14 Best Paper For Copic Markers In 2023 Plus Tips And FAQs
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Is there a perfect paper for copic markers? Artists use various papers with their markers, but which one is the best? This article will explore 5 of the most popular types of paper and help you decide which one might be right for your needs.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Canson Artist Series Comic Manga Illustration Pad• Heavyweight paper |
Runner Up: Articka Hardcover Sketchbook• Firm binding |
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Best Professional Marker Pad: Copic Marker Express Blending Card• High-quality cardstock |
1. Canson Artist Series Comic Manga Illustration Pad - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
Customers have a divided stand on this illustration pad using Copic and other alcohol markers. Some users experienced feathering, while others think this pad is best for alcohol markers because of its thickness and blending capacity. It still shows minimal bleeding, though, especially if you keep the marker on one spot for a long time.
Why We Think It's Great
Canson Artist Series Comic Manga Illustration Pad is the perfect tool for artists looking for the right paper for their comic and manga illustrations. The paper is heavy weight, acid-free, and has a smooth surface that resists erasing and piling.
It’s also resistant to bleeding so you can use all kinds of mediums on it without worrying about ruining the paper. As can be expected for heavy-weight paper, this pad is a bit pricier than other brands.
The pad has 20 sheets of 250gsm paper in 9x12-inch sizes and fold-over cover.
Who Should Buy It
Almost everyone who has tried this illustration pad recommends it to mangaka (manga artists). However, given its price, newbies with a limited budget may need to stay clear of this illustration pad.
2. Articka Hardcover Sketchbook - Runner Up
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What Customers Have to Say
The paper is smooth and uniform in terms of quality. It can easily handle pencils, pens, water-based markers, and alcohol-based markers. The cover is robust, making it ideal for keeping your drawings intact. The natural white of the paper also keeps the colors vibrant.
Why We Think It's Great
US Art Supply Manga Marker Pad is the perfect choice for aspiring manga artists. With its 180gsm paper, your artwork will look crisp and vibrant, and the firm binding ensures that your journal will stay together through all of your creative endeavors.
The elastic closure also makes it easy to keep everything organized so you can find what you need when you need it. Best of all, this pad is compatible with both markers and pens, though they don't work well with wet media.
The art journal has 60 sheets of 180gsm paper in an 8x8-inch square format. The hardcover is durable and protects your Copic marker projects, even if you accidentally drop the journal. The black cover is elegant, but the inner part is fun and vibrant purple, matching the elastic closure.
Who Should Buy It
Professional and newbie artists alike will appreciate Articka sketchbook's hardcover to protect their artworks from getting crumpled. It is also perfect for those who love to work with markers and pens, as the paper resists bleeding.
3. Bee Paper Company Marker Pad
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What Customers Have to Say
The paper is not bleed-proof, but it responds well to alcohol markers. Many artists posted their art projects on online shop reviews. The paper allows for more effortless blending.
Why We Think It's Great
The Bee Paper Company Marker Pad is perfect for artists and other creatives who need a pad to handle their markers without bleeding through the paper.
The acid-free paper improves the archival property of the paper, while the natural white color provides a beautiful background for your projects. Thanks to the paper's smooth surface, the nibs are protected from unnecessary damage.
Each pad has 30 sheets of letter-sized paper glued at the top.
Who Should Buy It
The Bee Paper Company Marker Pad is a good choice for people who want to create beautiful, professional-looking projects. Its smooth surface will also protect the nibs of your expensive Copic markers.
4. Crescent Creative Wire-Bound Sketchbook
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What Customers Have to Say
According to many artists who work primarily with alcohol markers, these marker pads are perfect for alcohol markers. The marker pads don't bleed much because they're heavy enough to absorb the inks.
Why We Think It's Great
This sketchbook is the perfect tool for artists and designers of all levels. The heavy-duty covers and acid-free paper make it ideal for drawing and sketching, while the square format is perfect for artists looking for a handy-sized sketchbook.
The double wire spiral binding keeps your work intact. The 180gsm paper prevents the alcohol markers from bleeding through the pages underneath. Also, even if you are a left-handed artist, this double-sided sketchpad will still work for you.
Who Should Buy It
If you're an artist or designer who wants a great-quality sketchbook with plenty of space to work, this is the best option for you. We also recommend this sketchbook for artists who wish to protect their artwork from deterioration caused by lignin from wood pulp paper.
