What paper to use with Copic markers

Whereas many illustrators choose to use digital, absolutely nothing can substitute for traditional hand drawing.

Along with the traditional paint brushes and colors, lots of artists and hobbyists enjoy Copic markers due to their soft blending characteristics.

Since we all already know, it includes alcohol-based ink, that can soften and ruin a regular printer paper. Once you’ve been to an art and craft store, you will find that there are tons of paper on sale in various thicknesses, shades, and textures. For newcomers, picking the appropriate paper may be a mystery. Skilled Copic users, though, are well aware of what kind of paper to pick, though they might want to check out other proposals.

In an attempt to simplify matters for you, we are going to reveal all you need to understand about the proper paper for Copic markers. Below you’ll see our reviews of 7 products that were rated as the top paper for Copic markers. Moreover, if you would like some additional help in picking the best product, consider using the buying guide and FAQ at the bottom of the article to assist you in coming up with an informed buying solution.

What offers the appropriate paper for Copic markers?

• Prevents bleeding:

Because of the alcohol-based characteristics of these markers, they will easily blow out on the surface of the paper. For artists, that is a quite usual issue. If the proper paper is not used, it can occur quite often. But by using suitable paper, this issue can be tackled effectively.

• The smoothness of application:

Although Copic markers are incredibly soft, they can still be difficult to go through some types of paper. The use of the proper paper assists you in ensuring that your application is as smooth as it can be. This will not only save you time, but will improve your overall drawing impression.

• Firms up after application:

Much like bleeding through paper, the use of a Copic marker could potentially soften the sheet. As a result, it might damage your artwork. But by choosing the proper paper, this can be managed quite simply.

Relate: Best Copic Markers to Start With

Top Copic Marker Paper Reviews

So now that you’re familiar with the several advantages of having the proper paper, it’s time to find out everything you can about the best high-quality choices out there. Below are 7 of the best Copic marker paper choices that we have come across and along with their particular reviews:

Best Choice – Bianyo Bleedproof Marker Paper Pad

The Bianyo bleed-proof marker paper pad deserves easily the place of our top selection. This special pad is big to offer you a lot of space to sketch on the page.

An A4 pad is supposed to be big enough to allow you to craft masterpieces while not sacrificing scale. The paper itself is also high quality, making it a great sign that it’s appropriate for use with alcohol markers such as Copics.

That particular paper is developed to be leak-proof. Meaning that the ink from your Copics doesn’t spill all over the paper once you lay it down on the page. At the same time, it also signifies that it won’t leak through to the underlying page. This is particularly a concern with low-quality paper and can lead to you throwing away sheet after sheet of paper as it gets messed up by other inks. This bleed-through resistance also signifies that the paper will take up less ink from the markers, therefore resulting in your Сopics holding up even more.

As for the size, you get 8.5-inch in width and 12-inch. Making for the most perfect sketching platform with your markers.

The vertical design is particularly handy if you’re concentrating on sketches and related artwork, lending extra practicality to your artwork. Plus, you could always have the size of 11 inches by 14 inches when you need it.

You can still use it for everything, particularly with its 70 gsm thickness, preventing bleed-through but also delivering a thin and easy-to-use item. When you love a bit of versatility with your marker paper, this one does the trick.

And it becomes even better when you look at its ultra-smooth finish. It will assist you in producing the most challenging artwork without making any lousy marks. It can also be used with any kind of marker in case your Copics run out.

All in all, Bianyo is a fairly respectable option loved by a lot of artists, particularly sketch pros. Its smoothness, quality, and superb no-leak finish make it an almost flawless paper pad.

Emphasized features:

• Reasonably thick for leakage protection.
• Large format for sketching.
• Superbly smooth finish.
• Performs fine with all kinds of markers.
• Exceptional value for the quality.

Pros:

1. Leakproof – thick enough to keep alcohol markers from bleeding through or running off.
2. A4 pad – it measures 8.27″ x 11.69″, which is big enough to fit your projects, and contains 50 sheets.
3. Affordable – is available at a reasonable price that you can readily get back on track.

Cons:

1. Lower grammage – thinner than some papers preferred by other artists for Copic markers.

Canson XL Series Marker Paper Pad

For sketching ideas to produce a great work of art, this trusted marker paper pad sticks out above other papers. Not just due to the 100 sheets of drawing area that you get, its reasonable price is also noteworthy. It is a sketchbook that novice, expert, and nomadic artists will be able to take with them everywhere they go, together with their Copic markers.

