Posca paint pens have gained immense popularity among artists and crafters for their vibrant colours, versatility, and ease of use. However, one common concern when using these pens is how to make the artwork permanent and ensure it stands the test of time. In this blog, we will explore various methods and techniques to maximise the permanence and longevity of your Posca creations, allowing you to preserve your artistic masterpieces for years to come.

1. Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity of Posca paint pen artwork. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface you plan to paint on. Remove any dust, dirt, or oils using a mild detergent or rubbing alcohol. This step creates a clean canvas for the paint to adhere to, preventing any potential issues with peeling or flaking over time.

2. Choosing the Right Surface: While Posca paint pens work well on a variety of materials, some surfaces are better suited for achieving permanence. Non-porous surfaces such as glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic tend to yield more durable results compared to porous surfaces like fabric or untreated wood. The smoothness and durability of non-porous surfaces allow the paint to adhere and set more effectively, enhancing its long-term staying power.

3. Apply Multiple Layers: To increase the permanence and intensity of your Posca paint pen artwork, consider applying multiple layers of paint. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next one. Layering not only enhances colour vibrancy but also increases the thickness and adhesion of the paint, making it more resistant to fading or peeling over time. Experiment with different layering techniques to achieve the desired effect in your artwork.

4. Heat Setting: Heat setting is a widely used method to make Posca paint pens permanent on fabric or other heat-resistant surfaces. After allowing the paint to dry completely, use an iron set to the appropriate temperature for the fabric or material you are working with. Place a protective cloth over the artwork and gently iron over it for a few minutes. The heat helps bond the paint to the surface, ensuring it withstands washing and regular wear.

5. Varnishing: For surfaces other than fabric, applying a clear varnish or sealant adds an extra layer of protection and longevity to your Posca artwork. Choose a varnish specifically formulated for the material you are working on, such as acrylic varnish for canvas or ceramic sealant for pottery. Apply the varnish following the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring even coverage. The varnish acts as a shield, protecting your artwork from UV rays, moisture, and general wear and tear.

6. Avoid Exposure to Harsh Elements: While following the above techniques will significantly enhance the durability of your Posca paint pen artwork, it's important to note that no artwork is entirely immune to the effects of harsh elements. To maximise longevity, avoid exposing your artwork to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or excessive humidity. These environmental factors can accelerate fading or deterioration over time. Display your artwork in a controlled environment and handle it with care to preserve its vibrancy and longevity.

Posca paint pens offer endless creative possibilities, and by employing the right techniques, you can ensure your artwork remains vibrant and permanent for years to come. From thorough surface preparation to layering, heat setting, varnishing, and mindful display, each step contributes to the longevity and preservation of your Posca creations. By incorporating these techniques into your artistic process, you can confidently unleash your creativity, knowing that your Posca paint pen artwork will stand the test of time, delighting viewers and allowing you to cherish your artistic expression for generations to come.

POSCA Paint Pens are particularly well-suited for use on glass surfaces due to several reasons:

1. Water-based: POSCA Paint Pens are water-based, which means they do not contain harsh solvents or chemicals. This makes them safe to use on glass and reduces the risk of damage or discoloration.

2. Non-absorbent: When applied to glass, POSCA paint does not get absorbed into the surface. This allows for easy removal of the paint when needed, making it ideal for temporary decorations, signage, or information on glass.

3. Easy application: The pens are designed with a valve-action system that ensures smooth and consistent ink flow. This makes it easy to draw precise lines, create intricate designs, or write legible text on glass surfaces.

4. Vibrant colors: POSCA Paint Pens offer a wide range of vibrant and opaque colors that stand out on glass. The pigmented paint provides excellent coverage, allowing you to create bold and eye-catching designs.

5. Versatility: POSCA Paint Pens can be used on various types of glass, including windows, mirrors, jars, and more. They are suitable for both small-scale personal projects and larger commercial displays, giving you flexibility in your creative endeavors.

