Best Paper for Alcohol Markers: 6 Recommendations (2024)

The Best Paper for Alcohol Markers

Recommendations for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels

What’s the Best Paper for Alcohol Markers?

Are you new to Copic Markers, Olo, Ohuhu, or Pro-Markers?

Or maybe you’ve been using markers for a while and you’re finally ready to invest in better paper?

My name is Amy Shulke— I’m a freelance technical illustrator and marker instructor. I’ve used art markers since my first year of art school back in 1989. I’ve tried a lot of marker papers. Which do I recommend?

First, relax. “Best paper” doesn’t exist.

Some brands are better than others but there isn’t one universal paper that works for everyone.

Today, I’m sharing my top six marker papers but it’s just my opinion.

From the size of our drawings to the colors we use— we have different needs. So there’s not one perfect paper for everyone.

But in general:

• Those who color simple small stamped images with heavy outlines can get away with craft grade paper.

• The larger you color, the more you need artist grade paper.

• Anyone who blends needs a better quality paper.

• If you use a lot of red, orange, pink, and violet you’ll need a premium paper.

• And the newer you are to markers, the more you’ll benefit from better paper.

So let’s talk paper today but this is an opinionated conversation, not a declaration.

Try several brands to find which performs best for you.

BEGINNER WARNING!

Throughout this article, I’ll cover a few common myths and mistakes about marker paper. Here’s the first one I hear a lot.

Myth: “I’m only a beginner so I’m practicing on inexpensive paper.”

Learning on premium marker paper seems wasteful because every mistake is an expensive mistake. Why not learn on the cheap stuff and upgrade later?

Here’s the problem—

Bad paper teaches bad habits.

Which bad habits?

• light to dark coloring

• using more than 4 markers in a blending combination

• excessive re-blending and fixing

• over-inking

• scrubbing a blend

These are inefficient coping mechanisms which people instinctually do on bad paper. You’re trying hard to make it work!

You learn to color differently than you would on better paper. Bad paper encourages bad habits.

And here’s the real stinker— when you finally upgrade to better paper, you’ll bring all your bad habits with you.

Good paper can’t fix bad technique.

Beginners need high quality marker paper more than anyone else.

Learning is easier and more enjoyable when you’re not struggling to make the best of bad paper.

So let’s get to it.

What are my top five paper selections this year? Let’s go in reverse order, ending with the paper I recommend most.

Six Favorite Papers for Alcohol Markers

(in reverse order but honestly, each of these papers may work for you)

6. Fabriano Bristol +

WEIGHT: 145lb/250gsm

FORMAT: Gum (glue) bound pads from 9x12” to 14x17”

BUDGET: $.82 per 11x14” sheet (as of 07/2023)

I learned to use markers on Bristol in art school so I know firsthand it’s an excellent surface for beginners, News flash: I still use Bristol several times a week!

Bristol is not a brand, it’s a style of paper. Bristol is an uncoated paper made in “plys” or layers. The plys slow ink absorption, keeping the ink accessible for color building and smooth blending.

“Smooth” or “Plate” style Bristol is best for markers.

FABRIANO BRISTOL+ PROS:

• Ink does not migrate deeply into the paper fibers right away - allows easy blending

• Does not stain easily - smoother red, pink, purple blends

• No feathering - most incorrectly call this “bleeding”. Bristol+ does not leak ink or “feather” out beyond your line art

• Excellent value - feels and behaves like premium Bristol

• Two sided - no front or back, use either side

• Thin enough to feed through most printers

FABRIANO BRISTOL+ CONS:

• Thinner than other Bristols — may bleed-through the backside after 5-6 layers

• Colors lose a bit of vibrancy as the paper dries

• I’ve not seen this brand carried in local art or craft stores

BEGINNER WARNING!

Myth: “I’m using a dupe of an expensive paper.”

There are no duplicates or exact substitions in the paper world. Every paper has a proprietary recipe and production process.

Two brands can be similar but they’re never the same.

Dupes are often suggested as an inexpensive alternative to a more expensive paper. Let me gently suggest that if a paper was truly a duplicate, the substitute would either drive the expensive company out of business or force them to lower their price. Has this happened? If not, it’s not a dupe!

