Copic FAQs

Listed below are some basic FAQs about Copic Markers.  This page will be updated regularly, so be sure to come back often!!  If you have any questions or suggestions for tutorials or discussions, please let us know!!  They can be posted to the Cutterscreek yahoo group, added as a comment or I can be contacted via my blog.

Thanks for looking!

New 2011 Copic Sketch Markers!! Making Copics available in 346 colors!!





Some Random Information:

Learn Something New! Copic Marker on Cloth?  No problem!  Try this!!

**Here is a good article to read regarding a THOROUGH ink and paper test for copics.  I would highly recommend reading this. She also includes the test with Stampin' Up! markers and prismacolors.  Here is the link to the first test she completed. I find it a great reference tool myself :o) Just an idea of how thorough a comparison . . .
*****I strongly suggest that you test your inks and papers with your Copic markers to find the combination that works best for YOU.  I am simply listing the info below for a "starting point" of sorts.*****

Inks I suggest for use with Copics:
Nick Bantock by Ranger
Memento by Tsukineko
Palette Hybrid Noir (Let set for a few minutes)
Amuse Black Dye (never tried but comes highly recommended)
Be Sure to Heat Set and let sit for these two:
Adirondack Pitch Black by Ranger (never tried but comes highly recommended)
Brilliance Graphite Black by Tsukineko (never tried but comes highly recommended)


Papers I suggest with Copics:
Bazzill Simply Smooth (previously Prism Simply Smooth)
Stamper's Select from PTI
X-Press It Blending CS
Neenah Super Smooth
White Caboodle Cardstock from TAC
Gina K's Luxury 120 lb
Cryogen Irridescent or White
Taylored Expressions Choice


Copic Challenges:

Blogs with great coloring examples and ideas:
Copic Community - - Best Site ever!!!  It is art work copic users have decided to share - -Lots of time spent here, EASY, for inspiration :o)
Michelle Wooderson
Sally Lynn MacDonald


Certified Instructors, Links, and Definitions:

The US Copic website includes a plethera of information.  It lists available and upcoming certifications and events, certified designers if you need to contact one, as well as access to a library of copic manuals, cheat sheets, the color wheel and a hand color chart.  Unfortunately, the updated Color Wheel and Hand Color Chart with all 346 colors will not be available until after Winter CHA.  But it is coming! 


If you are impatient like me, Certified Instructor Sharon Harnist has updated her own personal version of the Hand Color Chart and can be found here. 



Here are the Copic Certified Instructors Websites.  I have found so much helpful information and tutorials on their websites as well as just basic ideas.  When you get a chance, you might want to check them out.
Marianne Walker - -also great site for tutorials!



The Basics (from Marianne Walker's blog; Clicking on the links will take you directly to her site)

Copic markers are alcohol (ethanol) based dye markers, that are known for being low-odor and giving smooth, vibrant colors. Since they are a dye, they will fade in bright lights, but they are acid free on most surfaces. Anything with alcohol in it will react with these inks. Any Copic marker type is refillable with replaceable tips. They will not cause paper to pill when going over it many times, nor will they dissolve photocopies

The Copic Colorless Blender pen/ink is used for fixing mistakes, making colors lighter and for special effects.

Ciao Marker- Round body Copic Marker. Super Brush nib/Medium Broad nib standard, Medium Round nib optional. Refillable. 180 colors. Cannot airbrush

Sketch Marker-The most popular marker type. Super Brush/Medium Broad nibs standard, Medium Round nib optional. 346 colors, empty markers available. Airbrush compatible- 2 spray patterns

Copic Marker- This is the original, square body-style marker. Standard Broad/standard fine nibs, 7 optional nibs. Refillable, holds the most ink to start with. 216 colors, empty markers available. Airbrush Compatible

Wide Marker-Large, background marker. Extra Broad nib standard, Broad calligraphy nib optional, 36 colors, empty markers available

Multiliner- Fine Line inking pens by Copic in 9 different sizes, 5 colors, plastic disposable body design. Pigment based, archival, acid free. Will not bleed with Copic markers (on non-glossy paper)

Multiliner SP- Fine line inking pens by Copic in 10 different sizes, 12 colors in two sizes. Aluminum body, refillable with replaceable tips. Pigment based, archival, acid free. Will not bleed with Copic markers (on non-glossy paper)

Spica Glitter Pens - also called atyou Spica pens. These fun, pigment based pens are filled with micro glass flakes, giving a very subtle, elegant sparkle. Keep stored flat, though if they are giving you troubles, try storing them point down overnite.

Various Ink- Also called Refill Ink or Re-inkers. Each bottle holds 25 cc's of ink. 346 colors available, empty bottle for mixing custom colors also available. Great for making alcohol ink effects, such as Faux Stone or covering large areas. When you see streaking in your work it's time to refill. You can refill directly from your bottle of ink, or you can use a booster needle. Try not to overfill.
For refilling dry markers: Ciao- add 1 to 1.5 cc's ink Sketch- 2 cc's Copic 2-3 cc's Wide 3-4 cc's


Opaque White-Thick white, waterbased paint applied with a brush after you are done coloring with markers. Used for adding highlights and accents into a completed picture.

Color Family- The letter at the beginning of your color name (B, BV, V, RV, R, YR, Y, YG, G, E (earth), F (Florescent), Grays & Blacks: C (Cool Gray), N (Neutral Gray), T (Toner Gray), W (Warm Gray) 100 Black, 110 Special Black

Color Saturation-This is the first digit on a color name. Colors that are 00's, 10's, or 20's will be more vibrant (B05, G16, R29), while colors that are in the 70's, 80's or 90's have more gray added (B95, BG78, G94) and are closer to the neutral/earthy end of the color spectrum. Note: E (Earth) markers don't necessarily follow this rule.

Color Group- A sequential group of colors within one color family with the same first digit (i.e. E30, E31, E33, E34, E35, E37, E39) where numbers ending in 0 are the lightest and 9 is the darkest, also called Natural Blending Group


Well that's all for now but there is still plenty to come!!!  Be sure to check back next week!

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