5. Copic Marker Express Blending Card - Best Professional Marker Pad
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What Customers Have to Say
Although this set is a bit pricey, the blending cards are of superior quality for every artist. They also resist bleeding, which is essential if you're using markers. Artists of all skill levels will appreciate the high-quality paper and its interaction with their marker pens.
Why We Think It's Great
Introducing the perfect way to use markers for blending using this high-quality blending cardstock. These cards are acid-free and have an excellent archival property compatible with laser and inkjet printers.
They're also great for card-making, illustration, stamping, and marker blending projects. They resist several ink streaks without weakening or bleeding.
The natural white surfaces are smooth and silky, making them the perfect surface for blending and staying vibrant. One pack has 125 sheets of 250gsm 8x11 1/2-inch cardstock.
Who Should Buy It
If you're a professional artist for a sketch pad with high-quality, acid-free cardstock in a portable size, Copic Marker Express Blending Card is the pad for you. Anyone who wants to create stunning color gradients should look into these Copic blending cards.
6. Canson Artist Series Pro Layout Marker Pad
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What Customers Have to Say
Many customers are repeat buyers since they love the quality of this semi-translucent paper. They're remarkably smooth for a pleasant tactile experience. However, they don't get dry quickly, so you'll need some time off to let the marker dry properly. It gives you enough time to blend your alcohol markers.
Why We Think It's Great
The semi-translucent white paper makes it easy to design under it, perfect for adding highlights to your art projects. The paper is a bit thin, but it is treated to make it resistant to bleeding and smudging.
Each pad has 50 sheets of 11x14-inch paper. It works best for pencils, graphic markers, color pencils, permanent ink pens, alcohol & acrylic markers, and pan pastels.
Who Should Buy It
The Canson Artist Series Pro Layout Marker Pad is perfect for artists and designers who need paper to handle inks and markers without bleeding.
7. Ohuhu Marker Pads Art Sketchbook
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What Customers Have to Say
This marker pad is not brand-specific, but they work best for Ohuhu alcohol markers. The only downside is that some users find the paper too smooth and prone to piling. But overall, this paper is an excellent option for alcohol marker artists.
Why We Think It's Great
This Ohuhu sketchbook is perfect for artists of all levels with its 200gsm heavyweight paper. It is ideal for blending, and the easy-tear pages make it easy to work on whatever you want.
The double-wire binding keeps your artwork in place. However, if you want to detach a page, you can easily do that with the micro-perforation on each sheet.
Who Should Buy It
This sketchbook is perfect for beginners and experienced artists. Aside from artists, they also work best for designers and illustrators.
8. US Art Supply Manga Marker Pad
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What Customers Have to Say
Art students prefer these art pads because they're very affordable and strong. They don't bleed as much as other cheap pads. The sheets are smooth and slick, thus minimizing bleeding. These excellent marker pads work with all types of paints and markers.
Why We Think It's Great
The US Art Supply Manga Marker Pad is the perfect way to start your manga drawings. The acid-free paper is smooth and even, providing an excellent surface for your markers and preventing any uneven blotches on your art projects.
The natural white color provides an excellent foundation for your artwork. The paper is also resistant to bleeding, so your drawings will stay looking sharp. However, it would help to work quickly to avoid bleeding on the paper and ruining your work.
Each set has 2 pads of 11x14-inch of 24 sheets each. Though the paper is not as thick as other marker pads at 100gsm, they still work as well as more expensive pads.
Who Should Buy It
If you are just starting with Copic markers and looking for an affordable option for marker-friendly paper, the US Art Supply Manga Marker Pad is perfect.
9. Castle Art Supplies Artists Sketch Book
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What Customers Have to Say
These sketchbooks make a good gift for artists, especially those working on multimedia projects. They have a good texture and impressive archival quality, even if they're not as thick as most marker pads.
Why We Think It's Great
Castle Art Supplies' hardback sketchbook is the perfect place to start your latest masterpiece. The slightly textured pages are 90gsm, smudge-resistant, and acid-free, so your sketches will always look their best.
Each pack comes with two wire-bound sketchbooks with a laminated front cover and hardback to support your projects. You can detach the sheets with the micro-perforation, but you still get the same 9x12-inch sketch pad. The pack even includes a step-by-step foldout guide for sketching.
