We recently had a copic question on the Lime Tart Facebook page asking ‘just what is so good about these markers, why do I have to get them?’

So today I am going to tell you about all of copic markers’ features and benefits.

Copic markers were developed in Japan over 25 years ago. Originally created for fine art and design, they have evolved to include a wide range of products and are used worldwide by fashion, interior and automotive designers, architects, fine artists and of course papercrafters!

They are an ethanol based (alcohol ink) permanent dye marker. Non toxic, Acid-free and archival. And they DON’T smell.

Copics are a professional grade marker and are designed to last forever. YES – for EVER!  They come in 334 refillable colours. Replaceable nibs and refillable inks mean you never throw your marker away!

It’s pretty much impossible to ruin a copic marker through normal use. They have a guaranteed shelf life of 3 years, which means that as long as you leave the cap on, they will NOT dry out! I heard of one woman who found a marker at the bottom of her son’s sandpit a year after she lost it, and it worked just fine! And you should see what Marianne did at the copic certification course! The entire room cringed at the sight of her apparent abuse of the special brush nib! It bounced right back of course! Over and over! You can even use a pale yellow marker to colour right over a dark blue and it will not be contaminated. Every single copic marker is hand tested 3 times in Japan before being exported, the quality is second to none.

When used with the correct papers and inks (more on that another time) the smooth colours blend seamlessly for a colouring result like no other medium. With the advice you will find here over the coming months, and lots of practice, you will be so impressed with the effects you can achieve with these markers. 

They are also permanent on almost any surface – you can colour embellishments such as rhinestones and pearls, ribbons and paper flowers. (You can even colour your hair and watch! Believe me – I watched Marianne Walker do it! LOL!) Removal is easy with an alcohol based hand sanitiser, but they won’t wash off with water.

REMEMBER:

• Non-toxic and low odour
• Acid-free and archival
• Professional grade
• Guaranteed shelf life
• All marker styles are ink refillable
• All marker styles have replaceable nibs

Copic markers come in 4 different styles; Original, Ciao, Wide and Sketch.

They are all refillable and use the same inks, but they all have unique qualities too.

Philippa keeps the Ciao markers in stock as they are the best value, but she can order in any other types you want.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main marker types and their features:

ORIGINAL:

• The Original marker was the first style created over 25 years ago
• They have a square body, so they don’t roll off your work station
• Comes in 216 colours
• Comes with the chisel nib and the standard ball nib
• 9 different customisable nibs available
• You can buy empty markers to mix your own custom colour
• The cap can be fastened to the other end when in use
• The colour code is printed on the cap end
• Holds the most ink of all the marker types before needing a refil
• Can be used in the airbrush system

 

SKETCH:

• Released over 15 years ago, revolutionising the fine art marker
• They have an oval body, so they don’t roll off your work station
• Available in all 334 colours. Any new copic colours 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 colour
• The cap canNOT be fastened to the other end
• The colour code is printed on the cap end
• Holds the second most ink of all the marker types before needing a refil
• Can be used in the airbrush system

 

CIAO:

• Introduced approximately 10 years ago as a cost effective alternative to the sketch marker
• Always in stock at Lime Tart available for immediate shipping
• A thinner, round body, like most other markers you may be used to using
• Available in 144 of the most popular copic colours
• Comes with identical nibs to the sketch marker, including the popular brush end
• The cap can be fastened to the other end when in use
• The colour code is etched into and printed on the marker body so it won’t rub off

Copic also make some amazing glitter pens and outline pens, which we will cover in another post.

I hope this helps you to understand the different copic markers and make a decision about what type suits your colouring needs best.

My recommendation would be to start with Ciao markers, they are great value for money, come with the must-have brush end and are available in more than enough colours to build a sizeable collection. You can always fill in some gaps with a few sketch markers later – Philippa can order these in for you one at a time!

Make sure you come back next week for an explanation of the copic numbering system and advice on choosing colours. If you are ready to start a copic collection, you have to read this post!