I Like Markers: FAQ- Summer Traveling with Copics

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

FAQ- Summer Traveling with Copics

I just had a really good question come through my e-mail, and I figured this is the perfect place to share it.

Q- I have a couple of hundred Copic markers now and plan to take them with me while traveling which means they will be left in a hot car for several hours one day. Will this hurt them in any way? If it will I could take a cooler.

A- No this won't hurt your markers, they are very air tight

Let me tell you a little story...
Our European counterpart had a shipment of markers get stuck in the Saudi Desert during the Persian Gulf War. They were stuck in the desert for about 5 months, in temps of over 120º F. When they got the markers back they were sure that all had been ruined, however NONE of them had any problems. All were juicy and good.

I have left them in a hot car on many occasions with no problems, as they are super air tight. The only problem you may have is if you color with them in super-hot weather and then you next color with them in a much cooler temp or much higher elevation. The marker will have picked up the air pressure of the first climate and may blob upon use in the other air pressure. Just pull the caps off both sides and then their air pressure will return to normal and you won't have any problems. (this happened to me last summer).

For more marker travel tips you can check this post I made last summer. Happy Traveling!

6 comments:

Tammy Hershberger said...: Ditto everything Marianne said! I'm lucky enough to manage a stamp store, and carry my markers to work with me everyday. However, I don't actually take them inside with me every single day and they sit in the car all day... through the winter, and the heat of summer. I've never had a problem!; July 8, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Nicole said...: WOW, who woulda thought?? Just another reason why I LOVE COPICS!!; July 8, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Dawn said...: brilliant!!! Thanks for the info!!!; July 8, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Unknown said...: Yes, I don't find any problems with heat (I live in Malaysia. Check the map-it's super close to the equator XD). In fact, I don't find much of a problem when coloring during sudden changes in temperature, like coloring in an air-conditioned room during a hot day. Or is it extreme temperature changes you mean?

By the way, this is an absolutely awesome blog! I've learnt so much in so little time about Copics. Long live I Like Markers! =D; July 9, 2009 at 5:28 AM
freida said...: Oh THANK YOU! We are leaving next week for the beach and I plan to take mine so I can play in our "down" time! I felt if I could handle the heat, they surely could! :); July 9, 2009 at 7:10 AM
Susan said...: just love your tips on any subject; I really haven't found the 'right paper' for copics besides H2O paper; that's a tad bit pricy for numerous projects. any suggestions...anyone...pleazze email me<>much appreciated!
Sue @ suemacdon@rogers.com THX..; July 9, 2009 at 10:05 AM

Copic Glossary

Click here for the downloadable color matching chart.

ABS/Airbrush System- Copic Airbrush System. Works with either a compressor or Copic aircans. Uses either Sketch or Copic Markers. 1 2 3 4 Troubleshooting

Alcohol Markers- 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.

Blender- The Copic Colorless Blender pen/ink. This is ethanol based and is not the same as blender pens from other companies. Used for fixing mistakes, making colors lighter and for special effects.

Booster- A needle that attaches to an ink bottle that makes it easier to refill dry or empty markers.

Ciao Marker- Round body Copic Marker. Super Brush nib/Medium Broad nib standard, Medium Round nib optional. Refillable. 144 colors. Cannot airbrush.

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

Copic Certification- These are classes for teachers, store owners, or designers who want to learn techniques and advanced tips on using Copic markers, Airbrushing, etc. for papercrafting. Each class is about 7 hrs, and will be held regionally. Check here for listings of upcoming classes.

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

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)

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.

Sketch Marker- The most popular marker type. Super Brush/Medium Broad nibs standard, Medium Round nib optional. 322 colors, empty markers available. Airbrush compatible- 2 spray patterns

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.

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

Various Ink- Also called Refill Ink or Re-inkers. Each bottle holds 25 cc's of ink. 322 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

Color Disclaimer

Colors on the screen do not match colors printed in color charts, and neither will match the marker colors in real life. To get a feel of what the colors will look like it's best if you get an actual color swatch.

To request a printed color chart, general catalog, Stamping with Copic Brochure, or Airbrushing with Copic Brochure you can e-mail orders@copicmarker.com (remember, printed charts aren't accurate)

Save a tree, get it digital!
For digital copies of the above brochures please look through the Copic Library. Don't see what you need? e-mail me at marianne@copicmarker.com

Check the library also for refilling guides, airbrushing set-ups, and other useful literature.

Books by Marianne Walker

Copic Coloring Foundations Series

These books are stand alone guides for anyone who wants to learn more tricks for coloring with their markers. All images to color are in the back of the book, along with color charts and guides. Each book is printed in English and Español SRP $9.95

• Coloring Flowers with Copic Markers

• Coloring Faces & Hair with Copic Markers

• Intro to Coloring With Copic Markers (Jan 2016)

• Coloring Cats & Dogs with Copic Markers (Jan 2016)

• Coloring Birds with Copic Markers (Spring 2016)

Shadows & Shading: A beginner's guide to lighting placement
This book is for teaching you where to accurately put shadows and highlights when coloring with any medium. Includes clear lighting guides to help you plan where to place your shadows & highlights. Distributed by Copic/Imagination International, Inc.

Copic Coloring Guide Series

Series by Marianne Walker & Colleen Schaan
4 books in the series. For papercrafters. Published by Annie's Attic

• Copic Coloring Guide Level 1: Basics
• Copic Coloring Guide Level 2: Nature

• Copic Coloring Guide Level 3: People

• Copic Coloring Guide Level 4: Finishing Touches

Check your local store for these books, otherwise they are available at many popular online retailers.