If you're not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, the company will refund your money in full.
Who Should Buy It
Artists working on multimedia projects will appreciate the Castle Art Supplies Artists Sketch Book. It is an excellent multi-purpose paper that can take on colored pencils, graphite pencils, watercolor pencils, charcoal pencils, watercolors, acrylics, and pastel pencils. They're a bit thin for alcohol markers, but they still work well.
10. Canson Mixed Media Paper Pad
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What Customers Have to Say
Many newbie artists like the quality of this mixed media paper. Some even consider this paper their favorite brand because they are less messy when used for wet media like watercolors.
Why We Think It's Great
The Canson Mixed Media Paper Pad is a unique mixed pad filled with acid-free paper for better archival properties.
The pad uses a side spring binder to keep the sheets organized. If you need to detach a sheet from the sketchbook, a micro-perforation along the length of the sketchpad holds the sheets true to size.
The medium weight of the paper also makes it sturdy enough to withstand painting media, watercolor pencils, acrylic paint markers, and alcohol markers.
The sketchpad measures 7x10 inches with 60 sheets of 160gsm paper.
Who Should Buy It
This portable sketchpad is best for artists and designers on the go. Canson Mixed Media Paper Pad is the right choice if you're also looking for an affordable, acid-free paper for good quality alcohol marker projects.
11. Bee Paper Creative Marker Book
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What Customers Have to Say
Alcohol markers bleed through, but it won't seep through to the following pages if you pull one page out and put it behind your artwork. They're still worth considering since they provide various blending and shading options. The binding is also very sturdy. It can withstand long travels.
Why We Think It's Great
Bee Paper's Creative Marker Book is an acid-free, ultra-smooth paper, making it the best choice for use with water-based and alcohol markers. The micro-perforated pages are also handy for easy removal from the book.
They're also easy to take with you wherever you go because of their handy size. The 5 1/2 x 8-inch sketchbook specially designed for markers also has a natural white paper that lets your artwork stand out. You may draw on both sides of the 180gsm paper.
Who Should Buy It
Bee Paper's Creative Marker Book is perfect for anyone who loves to sketch and draw with alcohol markers. The paper's smooth surface is easy to use with water-based markers, too.
12. Bianyo Marker Paper Pad
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What Customers Have to Say
The paper is very smooth, conserving the alcohol marker's nibs. The paper is thin, but you can use cardboard to protect the next pages from bleeding.
Why We Think It's Great
Bianyo Marker Paper Pad is the perfect paper for your creative endeavors! The acid-free paper is resistant to bleeding, making it ideal for use with markers.
The ultra-smooth surface ensures a smooth flow of ink and consistent marks. Best of all, this thin paper conserves ink, so you can create beautiful works of art without running out of ink prematurely.
This marker pad is A4 size with 50 sheets per blue-bound pad. The paper itself is thin at 70gsm. This brand also comes in A3 size, also with 50 sheets of 70gsm paper.
And if you encounter any problems with your Bianyo Marker Paper Pad, the company will replace it free of charge within a year from the date of purchase.
Who Should Buy It
Bianyo's acid-free marker paper pad is best for anyone who wants to create a coloring book. While the thin paper may not be the best for preventing the alcohol markers from bleeding through, it also conserves the ink for longer-lasting Copic markers.
13. Leda Art Supply Sketchbook
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What Customers Have to Say
The paper has a disappointing smooth feel, so this pad is not the best for you if you want texture on your paper. However, working with alcohol markers demands a smoother surface to protect the nibs.
Why We Think It's Great
This sketchbook is perfect for artists of all levels. The stitched binding ensures that the pages won't fall out and lay flat on the table. The acid-free paper prevents your artwork from deteriorating over time.
The expandable back pocket provides extra storage space for your supplies. The cream-colored paper accentuates your colors and values when doing value drawings.
The paper is a bit dense at 120gsm, and you can work on both sides of the 160 pages of this art journal. The flexible, all-weather cover protects your art projects, and the elastic band protects the pages, so everything keeps flat. The journal itself measures 8 1/4 x 5 3/4 inches.
Who Should Buy It?
This sketchbook is for art enthusiasts looking for a durable, versatile art journal. Anyone interested in creating their coloring books should look into this product.