With a size of 9′′ x 12′′, this marker pad easily suits your backpack and yet offers plenty of surface area for sketching. As it is fold-bound, you can fold the cover over and fold it back to get out of the way when working. If you don’t have a table to draw on, simply lay your paper on the back cover and begin sketching.

When it has to do with sketching experience, it allows you to layer and move paints on the slick finish until you reach the tone you want. Similarly, this paper provides you with room to explore coloring methods using different kinds of media, including colored pencils, acrylic markers, as well as pan pastels. No matter what medium you decide to use, this paper keeps the richness of the colors.

In comparison to card stock, the thin paper concerned us a bit that it would bleed, but it didn’t. On the contrary, the paper kept the colors on top but didn’t form puddles of color. One more thing that made us love this paper for Copic is that the semi-transparent page allows the underlying guide image to be seen.

As the papers are thin, be gentle while erasing your pencil outlines, as you could create the page. This is the only downside we’ve encountered so far, though it’s certainly workable. By rubbing the page softly with the eraser or by clamping the paper to the notebook using paper clips, you can keep it from creasing.

Awesome for novices, the semi-transparent pages make sure you can still see the sketching guides even when you underlay them. Meanwhile, more experienced artists may also use this Copic marker sketchbook for rough compositions or final artwork.

Emphasized features:

• A paperweight of 70 pounds ensures outstanding longevity.
• Semi-transparent for excellent definition.
• Highly convenient block size and shape.

Pros:

1. Inexpensive marker paper pad.
2. The semi-transparent paper reveals the underlying guides.
3. Thin but still spill-proof.
4. For casual sketching and the completed artwork.
5. Appropriate for other media.

Cons:

1. May crease if you use erasers roughly.

Boxun Premium Marker Paper Pad

This brand might be among the most affordable choices available, but doesn’t discount the quality of the marker paper. For novices, it’s a starter pad on which to start practicing. For more skilled marker artists, this sketchbook offers plenty of space to outline ideas or experiment with new blends.

Being an alcohol marker paper, it lets the ink stay on the paper until you reach a magnificent tone. Copic’s stable yet supple tips move effortlessly over the smooth surface. Suitable for dry media, the sketchbook encourages illustrators to use it with pencil, charcoal, as well as solvent-based markers.

On the other side of the page is a wax-like layer that stops the bleeding. Yet the semi-transparent illustration paper still keeps it simple to identify the guidelines below the page. Conversely, the natural white tone of the page contributes to the brightness produced by colored pencils and art markers.

Composed of 9″ x 12″ sheets, the 50-page marker pad offers a lot of room to reveal small details. Still, most of the pockets fit the size of the sketchbook. As for the binding, the envelope binding enables you to store all your outlines in one block like a portfolio or work on a loose-leaf by lightly pulling.

Probably the best part of all is that this product is backed by a 3-year warranty. In case you have any worries about your sketchbook, you can call the 24-hour online customer service. Furthermore, the company also provides a 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee, so there is definitely no risk for you when you buy this marker pad.

Emphasized features:

• 50 sheets.
• 9 X 12 inch.
• 90-gram paper.

Pros:

1. No bleeding guaranteed.
2. Sketchbook for dry media and markers.
3. Perfect for overlaying and blending.
4. Smooth finish.

Cons:

1. Paper templates on the back of the sheets.

US Art Supply Premium Manga-Marker Paper Pad

More than a simple paper for manga drawers, this marker pad will satisfy the demands of almost any illustrator or crafter. Housing various media like pencils, markers, and alcohol-based markers, this item has more going for it than you might think.

The blend-friendly sheets do not have any teeth, so the Copic pens will not become frayed too fast. Other than that, the slick finish actually provides you with great control over the markers when you’re attempting to design items with highlights and shadows. Finally, when the glossy paper takes the inks, the colors keep their brightness with no shining through.

Offered in 9′′ x “12, the marker pad provides enough space for portraits, character drawing, scenery, fashion illustration, as well as other genres. In any scenario, it withstands the use of combined media. To add even more accuracy, you can get the best out of the 100 gsm lightweight paper by mounting it on a light board to draw and trace using pen and ink.

