Using Molotow Paint Markers with Copic On Journal Page

Hi All -  many Copic users often want to know whether they can use Copics with other mediums – the answer to that is YES (but its important that you understand how to use other mediums so you don’t damage your Copic). One of my favourite mediums is the Molotow One4All Paint Markers.

The One4All is a versatile acrylic based paint marker, which has a highly pigmented, solvent-free, hybrid-paint and just like the Copic Markers they are refillable and the nibs can be replaced.

So a few important things to note when combining your Copic Markers with other mediums, especially paints.  

• The nibs on Copic Markers are porous - this allows the ink to flow out of the nib - this also means that other mediums can be sucked into the nib like a sponge. Particularly harmful to the nibs are acrylic paints, chalky substances and glitter particles.  
• On sealed or glossy surfaces your Copics will appear several shades lighter than they do on paper (as they can't be absorbed) so always choose a colour several shades darker than you would normally use.

To be able to use your Copic Markers with mixed media, you will need to do one of following things:

1.  Apply the Copics first BEFORE paint, pencil or any other mediums, so they won't become clogged.  Works best when only adding small amounts of paint marker.
2. Have a few Copics that you use ONLY for mixed media work, and understand the nib may become blocked by repeated use over paint and you accept that you will need to periodically replace the nib.
3. Apply the Copic marker AFTER all other mediums and AFTER you have sealed the page with a gloss sealant.  This is my favourite, it allows for a translucent glaze of colour and is a lot like working with Copics on acetate.  For hard lines apply colour direct from fine or chisel tip, for softer lines I like to use either my Copic Blender to apply the colour or the brush tip on the marker (layering light next to dark until colour fades away) - think 'fade to white' technique when applying like this.

Now before I show you my Molotow One4All  and Copic journal page, I thought I'd show you a few examples where I have used the Molotow markers with Copic Markers on cards, for those of you who aren't journalers.

Adding the glint of reflective light into the eyes of your Copic Coloured images,
I've used the White 1mm Molotow for this.

Adding reflections to shiny objects ie: Glass, metal, water
I've used the White 1mm Molotow for this.

Stamp Flourishes Orchids stamp onto vellum using Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Flip image over and colour reverse side with Molotow Markers (let dry), I used 4mm white and 2mm Grasshopper.
Then flip and colour stamped side using Copic Markers, I used: G48, R81, RV55, Y32 & Y35.
This really makes the image pop on printed or coloured card, and I love the way you can see the background designs through the vellum.

Now for something a little more involved, this is the most beautiful way I know to combine Molotow One4All Paint markers and Copics, while keeping your Copics safe from paint.    I have used:

• Molotow Paint Markers: 201 Lilac Pastel, 010 Lobster, 161 Shock Blue Middle223 Metallic Black, 160 Signal White (extra Fine) & 180 Signal Black (extra fine)
• Copic Markers: E47, Bv13, Copic Colorless Blender, B91, B95 & B99
• Atyou Spica: Clear and Turquoise
• Gloss Varnish or Sealer

Technique

Glue paper, tissue etc onto journal page and coat with Matt Medium, when dry, draw image in pencil.

Apply One4All Paint from 2mm markers in the following method - apply paint directly to image, while wet, smear with finger to create softer effects and translucent layers of colour.  
NB: This won't work on unsealed paper.

Continue to apply colour with this method until the image is coloured to your satisfaction - mine looks like this.

Using 1mm Signal Black Molotow, add detail and outline to the image.

Use 1mm Signal White Molotow marker to add highlights (eg: to the eyes)

Add shading, a hint of glitter with Atyou Spica pens and a quote using Molotow 2mm and 1mm paint markers on the facing page.  Seal with a gloss varnish.

Add Copic Markers over the top of the gloss varnish (this forms a layer like plastic, protecting your markers from whatever is underneath), apply the darker marker first and blend out with either lighter colours of Copic marker or your Colorless Blender.  
Once all my Copic layers have been applied, my finished page looks like this, much deeper colour.

Now it's really difficult to show the amazingly gorgeous glaze effect achieved from the Copic Markers, but I'll try - compare the before and after photos.

Before


After

and closer, you can see each individual layer - even the tissue underneath.  Honestly you will have to try this yourself to see how amazing it looks!

I hope this has given you a few ideas about how you can use your Copics and Molotow paint markers together,

Kate