1. THE COPIC BASICS
What makes Copic Markers So Unique?
� Copic Markers were developed over 25 years ago in Japan. They were originally created
for designers and fine art. Today they have evolved to include a wide range of products
that are used worldwide by fashion, interior, automotive, architects, and fine artists and
now of course paper crafters.
� Alcohol ink basednot water based
� Alcohol inkbased markers allow you to layer colors without paper fiber break down
(tearing or shredding)
� Permanent
� Waterproof
� Ink dries Acid Free
� Safe for Scrapbooking
� Alcohol inks are permanent on many surfaces – paper, leather, wood, fabrics, plastic,
faux fur, and more. On glossy surfaces, such as glazed ceramic and glass the ink can be
scratched off, so use a sealant to protect the surface. Make sure that the sealant does
NOT contain alcohol, ethanol, or any other form of alcohol as these will ruin your
coloring.
� Copic markers can be used with colored pencil and watercolors. We suggest doing your
marker work first and adding other media after the marker is dry. If you use colored
pencil, acrylics, guache, or whiteout and go over it with your markers it may discolor the
tip. To avoid a permanently discolored tip, immediately scribble quickly on a separate
piece of paper or tissue to clean the tip. Even if your tip is discolored it will still give you a
clear ink flow
� Copic marker inks will not ruin other Copic markers. You can color directly onto other
Copic marker tips and it will not discolor or ruin your marker. This is actually a good way
to produce a nice color blend.
� Refillable
� High QualityMost Versatile Markers anywhere
� Replaceable Nibs
� 334 Colors
2.
� Copic Markers and inking pens will not dry out if they are not used and the caps are
securely closed. This is guaranteed for at least 3 years.
� Guaranteed color consistency nibs
� Copic Airbrush System works with COPIC markers
� Copic Body markings are embossed onto the pen so they won’t rub off. They are blend
able and can be used with the airbrush system.
� Copic Markers are a Professional Grade Marker and designed to last forever. They come
in 334 refillable colors. With replaceable nibs and refillable inks means that you NEVER
THROW YOUR MARKERS AWAY!
Copic Markers have a shelf life of 3 years. This means as long as you
leave the cap onthey will NOT dry out. It is pretty much impossible to ruin a Copic Marker
through normal use. You can even use a light yellow marker and color over a dark blue and it
will not be contaminated.
When Copic Markers are used with the correct type of inks and papers the smooth marker
colors will blend seamlessly for a result like no other medium. With the information, technique
tutorials and classes along with lots of practice and patience you will be impressed with the
effects that you can achieve with Copic Markers.
Q: Why is alcohol based different than water based?
When waterbased markers are layered and blended they tear up the surface of most papers.
Alcohol inks do not harm the paper surface. They can be layered and blended on surfaces other
than paper as well. Alcohol inks are waterproof and will not wash away.
Q: Are they acid free?
Copic markers are filled with a dye suspended in alcohol and they become acidfree as soon as
the alcohol evaporates.
Q: Are the markers Environmentally friendly? Animal byproducts?
Copic markers are refillable, with replaceable tips. Refill ink bottles are recyclable. Markers are
actually filled with Ethanol, a form of alcohol that can be manufactured from plants. No animal
products of any kind are used in either Copic markers or inking pens.
Q: What do you mean by Shelf Life?
Copic Markers and inking pens will not dry out if they are not used and the caps are securely
closed. This is guaranteed for at least 3 years.
Q: Should I store my markers Horizontally or Vertically?
Copic markers will work fine when they are stored either direction.
3. Q: Will it hurt my markers if they get too hot or too cold?
No. If you leave them in your car during a snowstorm or in the middle of a heatwave they will
not suffer. Copic markers have completely airtight caps. They can be submerged in water or
left in the sun and they will not dry out as long as the caps are sealed.
Q: Can I fly with my markers?
Yes. They should not get confiscated by security if you wish to carry them on. If you decide to
draw with your markers during the flight this will adjust the air pressure inside the marker. To
keep your marker from blobbing on your paper, when you land pull the caps off both ends. This
equalizes the air pressure inside. If you don’t open them during the flight then they shouldn’t
cause a problem.
Q: Do they fade?
Copic markers are dyebased. When exposed to UV rays they will fade over time. Regular
indoor lighting won’t fade them for a while, but long exposure will be harmful. Bright lights, or
direct sunlight will speed up fading. Protecting you artwork with a UV coated glass or protective
sheet will cut out the harmful light.
Q: What surfaces do they work on?
Alcohol inks are permanent on many surfaces – paper, leather, wood, fabrics, plastic, faux fur,
and more. You can color embellishments such as gems, rhinestones, pearls, ribbons, paper
flowers. You can even color your hair. Removal is easy with an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
(They will not wash off with water)
On glossy surfaces, such as glazed ceramic and glass the ink can be scratched off, so use a
sealant to protect the surface. Make sure that the sealant does NOT contain alcohol, ethanol, or
any other form of alcohol as these will ruin your coloring.
Q: Can you use them on fabrics?
