You can use Copic N4 gray marker to color a fluffy kittens like this. We tested this gray alcohol marker to see if it’s a quality purchase. Test results here.

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.

N4 Neutral Gray No. 4

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

Temperature: A balanced gray, neither warm nor cool

Resemblance: Lamp Black watercolor

Name: The name is correct, this is a truly neutral gray

Copic Styles: N4 is only available in Copic Sketch and Classic styles. The Ciao line does not include any of the neutral grays.

Actual Value: N4 (All Copic N grays match their true value. N is the only family where this is true.)

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.

Test results for Copic N4 alcohol marker. Is Neutral Gray #4 a high quality art supply? Does it fade or shatter? Read more here.

Cap Accuracy: The plastic end of an N4 Sketch Marker matches 1 coat of N4 ink.

Buildup: N4 reaches maximum color at 3-4 layers but starts to gather an oily appearance with the second layer.

Shattering: N4 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: N4 does not seem to stain the paper, surprising for a color with this much value.

Lift: N4 lifts with patient work and can be considered mostly correctable.

See staining swatch. Sample was given 6 stripes of #0 Colorless Blender, drying between each stripe. Results indicate how much lifting you can expect.

We tested Copic N4 Neutral Gray. Does it fade, stain, or shatter? Test results here.

Lightfast: N4 did not appreciably fade during the test period.

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: N4 is in the middle of the Neutral Gray family.

Family Members: N10, N9, N8, N7, N6, N5, N4, N3, N2, N1, N0.

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 PC1067 90% Cool Grey Prismacolor.

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