W0 Warm Gray No. 0: Copics Uncapped (Marker Swatch, Ink Testing)

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.

W0 Warm Gray No. 0

Let’s take a closer look at this Copic Marker and its ink characteristics.

Temperature: A warm, yellowed gray which can look brown or green in some color palettes

Resemblance: Davy’s Gray watercolor

Name: Warm Gray is an acceptable name for this color but I think Copic missed a golden opportunity to name this family “French Gray”. French is closer to the actual color, plus it sounds more desirable.

Copic Styles: W0 is available in Copic Sketch, Ciao, and Classic styles.

Actual Value: N0

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: The plastic end of an W0 Sketch Marker is very close to 1 layer of W0 ink but the plastic is slightly more yellowish

Buildup: W0 reaches maximum color at 3-4 layers

Shattering: INCONCLUSIVE. W0 is such a light color that it fades completely when dispersed in solvent. Other members of the W Gray family are a mixture of gray and brown colorant so we assume W0 follows the same pattern.

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: W0 is a non-staining color

Lift: W0 lifts easily from the paper and can almost be considered “erasable”

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: W0 did not fade during the test period. With a color this pale, we expected to see significant fading and yet there was no change in the swatch over 3 weeks. Excellent performance!

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: W0 is at the lighter end of the Warm Gray family.

Family Members: W10, W9, W8, W7, W6, W5, W4, W3, W2, W1, W0, W00.

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 PC1070 30% French 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.

GRAY WORKSHOP

GRAY COLORING KIT

COPIC TEST ARCHIVE

MAKE GRAY BEAUTIFUL

UNDERPAINT BLENDING COMBINATIONS

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)

W9 Warm Gray No. 9: Copics Uncapped (Marker Swatch, Ink Testing)

W9 Warm Gray #9 is a warm gray Copic Marker which resembles Davy’s Gray watercolor. This color is useful for underpaint, shade, fur, and natural landscapes. W9 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.

W9 Warm Gray No.9

Let’s take a closer look at this Copic Marker and its ink characteristics.

Temperature: A warm gray.

Resemblance: Strong Davy’s Gray watercolor.

Actual Value: N9

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 cap on a Sketch marker is very close to 1 layer of W9.

Buildup: W9 layers up to 2 coats. Exercise caution beyond this as it can look very oily.

Shattering: Slight shattering into a gray with slight hints of brown along the outside of the puddle ring.

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: Copic grays are not generally staining but this is a dark color so it will tint the paper slightly.

Lift: Lifts with some effort but is too dark to be fully erased.

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: Slight fading was detected, perhaps about 10%.

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: W9 is a diluted version of W10.

Family Members: W10, W9, W8, W7, W6, W5, W4, W3, W2, W1, W0, W00

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 935 Black will push this color but be careful because the black pencil is a cool and this marker will look extra brown in comparison. There really isn’t a great pushing color for this marker.

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 W9:

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 Copic classes.

Vanilla Arts Digi Stamps using W9:

We continue to create new content and stamps and we will update here as more become available.

Visit the Vanilla Stamp Shop our sister site VanillaArts.com for a wide variety of Copic classes.

Color palettes and swatches using W9:

We are building our palette and swatch collection a little more each week and will update here as more become available.

Visit the color resource page at our sister site VanillaArts.com for a wide variety of Copic palettes and swatches.

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)

W7 Warm Gray No. 7: Copics Uncapped (Marker Swatch, Ink Testing)

W7 Warm Gray #7 is a warm gray Copic Marker which resembles Davy’s Gray watercolor. This color is useful for underpaint, shade, fur, and natural landscapes. W7 is available in Copic Sketch, Ciao, 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.

W7 Warm Gray No.7

Let’s take a closer look at this Copic Marker and its ink characteristics.

Temperature: A warm gray.

Resemblance: Davy’s Gray watercolor.

Actual Value: N7

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: Close. The cap on a Sketch marker matches 2 coats of W7.

Buildup: W7 layers up to 3 coats. Although the scanner did pick up some oily sheen in the sample card shown above, it’s less noticeable in real life.,

Shattering: Slight shattering into a gray with slight hints of brown along the outside of the puddle ring.

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: Copic grays are not generally staining but this is a dark color so it will tint the paper slightly.

Lift: Lifts with some effort but is too dark to be fully erased.

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: Slight fading was detected, perhaps about 15%.

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: W7 is a diluted version of W10.

Family Members: W10, W9, W8, W7, W6, W5, W4, W3, W2, W1, W0, W00,

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 1099 Espresso to l push this color but will also shift it slightly more brownward.