6. Easy cleanup: Since POSCA paint is water-based, it can be easily removed from glass surfaces using water and a cloth. This makes it convenient for temporary or seasonal decorations, as you can easily change or update the designs without leaving any residue behind.

7. Compatibility with fixatives: If you want to make your artwork on glass more permanent, POSCA Paint Pens can be used in combination with a fixing spray or varnish. This provides a protective layer that helps seal the paint and prevent it from being removed or smudged.

Overall, the unique characteristics of POSCA Paint Pens, such as being water-based, non-absorbent, and easy to use, make them an excellent choice for creating stunning and temporary designs on glass surfaces.

Designing your own skateboard is an excellent way to express your individuality and creativity.

With so many different styles and designs available, it's easy to create a unique skateboard that reflects your personality and style. One of the most popular ways to customise your board is by using POSCA Paint Pens. POSCA pens are known for their high-quality, opaque, and quick-drying paint that can be used on almost any surface, including skateboards.

If you're interested in using Posca paint pens to design your own skateboard, here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Choose Your Skateboard
Before you start designing, you need to choose your skateboard. You can either purchase a blank skateboard deck or use an old one. Make sure the surface of the board is clean and free of any dust or debris before starting.

Step 2: Plan Your Design
It's essential to have a plan for your design before you start painting. You can sketch out your design on paper or use a digital design program to create your design. This will help you visualize the finished product and ensure you don't make any mistakes.

When planning your design, consider your personal style and the message you want to convey. Do you want to create a bright and bold design, or something more subtle and understated? Do you want to incorporate your favorite colours or patterns? These are all things to consider when creating your design.

Step 3: Gather Your Supplies
Once you have your design, you'll need to gather your supplies. You'll need Posca paint pens in various colors, masking tape, a pencil, and a ruler. You may also want to have a hairdryer on hand to speed up the drying process.

When choosing your Posca paint pens, consider the colours you'll need to create your design. Posca pens come in a wide variety of colours, so you should be able to find the colors you need to create your design.

Step 4: Apply Masking Tape
Before you start painting, you'll want to apply masking tape to the areas of the skateboard that you don't want to paint. This will ensure clean, sharp lines and prevent any paint from bleeding onto areas you don't want to be painted.

When applying the masking tape, be sure to use a ruler to create straight lines. You can also use the ruler to create geometric shapes or patterns. Take your time when applying the tape to ensure that it's applied evenly and that it covers the areas you don't want to paint.

Step 5: Start Painting
Using your Posca pens, begin painting your design onto the skateboard. Be patient and take your time to ensure that the paint is evenly distributed and that you stay within the lines. You can use a pencil and ruler to help create straight lines and shapes.

When using Posca pens, it's important to shake the pen before using it to ensure that the paint is mixed thoroughly. You may also need to press down on the tip of the pen to get the paint flowing.

Step 6: Allow Time to Dry
Once you've finished painting, allow your skateboard to dry for at least 24 hours. This will ensure that the paint has fully cured and won't smudge or scratch off easily.

During the drying process, you may want to use a hairdryer to speed up the process. Be sure to use the lowest setting and hold the hairdryer at least six inches away from the skateboard to avoid damaging the paint.

Step 7: Remove Masking Tape
After the paint has dried, carefully remove the masking tape to reveal your design. Take your time when removing the tape to avoid accidentally pulling up any paint with it.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Once you've removed the tape, you can add any finishing touches to your design. You can use Posca pens to add small details or accents to your design, or you can use other materials like stickers or decals.

Step 9: Seal the Design
To ensure that your design lasts as long as possible, it's a good idea to seal it with a clear coat. This will protect the paint from scratches and other wear and tear.

To seal your design, use a clear acrylic spray or paint-on sealant. Apply the sealant evenly and allow it to dry completely before using your skateboard.

