14 Best Copic Markers Set In 2023 For Your Art Projects
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Copic markers are a great way to add color and depth to your art projects. They come in many different colors, but the best Copic marker set for you depends on the project you're working on. This blog post will cover which set is best for coloring books, comic book pages, manga-style illustrations, and more.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker Set, 12 Basic Colors• Permanent, refillable inks |
Runner Up: Copic Classic Marker Set• High-quality Japanese ink and nibs |
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Best Skin Tone Markers: Copic Ciao Markers, Skin Tone Set• Durable, non-toxic ink |
1. Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker Set, 12 Basic Colors - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
Many customers wish the Copic Alcohol Sketch Markers weren't as expensive because the markers are of excellent quality. The ink from the markers is highly blendable, making it the favorite paint marker of artists worldwide.
Why We Think It's Great
The Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker has 12 refillable markers with replaceable nibs, so you don't spend on these parts if you need to buy inks for the refills. The oval-shaped barrel is also comfortable on the hand.
The inks are non-toxic and acid-free when dry, but you may re-wet the markings on the paper for retouching and repair. These dual-tipped markers have medium broad and super brush tips for versatile use. You may use it for adult coloring projects and highlighting your notes.
The clear plastic case is sturdy and best for organizing your Copic markers. Each basic set has the following colors - ultramarine, Prussian blue, light blue, Burnt Sienna, Vermilion, Chrome orange, pink, violet, lemon yellow, yellow-green, forest green, violet, and black.
Who Should Buy It
The Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker Set is the best Copic marker set for basic art projects with color inclusion in the palette. The inks blend perfectly, and there is no need to worry about ruining your project with smudging since it dries quickly.
2. Copic Classic Marker Set - Runner Up
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What Customers Have to Say
Copic markers have very high star ratings because most users love them. Except for the stiff price of the markers, refill inks, and nibs, these markers are the best investment you can get since they can last for more than 15 years, according to one professional designer.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Classic Markers use high-quality Japanese ink and nibs. The company maintains strict quality standards, so you always get ink of consistent color quality.
Unlike other alcohol markers, you can use these markers to highlight fresh photocopies without bleeding or smudging issues.
All Copic markers have refillable barrels and replaceable nibs. They are long-lasting if users constantly refill the barrels and replace damaged nibs. This marker type has nine available nibs, the largest among Copic markers.
This set comes in a sturdy clear case and has 12 colors in medium broad and super brush nibs. The barrel is square, though, so you might need some time adjusting to it.
Who Should Buy It
Copic Classic markers are best for artists looking for an insanely wide color palette because this type has 358 colors. This set is a good starter to build your Copic markers collection set.
3. Copic Markers 9-Piece Multiliner Inking Pen Set B-2
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What Customers Have to Say
Users claim that these markers improved their art, especially the multiple nibs since they can choose the nib thickness your artwork needs. Many manga artists and designers used these pens. They're expensive for casual artists, but they're refillable and have replaceable nibs, making them worth the price.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Markers 9-Piece Multiliner Inking Pen Set B-2 is one of the best gifts for sketch artists. These pens have waterproof archival-quality ink and photocopy safe, so your work will last no matter what.
It has multiple nib sizes to choose from, so you can find the perfect pen for every detail of your design. The low-odor alcohol-based inks let you enjoy your creative process without worrying about any fumes.
This set has nine black pens with multiple nibs - 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, BS (super brush) and BM (medium broad). The pens come in a soft plastic case with something to hang the pens when not in use.
Who Should Buy It
Anyone who loves to draw will enjoy using these multiliner markers. The black ink in different nibs lets you outline and fill your artwork, including doodles and mandalas.
4. Copic Ciao Markers, 24pc-Basic Set
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What Customers Have to Say
The Copic Ciao Markers, 24pc-Basic Set, is a top choice for artists. Many customers love the fine tips that make drawing and detailing easy. The permanent ink doesn't fade or run, even when used with an airbrush system. However, some people don't like that the markers can easily dry out if not capped tightly.
Why We Think It's Great
The 24-piece Copic Ciao Markers set is the perfect way to start Copic art. These markers are refillable and have replaceable nibs, so you can keep them going for years to come. They also use non-toxic and acid-free inks.
