Nassau Fine Art Acrylic markers are water-based colored pencils that stick to most substrates, such as; paper, cardboard, canvas, stone, plastic, glass, ceramics, textiles and metal. Is it the first time or a while since you used the pen? Shake it for 20 seconds. Gently, but firmly, press the tip vertically against a blotting paper and gently pump the tip up and down. The pens have a round 2.5mm tip and can be painted over. Just make sure the first color has dried completely before applying the next layer.