In conclusion, using POSCA paint pens to design your own skateboard is a fun and rewarding activity that allows you to express your creativity and individuality. With a little bit of planning and some patience, you can create a unique skateboard that you'll be proud to ride and show off to others. Just remember to work in a well-ventilated area, take your time, and have fun!

Did you know that POSCA paint pens are so versatile that they are even used directly on fragile queen bees?

The beekeeping industry relies on various tools and equipment to maintain the health and productivity of beehives. One such tool is the POSCA paint pen, which is commonly used to mark queen bees for identification purposes. In this blog, we will explore how POSCA pens are used in the beekeeping industry.

Marking Queen Bees

Queen bees are essential to the survival and productivity of a beehive. They are responsible for laying eggs and producing new worker bees. To identify the queen bee in a colony, beekeepers use a process called marking. This involves applying a small dot of paint to the queen bee's thorax, which is the upper part of her abdomen.

The POSCA paint pen is a popular choice for marking queen bees because it is non-toxic and water-resistant. The paint dries quickly, which ensures that the queen bee is not harmed during the marking process. The bright and vibrant colors of the POSCA pens also make it easy for beekeepers to identify the queen bee in a busy colony.

To mark the queen bee, beekeepers use a marking cage or a pair of tweezers to hold the bee securely in place. They then carefully apply a small dot of paint to the thorax of the queen bee. The color code used for marking the queen bee can vary depending on the beekeeper's preference or local convention. For example, some beekeepers use white paint to mark the queen bee born in the current year, while others may use blue for the first year, green for the second year, and so on.

Monitoring Bee Health

In addition to marking queen bees, POSCA paint pens can also be used to monitor the health of a beehive. Beekeepers can use the pens to label hive components such as frames, supers, and boxes. This helps them keep track of when the hive was last inspected, which frames have honey or brood, and whether any hive components need to be replaced.

The POSCA paint pens are suitable for labeling hive components because they are water-resistant and do not smear or fade easily. This ensures that the labeling remains visible and legible for a long time, even in harsh outdoor conditions.

DIY Projects

Aside from their practical use in beekeeping, POSCA pens can also be used for fun DIY projects related to bees. For example, they can be used to decorate bee-themed crafts, such as honey jars, bee-themed journals, and bee-themed artwork. POSCA pens are highly versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, glass, plastic, wood, and metal.

In conclusion, POSCA pens are a valuable tool for beekeepers and the beekeeping industry. They are used to mark queen bees for identification purposes, label hive components, and can even be used for DIY projects related to bees. The non-toxic and water-resistant properties of POSCA pens make them a reliable and safe choice for beekeepers who want to ensure the health and productivity of their beehives.

POSCA paint pens are a versatile and popular choice among artists, designers, and crafters for a variety of reasons.

Their unique features and properties make them a reliable tool for a wide range of projects. Below, we will explore what makes POSCA paint pens so good in more detail.

1. Vibrant Colors:

POSCA paint pens are known for their impressive range of colours. They offer 66 different colours in their collection, including metallic, fluorescent, and pastel shades. The colours are highly pigmented and provide excellent coverage, making them ideal for creating bold designs and illustrations. Whether you are creating detailed drawings or broad brush strokes, POSCA paint pens provide a full spectrum of colours to choose from.

2. Multiple Tip Sizes:

POSCA paint pens come in various tip sizes, including extra-fine, fine, medium, brush and broad. This range of tip sizes allows artists to create detailed work and fine lines, as well as broad strokes and larger areas of color. The different tip sizes also enable artists to create different effects and textures, making the pens suitable for a wide range of art styles. The extra-fine tip is perfect for creating intricate details and small designs, while the broad tip is ideal for creating large areas of colour or for creating backgrounds.

