--- title: "uni POSCA PC-5M: Opaque Paint Marker Guide" canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-posca-pc-5m/" description: "uni POSCA PC-5M explained: water-based opaque pigment paint marker with a 1.8–2.5 mm bullet tip, the surfaces it works on, colors, refills and where it's made." category: "Pens" type: "Paint marker" published: 2026-10-21 updated: 2026-10-21 author: "Ellis Penhale" publisher: "Stationery Times" sources: 12 products: - name: "uni POSCA PC-5M medium round tip, red (PC5M.15)" brand: "uni" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic barrel and cap, reversible fiber bullet tip, water-based pigment ink" released: "1983" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "PC-5M (red: order code PC5M.15)" gtin: "4902778147764" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/felt_tip_pens/water_based/posca/standard/pc_5m.html" --- # uni POSCA PC-5M: Opaque Paint Marker Guide > The uni POSCA PC-5M is Mitsubishi Pencil's medium round-tip POSCA, a valve-action paint marker with opaque, water-based pigment ink that covers dark paper, wood, stone and glass. posca.com gives it a 1.8–2.5 mm line and says it's made in Japan; Mitsubishi Pencil lists it at ¥275 (about US$1.70) a pen. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-posca-pc-5m/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-21 - Updated: 2026-10-21 ![Capped red uni POSCA PC-5M paint marker drawn in proportion, with its bullet tip laying opaque red on black paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-posca-pc-5m-16x9.png) *The POSCA PC-5M in red, drawn in proportion: no source we read gives its length.* Original drawing (SVG): . Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni POSCA PC-5M medium round tip, red (PC5M.15) | uni (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel and cap, reversible fiber bullet tip, water-based pigment ink | 1983 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni POSCA PC-5M medium round tip, red (PC5M.15)): Japan. POSCA's international site lists "Made in Japan" under the PC-5M's technical details, and POSCA's US Amazon listing for the PC-5M 8-pack says the markers are made in Japan. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Source: https://www.posca.com/en/product/pc-5m/ ### uni POSCA PC-5M medium round tip, red (PC5M.15) colors - Ink colors (29 standard, 0 special edition): Black (黒); Red (赤); Blue (青); Green (緑); Yellow green (黄緑); Purple (紫); Light orange (うすだいだい); Yamabuki (golden yellow) (山吹); Yellow (黄); Orange (橙); Pink (桃); Light blue (水色); Brown (茶); Gray (灰); White (白); Gold (金); Silver (銀); Khaki green (カーキグリーン); Dark brown (ダークブラウン); Navy blue (ネイビーブルー); Dark red (ダークレッド); Fuchsia (フューシャ); Sky blue (スカイブルー); Pastel green (パステルグリーン); Pastel yellow (パステルイエロー); Pastel orange (パステルオレンジ); Coral pink (コーラルピンク); Light pink (ライトピンク); Pastel purple (パステルパープル). - Per Mitsubishi Pencil Japan (https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/felt_tip_pens/water_based/posca/standard/pc_5m.html), checked 2026-10-27. The 29 single-color PC-5M markers (インク色) listed on Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese POSCA page; the set listings (7, 8 and 15 colors) are not repeated. Each note gives the Japanese ink color name as the maker writes it; the English names are our translations. The European range posca.com lists is larger. Tints were hand-picked from the cap color in Mitsubishi Pencil's product photo of each marker (the gold and silver caps are metallic). Shops stock different colors; check the listing. ## Key takeaways - posca.com gives the PC-5M's reversible bullet tip a 1.8–2.5 mm line, the middle of POSCA's round tips (PC-3M 0.9–1.3 mm, PC-7M 4.5–5.5 mm). - Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site lists 29 single PC-5M colors at ¥275 (about US$1.70) each with tax; posca.com lists 39 in Europe, including 4 fluorescent and 8 metallic. - It's a valve-type marker: Mitsubishi Pencil says you pump the tip to start the ink, and that the ink isn't designed to wash out. - Mitsubishi Pencil launched POSCA, its water-based pigment marker, in 1983; the replacement tip PCR-5 costs ¥66 (about US$0.40) for 3. - posca.com and the US Amazon listing both say POSCA markers are made in Japan. ## What is the uni POSCA PC-5M? **It's the medium round-tip POSCA: a paint marker with opaque, water-based pigment ink and a 1.8–2.5 mm bullet tip.