedy instead of a commercial product, you can try using a paste made of white vinegar and baking soda. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and make a paste. Gently blot the stain and leave it there, wash the garment and repeat the process until the Posca paint stain is removed.

Try a stain remover: If the Posca paint is still visible, you can try using a stain remover specifically designed for removing ink and acrylic paint stains. Apply the stain remover to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wash the fabric in cold water with a laundry detergent. I recommend Resolve carpet cleaner as it is formulated to work on more stubborn stains instead of the more gentler Spray N Wash version.

Or you can use another stain remove such as Spot Gone or a citrus based goop remover.

Repeat as necessary: If the stain is still visible after one attempt, repeat the process until it is completely removed.

Wash the fabric: Once the paint is removed, wash the fabric in cold water with a laundry detergent to remove any remaining residue. Avoid using hot water or a dryer, as this can set the stain and make the issue even worse.

Remember, when working out how to get Posca out of clothes it’s always best to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it to the stain. This can help prevent any damage or discoloration to the fabric.

What Are Posca Markers

Uni POSCA paint pens and Posca Markers are odorless, non-toxic water based markers that can write on pretty much all types of materials and surfaces. They are a permanent marker that will write on most porous materials such as cardboard, fabrics, woods, masonry such as brick, concrete and stones. They will also write on non-porous materials such as glass, plastics and metals. I have even used them on top of a dried oil painting to pretend someone had written graffiti over a masterpiece!

They do not require a layer of varnish, resin or fixative to make them permanent but you probably should if you wish to prevent scratching on a high use surface such as a skateboard. They can even be baked and ironed on to increase permanency.

If you need more Posca Pen ideas have a look at my other article Posca Pen Art Ideas.

are posca markers permanent?

While we know and love Posca markers for their bright and long-lasting colors, sometimes we find that they can be impossible to remove. Does that make them permanent? Whether or not Posca makers are permanent depends on the surface they are used on and how they are treated.

Posca markers use water-based paints as an ink, which means they are not permanent on all surfaces. On porous surfaces like paper, fabrics or cardboard, the Posca paint may be absorbed and can bleed or fade over time and in almost all cases it is permanent. However, on non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal, or glass, Posca paint is much less resistant and can be removed with some brute force so it is considered less permanent.

That being said, even on porous surfaces, Posca paint can still be removed with strong solvents or abrasives. Therefore, it is important to take care when using Posca markers on any surface and avoid rubbing or scratching the paint.

Additionally, some Posca markers are labeled as “permanent” or “semi-permanent,” which indicates that they are formulated to be more resistant to fading or smudging over time.

Overall, while Posca markers are known for their long-lasting and vibrant water-based paint, the permanence of the paint depends on the surface it is used on and how it is treated and maintained.

When Can Posca Markers Be Erased

Being water based markers, Posca markers should be very easy to clean and erase if they are still wet. Once they dry, the level of difficulty increases quite a bit. At that point you need to decide if it is best to erase the work or work over it.

If you are trying to clean up after using Posca markers that have dried then it can still be done but will require a bit more effort. The good news is you will not be stinking up the house or studio with industrial cleaners or turpentine.

Posca markers can be erased or cleaned the most easily when they have been applied to a non porous surface like glass, most plastics and metals. This applies to when they are wet and even dry.

When Posca markers have been applied to a porous surface then it gets a little harder. When the Posca marker is still wet, it should be fairly easy to clean with water, a good wash cloth or sponge. I have even re-touched some designs while wet with a slightly wet paintbrush.

I tend to treat Posca markers as water based paint in a pen. If you make a mistake, you can paint another layer over the existing one once the main layer is dry. Posca markers can also be blended like paint when both layers are wet or semi-wet so turn a mistake into an opportunity to expand on the art.

Bonus: How To Revive a Dried Up Posca Marker

My 6 year old has a habit most 6 years old have when using pens, colored markers etc. They forget to put the lids back on. This causes many issues, especially with Posca markers.

The first day she used my markers she made my new set dry out completely! When I came home I was unable to use my Posca markers so I spend the next few hours looking online and the fix was quite simple:

1. If there is still paint left inside the marker, try priming the tip by pushing down over and over on the piston tip until paint starts to flow again.
2. If the tip is so dry that the paint will not flow, you can actually pull the tip out (cover the open end with plastic to prevent drying) and soak it in warm water for a few minutes and then clean the tip with your fingers to remove most of the dried paint. Pat the tip dry with a clean disposable cloth, push the tip back in and re-prime it with the pushing down action. This should get the paint flowing again.
3. The tips are also reversible, so if one end is dry you can swap it around and try that. All failing; you can order new tips.

How to clean Posca pen tips

Cleaning the tip of a Posca pen is important to ensure that the paint flows smoothly, the nib is not damaged and that the colors remain vibrant. Here are some steps on how to clean Posca pen tips:

Remove the cap: Take off the cap of the pen to expose the tip.

Wipe the tip: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently wipe the tip of the pen. This can remove any excess ink or debris that may be blocking the flow of ink. You can also try scraping off any dried paint from the tip using a finger nail.

Soak the tip: If the tip is still clogged, you can pull out the Posca marker tip using tweezers or pliars and you can try soaking it in warm water for a few minutes. This can help loosen any dried ink or debris that may be blocking the tip. Pat the clean tip dry using a paper towel and replace.

Shake the Posca pen: After soaking the tip, shake the Posca pen vigorously to help with the flow of the paint and dislodge any debris that could be stopping the flow. Be sure to shake the pen with the cap on to avoid getting paint on your hands (or on your daughter’s school uniform!).

Press and depress the Posca pen tip: As you know you need to press down on the Posca pen tip a few times to get the paint flowing through the nib. Once you have soaked and cleaned the tip you may need to facilitate the flow of paint through the tip by repeating this a few times.

Test the pen: Once the tip is clean, test the pen on a piece of scrap paper to make sure the ink flows smoothly.

Replace the nib: If all else fails and there is still plenty of paint left in the Posca marker you can always purchase a replacement Posca marker nib. Make sure you purchase the correct size nib for your Posca marker size. This is usually a PC-with a number next to it. e.g.. PC-5M.

Store the pen properly: To prevent the tip from drying out or becoming clogged again, be sure to store the pen horizontally with the cap tightly sealed.

By following these steps, you can keep your Posca pen tip in good condition and ensure that it lasts for a long time.

If you would like to learn more from the Posca manufacturer click here

If you are interested in buying Posca markers on Amazon click here

Hope you found this guide super helpful, if you did please share!

FAQ

Are Posca Permanent?

While Posca Markers are water based markers, they are only permanent when applied to porous surfaces such as wood or clothing materials. With materials, the painted area needs to be ironed to make it properly permanent.

Are Posca markers washable?

Yes, Posca markers are washable once they are completely dry. Though if you have applied Posca markers to clothing or canvas shoes, it is best to have ironed the clothing or applied a protective waterproofing spray to shoes such as what you would with suede shoes.

Posca pens can wash off glass if they are not fully dry. Once they have dried on glass, the glass can be washed. Just to be safe, to ensure the Posca based work is protected on glass, apply a fixative to the artwork. If you wish to remove dried Posca markers from glass, simply scrape it off.

Can you use Posca markers on paper?

Yes, Posca pens and markers can be used on any types of paper. The paper does not need to be pre treated with anything. Just make sure the paper or board is free of any dust before you start work.

Can you use Posca markers on chalk boards?

Posca make a chalkboard specific pen called Posca Chalk that can be used on chalkboards. Do not use your regular Posca pens on chalkboards.

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