The clear plastic case makes it easy to organize and find your markers, while the permanent ink makes your artwork last without smudging. The dual-tip design features a medium broad and super brush tip to allow easier blending, outlining, and coloring your masterpiece.
These Copic markers also work with the Copic airbrush system to take your creations to new heights. The set has 24 markers, labeled and numbered with Copic's unique system.
Who Should Buy It
This marker set is best for artists looking for a basic set of Copic markers that includes a good selection of skin tone colors. Manga and portrait artists will also enjoy using these markers.
5. Copic Ciao Premium Artist Markers, Set A, 72 Colors
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What Customers Have to Say
Copic Ciao Premium Artist Markers are high-quality makers that most artists love. If only these markers are not overly expensive, they're perfect for any artist. You can buy this set for starters, then buy more to complete the set.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Ciao markers are perfect for any artist or crafter. These markers feature replaceable nibs and refillable ink, so you can keep them going for years. The clear plastic case makes it easy to find the color you need.
The dual-tipped markers can achieve a variety of effects. The super brush lets you build your colors to blend and create an ombre effect. As you add more layers, the colors darken. You won't also get visible streaks as you layer.
Best of all, Copic Ciao markers are non-toxic and acid-free, making them safe for your projects. The 72-marker set A complements set B and there is no duplication of colors, making it fun to collect them both.
Who Should Buy It
With 72 vibrant colors, this set is best for fashion designers, architects, product designers, and landscape artists. If you're into anime or manga drawings or a comics artist, this marker set is an excellent choice for you.
6. Copic Ciao Premium Artist Markers, Set B, 72 Colors
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What Customers Have to Say
Users love the color selection of this set, though the price shocked some of the first-time users. The stiff price forced many users to practice their art more. This set is well-recommended by most professional artists.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Ciao Premium Artist Markers, Set B are excellent markers that feature replaceable nibs and refillable ink. They complement the Set A of Copic Ciao Premium Artist Markers well, as they don't duplicate each other.
They also come in a clear, hard plastic case, making them easy to transport and store. Plus, with their permanent ink, you can create beautiful pieces of art that last a long time. It has more shades of violets, greens, and browns.
For added convenience, these markers work with the Copic airbrush system. With 72 colors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect set for your needs.
Who Should Buy It
The Copic Ciao Premium Artist Markers, Set B is a great choice for artists who want vibrant colors and permanence in their work. It's a perfect complement for artists who have bought the Copic Ciao Premium Artist Markers, Set A.
7. Copic Sketch Markers, Set C, 72 Colors
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What Customers Have to Say
These markers are popular for a reason. They are versatile and have great color saturation. The inks bleed through paper, though, but they still complement with other sets for best results on your Copic art projects.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Sketch Markers have a refill system that lasts six times. The only other wear item is the nib, which you can purchase 6 or 7 in a pack.
The ink is permanent, and the colors are beautiful. The Sketch markers have a brush-type nib on one end and a fine point on the other end. The fine point makes them perfect for detailed work or larger areas.
This set has more shades of blacks, grays, and greens, making it great for portraits and landscapes. The colors are vivid, and the markers are refillable. They have dual tips - medium broad for lettering and calligraphy and super brush for blending and airbrushing.
Who Should Buy It
The Copic Sketch Markers, Set C complements the other sets in this series. They're not the best starter set because of the color palette, but they work best if you already have other sets.
8. Copic Ciao Marker Set, 6-Color, Pastels
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What Customers Have to Say
Many of the users are loyal to Copic because of its consistent quality. The colors and rich, vibrant, and layers beautifully. However, some colors bleed through journal paper, so be careful where you use them.
Why We Think It's Great
The Copic Ciao Marker Set is a great beginner set because of the color palette, but they work best if you already have other sets.
The super brush nib is firm but flexible, while the chisel-tip writes smoothly. Both tips layer beautifully, and the colors darken as you add more layers.
The set has six pastel colors - pink, violet, yellow, yellow-green, blue, and green. However, they're more jewel tones and neon than pastel.
Who Should Buy It
Though these Copic markers are more neon than pastel as they promised, if you're looking for vibrant markers, this set is an excellent choice. This set also makes a great gift for startup artists.
9. Copic I36A Ciao Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Though customers love the quality of these Copic markers, they're too pricey for newbie artists and even professionals. The barrel is small, so you can easily use up the inks. They're refillable, but you have to invest in 36 ink tubes to refill these markers.