Moreover, it is acid-free and PH neutral to maintain your artwork throughout the years, perhaps even a whole lifetime. At a moderate cost, the item comes in two sets of 24 sheets each of sketchbooks, resulting in 48 sheets per single buy. It is an ideal paper for Copic markers and offers high-quality material that allows you to exercise your drawing skills while not feeling bad for wasting your supplies.

While the sheets are rated for Art Markers, our only complaint has been that excessive ink distorts the paper a bit. Aside from that, this isn’t a significant disadvantage that would prevent anyone from getting it. The sketchbook is the handiest for rough compositions, practice, and tracing.

Emphasized features:

• Weight 60 pounds.
• Size: 9×12 inches.
• Pad of 24-Sheets (Pack of 2 Pads).

Pros:

1. Leak-proof – your ink is not going to leak through to the pages below it/
2. Marker-specific – the paper block is developed to be used specifically with markers like Copics/
3. 100 gsm – thicker than other papers, thus avoiding bleeding and smearing/

Cons:

1. Excessive ink distorts the thin paper.

Bee Paper Company Bleedproof Marker Pad

Here’s one more suggestion for Copic marker paper! Not just because it’s exclusively for Copic markers, but also because you can easily match it with Crow’s Keel pens along with engineering pencils. Containing 30 sheets in a block, you will never go incorrect with this leak-proof paper.

With a weight of 180 gsm, premium sheets are both thick and semi-transparent. These qualities provide artists with the versatility to use the sheets for precise sketches, rough compositions, as well as final artwork. What’s more, you’ll effortlessly manage to use technical pens to sketch razor-sharp lines.

Proven to be compliant with Copic markers, the nibs perform superbly with the extra-smooth face. Meanwhile, the non-acidic feature meant that the hand-drawn picture would stay vivid over time. The outstanding erasability has been proven by repeated rubbing with the rubber on pencil marks with no paper damage.

Well, this paper performs admirably if you use bright and/or light unsaturated colors, and it’s simple to blend also.

But if you choose to go with more saturated colors, you may find that this paper can become spotty and mushy after only a couple of layers. This is why this marker paper is most appropriate if you mainly go for bright colors, or if you use just a couple of coats. This marker pad is offered in 8.5′′ x 11′′, 11′′ x 14′′ and 11′′ x 17′′ sizes.

Emphasized features:

• Size: 11×14 inch.
• Non-acid.
• 1 package includes 30 sheets.

Pros:

1. Very affordable.
2. The ink will not leak.
3. It Will fit easily in a printer.
4. Provides easy tear-off with pre-cut lines.
5. Heavyweight.

Cons:

1. Multiple coats of applied ink can give the paper a glossy appearance.

Copic Marker Express Blending Card

With bigger than regular pages, you are ready to get 50 pages worth of drawing in this Copic marker sketchbook. All the pages are sufficiently thick so the marker will not bleed through and will let you easily make the sketches you like.

The sketchbook is spiral bound, keeping all of your sketches and layouts all in one place if you need them. The paper is leak-proof and keeps things comfortably stored away.

Just in case you’re searching for something slightly more expert and that keeps things organized together, having a spiral binding rather than the tacky binding that just sticks the pages together; in that case, this would be the book of awesome papers for you.

You are not going to experience any friction as the marker slides through the paper, which will help you get awesome results. Moreover, its weight keeps it easy to carry around.

Yet, the true benefit of this paper is its capability to resist several ink streaks with no weakening or fading. This will assist you in getting multiple kinds of blends for your sketches, adding to the number of colors and versatility for creating even the most challenging of works of art.

All of this is thanks to the 250 gsm thickness you have, perfect for achieving supreme thickness and longevity, allowing you to enjoy all sorts of outcomes.
If you’re a sophisticated user in search of apparently small sheets of paper, this is one that chooses not to be missed.

Emphasized features:

• Weight 70 pounds.
• Size: 9×12 inches.
• A pack consists of 50 sheets.
• Spiral-bound.

Pros:

1. Its texture is quite sleek.
2. Functions excellently with pencil and eraser.
3. Copic markers can be easily blended.
4. No streaking.
5. Bleed-proof.

