What will ruin a Copic marker nib?

 Copic  marker inks will not ruin other Copic markers. However, when working  with mixed media be aware that some things will damage your marker tip.  Always best to test a surface before coloring over it.

Things that will hurt your marker:

-  Whiteout or Opaque white: avoid coloring over white-out, even when dry.  Besides looking bad on paper it leaves a white spot on the marker

-  Un-fired clay: this will discolor the top because bits of clay are  clogging the fibers. Also, avoid plaster. Clay coated papers should be  tested as some will work and others will What is okay: Ceramic paint, it  yourself ornaments are great. Sculpey, after it’s baked works well.  Glazed Ceramics are okay, though those are pretty slick surfaces and the  ink may build up.

-  Acrylic paints: you can get away with some quick work but if you try to  color over most acrylics they will clog your marker tips/discolor your  tips. If you use acrylic over your work, some dark marker colors may  bleed through the layers of acrylic paint, so always test before you add  acrylic to a finished

- Chalks/Oil Pastels: use these after you color with your marker, not

- Untested stamping inks or inking pens: these will stain the nibs and it may come back off when you least expect it.

-  Solvents or oils: these are a bad idea to color over. Many are okay  when used over your marker drawing though you should check to see if  they contain alcohol, ethanol, or something

- Stazon ink – stay far away, run! This will ruin your marker nibs for sure! Because it is a solvent-based

Rule  of thumb: if it is something that smears when it gets wet and it is  opaque, STAY AWAY or test it first. If you must color over it, airbrush  your marker on.

Things that won’t hurt your marker, but will discolor the nib:

-  Pencil: if you go over a thick pencil line quickly, scribble onto some  scratch paper to get it off your tip. Same with colored pencils, which  will make the tips dirty. The marker itself should not be damaged and  the ink will usually still flow clean, but the tip will be discolored.

-  Watercolors: these are so thin that you usually won’t have a problem,  but they might discolor the tip. If you want to use watercolors, use  them AFTER you use

Rule  of thumb: in Japan Copic markers are commonly used with watercolors,  pastels, colored pencils, or acrylics. However, they use them AFTER the  marker work has been done. Also, any other inks that are not allowed to  dry long enough but usually work with Copics will discolor the tops.  Your pale colors will show the damage the most.