In other articles, we have looked in great detail at Copic Markers. With all the wonderful features of these markers, it is very easy to forget the other important component of an illustration; the paper used with the Copic Markers. In this article, we are going to look deeper at the Best Sketchbooks for Copic Markers and the types of paper suitable for use with Copic Markers. Note that only metric sizes and weights are available for these papers so I have a link here to what they convert to for American sizes for your benefit. Copic Sketch Books Best Sketchbook for Copic Markers - Photo by tezzerah Let's take a look at the available sketchbooks produced by Copic. New Copic Sketchbook Earlier I described the high-quality premium bond paper. This is the paper Copic has chosen for their New Sketchbook. You can also use Copic Markers to customize the cover of the book, thus expressing your individuality. The sketchbook has a ring binder so that it can lay flat on the desk with any page open. The book is made available in three sizes, each with 30 sheets per sketchbook. Large Size - (240mm x 305mm)Small Size - (148mm x 185mm)Square - (W116 x H118mm) Specification of the product: 157g/m2 (190 microns) Please note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other Sketchbooks for Copic Markers Some people prefer other sketchbooks. I have looked at two of the most popular alternatives to the Copic and compared them. Best Sketchbook for Copic Markers - Photo by stefan stefancik Leda Sketch Book This sketchbook created by Leda Art Supply is one of the recommendations I found. This sketchbook was recommended by a leading artist blog who had reviewed several Copi related sketchbooks. Now I found no reference on the Leda website to it being suitable for Markers. The paper is only 130g and to be fair, Leda themselves admit that it is not suitable for wet media. However, since several people have said that they use Copic in the sketchbook I will continue with the review. The product was upgraded from 120g in 2018/19. PROS It has an attractive waterproof cover with an elastic band that keeps the book closed. The book comprises of 160 pages, and compared to the Copic it is very much cheaper. CONS On the face of it the sketchbook seems excellent value until you look at what users say about the quality of the paper. Many people complained that the pages bleed ink through the page and that pencils cause indentations on the back of the paper. Since we are talking about sketchbooks for markers I do not feel that this sketchbook comes near the Copic for quality. Zen Art Leather Sketchbook The Zen Art Leather sketchbook, like the Leda sketchbook looks very attractive from the outside. The Leather cover also has an elastic band to keep it closed. The book features 120g bleed resistant ivory paper. It is available in two sizes (B5, B6). The manufacturer also clearly states that the book is suitable for Copic Markers. Now when we look at what users say, there are comments that it does not lay flat, that the paper is not plain but dotted. There are also reports that Markers really bleed through, but these are outweighed by people stating that the Copic Markers work well. PROS It’s a great looking book, one user said it was too pretty to use. It has 160 pages and it is not expensive. CONS The biggest issue users have with this book is that they are not happy about the way it sits on the table and does not lay flat. There were a large number of users who all had the same problem. However, overall I think it is worth considering. Personally I would go for the Copic book because I know that it was designed especially for the job, but I can also see a very strong case for the Zen Art as well (you can buy it from Amazon). Now that we know which are the best Sketchbooks for Copic markers, let's go into the paper types that work best with Copic markers. The better option for you may be to purchase individual paper types rather than a mass produced sketchbook. Comparison of Paper for Copic Markers Copic Paper Since Copic makes its own brand of paper, you would assume that this paper would be perfect for use with Copic Markers. The paper is acid-free and has a smooth surface and works equally well with pen or ink in addition to markers. I will be going into Copic Brand paper later in this article so that I will leave it at that for the moment. First, I will take a more in-depth look at some other types of paper that make the best Sketchbooks for Copic Markers. Marker Papers Marker Papers that are glossy or coated can hold the ink without bleeding through the back of the paper. Matte card stock allows the marker ink to seep into the paper, whereas Marker Paper will use smaller amounts of ink, but the ink will pool when you undertake dense layering. When you compare colors on both kinds of paper, you will see they appear differently. It is best to permit ink lines to dry thoroughly before you wash over them to avoid the risk of feathering. The thickness of a Marker Paper will also produce different results: • Thick paper will use more ink than thinner paper • The thicker paper has the same finish on both sides of the paper. With thinner paper, this is not usually the case. • With thick paper, the ink will dry faster than on thin. • Layering is easier on thick marker paper compared to thin. • There is less feathering and bleeding on thicker paper than thinner. • Thinner paper is typically bled proof, whereas thicker paper my bleed