3. Versatile:

POSCA paint pens are versatile and can be used on many different surfaces, including paper, glass, fabric, wood, metal, plastic, and more. They are also water-resistant and can be used on outdoor surfaces. The versatility of the pens makes them ideal for a wide range of projects, including drawing, painting, lettering, and DIY crafts. The paint dries quickly and is also fade-resistant, making it suitable for long-lasting art pieces.

4. Easy to Use:

POSCA paint pens are easy to use, making them suitable for artists of all skill levels. The pens are simple to handle, and the colors flow smoothly, making it easy to create detailed work without smudging or bleeding. The pens are also quick-drying, which means artists can work quickly without having to wait for the paint to dry. Additionally, the pens are odorless, making them perfect for use indoors or in confined spaces.

5. Durable:

POSCA paint pens are durable and long-lasting, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The paint is fade-resistant and water-resistant, which means that the artwork will not fade or smear over time. This durability ensures that your art will last for a long time and remain vibrant.

6. Non-toxic:

POSCA paint pens are non-toxic and are safe to use for both children and adults. The pens are made with water-based pigment ink making them a safe choice for all artists, especially for those who work with children or have allergies to certain chemicals. They are even commonly used to identify the Queen Bee in a hive where she is marked using a POSCA paint pen to identify her quickly.

In conclusion, POSCA paint pens are a versatile and reliable tool for artists, designers, and crafters. They offer vibrant colors, multiple tip sizes, and compatibility with a wide range of surfaces. They are easy to use, durable, and non-toxic, making them a popular choice for both professionals and hobbyists. Whether you are creating detailed drawings or bold paintings, POSCA paint pens are an excellent addition to any artist's toolkit.

Learn to rock art with POSCA Paint pens and Colourverse.

Rock art has always been popular with the oldest recorded being over 17,000 years ago and was of a Kangaroo in Western Australia’s Kimberly region.

Since Covid joined us we have seen a real surge in rock art with our neighbourhood encouraging kids and adults alike to leave moments in the form of their own rock art to be discovered throughout the streets. It was a joy finding them and residing them for the next person to enjoy.

If you are looking to get amongst this creative activity here are a few tips and tricks the team at Colourverse have put together to help you.

1. Find your perfect rock

The choice is yours here as there are no rules. Just pay attention to the general colour, shape and size that will suit your creative idea. Be aware that no two rocks are the same and some are more porous than others. We prefer a smoother rock with a flatter edge as our surface as it's easier to draw on and keeps are POSCA Pen tips in good shape.

2. Preparation

Clean and dry are key as dirty or wet rocks will interfere with you work of art.  Plan your theme and select the appropriate rock that will best suit the drawing you want to do, for example we are drawing solar system rocks so we try and match the colour, texture and size to the planet we are looking to illustrate. We event went as far as preparing the background (Space) on each rock. Thank about your overall theme and how each rock component will tie your collection together.

3. Start Drawing

At first it can be a bit finicky especially on smaller, rougher or uneven stones, but as the saying goes, practise makes perfect. If you’re just starting out aim for larger, smoother rocks so your paint pen tip glides smoothly over the surface. Note - The rougher the rock the more abrasive it will be and will be hard on your paint pen tip. The good news is that POSCA Paint pen tips are reversible and changeable in most of the range. POSCA paint is buildable meaning you can do as many layers as you like or need. We recommend to start with the background first, allow the paint to dry and then build on top of the previous layer. As the paint is layer-able, don’t stress if you make a mistake as you can simple paint over it with a fresh layer, or simply wash it off with water. Porous rocks absorbs more paint and dries quicker so you may need to apply multiple layers. The smoother or shiner the rock the longer it will take to dry so be careful not to smudge the paint.

4. Finishing

After you have finished you drawing and painting on your rock and you are ready to ’set it in stone’ and make it permanent then using 2 coats of spray varnish should fix you paint to your rock. Hold the spray can about 30cm from you rock and spray in a constant continuous motion for good coverage.  There are 2 types of varnish Matte of Gloss, your choice as to which one you want.

