Is something wrong with my Copics? Same marker, two different shades?

[Paper Kissy]

I just realized that some (didn't check all) of my Copic sketch (that's all I have) markers are coloring 2 different colors. The chisel end is coming out quite a bit lighter that the brush tip end. I am pretty concerned.

I am hoping I didn't make a huge mistake, I had them stored horizontally in X-cubes right in front of a window in my craft room. I noticed one end was warm when I was using them yesterday, it's the chisel end that was closest to the window. I have moved them out of the window.

I also noticed on some of the chisels that they look like they are losing color, like the tip itself is showing some white areas.

I've attached a pic (I hope) of the color tests I drew on paper. Can you tell me what you think?

I had heard that story on ilikemarkers about the Copic shipment that was left in the desert heat for 5 months and were still fine, so I am hoping mine are (or will be) fine.

Any advice?

Thanks

Erin

[Colleen Schaan]

It sounds like those markers need to be refilled... that's all! You CAN store them either horizontally or vertically... I tend to notice that when I store mine vertically (which is how I store mine) that when they start to dry out, the tip on the "top" shows a bit more light or even has white areas on it. No biggie... just refill them, take both caps off and let them sit for a bit... and you will be fine.

You may want to check to make sure your caps are on tight... I had a few markers go dry before I expected and it was because I didn't have one of the caps clicked down completely.

[cjbapp]

Did you buy them new? Or were they an Ebay or Craigslist find? Or possibly you have been using them more than you thought?

I would have to agree...that's what it looks like when they start to dry out. I notice on the wide nib way sooner than the brush nib.

[Paper Kissy]

They are all pretty new, as in age, as well as in use. I don't use them a lot at all. I did use one of the BG ones to do a background, I'll figure out which one that was. I did buy them new, mostly from Carpe Diem.

Erin

[Paper Kissy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colleen Schaan

You may want to check to make sure your caps are on tight... I had a few markers go dry before I expected and it was because I didn't have one of the caps clicked down completely.

Is there any way to put a sketch cap on loosely? It clicks into place, or just rests on top loosely. Once I hear the click I figure I'm good...I hope I haven't damaged them in some way.

Erin

[cjbapp]

The only other thing I can think of is if you are drawing the wide nib across the paper quickly and the brush nib is getting more soak time. This would explain the difference in intensity.

[Paper Kissy]

Here's a question. In my picture in the OP which lines do you feel are the "correct" color for the marker label?

Thanks

Erin

[cjbapp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

Here's a question. In my picture in the OP which lines do you feel are the "correct" color for the marker label?

Thanks

Erin

Well actually they are both the correct color, they are just a different intensity. If you go back over the wide nib samples, they should darken up to exactly the same color as the brush nib sample.

I find this with the brush nibs on different papers. For instance on PTI I get a more intense color than I do on the GinaK PL...just because less ink is allowed to soak into the paper. The color is the same, however it's just more or less intense depending on how much of it is there.

It's like Koolaid...if you put in 1/20th of the mix in a gallon of water, you will have a lighter shade of the same dye as you would if you put in a whole package. The dye has not changed, just the amount of it.

If you add more copic ink to the CS it will be darker...apparently there is just a lot more ink being deposited with the brush nib of your markers than with the wide nib. With copics the longer you hold the maker on the paper, the darker the sample will appear until it's completely saturated.

[Paper Kissy]

So, do you all think it was fine for me to keep them in the window? It would be more conveinient for me to keep them there, but I don't want to ruin them.

Erin

[cjbapp]

If it's a super sunny window...like a south window, I probably wouldn't but just daylight won't hurt them.

I am only concerned about the UV rays fading stuff...so if they aren't in direct sunlight all the time, I think you are fine.

[Colleen Schaan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

Is there any way to put a sketch cap on loosely? It clicks into place, or just rests on top loosely. Once I hear the click I figure I'm good...I hope I haven't damaged them in some way.

Erin

Erin, there really isn't a way to do it wrong... I just tend to get a bit "impatient" at times. :rolleyes:

When I put them in the compartments for storage... (I have them in the slotted plastic containers from Copic) ...if I put the end in and mindlessly twist my hand to grab another color, the bottom cap can twist back off. I don't usually realize it did until I go to use it again. So now I make a habit of pressing down on all my markers when I am done for the day to make sure they are all clicked tight.

There is GREAT advice here... especially about the "color" of the ink... I really like the Kool-Aid analogy!

I would take both caps off and lay the markers down horizontally and see if the ink redistributes more evenly.

[Paper Kissy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colleen Schaan

Erin, there really isn't a way to do it wrong... I just tend to get a bit "impatient" at times. :rolleyes:

When I put them in the compartments for storage... (I have them in the slotted plastic containers from Copic) ...if I put the end in and mindlessly twist my hand to grab another color, the bottom cap can twist back off. I don't usually realize it did until I go to use it again. So now I make a habit of pressing down on all my markers when I am done for the day to make sure they are all clicked tight.

There is GREAT advice here... especially about the "color" of the ink... I really like the Kool-Aid analogy!

I would take both caps off and lay the markers down horizontally and see if the ink redistributes more evenly.

Oh, I see I'm still trying to decide about keeping them in front of the window. I am wondering what I can put between the x-cubes and the glass to cut down on the sun and heat they get on the end that is at the back of the x-cube.

Erin