Best Paper For Copic Markers (Latest Buying Guide)
Copic markers are notorious for bleeding through standard paper. There’s nothing worse than spending ages drawing out your line art, only to find the Copic markers bleed through the edges.
Not only will this affect the overall quality of your artwork, it’s incredibly annoying. Paper that isn’t suitable for use with Copic markers can also bleed through onto the surface below if you’re not careful.
I got fed up with searching for the best paper for Copic markers. As I’m sure you are too if you’re reading this article!
So I’ve done all the hard work for you and researched the best paper for use with Copic markers so that you can have beautifully detailed art every time. Don’t let poor quality paper let you and your art skills down!
Take a look at the best paper for Copic markers below.
Best Paper for Copic Markers
1. Bianyo Bleedproof Marker Paper Pad
The Bianyo bleedproof marker paper pad easily earns the spot of my top pick. This particular pad comes in a large enough size to give you plenty of drawing room on the page.
An A4 pad should be large enough for you to create masterpieces without having to compromise on scale. The paper itself is also of a high quality, which is a good indicator that it will be suitable for use with alcohol markers like Copics.
This particular paper has been designed to be bleedproof. This basically means that the ink from your Copics won’t spread across the paper once you apply it to the page. It also means that it won’t bleed through onto the page below.
This is particularly a problem with poor quality paper, and can mean that you waste sheets upon sheets of paper as they become blemished with other colors. This bleedproof nature also means that it will absorb less ink from your markers, meaning your Copics will last you even longer.
The Bianyo paper pad comes with 50 sheets of paper. This will give you more than enough paper to create endless masterpieces. Combined with the budget friendly price point, the Bianyo will be the perfect paper to compliment your Copics. It’s a pad of paper that you should easily be able to afford again and again when you do run out of paper.
This particular pad of paper is white, and acid free. Acid free paper will last you longer than standard paper, and it won’t yellow over time. This paper weighs 70 gsm, and gives you the smooth surface you need for alcohol markers like Copics.
Pros:
- Bleedproof – strong enough to prevent alcohol markers bleeding through or running
- A4 pad – measures 8.27” x 11.69”, which is large enough for your projects, and includes 50 sheets
- Budget friendly – available at a competitive price that will be easy to afford to buy again
Cons:
- Lower gsm – thinner than some paper that other artists prefer for Copic markers
- Properties - Bianyo marker paper pad is available in two pad sizes; A4 (8.27” x 11.69”), and A3 (11.69"X16.54"). White, Ultra-Smooth, Acid-Free, PH Neutral. Fold-over, glue-bound, and 18lb / 70gsm. This A4 marker paper pad includes 50 sheets, pack of 1 pad.
- Bleedproof - Bianyo marker paper is coated on the reverse side of the sheet as well so colors won't bleed through even though the paper is so thin. The front side and the backside of the paper differ, you cannot use the backside to draw on.
- Durable - Because of the way marker paper is produced, when ink is applied it just floats on the top of the paper, this means it can easily be blended as well as limiting feathering. This also means that the colors come out stronger, you can use less ink to cover more space and once it’s done it will be vibrant for years so your ink and artwork last longer.
- Smooth - Bianyo marker paper is a thin paper that is 70gsm. Not only is it very thin, but it is also extremely smooth. There is no texture or tooth to marker paper which means nice clean lines for your drawings. Having this kind of smooth paper also assists with smooth transitions which work beautifully with alcohol markers.
- Economical - Compared to a heavy-weight blending card or cardstock paper, you generally get more sheets in a pad. Blending card or cardstock paper, even mixed media pads average out at about 25 sheets a pad, marker pads are around 50 sheets, and they are usually cheaper to buy as well. In addition, 70 gsm marker paper can be used for tracing.
2. U.S. Art Supply Premium Manga-Marker Paper Pad
Copics tend to be popularly used for drawing manga. So it’s only natural that a manga marker pad will be ideal for them! This U.S. Art Supply premium manga-marker pad will be perfect for use with your beloved Copic markers. This is a high quality pad of paper that comes with a range of great features that make it the perfect fit for alcohol markers like Copics.
This particular paper is slightly heavier than my top pick, and comes in at 100 gsm. This means that it will have more durability in terms of ink bleeding. The paper has been designed to be virtually bleedproof. So you won’t have to worry about the Copic ink bleeding through onto the next page below in the pad. Great if you don’t want to worry about wasted paper!
The U.S. Art Supply paper pad includes 24 sheets of paper. The paper is acid free, has a neutral pH, and is ideal for use with mixed media. The paper is a natural white in color, and gives you a smooth, uniform surface for use with your Copic markers.
This particular paper is available in 2 different sizes to help you find the best drawing pad for your needs. You can choose between 9” x 12” or 11” x 14”.