I’ve used markers for over 35 years— dupes never live up to the promise. At this point, I’m convinced duplicate recommendations come from people who have never touched the original or don’t know enough to feel the difference.

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Never worry about blending again

What’s standing between you and creative coloring? Blending!

There’s a lot to think about when you’re coloring. Which colors? Am I using enough ink? Why isn’t it blending? Can I blend it again or should I start over?

If you’re focused on all that stuff, you’ve left no room for creative thinking.

Artistry can only happen after you’ve mastered The Blend.

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5. Winsor & Newton Marker Heavy Weight

WEIGHT: 43lb/160gsm

FORMAT: Gum bound pads from 9x12” to 11x14”

BUDGET: $.80 per 9x12” sheet (as of 07/2023)

WARNING: Make sure it’s “Marker Heavy Weight” and not “Winsor & Newton Marker” which is half the thickness and doesn’t blend well. I do not recommend the lightweight version!

Unlike Bristol, this paper was designed especially for use with alcohol markers. Inks blend easily, even with staining colors.

This is a “bleedproof” paper which means it’s a two ply with a polymer layer in between which blocks bleed-through. You can color on the front, then color on the back.

MARKER HEAVY WEIGHT PROS:

• I consider this a self-blending paper which requires minimal ink and it self-smooths as the ink cures

• Colors remain noticeably vibrant when dry

• Does not stain - easier red, pink, purple blends

• Thin enough to feed through most printers

• Has enough tooth for soft colored pencils

MARKER HEAVY WEIGHT CONS:

• Noticeably thinner than cardstock

• Creases and dents easily - can not be healed

• Pills on contact with water - not for use with water-based markers or water-soluble media, do not sprinkle with water

BEGINNER WARNING!

Myth: “Marker Paper is ideal for coloring with markers.”

Many beginners purchase Marker Paper because it says “Marker Paper” on the label— a logical but tragic mistake.

Sadly, many marker papers buckle when you try to blend. There’s also a weird thing where the first layer of ink looks fine but the second or third marker starts removing all the previous layers.

“OMG! This is terrible paper!”

Hang on. there’s a difference between “marker paper” and “paper for markers”.

Marker Paper is for people who DRAW with markers.

Marker Paper is NOT for people who BLEND with markers.

Many products with “Marker Paper” on the label are thin— thin enough to see though. That’s your first clue it’s NOT a blending paper.

Thin marker paper has been around since the 1950’s, long before anyone thought to blend with markers. It was designed for quick sketching with light layers. It’s used by architects, fashion/landscape/product designers, lettering specialists… basically any artist who needs to convey an idea to a client before starting the final drawing or painting.

Thin marker paper is not terrible.

Markers were around long before you. Not everything is about blending.

4. Transotype Perfect Colouring Paper

Here’s one for our European readers. Tansotype is not currently available in the US or Canada.

WEIGHT: 250gsm

FORMAT: loose packs of A4 size

BUDGET: .80 (Euro) per A4 (8.25x11.5”) sheet (as of 07/2023)

WARNING: Transotype also makes a “Bleedproof Alcohol Marker Pad” formerly known as the “Copic Bleedproof Pad”. See above warning about “marker paper”. The Bleedproof Pad is a thin marker paper and does not work for blending!

Perfect Colouring Paper is thicker and it’s excellent for blending.

I taught a few classes with Perfect Colouring Paper when it was available in the US. I keep hoping they’ll bring it back.

PERFECT COLOURING PAPER PROS:

• Almost a self-blending paper which self-smooths as the ink cures

• Originally developed for photo printers so it feeds easily through commercial and home printers

• Has enough tooth for soft colored pencils

PERFECT COLOURING PAPER CONS:

• Read my article about Perfect Colouring Paper here (back when it was sold in the US as “Holtz PCP”)

• Ink colors mellow slightly, losing some vibrancy

BEGINNER WARNING!

Myth: “Copy paper works well for markers.”

Office grade printer paper and cardstock are intended for use with home printers and commercial grade copy machines.

Nobody wants to grab wet paper from a copy machine and we don’t want fresh copies to smear previous pages, so office grade paper is designed to absorb ink quickly and dry extremely fast.