A lot of quilters use the markers on wall hangings with great response. We don’t recommend
wearable’s, since the markers are alcohol based dye, a drink spilled on them might interact with
your pattern, and some colors will bleed when washed we are still testing mordents to prevent
the deep reds/browns from bleeding.
The dye will fade at about the same rate as other fabrics, so treat with the same care you would
other fiber arts keep out of harsh lights, etc.
Q: What other media can you use Copic markers with?
Copic markers are used most commonly with colored pencil and watercolors. We suggest doing
your marker work first and adding other media after the marker is dry. If you use colored
pencil, acrylics, guache, or whiteout and go over it with your markers it may discolor the tip. To
4. avoid a permanently discolored tip, immediately scribble quickly on a separate piece of paper
or tissue to clean the tip. Even if your tip is discolored it will still give you a clear ink flow.
Q: Can I use Copic markers with other alcohol based markers?
Using two different marker types together will not harm the Copic markers, but you will not be
able to get a smooth blend between Copic inks and other brands. Be careful not to discolor
your marker tips with other marker inks.
Q: Can you crosscontaminate markers?
Copic marker inks will not ruin other Copic markers. You can color directly onto other Copic
marker tips and it will not discolor or ruin your marker. This is actually a good way to produce a
nice color blend.
Q: How long does the marker last?
This depends on what surface you are coloring on. Softer, more absorbent papers will suck your
marker dry sooner than dense, tightly woven papers. Copic Original markers also hold more ink
to begin with than Sketch or Ciao, so they will last longer before they need to be refilled. Also,
the more you layer a color in one spot, the denser the color gets in that area so it won’t cover
as many sheets.
Differences Between Markers
Wide Copic Marker
� Flat body profile is roll resistant on working surfaces.
� Solid polypropylene body is easy to hold and comfortable, for a perfect, controllable
grip.
� Durable polyester nibs are easily replaceable and come in two types: Extra Broad or
Broad Calligraphy.
� Wide Markers come in 36 color and are refillable with Various Inks.
� Electronic production guarantees consistency of both color and output.
� Precise and positive colored capping system provides for instant color selection.
� Body inscriptions and symbols are wear resistant and easily cleaned with COPIC cleaner.
� Holds the most amount of ink
� Covers large areas backgrounds, posters, one tip on the marker.
5. ORIGINAL COPIC MARKER
� Does NOT have Color Number on Caps: Must label yourself
� Does NOT have brush tip which is used for stamping & coloring images
� Comes with the chisel nib and the standard ball nib
� Square body profile is roll resistant on working surfaces.
� Solid polypropylene body is both smooth and comfortable, for a perfect, controllable
grip.
� Durable polyester nibs are easily interchangeable and available in nine different weights
and styles.
� COPIC Markers come in 216 colors and are refillable with Various Inks.
� Electronic production guarantees consistency of both color and output.
� Precise and positive colored capping system provides for instant color selection.
� Body inscriptions and symbols are wear resistant and easily cleaned with COPIC cleaner.
� Holds the most ink of all the marker types before needing a refill
� Can be used in the airbrush system
CIAO MARKER
(Pronounced CHOW) COPIC Ciao Markers
� Double ended marker, with durable polyester nibs, comes with Super Brush and
Medium Broad Nibs.
� Ciao Markers come in 216 colors and are refillable. .
� Caps come with an inner seal as well as choke proof venting for small children as a
safety feature.
� They have a square body, so they don’t roll off your work station
� Comes with the chisel nib and the standard ball nib
� 9 different customizable nibs available
� You can buy empty markers to mix your own custom Color
� The cap can be fastened to the other end when in use
� The color code is printed on the cap end
� Holds the most ink of all the marker types before needing a refill
� Can be used in the airbrush system
� Body inscriptions and symbols are wear resistant and easily cleaned with COPIC cleaner.
Notes: What I have found with the Ciao Marker Sets there are gaps in the set and
doesn’t provide you with the necessary BLENDING FAMILIES. ~LISA~
6. SKETCH MARKER
Notes: I highly recommend that you purchase sketch markers. Purchase them in
Blending Family Groups. It will SAVE YOU MONEY in the end.. ~LISA~
Oval body profile is roll resistant on working surfaces. Durable polyester nibs come in Medium
Broad and Super Brush – a soft, flexible, fastflowing brush for delicate or bold expression.
� Available in 334 colors and refillable with the standard COPIC Various Inks.
� Solid polypropylene body is both smooth and comfortable, for a perfect, controllable
grip.
� Precise and positive colored capping system provides for instant color selection.
� Body inscriptions and symbols are wear resistant and easily cleaned with COPIC cleaner.
� They have an oval body, so they don’t roll off your work station
� Any new Copic colors WILL be created in Sketch
� Comes with the chisel nib and the much loved super brush
� The firm bullet nib is available as an optional replacement
� You can buy empty markers to mix your own custom Color
� The cap cannot be fastened to the other end
� Holds the second most ink of all the marker types before needing a refill
� Can be used in the airbrush system
Storage
You can store your markers vertically or horizontally. It does not change the
durability or performance of the marker either way they are store. Keep away
from extreme temperatures (i.e.cold & heat)
Wire Stands
The Wire Stand holds up to 72 Copic or Sketch Markers.
