I Like Markers: Cleaning Marker Nibs

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Cleaning Marker Nibs

Click here for the proper way to clean your markers.

I was so excited when Michelle Houghton, one of our wonderful Papercrafting instructors posted this article on Debbie Hodge's blog on the proper way to clean a dirty marker.

Please look this over awesome post, as she has some great tips and advice. (This is also the method we have used for many years here at the office for refurbishing our used markers.)

Happy Holidays!

9 comments:

Kort og Søm said...: Thank you for this tips :); December 23, 2014 at 11:00 AM
Kathy S said...: As always - great info! Thanks.; December 24, 2014 at 4:51 AM
Crafting with Darcy said...: Thanks for the tip on cleaning the nibs. I have a dirty looking one and was wondering how to clean it!
Hugs
Darcy; December 24, 2014 at 8:52 AM
Postcard Journeys said...: Hello. I like coloring with copic markers. I stopped making cards. Do you know of any coloring books that are for sale? I am looking for something that contains the correct paper weight and cute images (like stamped images). I saw a few books from Annie's Attic, but they do not contain many images. I just want to color. Thank you.; January 1, 2015 at 12:10 AM
Unknown said...: Thanks and i like this!
friv4; January 15, 2015 at 1:06 AM
Anonymous said...: I have a dirty looking one and was wondering how to clean it!
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juegosjuegos.com | jogos do friv | juegos de matar zombies; January 16, 2015 at 8:40 PM
Unknown said...: I think I need it. Thank you kids games online; January 18, 2015 at 7:34 PM
Triphthong said...: I like coloring with copic markers. I stopped making cards. Do you know of any coloring books that are for sale? I am looking for something that ... ecopicmarkers.blogspot.com; December 28, 2015 at 6:09 AM
Israel León said...: Hello, some of my lighter tones brush nibs are blackened because of the liner and pencil. Is there a way to clean the brush nib or do I have to replace them? I will much appreciate any advice you can give...; October 9, 2019 at 12:14 PM

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.