** Mitsubishi Pencil of Tokyo makes it under its uni brand and describes POSCA as a water-based marker with colors as vivid as poster paint. Because the ink is opaque, it shows up on black and dark surfaces and can be layered, one color over another. posca.com calls the PC-5M the most versatile tip in the range, for artists, designers and hobbyists alike. Mitsubishi Pencil launched POSCA in 1983, as our [Mitsubishi Pencil history](https://stationerytimes.com/stories/mitsubishi-pencil-history/) explains. ## POSCA PC-5M specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) | | Tip | Medium bullet, reversible and replaceable (PCR-5) | | Line width | 1.8–2.5 mm (posca.com) | | Ink | Water-based pigment, opaque | | Colors | 29 in Japan; 39 in Europe (posca.com) | | Price in Japan | ¥275 (about US$1.70) with tax | | Red | Order code PC5M.15, JAN 4902778147764 | | Launched | POSCA brand: 1983 | | Made in | Japan (posca.com) | Colors, codes and prices come from Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page. Neither it nor posca.com gives a length or weight, and we couldn't open a retailer page that does, so the cover is drawn in proportion. ## How wide is the PC-5M line? **posca.com gives the PC-5M a 1.8–2.5 mm line, between the fine PC-3M and the bold PC-7M.** It's wide enough to fill shapes and narrow enough for lettering a few centimeters tall. ![POSCA PC-3M, PC-5M and PC-7M round-tip line widths drawn to scale](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-posca-pc-5m-line-widths.svg) *Three POSCA round tips at 1 mm = 24 px, from posca.com and a Dutch retailer's listings.* Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese range also has an extra-fine (極細) tip and bold and extra-bold chisel tips (太字角芯, 極太角芯), which we haven't covered here. ## How do you start a POSCA marker? **Shake it with the cap on, then pump the tip on scrap paper until the paint flows.** Mitsubishi Pencil says POSCA is a valve-type (バルブ式) marker: shake until the ball clicks and about 20 times more, then press and release the tip about twice a second, since holding it down won't release ink. A new tip starts dry, and Mitsubishi Pencil says to repeat the shaking and pumping whenever the paint runs pale, and not to store the marker tip down. If the tip gets dirty from layering, posca.com says it can be reversed, and Mitsubishi Pencil sells replacement tips as PCR-5, 3 for ¥66 (about US$0.40). ## What surfaces does POSCA work on? **Mitsubishi Pencil says POSCA writes on metal, glass and plastic as well as paper, and posca.com adds wood, stone and concrete.** posca.com says the paint is permanent on porous surfaces and can be wiped off most smooth, non-porous ones, so it suggests a fixative varnish for work that must last. That's why the PC-5M is a favorite for rock painting, skateboards and surfboards, and white highlights over marker art. Mitsubishi Pencil's FAQ adds that the ink isn't designed to wash out, so protect your clothes. ## How many colors are there? **Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site lists 29 single PC-5M colors, and posca.com lists 39 for Europe.** Japan's list includes gold, silver, natural colors added in 2015 and dark colors added in 2016; the European range adds 4 fluorescent and 8 metallic shades. In Japan, an 8-color set costs ¥2,200 (about US$14) and a 15-color set ¥4,125 (about US$26), both with tax. US sets come in counts such as 8 and 16. ## How does the uni POSCA PC-5M compare to other markers? **Choose the POSCA for opaque color on dark or non-paper surfaces, an alcohol marker for blending, and a [Sharpie Fine Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-fine-point/) for permanent labeling.** If you'd rather skip the shaking and pumping, the [Sharpie Creative Marker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-creative-marker/) is a water-based acrylic marker that Sharpie says needs no priming. For fine metallic lines on black paper, the [Sharpie Metallic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-metallic-marker/) also writes straight from the cap. | | uni POSCA PC-5M | [Copic Sketch](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/copic-sketch/) | [Sakura Gelly Roll](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-gelly-roll/) | |---|---|---|---| | Ink | Opaque water-based pigment | Transparent alcohol dye | Gel (opaque white available) | | Tip | 1.8–2.5 mm bullet | Brush + chisel | 0.5–1.0 mm ball | | Best for | Dark paper, rocks, glass | Blending, illustration | Fine white details | | Refillable | Tip only | Ink and nibs | No | For a black-paper notebook to try it in, the maker of the [Louise Carmen Roadbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/louise-carmen-roadbook/) suggests white ink or POSCA pens for its All Black Notebook. ## Where is the POSCA PC-5M made? **In Japan: posca.com lists "Made in Japan" in the PC-5M's technical details.