At the end of the day it's about exploring and coming up new, interesting ways to create something unique. It's in our genes, after all we have been doing rock painting for over 17,000 years.

Step in to a creative world with Tara from Colourverse and see how she designed a pair Nike Airforce 1 shoes using POSCA paint pens.

 Step One - PLAN

Before you begin, gather inspiration and plan your work of art in whichever way works best for you (e.g. sketches, mind maps, visualisations). This is a good time to think about the scale, sizing, colour palette and arrangement of your designs. 1st step for me was to create a mood board to really start my planning process and ensure my ideas are captured and considered. Once I had decided what I wanted to do thanks to my mood board I sketched my plan on a sketchbook, choosing where I would place my drawings and the colours I would use.  Tip: You can practise drawing your designs on paper with your POSCA’s. That way you can be sure about the layering and colours first, and then you can use your drawing as a reference.

 Step 2 - PREPARE THE SURFACE

Make sure the surface is clean and cover any edges you don't want paint on with removable tape. I covered up the edges that I didn't want my POSCA paint pens to go over. I made sure to use tape that wouldn’t damage the sneakers or leave any glue on them.

 Step 3 - DRAWING

First I drew my background starting with lighter colours in my design, as they are easier to go over than dark colours. Patience is key here as I always waited for the first layer to dry each time before adding anything on top, so that I wouldn't smudge any of the paint.  Tip: You can use Q tips and water to wipe off any mistakes around the intricate bits.

Step 4 - SETTING (FIXING)

After leaving my drawings to dry, I needed to make the paint permanent. I set them with a water based spray varnish. I used ‘MICADOR’ in matte, available on our website. I covered up parts that I wanted to leave unvarnished, such as the laces. One or two coats of varnish should do it, but shoes get a lot of wear and tear so I did three coats to be safe. I was also careful to spray evenly, so that the varnish wouldn’t drip down the shoes.

POSCA Paint Pens are not exclusive to the creative arts. Other industries such as the automotive & panel repair industries find the use of this versatile paint pen very convenient.

POSCA Paint Pens are an excellent choice for Automobile Traders, Paint & Panel Repairers, Car Auction Houses, Car Hire companies and even, newlyweds, to display information and/or promotional adverts directly onto the vehicle’s windscreen and windows. 

In a recent interstate visit, I hired a car at my destination, only to find I had a rather large, hairy hitchhiker with 8 legs accompany for me the next 300kms over 48 hours. Legolas and I became great mates, however the time came for me to return the car and I could not take Legolas with me, so I informed the returns clerk of the giant spider. Immediately and with a level of panic this burley return clerk wrote desperately fast on my windscreen in giant letters - SPIDER!!! all the while uttering sounds I am used to hearing from my two year old daughter, not a 6ft 3 muscle machine.

Car Auction Houses are very familiar with POSCA Paint Pens as they use them extensively to identify and track key information directly on the windscreen of all their stock including salvage information, VIN Numbers, Codes, conditions etc. There is a lot of info to put down making these windscreens prime realestate.

Used car dealerships will use paint pens to display key buyer call outs such as the year, mileage, number of owners, sales and markdowns.

I have experienced the odd dent here and there and even some hail damage in my lifetime. I have seen the estimator at the paint and panel repair shop use paint pens to identify areas needed to repair to aid them in building his quotation.

POSCA Pens use a non toxic, acrylic water based formulation which adheres to the glass or paint of the car, is weather and fade resistant giving it the versatility of a permanent finish or it can be easily cleaned off by using water and a soft cloth.

POSCA Paint Pens are very popular in these industries thanks to its ability to deliver a crisp finish in a convenient, mess free, and odourless package.

With all this versatility in a pen, its little wonder that it has found a home in this very practical industry. 

From fine art to graffiti & everything in-between uni POSCA Paint Pens can be used. What makes this product so versatile, a must have creative tool, and such a success?