This is the exact opposite of what we want for markers.

When paper dries too fast, markers leave streaks and blending is nearly impossible. Good marker paper is slow to absorb the ink and it stays wet longer allowing you lots of time to smooth and blend.

General Rule: If it’s sold for printers, don’t buy it for markers.

3. Copic Paper Selections: Thick Marker Paper

WEIGHT: 186.7gsm

FORMAT: loose packs of A4 size

BUDGET: $.77 per A4 (8.25x11.5”) sheet (as of 07/2023)

This paper works well with all brands of alcohol marker, not just Copic.

For the last decade, Copic has tried to sell their own paper, cardstock, and notebooks. Frankly, they’re terrible at outreach and their papers have been confusing and inconsistent. The labels and names change frequently and products appear with no launch and disappear without notice. I’d given up on Copic branded paper until my favorite paper of all time (Cryogen) was discontinued and I was forced to test lots of papers again.

The best of their “Paper Selections” line is the Thick Marker Paper which is seems close to my old favorite Cryogen. I hope Too continues making this paper. Crossing my fingers that it doesn’t go poof overnight.

THICK MARKER PAPER PROS:

• A self-blending paper which self-smooths as the ink cures

• Has a good amount of tooth for colored pencils

• Easily feeds through my printer

• Colors remain vibrant

• Allows some water contact (but will pill if scrubbed)

THICK MARKER PAPER CONS:

• WARNING: This paper does not like to be taped. Even gentle tape removes fibers and can damage the surface badly

• This paper feathers slightly (ink seeps beyond the line if you color very slowly)

• More bleed-through than the other favorites in this article

• Looks like normal white cardstock so keep this separate from ordinary printer paper

BEGINNER WARNING!

Myth: “I use mixed media paper because it’s especially formulated for markers and more.”

Paper labels are confusing— not just beginners but even the pros.

Mixed Media is a way to sell one paper to lots of people. To do this, they list as many mediums on the label as possible. If a paper is even a little bit okay for markers, they will say “Amazing for Markers!!!” on the packaging.

Mixed Media paper sounds like it’s scientifically designed to be great for everything, right? Actually, all “mixed” means is that it doesn’t explode on contact with anything on the list. It’s the definition of mediocre paper— it isn’t bad but it’s also not amazing.

If a paper is good for everything, it’s not great at anything.

I think you can do better than “Doesn’t totally stink with markers!”

2. Strathmore Smooth Bristol

WEIGHT: 300 = 100lb/270gsm. 400 not listed but similar thickness

FORMAT: Gumbound pads from 9x12” to 18x42”. Loose sheets are 22x30”

BUDGET: $.47 (300) and $.69 (400) per 9x12” sheet (as of 07/2023)

Strathmore Bristol comes in graded levels— 300 (yellow label), 400 (brown label), and 500 (white label).

I currently teach advanced Marker + Colored Pencil classes with Strathmore Bristol (Smooth). Ideal marker papers tend to be ultra smooth so it’s hard to find an excellent marker paper with enough tooth for colored pencils. Strathmore 300 and 400 work nicely with both mediums.

300 is Strathmore’s basic Bristol. It feathers slightly so it’s not as ideal with markers but allows more colored pencil layers.

400 is better with markers and slightly less amenable to colored pencil. I personally prefer working on 400.

I do not recommend 500 as I don’t notice enough improvement over the 400 series to justify the price jump. At the 500 level, the Smooth finish is called “Plate” and is too smooth for pencils.

STRATHMORE BRISTOL PROS:

• Colors stay vibrant and true

• Large sheets for bigger projects

• Allows waterbased media— not good for watercoloring but is friendly with water-based markers and inks

• Scans and photographs well for digital art or print reproductions

STRATHMORE BRISTOL CONS:

• 300 Bristol feathers slightly (ink seeps beyond the line if you color very slowly). 400 does not feather.

• May not feed through office printers (my two printers handle it well but most students report printer issues)

• Too thick for card making

BEGINNER WARNING!

Myth: “Just find a heavy cardstock which doesn’t bleed-through to the backside.”