** POSCA's US Amazon listing says the same; Mitsubishi Pencil, the maker, is based in Tokyo. ## How much does it cost? **A single PC-5M falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5), and US multi-packs land there per pen.** In Japan it's ¥275 (about US$1.70) with tax. For a refillable acrylic alternative made in Germany, see the [MOLOTOW ONE4ALL 127HS](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/molotow-one4all/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is POSCA paint or ink? It's a water-based pigment paint in a marker. Mitsubishi Pencil calls POSCA a water-based marker with colors as vivid as poster paint, and its opaque ink covers black and dark surfaces. ### What size tip is the POSCA PC-5M? Medium: posca.com gives the bullet tip a 1.8 to 2.5 mm line. The fine PC-3M draws 0.9 to 1.3 mm and the bold PC-7M 4.5 to 5.5 mm, per a Dutch retailer's listings. ### How do you start a new POSCA marker? With the cap on, shake it until you hear the ball click, then about 20 more times. Uncap it and press and release the tip on scrap paper, about twice a second, until paint flows; Mitsubishi Pencil says holding the tip down won't work. ### Is POSCA permanent? posca.com says it is permanent on porous surfaces such as paper, wood and stone, and can be wiped off most smooth, non-porous ones; it suggests a fixative varnish to protect finished work. ### Can you use POSCA on glass, rocks and shoes? Mitsubishi Pencil says POSCA writes on metal, glass and plastic as well as paper, and POSCA's US listing names rock, wood, glass, canvas, metal, fabric and ceramic. On smooth surfaces, seal it if it needs to last. ### Can you replace a POSCA tip? Yes. The PC-5M's tip is reversible, and Mitsubishi Pencil sells replacement tips as PCR-5, 3 for ¥66 (about US$0.40); posca.com lists the same PCR5 code. ### Does POSCA paint wash out of clothes? Don't count on it. Mitsubishi Pencil's FAQ says the ink isn't designed to wash out, so cover your clothes while you work. ### Where are POSCA markers made? In Japan, according to posca.com and POSCA's US Amazon listing. Mitsubishi Pencil, the maker, is based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [ポスカ 中字丸芯 (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan product page: PC-5M, 29 colors, ¥275 with tax, order codes and JAN codes, 8- and 15-color sets, replacement tip PCR-5)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/felt_tip_pens/water_based/posca/standard/pc_5m.html) - [ポスカのインクを出したい (Mitsubishi Pencil FAQ, "Getting POSCA ink to flow": shake with the cap on, then pump the tip about twice a second; don't store tip down)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/customer/ans_60.html) - [ポスカ(POSCA)について知りたい (Mitsubishi Pencil FAQ: water-based marker as vivid as poster paint, opaque ink, valve type, ink not designed to wash out)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/customer/ans_196.html) - [三菱鉛筆のあゆみ (Mitsubishi Pencil history: POSCA water-based pigment marker launched in 1983)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/history.html) - [ポスカ (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan POSCA range page: writes on metal, glass and plastic)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/felt_tip_pens/water_based/posca/standard.html) - [『ポスカ 中字・丸芯 ナチュラルカラー』 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, June 8, 2015)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/pressroom/20150608-36876.html) - [新色『ポスカ 中字･丸芯 ダークカラー』全5色 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, July 27, 2016)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20160727-36800.html) - [POSCA: PC-5M (posca.com: 1.8–2.5 mm, water-based, 39 colors incl. 4 fluorescent and 8 metallic, reversible tip, replaceable tips PCR5, made in Japan)](https://www.posca.com/en/product/pc-5m/) - [Amazon: POSCA PC-5M Water-Based Acrylic Paint Markers, Medium Tip, 8 Count (25,228 ratings; made in Japan; ACMI certified)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z86PHP8) - [Amazon Japan: uni POSCA PC-5M black (613 ratings)](https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B000TI36TA) - [Blick: uni POSCA paint markers (4.8 stars, 1,014 reviews)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/uni-posca-paint-markers/) - [123inkt.be: POSCA PC-5M acrylmarker zwart (1.8–2.5 mm round; also PC-3M 0.9–1.3 mm and PC-7M 4.5–5.5 mm listings)](https://www.123inkt.be/POSCA-PC-5M-verfmarker-zwart-1-8-2-5-mm-rond-PC5MN-i63127-t992365.html)