Application

POSCA can be used on all surfaces, providing a tool that delivers permanent or temporary results for creative and or practical applications. It can be ued on porous substrates permanently, without a real need for fixatives (Protective clear varnish) Porous surfaces include: Fabric, Cardboard, Wood, Pebbles and even some Plastics and Metals. POSCA can be used in a temporary way on smooth surfaces such as Glass, PVC and metal surfaces. These too can be made more permanent with Fixing Spray. You will find POSCA Art in many applications by hobbyists and Professionals alike from Tea Cups & Pebbles through to Shop Window Decorating & Fine art. POSCA Paint Pens have a practical commercial application for identification purposes for example: Car windscreens are often marked with White POSCA Paint Pens to promote or tag the car for auction, hire or sale.

The TIP

The POSCA Paint Range is extensive, spanning 8 Tips in 5 styles. The range of tips ensures that you will have to right creative tool for the task required from the Ultra fine PC1MR through to the Versatile bullet tip in the PC5M and finishing at the XXL 15mm wide TIP in the PC17K The Tip is made from either acrylic or plastic made for hardwearing.

The Ball

The signature of sound of POSCA, ensuring consistent texture from the start to the end. A ball is positioned within the marker to mix the ingredients when shaken vigorously. Just give the pen a good shake and you will hear the sissifying rumble and click of the ball within doing its job

Colour Pallet

There are currently 66 colours to choose from including 8 x Metallic, 6 x Fluorescent, and 8 x Glitter versions. The standard range includes the basics like white, black blue red etc, but also some interesting colours like, coral pink, aqua green, slate grey, lilac to name a few

The Paint

 The Cap

The cap snap seals the marker and prevents the air from drying out the tip ensuring a long life for the pen. The colour of the cap matches the paint and look great when displayed showing an explosion of colour

At the end of the day these opinions are from our's and POSCA's perspective. We are confident that you will appreciate these blatant and subtle features should you put them to use.

We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in using POSCA Paint pens. Simply drop us an email on info@colourverse.com.au or comment on our Facebook and Instagram pages

There are many exciting uses for POSCA Paint Pens on all types of  surfaces and materials.

POSCA Paint Pens are ideal for temporary decoration and identification on glass, as they are water-based. 

In addition to everyday items such as jars and mirrors, POSCA Paint Pens can be used to decorate shop windows, as well as car windscreens.

POSCA paint cannot be absorbed into glass, so temporary decoration or information can be drawn or written directly onto the glass, and will be easily removed when needed with water and a cloth.

This makes POSCA Paint Pens ideal for shop fronts looking to use their glass windows or mirrors as interesting advertising space or features that catch their customer's attention.

Car dealerships, and Auction Houses find POSCA Paint Pens a perfect tool for identifying car details or pricing directly onto the windscreen to capture buyers attention or simply convey information quickly. The semi waterproof POSCA paint withstands rain, but can be removed when needed with water and window cleaner if needed.

Working on Glass with POSCA

When using POSCA Paint Pens on glass you should ensure that the surface is clean and dry.

Try and use your drawing strokes in lines to get the best effect on the glass. If you need to fill in large areas you may need to return and add a few coats or layers to produce a uniform result. (Please wait for the previous layer to be dry before adding a new coat).

If you make a mistake or want to change something then simply wiping away the unwanted paint with a damp cloth is all you need.

Making it Permanent (Fixing)

If you did want to preserve your work of art in a more permanent way, then using a fixing spray over your POSCA Art will provide a protective layer and prevent the removal of the paint from the glass (Not for food use).

• Best practice is to apply 2 coats of water-based spray varnish over your Paint work.
• Hold the spray can roughly 25-30cm from the surface and spray in slow, controlled side-to-side motions.
• Rotate you art work or your strokes 90 degrees and repeat the side-to-side motion producing a cross effect.

Fixing spray can be in a Gloss or a Matt finish depending on what finish you are looking for.