This is a common myth. In general, good blending paper tends to be thicker. Likewise, the worst papers are thin enough to bleed through at the first touch of a marker.

But there are many thick papers which are awful for markers and some thinner papers blend beautifully.

And as a marker instructor, seeing a bit of inky color on the backside is often the sign of a smooth blend on the front. Most beginners don’t use enough ink so I often check the backsides and encourage them to bleed more.

It’s not about paper weight or thickness. It’s about what the paper fibers do with the ink on contact.

When testing marker suitability, I watch to see how much ink the paper pulls from the marker. I take note of where the paper stores the ink (on the surface or deep in the core). I look at whether the paper fibers stain easily or if it releases the color quickly to allow blending.

Thickness is one of the last things I worry about.

1. X-Press It Blending Card

WEIGHT: 250gsm

FORMAT: Loose sheets of 8.5 x 11”

BUDGET: $.40 per 8.5x11” sheet (as of 07/2023)

No surprise here. X-Press It Blending Card is my top recommended marker paper for all marker beginners, no matter what brand of alcohol marker you’re using.

X-Press It is required for several of my beginner classes. It’s that important.

This paper is a dream for blending! Like Bristol, XPI is a “ply” or layered paper. The front and back are coated with an ultra smooth fine-grain layer which keeps the marker ink sitting on the surface long enough to blend before the absorbent core takes over and holds the color. As the ink marinates on the paper, blends actually smooth themselves— in class, we call this self-blending effect “The Copic Fairy”.

X-Press It is relatively thin for the amount of ink it holds. It allows beginners to blend and reblend several times.

X-PRESS IT BLENDING CARD PROS:

• Self blending

• Holds many layers of ink

• Improves the blend success rate for most beginners

• Makes learning good technique easy

X-PRESS IT BLENDING CARD CONS:

• Has a noticeably bluish tint which frustrates card makers

• Colors lose a bit of vibrancy as the ink dries

• Has a slight fleck (paper fibers which stay white). This is minor and noticeable only to those looking extremely close.

• Too smooth for more than light layers of colored pencil

• Extremely “allergic” to water! Bubbles and blisters immediately on contact

• Mostly sold online

BEGINNER WARNING!

Myth: “Make sure to purchase acid-free archival paper for markers!”

Uhhh… hang on a sec, folks.

Alcohol markers are not lightfast.

So by the time your paper turns yellow, the ink will have long faded. Don’t worry about generational brands of paper and definitely don’t spend extra for it! Just color and enjoy your markers today and stop obsessing about what your grandkids will do with your art.

I’m researching a new article now

UP NEXT: Best Sketchbooks for Markers

(link coming soon)

What about other paper brands?

Whenever I recommend paper to students or readers, someone always asks:

“But what about ______? I’ve heard great things about it!”

As I said, I’ve tried a ton of papers in my career. I know which papers I like to work on.

But more importantly— as a teacher, I’ve observed student for years as they’ve learned to color and practice their skills. I’ve seen how the right paper can make learning a joy and how the wrong paper creates a cycle of failure.

Because someone always asks, here are other papers I’ve tried and why I’m not recommending them today.

Honorable Mention:

Cryogen Cardstock 89lb in Curious Metallic White - If I were writing this article last year, Cryogen would have been my #2 paper just below or in tieing with X-Press It Blending Card. In fact, for years, I’ve told students to start on XPI until they’ve mastered blending, then move to Cryogen. I absolutely love Cryogen!

Sadly, Cryogen is now out of production and the factory has closed. I’m now living off my stash, weighing each project to decide if it’s Cryogenworthy.

It’s not unusual for other companies to purchase the machinery and process for specific types of paper. I sincerely hope someone brings Cryogen back from the dead as I’ve not found a suitable replacement for it yet.

