Are Copic Markers The Worst Alcohol Markers Or Are Cheaper Markers Better & More Reliable?

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Are Copic Markers The Worst Alcohol Markers Or Are Cheaper Markers Better & More Reliable?

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Күн бұрын

Are Copic Markers The Worst Alcohol Markers Or Are Cheaper Markers Better & More Reliable?
The title of this video is not meant in anyway to entice views via false pretences, it is simply to help me understand what is happening with my COPIC Markers against my other brush and chisel nib markers.
If you have followed me on The Art Gear Guide for any length of time, you will know that my preferred method of creating art is marker and colored pencils. I love the speed that the markers give for coverage of larger areas and then introducing the detail of the colored pencils.
Over the years I have tested and reviewed a lot of alcohol based markers and to be honest, in this day and age, there is not really much difference between them all. However, recently I have experienced at least 5 of my COPIC Sketch markers developing mould of some description which prevents me from using the markers period and having to buy new ones.
In this video I show you what is happening to the markers and given the price of the COPC marker in comparison to other cheaper brands of marker, I am asking if other COPIC marker users experience the same problems.
KZfaq REVIEW - Are COPIC Markers the Worst Markers - bit.ly/3UyGwlQ
WRITTEN REVIEW - Are Copic Markers The Worst Markers - bit.ly/3NUznKg
COPIC HOME PAGE - bit.ly/2k1UAaT
WRITTEN REVIEW - How To Use COPIC Number System - bit.ly/2W71Kg7
KZfaq REVIEW - COPIC Marker Review - bit.ly/2w5PQnZ
WRITTEN REVIEW - COPIC Refill System Changed - bit.ly/2M6JL6q
KZfaq REVIEW - COPIC Refill Issues - bit.ly/3bWOq5f
KZfaq REVIEW - Stylefile - bit.ly/2tz4EYx
WRITTEN REVIEW - Stylefile - bit.ly/2uqoWIn
KZfaq REVIEW - Winsor and Newton Brush and Pro Markers Review - bit.ly/2wm0KtK
WRITTEN REVIEW - Winsor and Newton Brush and Pro Markers Review - bit.ly/2Udl1dU
KZfaq REVIEW - Arrtx Markers - bit.ly/388Tpx3
WRITTEN REVIEW - Arrtx Markers - bit.ly/2CJlnmx
KZfaq REVIEW - Art-N-Fly Markers - bit.ly/2P0TN52
WRITTEN REVIEW - Art-N-Fly Markers - bit.ly/2xWMOCT
KZfaq REVIEW - Sketch Markers - bit.ly/3bGuAgv
WRITTEN REVIEW - Sketch Markers - bit.ly/3uesU4z
KZfaq REVIEW - Ohuhu Review - bit.ly/3kcCi2C
WRITTEN REVIEW - Ohuhu Review - bit.ly/2Wasq10
KZfaq REVIEW - Spectrum Noir Illustrator - bit.ly/2eCaLId
WRITTEN REVIEW - Spectrum Noir Illustrator - bit.ly/2iQm01k
AMAZON UK - Copic Sketch 72 Set - amzn.to/2WSUBgs
AMAZON UK - Copic Ciao 36 Set - amzn.to/2EcjQTz
AMAZON UK - Copic Ciao 72 Set - amzn.to/2JHWkS5

Пікірлер: 112

@jessbutterfly9801 Жыл бұрын

In Australia the COPIC refill is half the size of the old ones and there still charging the same price it’s made so many artists angry

@cazumbandoartmaddy1728 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, instead of buying the copic refills (I'm from Brazil, they're expensive and available in only a handful online shops) I'm buying either shinhan touch marker refills from jacksons (taking a gamble with colors to be honest) I am also buying Chinese marker ink refills on aliexpress (as I do have some brush Chinese markers as well)

@SilArrg Жыл бұрын

I got pissed when Copic made that decision. Already plan switching to another markerbrand cause the caps of the Copic sketch markers crack and dry up the marker

@AdleisioCefnforDolphin Жыл бұрын

If you look at the cost of the refills on the Copic website, the 12mL size is actually half the cost as the original 25mL if you are in Japan where the company is based out of. The cost to any foreign country that they are sold in is a result of all the importation and middle man fees. The cost of things gradually increases the more links you have to make, and some places have higher tariffs for importation than others which is why in Germany a single sketch marker is roughly 10 USD where in the US the MSRP is 8 dollars. But with things like the Promarker, they are roughly 4-5 dollars in Germany but are slightly more expensive in the US based on their MSRP when buying them at retailers, not just online. So, there is a lot more that goes into the cost of something than just the product you are getting, you have to count each step from the manufacturer to the retailer selling it.

@natercc2299 4 ай бұрын

In my area, those 12ml refills costs as much as a sketch marker, while the old 25ml cost 1.5x.

@jessbutterfly9801 4 ай бұрын

@@SilArrg I know a KZfaqr that had a problem with the caps as well, and she actually had contacted Copic with pictures and they got replaced for free. The lady was Amy from winter Woods studio KZfaq channel and it was one of her more recent uploads in the last 10 that she’s done

