Copic markers
If you like it analog and high percentage, then the refillable Copic markers are just the thing for you! With their incomparable color spectrum, they form the heart of the Japanese brand.
Copic markers - colorful and sustainable
Copic has been setting standards in the field of layout markers since 1987. Various product lines and an enormous range of colors, comprising a total of 358 different shades, make it easy for you to find the right pen for every application.
You have the option of choosing a Copic Classic, Sketch or Ciao. All variants offer you two different, interchangeable tips. You can recognize the finer of the two, even when your Copic marker is closed, by a dark grey edge below the cap.
The dye ink of all lines is identical: it is alcohol-based, water-free, quick-drying and - drum roll - does not dissolve printer or toner ink. With a Copic marker, you can therefore draw on fresh prints and copies without hesitation, although we definitely recommend carrying out a preliminary test. For unlimited fun, the tanks of the pens are refillable, so that both the individual pens and the complete sets score with a long service life.
Good to know: The Copic marker refills are not only identical in color to the original markers, they are also suitable for mixing your own shades. In combination with the company's blank markers, you can easily create pens that are individually tailored to your requirements.
Copic Classic
The pen that started it all: since its launch in 1987, the Copic Classic marker has won numerous fans, and not just in the fields of architecture and illustration. The square-shaped pen with color-coded caps is available in 214 different colors. Each individual marker offers you a wide, wedge-shaped and a fine, round polyester tip. The wide version is ideal for filling areas without streaking. You can also use its edge to draw thinner lines or make dots. The fine round tip is the right choice for detailed work. Do you need a Copic marker with a brush tip for your projects? No problem! The Classic is flexible - you can replace its tips with a spare brush tip if necessary.
Practical: Compared to the other Copic markers, the Classic has the largest ink tank. You can use it longer and more often than its siblings before it's time for a refill.
Practical tip: Are you still unsure which colors form a good basis for your personal Copic range? When making your selection, bear in mind that you can make the individual shades appear stronger by applying the ink several times. You can also create new shades by layering. A Copic marker set can also be a good starting point for your work.
Copic Sketch
The Sketch is the Copic marker with the widest range of colors. The oval graphic marker has a medium-width wedge tip and a soft brush tip for applying the 358 colors. This means you can use the pen not only for flat projects, but also for sweeping and dynamic lines and typical brush marker applications.
Copic Ciao
Thanks to its affordable price, the Ciao can be described as an entry-level tool in the world of Japanese markers. Both the ink and the tips - a medium-width wedge tip and a brush tip - of the pen are just as high-quality as those of the other models, although the pen's reservoir is smaller. The 180-shade color palette is specially designed for beginners: The shades are ideal for gaining experience in blending and multi-layered work.
Classic, Sketch and Ciao: a comparison of Copic markers
The most important facts at a glance:
| Copic Classic | Copic Sketch | Copic Ciao | |
| Marker | 214 colors | 358 colors | 180 colors |
| Marker tip | medium-width wedge tip, fine round tip | medium-width wedge tip, brush tip | medium-width wedge tip, brush tip |
| Refill ink | Copic Ink | Copic Ink | Copic Ink |
| Filling quantity | approx. 2,5 ml | approx. 1,8 ml | approx. 1,4 ml |
| Refills per Copic Ink | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Replaceable tips | yes | yes | yes |
| Blank marker | yes | yes | no |
| Specials | compatible with the Copic Airbrush System | compatible with the Copic Airbrush System | all-round marker suitable for beginners |
Tip: The Copic Airbrush System
To create color gradients or fill large areas, the Copic Classic and Sketch markers allow you to use the brand's own airbrush system. You have the option of choosing between a compressed air and a compressor system. The paint required for both variants comes directly from the pens.
How long do Copic markers last?
Based on the amount of ink that Copic markers hold, you can draw conclusions about the range of an individual pen. If you would like to be a little more precise, you can use the following rough values from the manufacturer as a guide:
Equipped with a broad tip, a Classic fills about 5 B4 pages, a Sketch 3.7 pages and a Ciao 2.7 pages. Of course, you must also take into account how much ink is absorbed by the paper you are using.
The paper
In principle, you can use Copic markers on any paper and experiment to your heart's content, but the ink contained in the pens is not only alcohol-based, but also dye-based. Unlike pigments, which are not soluble, dyes penetrate the paper. The result can vary depending on the nature of the painting surface. If you want to avoid the ink flowing apart too much, it is advisable to use special marker papers. It can also be a good idea to use a carpet pad to protect your work area from ink stains.
Please note: If you use Copic markers on highly absorbent surfaces, you should bear in mind that your ink consumption will be correspondingly higher. With Copic refills, you are on the safe side and can finish your work with peace of mind.