How long can you go before refilling your Copic alcohol markers? Not as long as you think. “Cactus Blossom” illustration in progress.

Do you struggle to blend with alcohol markers?

You’re not alone.

I’ve taught beginner marker blending classes for over a decade now and every year, it’s always my top-selling class.

Even people who know how to blend know they don’t blend as well as they want to.

We’re always trying to improve our blends.

What most people don’t realize is that you can have the best technique, a full collection of markers, amazing coloring talent, and you can practice every day rain or shine…

But if you’re missing this one thing, you will NEVER blend well.

Video: The Stupid Simple Trick to Smooth Marker Blends

(click below to watch at YouTube)

Watch Amy’s Copic Marker Refill series at YouTube, “Technique is Not Enough”. If you regularly struggle to blend alcohol markers smoothly, this may be the reason…

Let’s run a Copic Marker dry to see what happens.

Here’s a closer look at the test results seen in my “Stupid Simple Trick” video. I started with a YG67 Copic Marker at 14 grams and ran the marker dry, taking notes along the way. How low are your Copics?

I refill my markers to about 14 grams, slightly less than factory weight to prevent ink volcanoes.

This test started at 14 grams and I went until the marker lost color.

Note the IMPAIRED BLENDING line in the 7th row. That’s the point where I felt I was no longer getting enough ink for blending.

I typically refill at 13.5 grams. That’s where the friction increases to a point where I can’t stand it any longer.

For years, I refilled markers for local students. The average weight of their dry markers was around 12.5 grams. That’s a full gram beyond the impaired blending level!

Tips for When to Refill Copic Markers

Do you practice your blending technique and yet still struggle to blend Copic alcohol markers? This may be the why.

TIP: Do not wait until your marker squeaks!

Many beginners are told that Copic Markers will squeak when they need to be refilled. THIS IS A MYTH WHICH CAN DAMAGE YOUR MARKERS! Some Copics will never squeak. Some Copics always squeak. The sound is caused by friction and whether a marker squeaks depends upon the slipperiness of the ink color. Some ink colors act as a lubricant which prevent the marker from making nois

TIP: Do not wait until your marker looks dry or leaves streaks!

Inside every Copic Marker is a fibrous core which holds the ink and feeds it to both the nibs. This core is extremely efficient and will maintain a constant ink flow up until the last few possible strokes. The problem is that Copic Ink hardens as it cures. When a core is low enough to leave streaks, that core is also dry enough to cure. You can not rehydrate a hardened core. Core damage is permanent and you’ll be forced to purchase a replacement marker.

TIP: How fast do Copic Markers run dry?

Watch the video where I demonstrate how much ink is inside your Copic Marker and show you just how little ink-loss it takes to effect your coloring!

Watch: The Stupid Simple Trick to Smooth Marker Blends