@thefrugalcrafter Жыл бұрын

Hi Harry. That is so dissapointing. How old are your copics? Mine are from 2009 and any refills I have are the old larger ones for the pastel colors that go dry faster. I haven't had that issue with my copics but I have with the really cheap early brush markers like studio71, hashtag coloring and some store brands. As the marker dies out the salt mordant separates from the dye and gets gross, hard and crusty. Once a marker gets really dried out (ink dried in the nib) it can clog which sounds like what happened to you. You could soak the nibs in copic blending solution or ethanol or denatured alcohol to reactivate it and soften the nib to see if it works again. Sounds like a poor fitting cap problem. I know some of the big stores clearanced copics here for like $2 a marker a couple years ago because of this cap issue leaving a lot of excited customers finding the deal and than sad that the markers dried out. It's too bad. I've only had to replace one of my copic nibs, a colorless blender one because of overuse and the internal plastic spine snapped so that was fair and it too years of active use to wear out. It sounds like a case of "they don't make "em like they used to" which is really risky considering all of the high quality cheaper alternatives out there. The Arteza brush nice are comparable with copic. The wick is like 1mm longer but the brush is the same. You get 10 in a pack too. If you have a defective cap it will dry out again tho. I hope the test of your markers are ok. Copic has been drooping the ball when there is so much competition. I'm glad I haven't purchased recent markers. It's time to stop drinking the Copic kool aid 😆

@Nishkween Жыл бұрын

I love using both markers and coloured pencils in my art. As well as water-based markers to line with the alcohol markers. I have the full set of Copic Sketch markers. I spent a lot on my collection (approx $4K CAD) and this does seem to happen more to them than any others I have. I've had some Prismacolors since the 90s that some are still going and this never happened to them! The same has happened to several of my nibs and had to replace them. Thankfully they sell replacements. I've seen on YT this happen to someone's other brand of alcohol marker too. Personaly, am really loving my Ohuhu Honolulu brush markers more so. I'm finding myself grabbing them more than I am any other marker. They've just recently released the 320 set and a 104 set if you already own the 216. Currently waiting to recieve and can't wait to play! :D Ohuhu has recently started selling replacement nibs as well and slowly they are coming out with individual marker sells on their site. Another great vid, thanks!

@tylormejia879 Жыл бұрын

Ohuhu are also working on refills. I just checked my copic collection and 2 more just went dry btw.

@YukinoKary Жыл бұрын

I love the idea that they have refills or refills 🥰 Ohuhu alcohol markers have reversible tips??? 😲

@tylormejia879 Жыл бұрын

@@YukinoKary yes they do and they sell replacement nibs now too.

@denisenelson2843 Жыл бұрын

Thus has happened on my copic set as well. I have prismacolor markers 34 yrs old. They still work too. Copic has really let ne down. Canadian also. These cost my life... Sadly to say on all this.

@clairewilliams9416 Жыл бұрын

Oh I have the 216 set I didn’t know there was a 104 set to complete the collection. I love my ohuhu brush markers. 😊

@millypants7526 Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad to know this isn't just me! I'm a hobby artist and splurged on a couple sketch 72 sets because everyone raves about how good they are. I love using them but I've come across 5 so far that were completely dried out the first time I cracked the lid. Not a great introduction to the brand!

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

I have to admit I am really happy that I made the video now, I really didn't know how people would take it. I thought because COPICs have such a hard core of followers that I would just end up with a load of hate on the channel. However, me showing what I am experiencing with these expensive markers, is showing other artists who think it is only happening to them, that it is not. You see, I also thought that I was the only one this was happening to, hence the reason it took me years to talk about it. I was convinced it was something I was doing wrong, but after owning so many other brands, cheaper brands at that and nothing was happening to them, I was convinced this was a problem with COPIC issue. So many of you have noticed the same thing and I hope now COPIC might come forward and tell their customers what is going on or what they are going to do about it. Anything would be a start from them because this would show willing on their part to stop this from happening. I could almost over look issues if the markers were £2 or £3 a marker, but they can be between £6 and £8 a marker. I am happy to pay those prices if when the product is looked after correctly, as is the case with so many of us, it lasts. If COPIC should happen to reach out to me I will of course keep you all up to date. Thank you so much

@Kelsuuchuu Жыл бұрын

This happened to some of mine, and another artist told me to soak the tip in isopropyl until it was clear, then refill. Worked like a charm. The pores in the tip that let the color out can become clogged/dried out and doing this helps refresh the tip.

@stevemurray6543 Жыл бұрын

This video is why we love ya brother. Stay true, stay well and remain positive. Best to you and your family.

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Steve mate I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment

@mjpete27 Жыл бұрын

Hullo Harry, I saw the cracked comment, but I have had markers dry out. I have had to replace the nibs as they do shrink! When they shrink they no longer stay sealed and dry out! So my solution is to keep spare nibs on hand and replace it if it shows wear or drying out to quickly. I was disappointed that Copic changed the refills but the company was losing money on the refills so they were going to have to raise prices and that is a BIG no no in Japan! So they make the container smaller and slowly raise prices outside of Japan! I have replaced nibs that were barely used! But they started to dry up and once I replaced the nib it was ok. I never noticed any cracks and I have purchased mostly used markers. Never paying more than $3.95 a marker. (I did get a set of new Copic Sketch markers as a gift) Now if Ohuhu can get refills going I may consider using them for all of my marker needs as their brush nibs are good too!

@Miastrong930 Жыл бұрын

Sounds expense to keep replacing nibs. None of my non colic markers do this as frequently.

@mjpete27 Жыл бұрын

@@Miastrong930 This has only happened to me 5 or 6 times in 20 years. I wear out nibs more often than they start leaking. BUT Harry was asking a question and a possible solution.

@ellariel7457 Жыл бұрын

It’s not just Copics!! Outside of inks, I primarily work in watercolor-type markers. Sad to say, something similar to the mold problem is happening to my Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor markers as well. Those, however, have a white overgrowth. And while they’re not lightfast, at the price point, I’ve been badly disappointed with the nibs on the Sakura Koi watercolor markers as well. They just seem to self-destruct while capped. I reopen after not using for a short while and find nibs that look almost like the felt has exploded. They’re puffy and fluffy, with no rigidity to the point at all. I’ve tried reversing the nibs, but no luck. Even though (probably) full of ink, I’ve had to replace several Koi markers. :::grumble grumble::: I seldom use my Copic Sketch markers and had thought to sell them. Now I’ll be reviewing them closely first. Thanks for another timely alert, Harry!! (And yes, it’s all kept capped and stored horizontally. Sigh.)