Overall, artists prefer these markers because of their quality and excellent customer service.
Why We Think It's Great
The ethanol-based ink in the Copic I36A Ciao Markers Set A dries quickly. It is permanent and is safe to use for both young and older artists and art students.
The markers come in a sturdy plastic case for easy organizing and transport. It also protects your markers from falling off the desk, given the shape of the barrel.
The set has 36 colors and complements the other sets of Copic Ciao well. It includes several shades of violets, pinks, reds, yellows, greens, blues, and skin tone colors.
Who Should Buy It
Copic I36A Ciao Markers Set A is the perfect set for artists looking for a wide range of colors at a more affordable price than most Copic styles. They're best for designers, art students, and even professional artists.
10. Copic Marker I36B Ciao Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Users prefer these markers over the less expensive alternatives to marker pens because of the high-quality inks and permanent finish. Another artist decided to upgrade after three years of using cheaper alcohol-based markers.
Why We Think It's Great
The ethanol-based ink ensures a permanent finish, while the non-toxic composition makes it safe for use by both children and adults.
The sturdy plastic case protects the markers from damage, making them ideal for travel or on-the-go use.
The set complements the Copic Ciao I36A Marker. It includes violets, reds, oranges, blues, browns, and grays. You can't observe any duplication in both sets. The set also includes a colorless blender marker.
Who Should Buy It
Copic I36B Ciao Markers Set B is the perfect choice for artists and hobbyists alike.
11. Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker Set, Bold Primaries
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What Customers Have to Say
These markers impressed many customers with their nice colors. They're less smelly than alcohol markers. Another artist decided to splurge on Copic markers and started a collection with this set.
Why We Think It's Great
If you're looking for a high-quality set of markers with bright colors, the Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker Set is a great option. The colors are very opaque and offer great coverage.
The set has six bold colors - black, ultramarine, burnt umber, ocean green, cadmium red, and cadmium yellow. The ethanol-based ink in these markers is compatible with the Copic airbrush system.
The oval barrel markers come in super brush and medium broad nibs. The marker is refillable, and the nibs are replaceable.
Who Should Buy It
This Copic marker set is best for comic book artists, illustration artists, or anyone who wants to add life and vibrancy to their drawings. Illustrators, designers, architects, and art students love using these markers.
12. Copic Ciao Markers, Skin Tone, 6-Pack Set - Best Skin Tone Markers
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What Customers Have to Say
Customers love the Copic Ciao markers as they're less expensive than other Copic markers. Manga artists proudly posted their artwork on various art websites to showcase their work and how amazing the Copic Ciao markers are for manga art.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Ciao Markers in Skin Tone are perfect for portrait and manga artists of every skill level. Without sacrificing quality, these markers have refillable inks and replaceable nibs for big savings.
The permanent inks are non-toxic and acid-free when dry. These markers are slimmer than Copic sketch markers, so if you're not comfortable with the oval-shaped barrel, you may switch to these brands. You can also use these markers with the Copic airbrush system.
The marker has dual-tips in chisel and brush type. The chisel nibs are best for filling large areas, while the brush nibs blend your colors.
Who Should Buy It
Copic Ciao is the best Copic marker if you're looking for high-quality skin tone markers for your manga, portrait, and even profile drawings. We also recommend these Copic pens for artists working with the Copic airbrush system.
13. Copic Markers Multiliner Markers, Set A
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What Customers Have to Say
According to many users, the ink is very consistent, and the colors are beautiful. However, the pen also dries up easily if you're not careful storing it.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Markers Multiliner Markers uses high-quality black inks for consistent color. They are refillable, and the replacement ink cartridges are easy to remove.
The aluminum body is tough and is perfect for artists on the go. This set includes 0.03mm, 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.25mm, 0.3mm, 0.35mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and super brush (BS) nibs.
Who Should Buy It
This marker set is best for artists who want fine liner pens for their art projects. The aluminum barrel looks professional and is best for designers and comic artists.
14. Copic Blending Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set
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What Customers Have to Say
This set has a very high star rating of 4.9 because the artists love using markers and multiliner pens. The superior blending effect makes this marker set a perfect addition for any Copic marker collection.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Blending Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set: for the creative artist in you. These markers are acid-free when dry, permanent, and non-toxic inks.
