Kuretake Zig Varnish Marker 15mm Broad Tip Made in Japan for Sealing and Finishing

Kuretake Zig Varnish Marker 15mm gives you the sealing and protective finish of a varnish coat applied with the ease and precision of a marker — ideal for sealing painted surfaces, clay art, wooden objects, paper craft, decoupage, and any finished craft piece that needs a clean, durable protective layer.

This is the original Kuretake Zig Varnish Marker (PMV-120-1P) made in Japan by Kuretake Co., Ltd., established in 1902. The 15mm broad chisel tip delivers smooth, even varnish coverage across surfaces quickly and without the brush marks, drips, or uneven application that often come with brush-on varnish. The varnish can be applied directly to dry surfaces, dries clear, and provides a protective water-resistant finish. It carries AP certification and conforms to ASTM D4236 safety standards.

Key Features

• 15mm broad chisel tip → wide, even coverage in fewer strokes → ideal for sealing larger surface areas on clay pieces, wood, paper, and decoupage without streaks or brush marks
• Marker-type delivery → precise, controlled varnish application → no brush, no jar, no mess — apply directly to the surface like a marker for a clean finish every time
• Dries clear → invisible protective coat → finished pieces look sealed and protected without any colour change or yellowing on the surface
• Water-resistant finish → protects painted and decorated surfaces from moisture, handling, and light wear → ideal for finished clay jewellery, painted wood, and paper craft
• Can be applied to dry surfaces directly → works over acrylic paint, clay, wood, decoupage paper, and more → no priming or prep coat needed
• AP certified, conforms to ASTM D4236 → safety tested → suitable for use in art education and professional craft environments
• Made in Japan by Kuretake → professional-grade varnish quality with consistent flow from first use to last

Where You Can Use This

• Clay art sealing: protect finished air dry clay pieces, jewellery, figurines, and sculptures after painting
• Decoupage finishing: seal decoupage layers on wood, MDF, glass, and canvas for a smooth, protected surface
• Painted wood sealing: apply over acrylic-painted wooden objects, MDF cutouts, and craft blanks for a durable finish
• Paper craft protection: seal handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and mixed media art against moisture and handling
• Matryoshka and doll finishing: as shown on the packaging, ideal for sealing painted wooden dolls and decorative objects
• Resin and mixed media art: apply over finished pieces as a top coat for added protection and sheen
• School and workshop projects: clean, no-mess varnish application for art class and group craft sessions

Why Choose JustKraft

Kuretake has been producing professional art and craft materials in Japan since 1902. The Zig Varnish Marker solves one of the most common frustrations in craft finishing — brush streaks, drips, and uneven varnish coats. The marker format gives you clean, consistent coverage without any of the cleanup that comes with brush-on varnish. We stock the original Kuretake Zig Varnish Marker directly so you receive the genuine Japanese product.

Pro Tips

Before first use, shake the marker and press the tip firmly on scrap paper or card several times until the varnish flows evenly through the tip. Apply the varnish in smooth, overlapping strokes across the surface and avoid going back over wet varnish as this can cause streaking. For a more durable finish, apply two thin coats, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. The 15mm broad tip is best for flat or gently curved surfaces. For detailed or recessed areas, use a fine brush to apply varnish into corners after the broad tip has covered the main surface area. Store the marker horizontally with the cap firmly on after use.

Complete Your Setup

To complete your craft finishing setup, also pick up: Acrylic Paints for decorating surfaces before sealing, Air Dry Clay or MDF Craft Blanks as base materials to decorate and seal, Decoupage Paper or Napkins for layered decoupage projects, and Kuretake Zig 2 Way Glue Pen for precision adhesive work before finishing with the varnish marker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What surfaces can the Zig Varnish Marker be used on?
A: The varnish can be applied to any dry surface including air dry clay, painted wood, MDF, paper, card, canvas, decoupage layers, and most smooth craft surfaces. Always ensure the surface is fully dry before applying.

Q: Does the varnish dry matte or glossy?
A: The Zig Varnish Marker dries to a clear finish. Based on the product line, it provides a protective coat that enhances the surface without dramatically altering the sheen. For confirmed matte or gloss finish needs, test on a scrap piece before applying to finished work.

Q: Can I use this over acrylic paint?
A: Yes. The varnish marker works directly over dried acrylic paint and provides a protective, water-resistant seal over painted surfaces. Ensure the acrylic paint is fully dry before applying.

Q: How is this different from brush-on varnish?
A: The marker format delivers varnish through a felt chisel tip, which means no brush marks, no drips, no jar to open, and no brush to clean. Application is faster, more controlled, and significantly less messy than brush-on varnish, making it ideal for detailed or finished craft pieces where precision matters.

Q: How do I store the marker after use?
A: Replace the cap firmly after every use and store the marker horizontally. This keeps the varnish distributed evenly through the tip and prevents the tip from drying out between sessions.