through. Watercolor Papers Copic markers work great with watercolor paper, but if the paper has a rough surface, be careful with the fine tips of they may get damaged. Card Stock Card Stock is also referred to as Cocverstock or pasteboard; It is a paper that is thicker than a standard printing paper but is thinner than paperboard. The surface may have textured surfaces or, more typically, is smooth. Cardstock typically ranges between 135g and 200 g. Paper Weight Comparison Many different terms are used when talking about the dimensions of the paper, and some may be confusing to a beginner. Before we look deeper at the paper, it would be helpful to take a look at some frequently used definitions. Basis Weight There is a defined fixed weight for 500 sheets of each type of paper. It is measured in pounds. The thicker a paper sheet, the heavier it will be. Caliper This term is the thickness of a sheet of paper” measured in “thousands of an inch. There should not be more than a + or - 5% variance in the thickness. Having now looked at the variety of papers out there, e will take an in-depth look at the Copic range of papers and sketchbooks. Copic Paper The same work carried out on different papers would look quite different. The choice of paper can make or break a piece of artwork. The Copic Paper Range encompasses five different styles of paper. PM Paper PM Stands for Pencil-Marker Paper. It is described as a drawing paper for Copic Markers. It is a thin coated paper that, unlike some other papers, does not bleed. It is suitable for tracing (check out the Copic Lightbox). It is also ideal for inking. The paper has a slight texture, but the light tooth is not enough to damage fine Copic Marker nibs. Working with Copic Markers, you should produce clean, smooth, and bold colors. This product comes in a broad range of sizes, with 20 sheets per pad. Note that only metric sizes are available for these papers so I have a link here to what they convert to for American sizes for your benefit. B2 size (771×540mm)B3 size540×382mmB4 size382×270mm)B5 size270×191mmA2 size627×444mmA3 size447×309mm)A4 size312×219mm Specification of the product: 68g/m2 (100 microns) Premium Bond Paper This Acid-free high-quality paper is an excellent drawing paper for Copic Markers. It is a medium weight paper that is uncoated. The paper is slightly off-white, and illustrations on this paper should blend well. The paper is just perfect for producing manga, general-drawings, and design. This product comes in a broad range of sizes, with 20 sheets per pad. Note that only metric sizes are available for these papers so I have a link here to what they convert to for American sizes for your benefit. B2 size (771×540mm)B3 size540×382mmB4 size382×270mm)B5 size270×191mmA2 size627×444mmA3 size447×309mm)A4 size312×219mm Specification of the product: 157g/m2 (190 microns) Copic Shikishi Illustration Board with Copic Custom Paper This acid-free paper for Copic Markers has a very smooth texture. The paper is uncoated medium weight and is great for inking, blending, and special effects. Just the sort of paper that is perfect for manga, general drawings, and design. This product is made in the traditional Japanese Shikishi style. The illustration board is edged with gold trim and has Copic Custom Paper laminated to a hardboard backing. It has a smooth, clean white surface that is designed for markers. Watercolor should not be used as it will cause the lamination to break apart. Copic Shikishi Illustration Board comes in three sizes and is sold 20 to a carton. Note that only metric sizes are available for these papers so I have a link here to what they convert to for American sizes for your benefit. Large - Size: 273×242mmMedium - Size: 212×182mmSmall - Size: 136×120mm Specification of the paper (not board): 150g/m2 (167 microns) Available for purchase online Thick Marker Paper This drawing paper for Copic Markers is not as thick as Premium Bond Paper, but is soft, thick and uncoated. The surface of the paper has a slight texture, and the paper can also be used for watercolor, pencil and mixed media. Perfect for watercolor artists, illustrations, and manga. The product is sold in just A4 size and has 20 sheets per pack. Note that only metric sizes are available for these papers so I have a link here to what they convert to for American sizes for your benefit. Specification of the paper (186.7 microns) Soft Watercolor Paper This Copic Marker paper features extra-soft fibers which produce a watercolor look with your markers. Ideal for Sumi-e and brush painting. The coated white medium weight paper has fiber flecks in natural colors that produce results that are very different from other papers. This paper is available in A4, A5, and A6 sizes and has ten sheets per pack. Note that only metric sizes are available for these papers so I have a link here to what they convert to for American sizes for your benefit. Specification of the paper (100g/m2) Conclusion Armed with your new-found knowledge about paper you can apply this to any SketchBook you come across. Hopefully now you know which are the Best Sketchbooks for Copic Markers! Additionally, you should also now have a basic understanding of terminology and the basic differences between papers that can help you make a decision when purchasing paper for Copic markers. More articles on Copic Markers How Many Copic Markers Are There? Are Copic Markers Safe on Skin? 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