@tabbi888 Жыл бұрын

I've heard of the build up on the faber castell markers being mineralisation not actual mold. That's why it's white just likyou can get salt layers showing up on the bottoms of brick walls when the water table rises, it's basically the same process. The video explaining this said it's fine to jus wipe off and still ok to use, it won't affect performance. Hope this helps.

@theameiringh8143 5 ай бұрын

Dan is waarschijnlijk de dop beschadigt de fabrikant aan schrijven je krijgt gratis een nieuwe marker er zit goede garantie op

@carolinejohnstone6509 Жыл бұрын

Sandy allnock has a video from 2 years ago on how to fix crusty copic nibs you could maybe look at before discarding. It would be interesting to get more details on the sketch markers when you can share with us.

@karenjacob9891 Жыл бұрын

This is the first comment I’ve ever made … you are so right about these markers. My husband is not happy with me not wanting to continue with the Copics. I have spent a fortune on these and they dry out quicker than any other markers I’ve owned. Thank you for this review. You are not alone.

@feshgogulululu 8 ай бұрын

I’m so happy it’s not just me. I’ve had this happen to at least 10 markers and most of them were barely used. Hasn’t happened with any of my ciaos though

@tylormejia879 Жыл бұрын

I'm have the same problem. I've had to replace 10 markers and counting from two sets of 72. Mine are drying out for no reason. They usually start drying from the chisel nib. I've also recently bought copic markers and they came with really loose caps.

@SilArrg Жыл бұрын

The cap may have a crack. You can check my holding the cap near a light source

@Gemma_Mave Жыл бұрын

I haven't bought as many copic sketch as you, but I've had 6 times the same problem as you. 6 times!!! And when I find out about the problem the store won't bother with replacing it at all sice some time has passed... I tried to revive the tips with alcohol and did nothing, but what I found out is that some lids have cracks on them and they just dry out. Not a single of my ohuhu have dried like that, they still are juicy, and even a pack of 60 brandless I bought for 20 euros are still juicy after a year.

@ArtBrain Жыл бұрын

I tried rehydrating some of the Copic markers with alcohol and it didn't work, so I bought the big bottle of Copic blending solution and it works wonderfully. I'm not sure what their solution is, could have some glycerin or something in it, but I figured it was easier to just use theirs than experiment. I'll use it for any markers that dry out, and maybe end up with a whole lot of colorless blenders, but I don't see buying the refills when so many other markers exist. But yeah, I think the Copic ink is more viscous, thus more prone to drying. Add the larger number of defective caps and it's a problem.

@BarbBColorReader Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I never used Copics. Just letting you know....Copic is no longer the most expensive markers on earth. Check out OLO.

@g.i.c877 Жыл бұрын

Now I don't wanna sound crazy. I have the same issue and I have almost all the colors and I have about 8 or 9 markers dried out when I was building my collection. It All goes to the Cap crack inside but it's mainly in the Chisel cap, sure you can replace the cap with another one but buying a refill you dont have and buy more nibs cost more and adds up the cost. it reallly bothers me sometimes when I'm spending alot more for expensive markers. So this is my advice (note it may not work for everyone) I tape my markers around the chisel cap to seal all gaps from top Color lid to the bottom groove on the cap, mainly just used the brush tips and I'm fine with it but this is an issue with copics mainly and idk if it's the quality change or whatever it is. I'm just disappointed that I invested so much and seeing this issue keep coming, I have to find ways to not have that happened again and I dont wanna keep doing this. This really sucks and even looking at the copic website about what to do with issues like this isnt really helpful Especially when I do my most care for them but it keeps popping up when I use a different color. In short I just believe that Copic has changed their quality on the shell or caps that keeps causing the cracks inside to dry the marker out. So for my alts, spectrum noir markers is what I have and its alot better to have to replace crack copics.

@fuzzydragons Жыл бұрын

yeah the ink refill change annoyed me, especially since at a lot of places the smaller size costs the same as the old refills at a bigger size😑

@ArtisticKatz Жыл бұрын

Interesting.. I have a few different sets of markers, Arrtx, W&N promarkers, Ohuhu etc, I started collecting sets of copic markers and I have noticed they don't fair well against the other sets, nibs have broken, dried up and softened. I was thinking of replacing them. Glad I haven't and will stick too what I have. Thank you for bringing this up about the copics. However I haven't used my promarkers in over a year as I find they leak and splatter.

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

I know it may look like I am out to destroy a company by exposing some big secret, but this couldn't be further from the truth. The amount of replies I have had from this video including emails telling me exactly the same thing you have said Michelle and I have said is unbelievable. Ohuhu, Arrtx, W&N, Art-N-Fly, Sketchmarker etc are all markers that now offer exactly the same quality and quantity that COPIC offer. However none of the aforementioned markers appear to be experiencing the issues COPIC experience and still there is nothing from COPIC as a company with an answer or even a mention that they will investigate the problems. Thank you so much for your comment and if I eventually hear anything from COPIC I will of course let you and everyone else know. Thank you so much

@bertleirens411 Жыл бұрын

I have had symilar experiences with these Copic sketch markers. I have a decent set of 84 markers. One year later 9 of them compleetly dried out. Some of them where used a bit more and others maybe once or twice. They where compleetly fine when i last use them. The next time i use them suddenly they bearly draw or not at all. And after seeing this twice I payed close attention that all the caps where sealed properly. they also where always stored sideways. When I checked the caps I noticed a difference between the ones that dried out and the ones that didnt. The caps of the chizzel tip side of the dried markers where really easy to remove from the marker, almost like the cap was too big and doesnt seal properly while the non dried markers dont have this. So my cause is the alcohol evaporated because of that. I also had 3 markers that just randomly started leaking ink on the brush side. then the moment I take of the cap of the chizzel tip. the leaking stops and the brush tip was no longer soacked. for such high priced markers this really should not be happening. The markers are fun to use. but the price in combination with them randomly braking because of manufacturing errors is deffenetly not fun to deal with.

@rosehavenkennel7948 Жыл бұрын

Your housing is either cracked or not sealed completely. I had a few out of my complete set come up that way. Rather then go through the hassle of getting them replaced, I put mine under one of my microscope and found the crack or loose seal and glued it. This is something that happens during shipping. And the nibs do have an expiration date once the marker starts to dry up. 5 out of 358 is not bad. I ordered Derwent Pitt Pens and 90% of them were dry as a bone and the company refused to replace them. At least Copic offered to replace mine.

@rosehavenkennel7948 Жыл бұрын

Oh, and apparently copic is sending me replacement markers anyways. Granted, my best friend is the one who actually speaks to Copic customer service because she is Japanese.

@After40Art Жыл бұрын

Do you mean Faber Castell Pitt Pens? Cause Derwent doesn't make markers, at least not yet. They have 20 colors of paint pens. Never had an issue with Derwent fixing something though. Have had a missing color in inktense block set and an entirely shattered core pencil replaced by Derwent. Have not had any reason to contact Faber Castell. But usually the big brands do what they can to fix an issue.

@meganh5395 Жыл бұрын

Do you glue the seal or the crack? I found 7 sketch markers with cracked barrel, happened after some years of sitting on the shelf. The crack is on the side of the marker body when the 2 pieces of plastic body mold meet. Do you have that kind of cracking? From side view, the site of cracking is bulged. Also, I found many of my dried sketch markers have loose cap for broad chisel tip. So I wrap washy tap around the cap and the chisel side to tighten the capping. But no always tight like I like them be. Wish Copic sell replacement caps.

@melaniebarrett462 10 ай бұрын

I was really happy to read of your and so many other persons' bad experiences with Copic markers! I have not been able to find anyone experiencing what I have until now! I use mine to color stamped images for card making. I had my first bad experience when I ruined one by coloring in an image I had added embossing power to. I later read that would ruin the nib. I have since seen others doing it, and saying it doesn't. 🤷‍♀ Anyway, blaming myself I ordered replacement nibs in part for the damage, but I also ordered a bunch to replace the broad nib with a fine tip one. They were Copic brand. When I replaced them, and I replaced quite a few, some of the replacement nibs never soaked up the ink! More recently I have noticed my nibs looking like the ones in your video on quite a few, and I have not used them against embossing powder, and of course the ink just won't flow through those nibs any more. I have read some about how senseless the entire Copic color coding system has no logic behind it. It is simply designed to keep the consumer coming back for more. I am considering buying Sketchmarker Classic Markers, the brand, not the Copic sketch markers. I believe you mention those in your review. Have you still been pleased with those?

@lucychan7938 4 ай бұрын

It seems the barrels and the caps of copic are not as good as they used to be. I have some copic markers that are bought 15+years ago and some of them showing yellowing on the shells but they still does not dry but the ones I recently bought in these 2-3 years are easily dried out. I usually fixed these issues by placing transparent tapes on the joints of the barrels and re-wet the ink by adding ethanol (copic blender is 77% ethanol) and it seems helping the drying issues. But I think later I would rather only buy the copic ink refills and fill them in empty finecolour brush markers as none of my finecolour markers dried even barely used and they are bought over 5 years ago. Copic ink is still the best marker ink in current market and it do blend better than the Chinese ones. But with the marker of the brand, not worth to buy if the dried out issues keep occurring.

@TheArtGearGuide 4 ай бұрын

Completely agree with you 100% and you also make an excellent point about the COPIC ink, it is the best formula on the market no doubt. I had seen a lot of artists place tape around the caps and wondered why that was, obviously to keep them drying out. Another thing I have noticed is that, for me anyway, the drying always starts with the Brush tip and only on the Sketch. So I wondered that the difference was between the Ciao and the Sketch brush nibs, which of course the answer is nothing, they are the same nibs. Then I started to wonder if the dark grey ring indicating the brush nibs side of the marker perhaps was the cause of the bad connection but of course the Ciao and Original have the same indicator ring. However, square and round connectors are notoriously easy to connect, however oval not so much. The oval shape is significantly more difficult to create a tight fit for, hence the reason plumbing pipes etc are all round because calculation measurements for adjoining fits is much easier than that of the Oval shape. Plus, when we artists remove the caps, the second we twist the oval cap of the sketch marker, we are weakening that connection. With the ciao it doesn’t matter how many times you twist it, nothing changes with the connection. Of course it is all guesswork on my part, all I know for certain is I have replaced so many sketch markers as a result of this, that when I do a piece I normally turn to Ohuhu markers which is a shame considering I have the full copic count over a couple thousand pounds worth of useless markers.

@lucychan7938 4 ай бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide The oval shape possibly a factor that made the Copic sketch more prone to dry out than Ciao and Original like you have mentioned, but I still believe a drop in barrel quality in recent years is the main reason because I have old copic sketch that still not dry and a Chinese brand which I believe is the outsourcing company that make Artfininy markers that have oval shape do not dry out that easily. The faulty copic markers can be dried out within a month after I had bought them. Besides, cost of a copic ink refill is similar to a copic sketch marker pen and an empty finecolour marker costs much less than a copic sketch. I can refill an empty finecolour marker 5-6 times with copic ink and less worry about the drying issues versus owning the more costly but faulty copic markers that possibly dry.

@wanderingstar5673 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’m not into markers but I have grandchildren that are. Very informative video.

