Can Copic Markers Be Used On Watercolor Paper

Copic markers and watercolors are unique mediums of art. Both have their specifications. We use them in coloring different paintings and pictures.

The purpose is to make the painting look more attractive. Sometimes we use them separately. Many artists use them together. They experiment with this technique to get unique results.

Can You Use Copic Markers On Watercolor Paper?

Yes! You can use Copic markers on watercolor papers with no worry. This makes your painting brighter and prettier.

You can easily work on watercolor paper using Copic markers. You do not need to worry that it might ruin your work.

What Are Copic Markers And Why Are They Significant?

Copic Markers are high-quality markers that are common with artists because of their easy application and a wide variety of vibrant colors.

They have a tank in the middle filled with high-quality alcohol-based ink. The ink is low-odor and non-toxic. They are double-sided (meaning there is a nib on either end).

Copics are a great medium for making art because you can layer and merge them. They’re streak-free, and they last long.

Copic Markers last for years (or decades) because they’re refillable. Also, you can repair the nibs when they get tired. So, they are unlike inexpensive markers that we discard when they run out of ink.

A Brief History

Copics are Japanese markers that were first used, in 1987, mainly for manga authors. Since then, they’ve steadily introduced new marker shapes and colors to their product collection. They have piqued the attention of a wide range of artists.

It includes fashion illustrators, graphic designers, coloring fans, and even fine artists who want to make the switch from painting with conventional media to coloring with markers.

Copic Markers On Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper and Copic Markers get along swimmingly. Watercolor paper withstands a wash of water to enable the shades. So, it should resist buckling.

With Copic markers, there can be a lot of alcohol solutions on your page. This depends on the sort of coloring you do. So, this tolerance is significant. This increased liquid condition is more pronounced when mixing colors.

Detail and bleeding beyond your lines can be a challenge. But this depends on how rough your watercolor is. Using light strokes before you’re satisfied with the paper’s behaviour should help you solve this issue. 

Also, the heavier the page, the more thirsty it will be. So, keep an eye on your ink quantity.

Difference Between Watercolors And Copic Markers

When you’re first starting in conventional media, deciding which medium to deal in can be daunting. It could be difficult to choose which one to try after seeing what some talented artists can do with these conventional instruments.

Here are some differences to make it easier for you to decide which of the two mediums you want to work with.

Cost

Watercolors win out because they are less expensive to sustain and begin with a greater selection of colors. Copic Bleedproof paper is less expensive per layer than the most basic watercolor paper.

Shape and Form

Watercolors, with their variety of brush sizes and forms, are ideal for variable, inconsistent, and unexpected coloration. Use Copic markers for more accurate performance, portability and less set-up time.

Colors and Mixing Colors

Copic markers come in a few colors. We can create new ones by mixing different ink refills into blank marker shafts. It becomes a repeatable procedure by labelling how much of each ink was in use.

Watercolors have a more flexible palette so their combination can create whatever color the artist desires. However, repeating the process is more complex but not impossible.

Watercolors can effectively produce a variety of texture effects which we can accomplish with Copics, using a colorless blender or transparent alcohol.

Even though both are ‘wet’ media, they work differently, and we use them with various tactics. Watercolors can be difficult and unpredictable, whereas Copics are less tolerant in certain respects but relatively stable.

Both are powerful and interesting media to play with depending on the artwork; however, the final choice comes down to what the artist is aiming to do and which fits their preferences better.

Mixing Watercolors and Copic Markers

You can mix them to take advantage of their unique qualities. They have very different textures and color mixing skills.

Method 1:

One can paint watercolors over Copics without transferring or bleeding, and the same is achievable in reverse. If you’re having trouble getting a softer shadow with watercolor, consider using a Copic marker instead. If you can’t find the exact shade of red you like, try painting over the Copic coating with watercolor.

Method 2:

Another method is to color specific elements of the artwork in various mediums. For example, skin tones and eyes in Copics have a pleasantly soft and consistent color, whereas a fluffy jacket in watercolors has a feathery appearance. Watercolors are better for flowers and scenery, whereas Copics are better for metals and flatter man-made buildings.

Method 3:

Watercolors make textured backgrounds plain, and incorporating the Copic airbrush device expands the possibilities even further.

By mixing the two, one constraint is that the article must be ideal for both mediums.

When you apply water to bleed-proof paper, it buckles and warps. Also, when you apply a certain volume of water to thicker Illustration paper, it has a blotchy effect.

Copic nibs have a hard time gliding over the rough watercolor paper resulting in uneven and messy coverage. A smooth paper that can handle watercolors would certainly perform well with Copic markers as well.

Experimenting with various forms of paper would reveal which one is better for the job.

Final Verdict

Copic markers can be a good medium to use on watercolor paper, but the recommendation is not to use them if you can’t work with them properly.

They can ruin the paper if they are not used properly. After all, watercolor is very absorbent. If you can use it properly, just go for it and enjoy painting.