C4 Cool Gray #4 is a cool gray Copic Marker mimics diluted Neutral Tint watercolor. This color is useful as a base color, underpaint, or in blending combinations. C4 is only available in Copic Sketch and Classic marker styles.
Every Copic Marker has unique characteristics based on its unique ink formula.
Knowing how a color behaves will help you blend effectively and make art with confidence.
C4 Cool Gray No. 4
Let’s take a closer look at this Copic Marker and its ink characteristics.
Temperature: A medium cool gray.
Resemblance: Neutral Tint watercolor.
Actual Value: N4
All Copics are measured on a Neutral Gray value scale. The last number on the cap is supposed to indicate value but we’ve found discrepancies where the actual ink value is different than cap designation.
Cap Accuracy: Yes. The plastic end of a Sketch Marker is just a bit darker than 1 coat of C4.
Buildup: C4 reaches maximum color at 3 layers but starts to gather an oily appearance at 3 layers.
Shattering: Does not shatter.
Chromatography testing shows this ink’s behavior when it comes in contact with #0 Colorless Blender (solvent). High shattering colors may leak unexpected color when you make corrections or attempt to blend with any color that has a high solvent to colorant ratio. Shattering is not bad, it’s just something to be aware of.
Staining: C4 does not stain.
Lift: Lifts easily.
See staining swatch. Sample was given 6 stripes of #0 Colorless Blender, drying between each stripe. Results indicate how much lifting you can expect.
Lightfast: C4 lightened slightly during testing but the effect is minor. We would expect further lightening during an extended test.
Samples were swatched on X-Press It Blending Card. 1 layer of ink was exposed to windowsill sunlight for 21 days. Approximately 10 hours of sun per day based on weather conditions. Note: we do not recommend displaying original Copic art under these conditions.
Natural Ink Family: C4 is a diluted version of C10.
Family Members: C10, C9, C8, C7, C6, C5, C4, C3, C2, C1, C0, C00
We include this information because many Copic users never think deeper than the letter groupings (R, BV, G, etc.). Every ink has its own temperature variations and underlying flavors. Understanding what an ink looks like in its different dilutions helps when creating your own blending combinations.
Complement: N/A
Underpaint: N/A
Pushing Pencil: We suggest Prismacolor 1067 90% Cool Grey
VanillaArts.com (our sister site) teaches a Push & Pull technique for dimensional coloring. This is simply one suggestion. Many possible colors exist. Test to find a color that pleases you.
Vanilla Arts Classes using C4:
Nevermore Manor: an exploration of what it takes to assemble your thoughts and inspiration into a unique project that actually tells a story. Find more info here.
Vanilla Arts Digi Stamps using C4:
We continue to create new content and classes and we will update here as more become available.
Visit the workshop resource page at our sister site VanillaArts.com for a wide variety of Vanilla Arts stamps.
Color palettes and swatches using C4:
Looking for beautiful color palettes?
We absolutely love The Color Catalog 1 & 2 from Sarah Renae Clark. It puts hundreds of Copic friendly color palettes at your fingertips.
(note: affiliate link)
