What's the best blending marker?

[maslex]

I'm looking into getting a set of blending markers. Right now I just have Stampin Up markers but from what I'm reading, they're not the best at blending.

What type of marker am I looking for? I hear there's alcohol, water based, etc. I hear Copic is great but expensive. Are there similar ones out there that work just as good but a better price point?


I only do Christmas cards so I'd like to be able to stamp say a Christmas tree and blend a few different greens into it to give it some dimension.


So I'm really looking for a set that has a good variety of greens, reds, blues etc.


Your faves?

[JBgreendawn]

I think that depends on how you like to color, you can blend your stamping up makers but, you will have to use water and "watercolor" with them is my thought, so scribble on a clear block or craft mat and pick up some color with an aqua brush if you have one and see what you can do with what you have before you start down the road on the search of the perfect coloring medium.

( they all work ) its more of a matter of how you do it.

and yes, I have a full line of copic's and a bunch of SU, tombo & cleanbrush markers.

but, 9 times out of 10 if I want to color I reach for my pencils.

It probably will depend on how detailed your images are too. very large loose designs it goes a lot faster to color a base with a water based marker and then go over the top for shading with a pencil.

[SkyNacho]

I think it's unlikely you'll find a set that has a good mix of reds, blues, AND greens. Most of the large mixes (copics, spectrum noirs) only have like 1 or 2 of a bunch of color families. You can get like a RED set or a BLUE set or a GREEN set from both of those companies, though. Spectrum Noirs may still be available at Joann's (and copics and Michael's) so you can use coupons. Copic offers some little 3-pack blending sets, and Spectrum Noirs had six-packs.

I have some spectrum noirs, which are cheaper than copics, but I generally like the copics more.

[lindylou1220]

I think the new line of SU! Blends would work. They're individually priced are available in light and dark shades of the available colors. There is only one green right now but you could vary that by adding some other colors under or on top. I think they're very smooth and love them so far.

[bjeans]

For water based, I love Zig Clean Color Brushes and they blend very easily too - you might have a little more head scratching to do to find light/med/dark reds/blues/greens that you would with Copics. But I could be wrong.

I have tons of older Prismacolor pencils I needed for classes years ago, and they blend very nicely. And they're budget friendly, plus can be purchased individually at some stores. I said "older" since some people have said when they moved their manufacturing, the quality changed.

For alcohol and a great selection of light/med/darks of your colors, I like Copic maybe the best, since you can buy individual greens, blues and reds. The Copic Ciaos are less expensive than Sketch. The ink is identical. The Ciaos hold a little less ink but can also be refilled. My instructor, who said she has used them for 20 years (?!), had both in her stash.

Lots of on-line shops sell them, including Dick Blick. You'd want to watch a video or two about blending. It's not hard, but seeing someone do the technique makes it easier. And the manufacturer has lots of resources, including charts that show you every color. Copic experts here (I'm not one!) can help you select which blues, reds, etc., too, if you'd like. Here's one of the color charts from the manufacturer: https://imaginationinternationalinc....wheel_2014.pdf

You'll also want good cardstock that "likes" to be blended on. Enjoy!