Cons:

1. Only one side of the paper is appropriate for Copic markers.
2. The paper comes with a cardboard cover.

Copic Wire-Bound Sketchbook

If you like layering and cardstocks – the special paper from the Copic selection is a pretty close to ideal option.
But virtually everyone can also use it. This is because it uses skinny sheets to help produce all sorts of sketches while keeping them from getting weaker or sacrificing thickness.

If you appreciate extra quality when blending and creating high-quality artwork – this is the perfect choice of paper for you.

You will get 20 sheets of 8.3 x 11.7-inch size. That’s a regular A4 size that’s great for just about any kind of sketching. People who exercise new skills or create awesome artwork are going to love this option.

This comes with a medium weight that you will be able to manage with ease. Meaning as much as 157gsm, which will provide one of the softest and gentlest papers out there.Particularly beneficial for artists who like the extra challenge of using markers.

You can still get outstanding effects, and with minimal to no bleeding when using it. Even if you enjoy layering or blending colors, this paper keeps fine enough so you can easily draw. The finish is possibly the slickest on the whole list, ensuring that all of your traces are going to be almost flawless.

Moreover, you’ll reach extraordinary accuracy, as well as you’ll have the chance to appreciate maximal color saturation.

Emphasized features:

• Weight 157 gsm.
• Size: 8.3 x 11.7 inches.
• A pack consists of 20 sheets.

Pros:

1. Awesome slickness for easy drawing.
2. Medium weight paper.
3. Regular format for more versatility.
4. Resistant to bleeding.
5. Great for layering & illustration.

Cons:

1. It can be quite challenging to get one actually as they are always sold out.

Related posts:

• Guide to the right painting and drawing paper
• Papers for Calligraphy: How to choose the right paper
• Tips for choosing paper for pastels – Best Paper for Oil Pastels
• Guide to Watercolor Papers for Beginners

Paper for Copic Markers Buyer’s Guide

It can be quite a trial trying to choose the right paper for Copic markers. If art supplies are already priced at a small fortune – not to mention the Copic markers themselves – you might be sorely tempted to opt for the cheapest pad of paper available.

But hold on! Inexpensive paper is not going to be able to sustain the lovely colors of Copics and is going to leave you with blurry borders that miss the desired details. It will be a shame to have spent all that extra money on Copics, only to leave them in the lurch with inferior paper!

Best brands of paper to use with Copic markers

• Bianyo Bleedproof Marker Paper Pad.
• U.S. Art Supply Premium Manga-Marker Paper Pad.
• Premium Marker Paper Pad.
• Copic Marker Blending Card.
• Bee Paper Company Creative Marker Book.

You might consider using paper that keeps the markers from bleeding to the opposite side and prevents the colors from bleeding off of your linework.

Price of paper to use with Copic markers

Paper for Copic markers under 15$:

• Copic Wire-Bound Sketchbook.
• Bee Paper Company Bleedproof Marker Pad.
• Boxun Premium Marker Paper Pad.
• Canson XL Series Marker Paper Pad.
• Bianyo Bleedproof Marker Paper Pad.

Paper for Copic markers under 30$:

• US Art Supply Premium Manga-Marker Paper Pad.

Paper for Copic markers under 50$:

• Copic Marker Express Blending Card.

Things to consider when buying paper to use with Copic markers

If you are serious about finding the best paper for Copic markers, then you need to dig deep into the features of each product that has been reviewed. In case you have no idea what particular factors to check, below are 4 of the most important considerations to shop for the best paper for Copic markers:

1. Weight

The first thing you’ll notice when looking at the cover of a sketchbook, pad, or paper package is the weight specifications. Usually, these specifications start at 20 pounds and can go up to 120 pounds, and this refers to the amount of ink each paper in the package can hold.

This specific feature is a bit of a trick to keep in mind when you’re looking to buy a product, but it is nevertheless an outstanding measurement to establish how quality-oriented or long-lasting the paper is. Simply put, the heavier the paper, then the better.

To be on the safe side, we would suggest going for products weighing somewhere near 90 pounds.

2. Thickness

Thickness is yet one more clear indicator of the general longevity and quality of the paper. Since you are going to be using Copic markers, you will definitely have to look for a paper that won’t be softened by more ink and that will not leak ink through it.

With the thickest options, search for measurements ranging from 35 gsm to 400 gsm. Conversely, the thinnest sheets have to be from 35 to 55 g/m2, which is roughly the thickness of newsprint.

If you are prepared to stick with medium-thickness options, you should consider choices that are between 80 and 120 g/m². These products are perceptibly thicker than printing paper and are perfect for Copic markers. For Copic markers, though, we would suggest anything above 120 gsm, as those papers are as dense as posters.

Items heavier than 200 gsm would be too thick, like business cards and flyers. Admittedly, they handle the ink fairly well, but they may be challenging to work with as they have a rough or grainy surface. The Copic Express Blending Card, for instance, is 250 gsm and has extra blending options for as many colors as you like.

3. Texture

Probably one of the greatest markers of high-quality paper is its texture. This is why we always suggest looking for the smoothest finish possible. On occasion, though, artists may favor rough textures for a specific kind of piece of artwork.

Whilst rough textures might appear to be less appealing to the public, they have been known to hold ink much better. The Strathmore 300 Series Spiral Sketch Pad, for instance, has a textured surface that is perfect for tracing.

4. Size

Finally, you have to consider the size of the paper. This factor may assist in picking the best paper for Copic markers especially for the demands of your project.

Most products you will come across in the market come in typical A4 sheets that are up to 11 inches high and 8 inches wide. But you can also choose other choices, like 15 inches by 11 inches or 8 inches by 4 inches and so forth.

FAQ

How long does a marker pad last?

That completely depends on your frequency of drawing. One marker pad, sketchbook, or paper pack can range from 20 to 100 sheets. Assuming you sketch every day, a 30-sheet pack of the standard variety would last you a month.

Will I be able to use Copic markers on standard sheets of paper?

Yes, they do work for Copic markers, however, you will likely see bleeding, weakening of the paper once you have finished drawing, as well as a deficiency in color richness. Use only marker paper if you wish to avoid this.

Is it okay to run Copic markers on regular paper?

Normal paper is not advisable for Copic Marker drawings. The ink may bleed through ordinary paper. It is recommended to use waste paper when using Copic Markers.

Conclusion

Choosing which paper to use with Copic markers may not be as simple as it may seem. Each paper performs slightly differently, not all of them are appropriate for alcohol-based inks. It will be a total loss of effort and ink to use a random card paper you buy, only to discover that it won’t take the amount of ink you put on it.

Hopefully, with this article, we’ve supplied you with sufficient facts regarding the finest paper to use with Copic markers, as well as alleviated any concerns you might have in the FAQs. By all means, try out other brands and options, like Copic Custom Paper or Rendr, so that you have a broader selection of materials to play with. There is nothing inherently wrong with trying a little experimentation with your markers.

Additional Questions

What kind of paper do you use for alcohol markers?

For alcohol markers, you’ll want to opt for a paper that’s at least 80lb in weight or even heavier. This is due to the intense pigmentation and liquid content of alcohol markers, which thinner papers may struggle to handle. The ideal paper would be a heavyweight and bleed-proof kind, to prevent the ink from penetrating through. While you can technically use these markers on lighter options such as watercolor paper or lightweight sketch paper, you’re likely to experience tearing and a lack of vibrancy in your colors with these alternatives.

Can I use Copic markers on regular paper?

Yes, you’re technically able to use Copic markers on any uncoated, smooth paper. However, you’d achieve superior results when using a thicker, polished paper that’s specifically designed for markers. You’d notice smoother blends, and minimal issues with bleeding, feathering, and seep through. Over the years of working with Copic markers, I’ve found them to be versatile, but their true potential comes forth when paired with high-quality paper.

What type of sketchbook is best for Copic markers?

In my experience, Spiral-bound Sketchbooks featuring Premium Bond Paper are fantastic for Copic markers, and are in fact the preferred choice among the Copic Paper Selections that we have experimented with. The surface of this paper is incredibly smooth, leading to ideal conditions for both illustrations and pen drawings. It effortlessly adheres to the ink, amplifying the intensity of the colors.

What is the best cardstock to use with Copic markers?

Choosing the right cardstock for your Copic markers does depend on the nature of your project. However, sturdy, thick, and bleed-resistant cardstock can make a world of difference. By using such a cardstock, your markers will glide more smoothly, and the fine points will retain their sharpness for longer. Due to my extensive experience with these markers throughout the years, I can confidently suggest such choices can enhance your overall creativity and comfort while drawing.