@Msboochie2 Жыл бұрын

Over the years I have had a few small sets from various brands from Ohuhu , Art-N-Fly, Arteza, Prismacolor, and Artxx. I always wanted to try Copics, but the price was just too dear for a novice like me. I finally received 6 Copics in 2 different subscription boxes. I was so excited to finally have a Copic marker, only to find two of the six markers already dry upon opening it. One pale blue marker was dry and streaky but still worked, while the yellow ochre marker was bone dry. The first alcohol markers I ever bought were Prismacolors and they are all still very juicy, while some of my earlier Ohuhu’s are dry now, which is reasonable as they were well used. The caps on the Prismacolors fit very tightly, and can be hard to get off in the beginning. I suspect that is why they keep their ink so well, as long as it’s capped properly. I know you take care of your markers. I do feel the dry markers are an issue but, I can’t say that for sure because mine came from a subscription box company, and perhaps they were old or stored improperly. This video was right on time for me. I was so disappointed to finally get them, and to have them be dried out so quickly is unacceptable.

@davemilligan1171 Жыл бұрын

I have 8 year old well used Prismacolor markers that are jucier than a ripe sunkist orange...LOL I am done buying Copic aka ( CRAPIC )

@Stroggoii 10 ай бұрын

Sometimes it doesn't matter how much we care for our stuff, it's already beaten by shipping. The more hands the product has to go through before it gets to you the more likely it is to be damaged before you have any chance to be careful with it.

@DragonWistArt Жыл бұрын

I was wondering if it might be due to age, but I have some promarkers that are so old they have letraset written on them, and I've never had any problems with them! (Seriously most of them are over 10 years old). I hope you can figure it out, but yeah, for the price you really don't expect your art supplies to be damaged like this. To be honest I've had a problem with alcohol marker prices (particularly copic, as they're the most expensive) since I found out they're not light-fast, but I can accept the price for the more cheap brands like ohuhu

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

With regards to the COPICs I can’t see it being age as the problem. I’ve only started collecting COPIC about 6 years, the two markers that went like I showed which I hadn’t even used, I had both those for about 6 months give or take a month before I needed to use them. And you are so right, I know people with the letraset markers which they have had for years and years and they are still perfect. Ohuhu is a fantastic marker, as is Arrtx, Sketchmarker, Stylefile and Art-N-Fly. I love the Spectrum Noir Illustrator markers with regards to their performance on paper, but I personally think they are a bit too chunky when I use them, the barrel is an odd shape, actually more of an unfamiliar shape for a marker. That’s just a personal thing I am sure there are plenty of artists who find the barrel incredibly comfortable

@DragonWistArt Жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide I'll definitely be checking out your other reviews for some of the cheaper markers. The only downside with the promarkers is lack of colour selection (btw the reason you might have thought the brush markers have more colour selection than they do, might be because for some reason the promarkers have somewhat more colours than the brush markers for some reason). Thanks for the work you do for the art community :)

@deannaperry2507 10 ай бұрын

I have debated dropping copic for this reason. The problem is that I have so much invested that I can’t just change. I think I will check in to other markers as I replace my broken copic sketch markers. I’m so glad that you did this video, because I wondered if this was happening to other people as well. I used some yesterday and today and had 2 that had dried up as well. I now have around 10 that are just trash. I had wondered if it was where I purchased them as I have to order online because locally, there is very limited availability. I only use express it blending paper. I bought refills as well thinking that maybe I just bought dried up markers. So actually I have quite a few useless markers and have wasted money on refills as well. I am really very unhappy about the money I have invested in copic markers to have these issues.

@lasarith2 Жыл бұрын

19:18 the Windsor and newton promarkers are 189 colours , the brush markers are 72 colours (3 of which are not in the promarkers ) I can remember one of them wild orchid can’t recall the other two .

@Mirrigold Жыл бұрын

I've got all the Copic Ciao markers and I've not had any issues with mine at all. This is a really interesting video Harry.

@QueenofFlannelColors 9 ай бұрын

I haven’t had issues with mold, but many of my markers have dried out. Some of them are brand new, or only used a handful of times. I JUST went through my collection about a month or so ago, reswatched them all, got refills and new nibs for the 10 or so that were dry or borderline, and during a project the other day had one crap out right in the midst. So I reswatched them all again and found more markers that were fine a month ago. I don’t beat them up, I store them appropriately, none of them appear to have cracks. It’s incredibly frustrating. My Prussian Blue was dry in my last go-through, so I refilled it. I haven’t used it more than once since. Pulled it out for this second reswatch and it was bone dry. The nib was actually fused to the socket, and when I tried to pull it out, it broke and the remainder of it is stuck. I had to chuck the marker and order a new one.

@CHARUL814 Жыл бұрын

I have not used Copic markers but lately as getting more and more into adult colouring and watching many videos I understand that for base layer putting a marker is good idea....now at least I know not to buy Copic markers. There is so many options it is hard to decide what to get and especially when one has limited budget. You can not be paying so much high price and then not be able to use them.

@magical571 Жыл бұрын

when it comes to alcohol markers, buy any of them really, the most value for your money, since no alcohol marker is lightfast, all of them will fade exteemely quick (only exception is w&n pigment markers, but the name already says it, they aren't a regular alcohol marker ink)

@CHARUL814 Жыл бұрын

@@magical571 Thank you so much. I am thoroughly enjoying colouring as it helps with my condition I am suffering with and so learning all the new ways to make it look good also helps. Really appreciate your comment. Thank you.

@artsy_endo Жыл бұрын

It's true, alcohol markers are all more or less the same. Some have better nibs, some have bigger range of colours, but there isn't a huge difference. Honestly I don't see any reason to buy copics for 6/7/8£ when you can buy ohuhu for 1£ or less.. I would say, look what brands are available in your price range, if you are in doubt watch a couple of videos a about those marker brands and go with what suits you better.. I'm sure it will do the job, you will have fun without having to spend hundreds or thousands of pounds/dollars in alcohol markers that aren't even lightfast. Good luck and hope you enjoy your journey with your new markers.