Pros:
- Bleedproof – your ink won’t bleed through onto the pages below
- Marker specific – paper pad has been designed with markers like Copics in mind
- 100 gsm – thicker than some paper which helps prevent bleeding and running
Cons:
- 24 sheets – only includes 24 sheets of paper
- Acid Free, Neutral pH, Natural White Sheets, Ideal for Sketching and Mixed Dry Media
- Marking Pen Paper with a Smooth Uniform Surface that is Virtually Bleedproof
- Ideal paper for Drawing with Ink Pens, Water and Permanent Markers & All Pencils
3. Premium Marker Paper Pad
This premium marker paper pad gives you everything you need to create beautiful artwork. This paper has been designed with markers in mind, making it the perfect fit for Copics.
The paper is acid free so won’t yellow over time, and it also has a neutral pH. The paper is natural white in color, so you can show the accurate colors of your Copics without having to worry about the paper changing their shades.
This pad of paper includes 50 sheets. This will give you more than enough paper for all of your crafty projects, whether you’re a professional or more of a hobbyist. The paper itself is 90 gsm, so will be heavy enough to withstand alcohol markers such as Copics. The great thing about this paper pad is that it’s suitable for use with mixed media, and is ideal for sketching.
You won’t have to worry about wasting sheets of paper with this premium pad. The paper is bleedproof, so your ink won’t bleed through onto the pages below. You’ll be able to create beautifully detailed work that allows you to show off the detail of your Copic markers. This pad measures 8.27” x 11.69”.
A great feature of this particular paper is that it comes with a 90 day money back policy. So if you try out the paper with your Copic markers and find you’re not happy, you can get your money back with minimum hassle. The manufacturer also offers 24 hour online customer service to help you.
Pros:
- 90 gsm – thick enough to stop your ink from bleeding and running
- Bleedproof – Copics won’t bleed through onto the next sheet of paper in the pad
- 50 sheets – more than enough sheets of paper to last you a while
Cons:
- Easily removed – the sheets are easily removed from the pad
- MARKER PAPER PAD: 8.27 X 11.69 inch, 50 sheets, 90 gram paper
- ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL: Acid-Free, Neutral pH, Natural White Sheets, Ideal for Sketching and Mixed Dry Media
- MULTI-PURPOSE: Suitable for drawing or design from rough sketch to finished form
- WARRANTY AND SERVICE: 24-hour online customer service, 90-day money back policy. You can get a full refund if you are not satisfied with it unconditionally. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Customer satisfaction is on our top priority
4. Copic Marker Blending Card
If you’re serious about your Copic markers, then you’ll want the surface designed to go with them. This Copic Marker blending card has been manufactured by Copic themselves.
Some people get tempted to use cardstock with alcohol markers under the impression that because it is thicker, it is bleedproof. However, that isn’t the case. This is one of the only cardstocks that I would recommend for use with Copic markers, and that’s mostly because it’s been designed by Copic themselves.
This blending card has been designed for use with blending. So you can easily blend your shades together to create the detailed artwork that you’re after. Some less quality paper can let the colors bleed through to the other side when you try to blend them. This blending card has been designed with preventing that in mind.
A great feature of this blending card is that while it comes at a heftier price tag than some of the other products we’ve mentioned, you do get quality for the money. There are 125 sheets of paper included for you to use. The high quality of the paper also makes this a great fit for professional artists. The smooth surface of this paper makes it a pleasure to use, and will be able to keep your colors looking bright.
This paper is acid free so won’t yellow over time. It’s also packing a much heavier weight than competitive products. It measures 250 gsm, so you won’t have to worry about any bleeding happening. This paper measures 8.5” x 11”.
Pros:
- Quality – comes with a range of great features to create a premium product
- 250 gsm – much thicker than alternatives on this list
- Blending – designed with blending in mind
Cons:
- Expensive – a lot more expensive than other products on this list
5. Bee Paper Company Creative Marker Book
If you’re looking for a more permanent pad, then the Bee Paper Company creative marker book will be ideal. This paper comes in a spiral bound pad that includes 50 sheets for you to use.
This will make it much easier to use regularly if you want a more permanent pad that the pages can’t easily become loose in. Another great feature is that this pad is available in a range of sizes, so you can choose the best fit for your needs. The size I’d recommend is the 8.5” x 11”, which is roughly A4.
This paper has been approved for use with Copic markers. You can create beautifully detailed work without having to compromise on quality. The ink from your Copic markers won’t bleed through to the sheets below, meaning you can make use of every sheet in the pad. This paper weighs 110 gsm, making it thick enough to prevent any bleeding or running.
One thing that I really like about pads like these is that the double wire binding combined with the hardcover helps create a flat surface for you to use. You won’t have to worry about using this pad at a desk or table. You can easily doodle while on the go, which makes this pad much easier to use than some of the others I’ve mentioned above.
Pros:
- Easy to use – spiral bound pad prevents sheets from becoming loose
- Copic approved – suitable for use with Copic markers
- 110 gsm – colors won’t bleed through or run once applied
Cons:
- Blending – can show some leakage when blending colors together
- HIGH QUALITY - 50 acid free, white sheets are especially desgined for detail work and are super absorbent
- SMOOTH SURFACE - ultra smooth paper that’s approved for the use of Copic and Tocuh markers
- VERSATILE - the Marker Art Journal works with a wide variety of medias like: pens, ink, water-based markers & much more!
