Copic Ink Help Needed

[STAMPINGODDESS]

I have bought a handful of the Copic markers and after reading reviews here, I bought the Brilliance Archival Pigment Ink Pad in Graphite Black today. I just got home to play with the markers and even after heat setting the ink, the black ink smeared. What am I doing wrong?

[MollyStamps]

You're probably doing nothing wrong. I know many swear by the Brilliance Graphite Black, but for me....(JMHO, now), Ranger's Adirondack Pitch Black is soooo much better. This ink dries instantly (dye, so no heat setting, and absolutely no smearing.) It's also a darker black than the Brilliance, which I prefer. I've tried them all with the Copics, and the Pitch Black (or the Espresso if you prefer brown) never fails.

Molly

[amyz2988]

I just bought the brillance pad and tried it with my copics the other day. It didn't smear for me, but I REALLY heat set it. I was afraid I'd burn my paper, but I wanted to be sure it wouldn't smear. It didn't, but I think I'm going to stick to using my Adirondeck pad, just because it's a pain to have to heat set.

[TexasGrammy]

Hi Colleen,

Are you using SU's Whisper White cardstock? That could be the issue, as it has a "polished" finish, rather than a more matte finish. I have not been successful with Copics on WW.

I have tried the Brilliance pads, and have had success on other cardstocks with it and the Copics. Adirondack inks also work well, as mentioned. My personal preference is Palette Noir (black) on Georgia Pacific cardstock.

I have friends who enjoy PaperTrey's cardstock with Copics, and also Neenah cardstock is said to be an excellent cardstock with Copics.

HTH!

[STAMPINGODDESS]

I'm not sure what kind of white paper I used. I guess I'll try some other types of paper.

[ebeart]

Try Georgia Pacific from Wal-mart, it should work. If not, I second the Adirondack Pitch Black pad from Ranger.