@CHARUL814 Жыл бұрын

@@artsy_endo thank you. Hopefully can feel confident to share my work soon

@ArtBrain Жыл бұрын

Unless you can get them on a ridiculous clearance don't buy the Copics. They are not worth the headache. After reading all this, I went to do some drawing and one of my Copics leaked a big blob out of the brush side. I store them on sides. I can say with complete certainty that has never happened with an Ohuhu. The answer is to remove the chisel end cap to let some "pressure" out, and then reseat it and then store the marker with brush upward for awhile, but if I'd paid more than $2 for this marker, I'd be furious.

@davemilligan1171 Жыл бұрын

Hi Harry. I will never buy a Copic marker again. I am having the same problems as well. I also find the brush on the Copic way too flexable. In The last year, out of 30 new Ciaos, 5 have dried out, and they were hardley used. I have switched to Ohuhu, I now currently own 350 of them. I have 100 Prismacolor markers that are 8 years old, and they look and feel brand new, and I use them often. I also only use smooth paper as well. I am so glad you did this video.

@HeatherBryant22 Жыл бұрын

Harry talk to Lindsay the Frugal Crafter, I believe she has had the same issue!

@tinageyer Жыл бұрын

I too have had several copic nibs do the exact same thing. It stinks to pay so much for a marker and have it do that. I'll be keeping an eye out for a video of your findings on this issue.

@SuperWalkingzombie Жыл бұрын

i'm using finecolour ef102 as my main alcohol marker drawing gear, in quality, i think it's good one, you can buy it per piece or a pack, there is 480 colour available on the ef102 type, and yes, there is refill and replacable brush nibs, this is underrated alcohol marker, i already had 96 color and they not dissapoint, 😀😀

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

Wow I will have to have a look for those. I was very lucky a few years ago a lovely subscriber sent me some Finecolor markers only about 12 but I really like them. I am not sure if they are the same type of marker you have but the ones you have sound really good. There are too many underrated markers out there and artists think or feel they need to have COPICs and that is okay providing the markers aren’t going to stop working. Thank you so much my friend and I look forward to chatting with you in the future. Thank you so much

@digitaloutdoor1218 4 ай бұрын

The new inks dont even close well. I store them horizontally above the ciaos so i can see the color code and i had dripping refills!

@karenroberts9410 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad it's not just me. I have been replacing my Ciao with Sketch during the last 6 months or so and 50% of them arrive with ink and next time I use them completely dry - bone dry. Caps are on & tight, so I am assuming its a manufacturing problem with the barrels and that there are micro cracks somewhere - ugh ! I will check out your reviews, time to try another brand :-)

@IZZYCHAN13 Жыл бұрын

You've been duped; almost all alcohol inks are the same save for Sharpie, meaning the color will fade over time which doesn't help the price point. Import costs don't help either.. Prismacolor is expensive but the ink lasts literal years when used at a moderate pace. My black Copic Ciao (out of 5 markers) decided to have the ink salination issue very early on rendering the brush nib unusable (it's the only reason most buy them)..

@Miastrong930 Жыл бұрын

Not been my experience. colic has a problem. They are too expensive to have this problem.

@lilyc.4333 Жыл бұрын

I have had this happen to my Copics too (they have dried). One Sketch marker that I had never used was dried. Also some of the caps are loose. I have both the Ciaos and the Sketches and only the Sketches are the ones that have drying issues.

@jennhall522 Жыл бұрын

This happened to me too, and they were relatively new. At $11 per marker in my province, it has really pissed me off. I love my ohuhu markers, screw copics.

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

Wow Jen that is crazy prices for a marker that doesn't last. I am totally with you as are so many others, Ohuhu are a fantastic marker and on so many levels identical or better than COPIC. I think if COPIC go on refusing to address the issue, they are going to find themselves in serious trouble and that is the last thing in the world I want to see happen.

@jennhall522 Жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide Agreed. It reallllllllllllllllllllly pissed me off to see what happened to them.

@MyColouringCornerwithRene Жыл бұрын

Hi there thank you for your video I have asked the copic dealer I use about my nibs that were like that and she said the ink had crystalized in the nib and soaked them clean in alcohol and they have worked fine ever since ..... I hope this has helped

@cazumbandoartmaddy1728 Жыл бұрын

I'm 8 minutes in, and I feel like this might be a salt deposit on top of some nibs? But I have a sketch marker that competely dried on me, had to soak the nib in alcohol for nearly a week to recover the nib and the ink that seeped out from the alcohol soaks. I feel like the ciaos have better cap closure than the sketch model. Now I have to pay attention to how I close my caps. (Another edit: i just checked online and winsor newton promarkers expanded their color selection from the original Letraset lineup, 189 against the old 148 count. I think the other difference is that w&n made the brush markers easily accessible, I do remember trying to find letraset version of brushmarkers in Amazon UK circa 2014-2015 and being very difficult to find them... so yeah promarkers are around 180ish colors and brushmarker has always been 72ish)

@YukinoKary Жыл бұрын

Interesting review 😲. Copics really are expensive 😱 I have never used Copic but I have seen nice works on the internet 👍 Today there are many brands. I use some cheap Bic hehe 🤗 a set of 36 and from Ohuhu I only have about 24 water brush markers in pastel tones that I won for a headphone cap design. I like the Ohuhu and have seen the Arrtx and would like to try them because they look good 🥰. ... by the way it would be good to know how this type of material is preserved or stored 😲🙏💖 Thanks for the video!!! 👍✨