They also have multiple nib sizes for easier blending and layering of your Copic marker projects. The set comes with a colorless blending marker, pale pink, pale celestine, yellow fluorite, neutral gray, and a multiliner pen for adding texture to your drawings.
Who Should Buy It
Copic Blending Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set is best for artists who want blender pens for their Copic marker artworks. The multiliner pen is also a great addition to this set.
Reviving a Dried-Out Copic Marker
To reactivate dried out Copic markers, follow these simple steps:
- Remove the nibs from the Copic markers.
- Add a few pipettes of 99% isopropyl alcohol into the marker using a plastic pipette.
- Prop the marker on its side and keep it in a covered container for at least 30 minutes. The alcohol will soften the dried-out ink.
- Tap the barrel to remove the remaining alcohol from it.
- Fill the barrel with more rubbing alcohol to wash out more of the ink, soak the marker and the nibs in the alcohol.
- Drain the alcohol. Add more alcohol until the alcohol is clear.
- Fill the barrel with alcohol, but cap them to saturate the markers. Let the markers rest on their side for 24 hours.
- Don't throw out the alcohol you used to clean the markers to reclaim the ink. The alcohol will evaporate and leave the inks behind. Keep the reclaimed ink in tightly covered glass jars.
- Drain the barrels, then rinse with more rubbing alcohol until the alcohol coming from the marker barrel is clean.
- Refill the barrel with new ink. You can change the nib if you want.
Types of Copic Markers
Copic Classic
Though Copic Classic markers are the first markers developed by the company, they are less popular than Copic Ciao and Copic Sketch. Copic Classic has a standard broad chisel tip that is wider than the medium broad tip. The other end of the marker is a standard fine tip best for fine detailing for your projects.
This set has 214 shades available in different sets according to your budget. Some shades are not available on other lines, though. They're also compatible with the Copic AirBrush system. It has a larger barrel than Copic Sketch markers at 5ml. One ink tube can refill the marker up to 5 times.
The nibs are also replaceable, and you can choose from the nine available nibs, including a 3mm and a 5mm calligraphy, semi-broad, super fine, standard fine, brush, round, soft broad, and standard broad.
Copic Sketch
Copic Sketch is the perfect alcohol marker for professional designers, artists, illustrators, and coloring. They are larger than Copic Ciao markers and have an oval barrel with a capacity of 3.6ml. Like Copic Classic, you can use these markers for the Copic AirBrush system.
The nibs are super brush, medium broad, and medium round. You can also refill these markers. A single ink container can fill the marker up to 7 times.
The set has 358 colors that come in different sets. If you're a professional artist, we recommend building your collection from small sets of 12, then buy more colors as your budget allows.
Copic Ciao
Copic Ciao Markers are the best choice for newbies and kids because they are less expensive than the other types. The barrels are round and have dual-tips (super brush and medium broad). The super brush is best for mixing shades, while the medium broad highlights and fills large areas.
The barrel is smaller, so it fits a child's hand. The cap has air holes, and one ink bottle can refill a marker up to 15 times.
Copic Ciao comes in different sets of 6, 12, 24, 32, 72, and 180. However, be careful handling the markers since the round barrel may roll off the desk or table. The plastic case of the sets helps in organizing the markers.
Copic Wide
Copic Wide markers have a wider but shorter barrel. Unlike other Copic marker types, Copic Wide has a single wide chisel tip for filling bigger areas without overlapping lines. Some Copic Wide sets include markers and refill inks, though you can also buy the markers individually. A single ink container can refill a Copic Wide up to 7 times.
They don't work well on their own since they're too wide for detailed coloring, but they're also more stable when placed on the table because of their shape. You can choose from the 36 shades available for your art projects. The nibs are available in broad calligraphy and extra broad.
Copic Marker Set Buying Guide
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Color Palette
Choose the right color palette for your needs. Copic Sketch has basic primaries, bold primaries, pastels, skin tone, grays, blacks, and other palettes to suit specific requirements.
Check out the shades available for each Copic style:
- Copic Classic - 214 colors
- Copic Sketch - 358 colors
- Copic Ciao - 180 colors
- Copic Wide - 36 colors
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Nib Shapes
Copic markers have three basic tips - brush, chisel, and bullet. The brush nib is best for blending, and you can vary the line width by changing the strokes.
