How many of you would like to know how to refill your Copic markers? It is one of the questions instructors get frequently and although we go over the information in the Standard Certification class it is valuable information to revisit! There are a few ways to refill your markers including using the booster (needle that screws onto the refill bottle) and pulling out the chisel nib to poor ink into the core. Below I will share my favorite way to refill my markers. I need my markers that are low in ink, Various Ink (the refills bottles) and I am using a pocket scale.
The first thing that I am going to do before trying to refill any markers is measure a full marker so I know what I am aiming for with my scale. I place a new sketch marker on my scale with both lids on and find out how much it weighs. ** Notice I have a label on my marker. If you have tape or a label marking your Copics make sure that the new marker you weigh also has that label so you have an accurate starting point.
I know that I have colored with this Copic a few times, but very little, so this is about what I am aiming for when I refill one of my sketch markers. Then I pull both caps off and measure again, often I will have to measure several times as I am refilling and I would rather not have to pull the caps on and off as I measure each time.
I go ahead and measure one of my markers that needs refilling so I know how much ink I might need to add.
Next I pull both caps off my Copic Sketch marker, this allows air flow through the core and the ink to be pulled into the body of the marker. THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS NEXT! Check the lid of your marker and lid on your Various ink not once or twice but THREE TIMES! Just be super duper positive you have the right ink going into your Copic marker!
Then I slowly drip ink onto the chisel nib. I usually drip 10-12 drops and then weigh the marker and repeat until I get to my target weight. You can also watch the chisel nib and as the body of the marker gets full the ink will no longer pull into the body of the marker, the nib will remain shiny and wet.
When I reach my goal with caps off I double check with caps on and call it good!
You will notice this is higher then my original new marker. As I said, the above marker was not brand new and I was using it as a starting point. I will keep an eye on this one and watch for blobbing as I color, but I think I should be good!
Copic markers are made to be refilled. Once you have purchased a marker it will last you for your entire coloring career with ink refills and nib changes as needed.
If you have any questions let me know! And do not forget you can get all your refill supplies at Imagination International, Inc.
Have a Happy Colorful Week!