14. Art-n-Fly Smooth Sketch Pad
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What Customers Have to Say
The Art-n-Fly Smooth Sketch Pad is an excellent quality paper with a nice cover. It's a terrific value for your money, especially for newbie artists.
Why We Think It's Great
The Art-n-Fly Smooth Sketch Pad is a spiral-bound, micro-perforated sketch pad best for dry media. The paper has a slight tooth and has a medium weight at 100gsm.
The sketchpad measures 9x12 inches but measures a half-inch shorter after detaching it from the binding. Each pad has 100 sheets, so you can do various art projects at a low price.
Who Should Buy It?
This sketch pad is perfect for artists who want medium-weight paper that doesn't bleed too much. The tooth on the paper also makes it ideal for dry media like graphite and charcoal, but it's not too toothed to ruin your alcohol markers.
Best Copic Paper Buying Guide
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Choose a smooth surface
Check the paper's surface for texture. Paper with a smooth surface is better than paper with a textured surface. However, you will observe that thicker paper has a rougher texture than thinner paper.
Rougher texture means more ink absorbed and more chances of bleeding, so are sure to check the paper's texture before deciding on the thickness you want.
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Look for heavier paper
The weight of the paper refers to the measure of a 1x1m paper in grams. Thickness is closely related to the weight of the paper as the heavier paper is also thicker.
We suggest using papers with a minimum of 90lb (165gsm) weight. Paper with a weight of 200gsm or more absorbs ink better and prevents bleeding to the next sheet.
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Paper quality
Alcohol markers need a special type of paper that will absorb the inks but prevent excessive bleeding of the colors. There are different types of paper you can use for alcohol markers.
Your best choice for a good paper for creating an alcohol marker is blending cards. They are thick enough to absorb the inks yet smooth enough to avoid damaging the nibs.
When using alcohol markers on Bristol paper, use a smooth surface. Vellum Bristol paper, on the other hand, is more rigid. The texture on vellum paper absorbs more alcohol ink than is necessary, thus causing the inks to bleed profusely.
Mixed media paper also works great for alcohol markers. It is also smoother than watercolor paper, which requires more tooth for the watercolors to adhere properly.
Another good alternative is Kraft cardstock. They are thinner and more flexible than other paperboards, and you may use them for other crafts such as embossing and die-cutting. One good point for cardstock, aside from its versatility, is its resistance to buckling and warping.
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Archival quality
Acid-free and lignin-free paper is best if you want paper with good archival quality. Good archival quality means no yellowing or discoloration on your work. The lignin weakens the paper, so the paper becomes brittle and yellowed with time.
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Whiteness
Some prefer bright white paper over natural white paper, but the whiteness also affects the paper's archival quality. The bright white paper used brighteners. When the brighteners fade, the paper turns yellowish.
The natural white paper has a slightly warm undertone, resulting in a slightly cream color. The warm undertone enhances the look of your art projects. Since no brighteners are present on the paper, it lasts longer than bright white paper.
For practice projects, bright white paper is good enough. If you're rooting for a longer-lasting project, choose natural white paper.
Best Copic Paper FAQ
1. What kind of paper do you use with alcohol markers?
There are markings on the packaging that can assist you in determining if the paper works for Copic markers or not. Look for terms like "marker paper," "bleed-proof paper," and "blending card" on the labels to be sure.
2. Is watercolor paper good for Copics?
Watercolor paper has texture and is very absorbent, defeating the purpose of using thick and smooth paper to minimize bleeding of the alcohol markers.
3. What GSM paper is best for Copic markers?
Every newbie may assume that thicker paper is better for Copic markers and alcohol markers in general. Thickness alone is not the key. You also need to consider the texture and quality of the paper.
However, it is best to stick with at least 90gsm paper generally.
4. Can I use Copic markers on regular paper?
If you want to make the most of your expensive Copic markers, it is best to invest in quality paper. See above for our best paper for Copic markers to find out why we chose them.
Conclusion
The Canson Artist Series Comic Manga Illustration Pad gets our vote for the best alcohol marker. It is acid-free, heavyweight paper with a smooth surface.
The Articka Hardcover Sketchbook is our runner-up vote because it has a firm binding with elastic closure for easier organizing. It is compatible with markers and pens.
The Copic Marker Express Blending Card is our vote for the best professional marker pad. It is a high-quality cardstock with natural white surfaces. It is also acid-free and archival paper.