Paper that’s okay but not good enough to make my recommendation list:

1. Neenah Classic Crest Cover Solar White 110lb/297gsm (Also sold by Crafter’s Companion) - People frequently ask if I can recommend any office grade paper. Neenah CC is the closest I can get and even then, I don’t like it much. It’s economical and I understand why many card makers like to work with it. Unfortunately, the paper stains which makes it harder to blend reds or any ink with red in the formula. If you’re a card maker who uses stamps for simple coloring, go ahead and try it but I think Neenah CC is frustrating for those who color large or with realism. (Neenah CC at Amazon here)

2. Stonehenge White - I love Stonehenge White for use with colored pencils. I frequently use markers to basecoat my colored pencil drawings, a step which minimizes the amount of time it takes for a full colored pencil rendering, plus it adds vibrancy. Stonehenge is a little thirstier than true marker papers but I don’t mind. The real problem with Stonehenge for markers is that every once in a while, marker inks will break or separate on it, meaning that a BG marker will dry with a ring of green around it. I want to use it more, I just wish it wasn’t unpredictable. (Stonehenge White at Amazon here)

3. Deleter/Kent Comic 135gsm and Kent Paper 157gsm - Both papers are popular in Japan and with North American manga fans. I really want to like this paper but it’s too thin. The 157gsm doesn’t hold enough ink to allow much reblending and the 135gsm feels like sketch paper. After working on X-Press It and hearing about this mythical paper for years, I was disappointed. (Deleter/Kent at Amazon here)

Papers I Do NOT Recommended:

In no particular order.

1. Bee Artist Marker Paper - Bee has a lot of fans out there— I AM NOT ONE OF THEM. People keep recommending it to me and like a fool, I keep retrying it, even buying new sheets in case something has changed. Nope. Red inks stain and Bee bleeds more than it should. I think this is one of those papers people love when they’ve never tried good paper. (Bee AMP at Amazon here)

2. Hammermill Premium Color Copy Cover 110lb - Despite what the internet says, this paper is most definitely NOT a dupe of X-Press It!!! I do not understand why people love this paper other than the fact that it’s cheap and available at Walmart. This paper stains worse than Bee which makes certain blends frustrating and it bleeds on the 2nd layer of ink. If I had started with this paper, I would have quit long ago. (Hammermill PCCC at Amazon here)

3. Copic Paper Selections - Copic’s Thick Marker Paper is my #3 recommendation but I do not recommend their “PM” (thin paper) or “Custom Paper”. (Search "Copic Paper Selections" at Amazon here for the full line)

4. Winsor & Newton Classic Bleedproof Marker - Their “Marker Heavy Weight” is #4 on my recommended list but the thinner Classic Marker version is too thin for blending. (W&N Classic at Amazon here)

5. Gina K Pure Luxury - This was the first cardmaker recommended paper I ever purchased and it soured me right away. I’m sure it’s a lovely card backing but it’s awful for markers. It jams in my printer and even Multiliners smear when colored over!!! Worst of all, marker inks loose a ton of vibrancy as they dry. Literally a week later, the coloring looks 2-3 steps lighter. (No link)

6. Favini Art Paper - I’m searching for a Cryogen replacement and testing every paper I can get my hands on… but this ain’t it! I’ve tried about ten versions of Favini Art and all of it is miserably bad for markers, INCLUDING their “Marker Paper” and their “Bristol”. I expect to see ads for this paper as they try to enter the art market and yes, I expect to hear complaints afterward. (Here’s the Favini line carried at Amazon but there are more)

So there you go…

6 Best Papers for Alcohol Markers

Plus a list of tested but not-recommended papers.

Remember, there isn’t one best paper for everyone. My hope is that you’ll try several of my favorites to decide which works best for you.

1. X-Press It Blending Card

2. Strathmore 400 Bristol, Smooth Finish

3. Copic Paper Selections, Thick Marker Paper

4. Transotype Perfect Colouring Paper

5. Winsor & Newton Heavy Weight Marker

6. Fabriano Bristol Plus, Smooth

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“Ladybug” colored by the author, Amy Shulke. Copic Markers plus Prismacolor Colored Pencil details on X-Press It Blending Card. 3 inches. Online class here.

Amy Shulke is a professional illustrator who has used Copic Markers since 1990. She teaches artistic coloring classes online at VanillaArts.com and locally in Michigan.

Marker Novice is Amy’s completely free resource devoted to beginner marker education. For intermediate/advanced artistic coloring articles, see her Studio Journal here.

Products mentioned in today’s article: