If you have spent any time using Copic markers, you may be considering buying the ink refills rather than constantly replacing the markers. Did you know you can refill a Copic Ciao Marker nine times using a single Copic refill? That’s certainly cheaper than rebuying a bunch of individual markers when you run out. So, if you’re finding yourself churning through your markers it might be about time to grab some Copic refills and save yourself some money! How do the refills work you ask? Well, you’re in luck because I’m about to tell you.
Overview:
- What is a Copic Refill?
- The “Quick” method.
- The “Right” method.
- The “Throwing money at the problem” method.
- What is the best method for refilling your marker?
- FAQS
What is a Copic Refill?
Copic Markers come in four different ranges, Ciao, Sketch, Classic and Refills. The Copic Refills are filled with ink to replenish your Ciao, Sketch or Classic Copic marker. They come in a 14ml bottle in every individual colour of the Copic range. Each marker has a different capacity, so a 14ml will refill the Sketch markers seven times, the Ciao nine times and the Classic five times.
The “Quick” method.
What I refer to as the “Quick” method is one I use most often to refill my markers, mainly because I am lazy. To refill the “Quick” way, hold the tip of the refill bottle up to the tip of your marker, squeezing the refill bottle gently, and slowly let the nib of the marker absorb the ink. You will need to work slowly, as squeezing the refill too hard will result in ink spilling everywhere. This method suits those who only need a quick top up to get them through a session because trying to fill your marker in its entirety via this method can take a very long time. Unless you want to sit there for an hour slowly squeezing ink into the nib of your marker, you’ll only just do enough the get you through.
The “Right” method.
The “Right” method and the “Throwing your money at the problem” method are honestly very similar, and I would say that as far as Copic’s are concerned, whatever you must do to get the ink in the marker is the correct method. With that said, the “Right” method doesn’t require you to spend any extra money on unnecessary accessories. Basically, and I must emphasise just how basic this is, you’ve just got to get the tip out of the marker. If you don’t mind getting ink all over your hands then by all means just go for it and rip that sucker out like a bear plucking salmon from a stream, but if you want to be a little more dignified, you could use a pair of tweezers or plyers. Just be careful not to damage the tip.
From there, all you need to do is fill the marker up by putting the nozzle of the refill bottle into the neck of the marker and squeezing the ink in until its full. Be sure to be careful not to overfill the marker as this will result in getting ink everywhere. Once filled, just whack that tip back in and you are good to go! If your marker was completely dry, it may take a few seconds for the ink to start flowing through the tip again. If you need to speed things up you could always apply a little ink to the tip, (like the “Quick” method as described earlier) to get things moving. This is the most efficient method and while it takes a little longer, you will need to do it far less often.
The “Throwing money at the problem” method.
Now let’s be honest, throwing money at the problem isn’t for everyone but more than often not, it will save you a bunch of time. This situation is no different. Copic sell a few accessories which make the task of refilling markers a bit easier. A helpful product in this area is a little needle attachment for the refill bottle called a “Copic Booster Needle”. This allows you to bypass the tip and shoot ink straight into the marker rather than making a mess or risking damaging the tip. This is the easiest of all methods, but it does require you to spend extra money, hence the name “Throwing money at the problem”. In addition to this, they sell a Copic brand tweezer which has little teeth for a better grip on the marker tip. At the end of the day, normal tweezers should do the job just fine - the marker tip should come out easily, teeth or not.
What is the best method for refilling your marker?
The best method honestly depends on you, and like a lot of things with art, “there are many ways to skin a cat”. Which, come to think of it, is a horrible thing to say, there should be no-one skinning cats, but I digress. If you are lazy like me, you’ll likely use the “quick” method as it requires the least amount of immediate effort, but it does means you’ll be refilling your markers more often. If you want to save your money and save yourself a little bit of time in the future, you’ll consider using the “Right” method. If you have a bit of extra money and you value your time, maybe you’d consider getting your hands on that Copic Booster Needle, or even the tweezers (although using the tweezers are probably a little more aligned with the “Right” method). Do what works for you, yet what I will say is, if you are wondering whether to make the move towards refills, I would highly recommend that you do. Take it from me, you’ll kick yourself for not having done it sooner.
Copic’s are a great marker to use and the fact they are refillable means you don’t have to keep throwing markers away and buying new ones as they run out. It’s certainly more cost effective to use refills and now, armed with the knowledge of how to use them, go forth and art until your heart is content, knowing that with a refill on hand, when markers run out in the middle of a drawing, you need not worry.
FAQS
How many colours are in the Copic refill range?
The Copic refill range includes ever colour Copic has to offer. All 358 of them.
Can I use Copic refill to fill all my Copic markers?
You most certainly can! Not every colour is in every range, but every Copic marker uses the same Copic refills.
Can I use ink from other brands in my Copic markers?
You can, but I really wouldn’t recommend it. Copic’s colours are of consistent and high quality. To put another brand in there is the equivalent to putting 91 unleaded in a Ferrari. With that said, if it is an alcohol-based ink, it will work but the difference in quality could risk wrecking your marker.
How many times can a Copic refill fill each of the markers?
Each marker has a different capacity. Refills will fill Sketch markers 7 times, fill Ciao 9 times and will fill Classic 5 times.
Can I use the ink from a Copic refill without putting it in a marker?
Sure, Go for it! They do dry very quickly, so you’ll have to work fast, especially if you were going to use a brush or dip pen. It’s not their intended use, but you can do whatever you want at the end of the day.