- FULL USE - double wire binding creates a flat surface, allowing the artists ti work across the page
- CUSTOMIZE - sturdy black cover is made of 100% recycled chipboard and can be customized with your choice of media: stickers, gel pens, and even paint!
Best Paper for Copic Markers Buyer’s Guide
Trying to find the best paper for Copic markers can be a challenge. When art supplies already cost a small fortune – not to mention the Copic markers themselves – you may be tempted to opt for the cheapest paper pad that you can find.
But wait! Cheaper paper won’t be able to support the beautiful color of Copics, and will leave you with blurred edges that miss out on the detail you’re after. It would be a waste to have spent all that money on Copics only to let them down with poor quality paper!
I’ve put together a list of all the essential features you should look for in a good quality paper to ensure that it’s suitable for use with your Copic markers. As long as your choice of paper pad has these features covered, you’ll be able to draw away to your heart’s content without having to worry about the paper letting you down!
Check out all the features you’ll need to consider below.
Bleedproof
One of the most important features when it comes to Copic markers is choosing a paper that’s bleedproof. Because Copics are alcohol markers, this makes them likely to bleed through the page.
So when you’re coloring your detailed line art on one page, this color will then bleed down onto the pages below it. This will give you less paper to use overall, as the color bleed will render the paper below useless.
Look for a paper pad that promises to be bleedproof. This will prevent the colored ink from leaking down onto the page below it. You can also use another sheet of scrap paper below to help prevent this from happening.
Copic markers can also bleed outside of your line art on poorer quality paper, so it’s worth investing in a quality paper that will prevent this from happening.
GSM
I bet you’ve often looked at the front of your pad of paper or notebook and wondered what the letters “gsm” mean. This means grams per square meter, and basically refers to how thick the paper is and how much it weighs. The higher the gsm of your chosen paper, the thicker it is. Thicker paper is also less likely to allow your Copics to bleed through!
You should choose a pad of paper or notebook that comes with at least 70 gsm paper. While this can appear on the thin side, it should be thick enough to prevent any unwanted bleeding.
Especially if you’re light handed when applying the Copic color! I can highly recommend using a piece of scrap paper below the sheet you’re coloring, too, just to be on the safe side.
Size
How big a sheet of paper do you like working with? Most artists feel comfortable with an A4 sheet of paper. Some prefer the larger A3. There are some that like the more compact nature of an A5 pad, however, this may be on the small side for Copics.
Depending on the size of the piece you want to tackle, I’d recommend going for an A4 pad of paper. This should give you more than enough room to experiment with your Copics until you feel confident enough to tackle a much larger piece.
Pad vs Notebook
One of the most important questions of course is whether you want a pad of paper you can tear sheets from freely, or if you want to keep all of your Copic drawings together in a notebook.
This will be entirely down to personal preference. Some people prefer to rip their artwork out of the pad to either frame, put in a folder for safekeeping, give to a friend, or sell as a commission.
However, there are some artists who prefer to use a notebook. This will help to keep all of your Copic drawings in one place, and you won’t have to worry about losing any of them as you do with a loose pad of paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paper works best with Copic markers?
The best paper for Copic markers are as follows:
- Bianyo Bleedproof Marker Paper Pad
- U.S. Art Supply Premium Manga-Marker Paper Pad
- Premium Marker Paper Pad
- Copic Marker Blending Card
- Bee Paper Company Creative Marker Book
You should use paper that prevents the markers from bleeding out onto the other side and stops the colors from running outside your line art.
Is cardstock good for Copic markers?
No, cardstock isn’t good for Copic markers. This is because a lot of cardstock allows the markers to bleed, which can ruin your beautifully crafted images.
You should try and use some of the types of paper I have reviewed in more detail above. These will be resistant to bleeding and give you the precision that you need with your coloring. The only cardstock you should use with Copic markers is cardstock that specifically says it’s suitable for them.
Can you use watercolor paper for Copic markers?
You can use watercolor paper with Copic markers, yes. That’s because to make the paper suitable for use with watercolor paints, the paper needs to be resistant to buckling.
These same qualities lend themselves well to alcohol markers such as Copics, as good quality watercolor paper will prevent the Copics from bleeding once applied to the paper itself.
Joseph Colella is a frustrated artist with over 40 years experience making art (who moonlights as a certified Business Analyst with over 20 years of experience in tech). While he holds a Diploma in Information Technology, in true wasted talent style he spent years trying to get into various Art degrees from the Accademia di Belle Arti (Napoli), and failed to get into the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) at the University of Western Sydney. His goal is to attend the Julian Ashton School of Art at The Rocks Sydney when he retires from full time work. In his spare time, he writes for the this blog, WastedTalentInc, where he shares practical advice on art, making art, and art materials. Joseph’s art has been sold to collectors all over the world from the USA, Europe and Australasia. He is a trusted source for reliable art and copyright/fair use advice and is committed to helping his readers make informed decisions about making them a better artist.
He also loves all things watches (ok it’s an addiction) so show him some love and visit his other website https://expertdivewatch.com