@jlm517rocks Жыл бұрын

ii have a few alcohol markers...for years, brea rose warm greys, and azure cold greys...all work fine, original packaging, but... ii've noticed company buyouts change formulas to save money for them and quality of original products goes way down...everything has built in obsolescence... un-artistic gmo's... so sorry esp re cost vs service/replacement. Perhaps, if what ii've read so far abt cap failures some tape might be air tight? Esp as you take care of yr investment. Your points are valid...As a color pencil addict, ii've chastised careless cashiers who drop a prismacolor or polychromos into the bag and have gone back to replace them. Do delivery folk literally drop/damage shipments? Could there be hidden in plain sight seconds being sold as firsts? God knows ii've had refurbished phones sold as 'brand new. ii have all the copic fine liners, multiples in truth...pen junkie as well... none gave me problems, but in keep receipts just in case as even in the art store, ii learned to check all nibs before purchasing as many nibs get crushed by exuberant customer testing, and leave them in the racks...very mean given ii live a far piece from any of them... what if we all signed a petition and maybe a bit of pro bono advice on how to present all artists with these same issues? Or every disgruntled artist sent photos of their booboo'ed nibs with receipt copies demanding replacement? Follow the money... they get away with cheap materials at a high price but quality control can n9 longer be blamed on shipping issues or the pandemic. Greed will out that CEO...

@GAZMAN2002 Жыл бұрын

I think it is something that just happens the nibs are wet and overtime mould occurs. If your printer gets clogged with dry ink you don't complain the to company its considered general maintenance. Does it such they are expensive and so are replacement nibs sure does but these aren't needs they wants you don't have to buy them. You should replace the nibs and refill the marker that at least produces a bit less waste though the refills should come in recyclable bottle not single use plastic

@pamcarr4963 Жыл бұрын

Harry, Im in Australia and ive had same thing happen to 4-5 markers, definitely not the cold weather! as i am relatively new to the colouring world, i thought i had done something, interested in hearing if Copic get back to you

@Horsewoman-pt2ku Жыл бұрын

I bought about 100 sketch markers from a store and 10-12 were completely dried out and 1 had crusty leaking ink. I cleaned the nibs on that one and it keeps doing it. It was my fault for not checking the markers immediately in the store but they shouldn’t dry up. I would not refill these as I think the body is defective causing them to dry up.

@pesto12601 Жыл бұрын

overpriced and really only for professionals who either don't have to pay for these (agency pays for them) or you make enough money from your work to pay for the supplies... for the rest of us amateur artists.. just buy the best cheap stuff and have fun.

@SilArrg Жыл бұрын

I have both Copic Ciao and sketch. I haven’t had any issues using Copic Ciaos. But I’m fed up with the Copic sketch markers drying out. I do take care of my markers and store them where sunlight doesn’t hit them. Although, the caps of the Copic Sketch develop cracks which causes the marker to dry out. +$80 went to the garbage. I won’t ever purchase more markers from this brand. This has even happened to new markers that I have purchased and only got 1 use out of it. Im at a constant fear of the amount of money I invested in Copic markers going to the garbage due to a quality problem that shouldn’t be present in a high end marker. I plan to switch marker brand such as Sketchmarker and Ohuhu. For those who are experiencing the same thing, I found a trick in salvaging dried out sketch markers. Replace the cracked cap with another cap. Preferably from another dried out sketch marker. Then apply the colorless blender ink to rehydrate the marker. Do not over fill the marker because you will lighten the ink of your marker.

@LisasColoringCorner Жыл бұрын

I have had this happen to my Copics. There was another artist on KZfaq that explains how/why this happens. I can’t remember though. Maybe The Frugal Crafter. Do you feel the tips on the SN Illustrators are soft and flexible? Cuz mine seem to be very soft and they’re not that terribly old. Just wondering.

@DieterPrivate Жыл бұрын

The SN Illustrator nibs are indeed very mushy and Imho just not a pleasant experience. I really hate those nibs, bad inflow, so the brush nib can't handle my colouring and I need to push hard, and there is only colour coming out at the base of the tip.

@CraftyKazzaH Жыл бұрын

I have mostly copic ciao with sketch mixed in and a whole bunch of other brands like sharpie and cheap shop versions and this has only been happening to my copic markers. I guess it’s either the ink formula or the nib type, But yeah given the money I have invested in them, it’s not good and mine are kept properly and looked after cos they cost $$$ and I have tried cleaning nibs by soaking in isopropyl alcohol, doesn’t work for me. I’m in Australia where everything arty costs more

@SilentTrip Жыл бұрын

Do you notice the white dots in the copic ink next to a regular marker like Winsor and Newton? This is why I refuse to buy them

@Yominokun1 Жыл бұрын

Not sure where the "or" comes from in your title. You're saying "are copics bad or are other's better", doesn't seem like an "or" statement but more of a "copics are bad and cheaper ones are better" ;). I can't really comment on the reliability, since i only bought several Ciao's, and no Sketch markers. One of the main things that brought me to Copics though is the more pale colors, the brush nibs (being pretty firm and allowing for somewhat nice detail work), and the color coding/naming system which helps with me also being colorblind and not noticing subtle tints in some colors, but that others definitely notice. I'd consider Spectrum Noir Illustrator ones (since those also have a decent range and are available in local stores), but i do notice i have trouble with those subtle tints in those. That last part might seem strange, but it's one way of dealing with slight colorblindness and choosing a right color ;). The Spectrum Noir's also have a less firm brush tip, but the ones i tried were a couple of years back, so they might have changed that. Since you haven't had issues with the Ciao ones, i feel like i personally won't experience the problem (i buy from local stores, and we don't have stores which sell Sketch markers asfar as i know), but it's something to be aware of, so thank you for the video. And i do wonder if other people who use them a lot, notice that problem. Just a thought, which you brought up a bit on the end: is it possible that the nibs do get clogged a little with minuscule paper parts, which causes part of the problem? Even using marker paper could cause that a bit. Mold doesn't seem like it should happen, since it is alcohol ink, and mold shouldn't grab a hold unless the marker's completely dried up?

