What is so special about Copic markers?

Everyone seems to make a fuss about Copic markers, that seem to be very expensive. I've been using ultra-fine point Sharpie markers. Anything wrong with that?

they blend beautifully for shading and blending,,,,they are alcohol based so no streaks,,,,,

they are really lovely, but IMHO, if you don't color images a TON, they're just not worth 5 bucks a piece (you can get them for less on sale, but it's still expensive) and there are many other ways to color stamps beautifully that are much less expensive such as water colors, chalks, and prismacolor pencils.

I bought the Ciaos instead of the sketch because I was unsure. I think the Ciaos are good start off with if you are just starting out and want to find out what the fuss is all about. Since I don't color everyday, I am happy I bought those. Also, copics are refillable and you can change the nibs.

Copics are nice...I don't personally use them, but my Ma is a cardmaker- she uses them ALL the time. They are expensive initially, but in the long run, refills aren't horribly expensive, you don't need a whole lot to refill the marker and like HISGEM said, you can replace the tips.
They do colour great as well...

Thank you all for your feedback. One of the things I use my fine markers for is to add details to cricut cutouts instead of pasting on the tiny little top-layered cutouts.

I know copics are the best, but if you are looking for something between your sharpies and the expense of copics, you might try some of Tombows markers. They also blend very well and are much less expensive.

I've never bought any and have been wondering what the big deal is too. I may have to try one out.

I'm a card-maker and I have the Copic Ciaos. I'm a very happy camper. They have brush tips so you can get very delicate detail, they blend so delightfully, and the colours are very vivid. Personally I think they're worth the money.

They're nothing like the Sharpies we get here at all - no comparison.

Copics = marker crack.

You said it Megan!

I thought I would never like copics- then I took a class. OMG. The colours can't be beat. The brush tip on the sketch- you can get precision detail and brush-like strokes. They blend beautifully. You can leave them and go back to your image and continue to blend them. The colours have so much depth!

If you love to colour stamps you need to try copics.

I have prismacolor pencils. They aren't cheap but they aren't as expensive as Copics. I really like using my prismacolor pencils with baby oil. They blend wonderfully and the colors are rich. I also have Martha Stewart markers as well as watercolor pencils. I don't know why I have all of these, but who knows what itch I need to scratch at what time?

That's an interesting idea about combining prismacolor pencils with baby oil.

you can color the base with a basic set of copics and fill in with colored pencils.

I have I think most of the copics a combination of caio's and sketch and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Love coloring with them have never been able to do the beautiful coloring until I got them.

• Megan - ForumTech Said:

Exactly!

I love my copics. I like to use them to enhance patterned paper. They are like watercolors. I also like colored pencils with a blending pen, but copics are brighter/deeper colors, and faster to use.

I have about 300 Copic Sketch markers and spent a ton on them. My question is...how long will they actually last...does it only depend on how often I use them or will they dry up on their own? And how much would it cost me to refill them all?

I colored in a stamp using glimmer mist like paint last night,,,with a paintbrush,,,,,I'm weird, I know, but it was fun and the colors were really pretty.

• Scrapsaholic Said:

They are guarenteed to last 3 years if they are not in use.

My lss will refill mine for $2- I haven't had to do that yet.

300 sketch?? sooo jealous. I have about 32 sketch, and about 12 original. I started with the original, but now prefer the sketch. Ia m debating about selling my original and buying more sketch, because I want them all the same. Yes, I am weird.

I am slowly adding to my copics, I have about 50. I love the brush tip and the colors and blending. I haven't found anything these markers can't do!!!

Me? Refuse to count the markers, Nope, Nope, Nope!

Maybe I'll have to get a small starter set just to see what all the hype is about..

Notice I said about 50....I'm not admitting to more either.....