The chisel tip (or broad nib) is great for filling large areas and gives a consistent line width. The bullet nib is the thinnest of the three tips and is perfect for detailed work.
Aside from the classic nibs, you can also buy replacement nibs. However, only the Copic Classic has 9 replacement nibs.
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Barrel Size and Shape
Copic markers have different barrel shapes according to the type. Copic Wide and Copic Sketch have oval barrels, Copic Classic has square barrels, and Copic Ciao has round barrels.
Of these markers, the Copic Classic is the largest at 5ml, followed by the Copic Sketch at 3.6ml. Copic Ciao is the smallest at 3ml, but artists prefer them for their portability and ergonomic design. Copic Wide markers are shorter but wider than other Copic markers and have a capacity of 5ml.
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Skill Level
Copic Classic and Copic Ciao are best for beginners, while Copic Sketch is best for professionals. On the other hand, Copic Wide is best for making extra wide strokes or filling large areas on your drawings. However, they're only useful as a complement marker instead of the main one.
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Budget
Copic markers are very expensive. However, Copic Ciao markers are the most affordable of the Copic types available in the market.
Copic Marker Set FAQ
1. Why are Copic markers expensive?
Copic markers are expensive, but you can use the markers for a long time because you can refill the inks and replace the nibs. You can buy the inks at a more affordable price than the markers themselves, but you can use it to refill the markers up to 9 times.
These professional-grade markers are odorless, permanent, and chemical-free.
2. What Copic markers should I get first?
Copic markers have a lot of colors, so it's confusing to choose the right set. You can identify them by number and colors if you're new to Copic markers. For example, Y means yellow, and the lower numbers mean lighter shades, while bigger numbers mean darker shades. The letters don't essentially begin with the color's name, though, since flesh tones use E and gray tones use E.
Find a palette with flesh tones that matches your subject's color for portraits. For Caucasian skin tone, use E000, E00, and E11. For tan skin, get a palette with E11, E13, and E33, while for dark skin, E57, E59, and 79. For brighter colors, choose the mid-range colors of the color collection.
For beginner sets, find the color palette with the right colors for the artwork you're working on. A 12-color Copic Ciao is an excellent choice for starters.
3. What's the difference between Copic Sketch and Copic Original?
Copic Originals, more known as Copic Classic, have nine nibs to choose from, but the default nibs for the markers are chisel and bullet. You can buy additional nibs if you prefer since the nibs are replaceable. Since most users prefer a chisel and a brush tip, Classic markers didn't fare that well in the market.
On the other hand, Copic Sketch has more color choices (358) than Classic's 214. The nibs, however, are more limited (chisel, brush, and bullet), which is more practical. The oval barrel is also better than the square or round barrel of the other Copic marker types.
4. How to refill a Copic Marker?
- To refill a Copic marker, double-check the ink number to match the marker number.
- Remove the nib on one end and the cap on the other end to release the pressure inside the barrel.
- Open the refill ink, then fit the ink spout into the end where you removed the nib.
- Squeeze the ink slowly until you get the right amount of ink in the barrel. Recap the ink.
- Replace the nib, then clean the barrel and other messy parts of the marker.
- Recap and store the marker on its side.
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Copic markers?
Copic markers are refillable, and the nibs are replaceable, so you can use the markers over the years. Copic markers use Japanese ink and nibs. The company endeavors to keep the quality consistent from batch to batch.
The inks are not lightfast, though, so they're prone to fading.
Conclusion
The Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker Set, 12 Basic Colors are our best pick for this review. These markers are excellent for professional artists and designers because the inks are permanent. To maximize your markers, you can refill the empty barrel and replace the nibs. The inks are also non-toxic and acid-free when dry, keeping your artwork safe from unnecessary discoloration as it ages.
Our runner-up vote goes to the 12-color Copic Classic Marker Set. The markers use high-quality Japanese ink and nibs with excellent quality control, so the ink color and quality have stayed constant over the years. You can also use these markers as highlighters.
If you're looking for skin tone markers, you'll find the Copic Ciao Markers, Skin Tone Set as your go-to pack. With just six markers, you get a color palette that you can use for fair, tan, and dark skin tones. They also have low odors, so you're comfortable while working with them.