@bluewren65 Жыл бұрын

I bought all 5 sets of the copic sketch markers about a year ago and so for I have had 5 markers dry out. I agree that this is not acceptable for such a pricey product. I'm about to try soaking the nibs in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of all the dried dye and then refill them. I realised early on that it was likely an ill-fitting lid problem. Some of the lids fit really snuggly while others you can wiggle on their axis. It's tempting to just buy new ones, however I did that and the individual ones I bought online had lids that were even more poorly fitted. Have you reached out to Copic for an answer? You'll more than likely be ignored, but you've probably got enough subscribers to get their attention.

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

You make an excellent point, just buying a new marker doesn’t always guarantee it’s going to be better. In fact I have purchased two Garnet I think the Color is, from the red family, a gorgeous deep reddish purplish Color. The second one is also dried out and so I have to order a third. Excellent point and something I should have mentioned and highlighted in the video. But this is why I always say, most of the value of my videos comes from you guys in the comments. People will always highlight something I missed and for me, being proved wrong or not providing the full information is absolutely okay with me, because the most important thing for me is people watching the video and learning things. I think more and more people read the comments now on KZfaq videos and in the case of my videos, I really believe this is where the value lays. Excellent point.

@Cascada200 Жыл бұрын

My biggest issue is they fade quickly due to no lightfast. Prefer to just stick colored pencil

@theameiringh8143 5 ай бұрын

Je kan de copic fabrikant aan schrijven je krijgt een nieuwe dat het is uitgedroogd komt omdat de dop schuurtjes bevat die je helaas niet ziet als de stift op de grond valt of stoot kan dat gebeuren vraag een nieuwe

@maylynncupp6653 Жыл бұрын

I had this problem with my ohuhu markers and the nuvo but that had a crystal looking substance on the tips I don't know why but my favorite are still the ohuhu

@Miastrong930 Жыл бұрын

Ohuhu are a much better alternative. I don’t have $4,000 worth of Copic makers. If i did I would be hopping mad. As it is i am avoiding them.

@tylormejia879 Жыл бұрын

I own the 216 set of ohuhu marker and I've had that problem with a few of the more saturated dark colors but I clean the excess ink and it still works. With copic the entire marker is completely destroyed and unusable.

@Stroggoii 10 ай бұрын

Copics are still the best made and most reliable alcohol markers in the market. Problem is we expect them to be three times better than other markers, because they're so much more expensive. And that's unfair on Too Corporation because they don't set the extortionate prices we're sold their products at, importers do. Too sells Copics for $2, not $6 like they're in America or even up to $14 in as they are in other markets. That said, after 20 years of playing with most alcohol marker brands, any of the Shinhan Touch clones are more than good enough for the kind of art most people are gonna be doing. I've come to use my copics for skin and hair and my Touch clones for everything else while my Prismacolors, W&Ns and others don't get used at all because they're neither as good as Copic nor as cost efficient as Touch clones.

@lasarith2 Жыл бұрын

The price in Japan for Copic (since I watched a video of a girl buying them a month ago ) is Sketch 418 yen = £2.50 Ciao 275 yen = 1.65 Refill 12 ml 418 yen = £ 2.50

@digitaloutdoor1218 4 ай бұрын

Copic Ciaos are the Solution but they need to make them in full 358 colors!

@mysterionz 7 ай бұрын

8:54 I’ve had that happen to me

@fionacarvell2033 Жыл бұрын

Nope mine haven’t

@heyitsjustme.680 Жыл бұрын

Did you try rubbing alcohol?

@heyitsjustme.680 Жыл бұрын

They definitely aren't the worst. Everbtried the alcohol markers "artist loft" from Michaels? Holy shit are they bad. Even tombow is worse in my opinion.

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

I think what I am trying to say in this video is, when you buy a COPIC marker, the maker is looked after, used regular and used on the correct paper, because I know using a brush nib on rough watercolour paper would be bad, they are the best markers about. But, when you consider the amount of money a COPIC marker cost or a set of them and then how quickly they appear to be drying out and developing, this is why I question them. I’ve not used the markers you are referring to so I can’t comment on them, but I have used inexpensive markers like Arrtx and even cheaper and if they dry out or develop mould, which none of them have, it’s not as hard a pill to swallow. I guess an example or analogy I could use is, you own a high performance sports car, like a Lamborghini and you also own an old banger. You will be able to drive both cars, they will get you to where you want to go. You obviously pay a lot more money for the Lambo and on your journey it breaks down a few times and then gives up the ghost. But the banger makes the journey. You may not have got to your destination in as much style and speed, but you got there. However, even if the banger gave up the ghost in the same part of the journey, I don’t think for me personally I would be pulling my hair out and the money wasted on the banger in comparison to the huge sun of money wasted on the Lambo. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my COPIC collection, I love using them etc but it really frustrates the life out of me when they stop working, dry out and develop mould. I know you can buy replacement nibs and fill them back up, but the cost of nibs you might as well just buy a new marker and even if you do replace the nibs, the inner does not absorb the replacement ink, it is bone dry. It looks and feels like a microscopic parasite has invaded the nibs and inner part of the marker which correct name completely escapes me.

@artist718 Жыл бұрын

There is a lady on KZfaq called [my virtual studio] she shows you how to fix crusty goopy nibs on Copic markers. Her markers looked just like yours till she cleaned hers.

@Miastrong930 Жыл бұрын

That great to know if you already have the markers. Otherwise it is best to avoid them. I have a couple of other brands some of the color have sat with it using for over 3 years. They look and work like new. At have the price why spend more if i am happy with the saturation and blending.