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 W7:

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 Copic classes.

Vanilla Arts Digi Stamps using W7:

Color palettes and swatches using W7:

We are building our palette and swatch collection a little more each week and will update here as more become available.

Visit the color resource page at our sister site VanillaArts.com for a wide variety of Copic palettes and swatches.

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)

W5 Warm Gray No. 5: Copics Uncapped (Marker Swatch, Ink Testing)

W5 Warm Gray #5 is a warm light gray Copic Marker which resembles Davy’s Gray watercolor. This color is useful for underpainting, general shading, fur, natural landscapes, and grayscale illustration. W5 is available in Copic Sketch, Ciao, 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.

W5 Warm Gray No.5

Let’s take a closer look at this Copic Marker and its ink characteristics.

Temperature: A warm gray.

Resemblance: Davy’s Gray watercolor.

Actual Value: W5

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: Close. The cap on a Sketch marker matches 1 coats of W5.

Buildup: W5 layers beautifully.

Shattering: Slight shattering into a cool gray with hints of soft brown along the outside of the puddle ring.

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: No. Copic grays are not generally staining.

Lift: Lifts easily. This color isn’t fully erasable but it’s close.

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: Slight fading was detected, perhaps about 10%.

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: W5 is a diluted version of W10.

Family Members: W10, W9, W8, W7, W6, W5, W4, W3, W2, W1, W0, W00

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 1074 70% French Grey with a very soft touch.

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 W5:

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 Copic classes.

Vanilla Arts Digi Stamps using W5:

Color palettes and swatches using W5:

We are building our palette and swatch collection a little more each week and will update here as more become available.

Visit the color resource page at our sister site VanillaArts.com for a wide variety of Copic palettes and swatches.

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)

W3 Warm Gray No. 3: Copics Uncapped (Marker Swatch, Ink Testing)

W3 Warm Gray #3 is a diluted warm gray Copic Marker which mimics Titanium Gray watercolor. This color is useful for shading organic white objects like fur, cement, and white botanicals. W3 is available in Copic Sketch, Ciao, 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.

W3 Gray No. 3

Let’s take a closer look at this Copic Marker and its ink characteristics.

Temperature: An light, warm gray.

Resemblance: Titanium Gray watercolor.

Actual Value: W3

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: Close. The cap on a Sketch marker matches 2 coats of W3.

Buildup: W3 layers beautifully.

Shattering: Slight shattering into a cooler gray with hints of soft brown along the outside of the puddle ring.

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: No. Copic grays are not generally staining.

Lift: Lifts easily. This color is almost erasable.

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: No fade was detected.

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: W3 is a diluted version of W10.

Family Members: W10, W9, W8, W7, W6, W5, W4, W3, W2, W1, W0, W00,

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 1072 50% French Grey with a very soft touch.

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 W3:

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 Copic classes.

Vanilla Arts Digi Stamps using W3:

Penny Candy: an incredibly flexible image- the color options are completely up to you! Use my sample color palette or make substitutions to match your favorite colors. Find more info here.

Snowman Supplies: an incredibly flexible stamp, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any party. Find more info here.

Color palettes and swatches using W3:

We are building our palette and swatch collection a little more each week and will update here as more become available.

Visit the color resource page at our sister site VanillaArts.com for a wide variety of Copic palettes and swatches.

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)

W1 Warm Gray No. 1: Copics Uncapped (Marker Swatch, Ink Testing)

W1 Warm Gray #1 is a highly diluted warm gray Copic Marker reminiscent of Titanium Gray watercolor. This color is useful for shading organic white objects like fur, cement, and white botanicals. W1 is available in Copic Sketch, Ciao, 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.

W1 Gray No. 1

Let’s take a closer look at this Copic Marker and its ink characteristics.

Temperature: An extremely light, warm gray.

Resemblance: Titanium Gray watercolor.

Actual Value: W1

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: No. The cap is darker but also more golden than the actual ink.

Buildup: W1 has very little colorant and can be layered extensively.

Shattering: The ink is so pale that the test swatch was hard to visualize. We can see gray but there are hints of a peachy-brown leakage color at the margins of the spot.

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: No. Copic grays are not generally staining.

Lift: Lifts easily. This color is so pale, you can consider it erasable.

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: No fade was detected.

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: W1 is a highly diluted version of W10.

Family Members: W10, W9, W8, W7, W6, W5, W4, W3, W2, W1, W0, W00,

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 1070 30% French Grey with a very soft touch.

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.

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)