RV04 Shock Pink Copic Marker. We swatch and test Copic colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | #copicmarker #howtocolor #swatch

RV04 is a cool light magenta Copic Marker reminiscent of Opera Rose watercolor. This artificially bright marker color is useful for coloring florals, bold spring images, and youthful candy-colored projects. RV04 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.

RV04 Shock Pink

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

Temperature: A cool magenta but man, the artificial brightness makes you second guess the temperature.

Resemblance: Opera Rose watercolor.

Actual Value: N3.5 (that artificial brightener makes it seem bolder than it really is)

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: Not even close! The plastic on a Sketch cap is close in value to 4 coats of RV04. The problem is the cap doesn’t capture the day-glow effect which leads to shock when you open it. The cap looks very sedate and calm, the ink is school-highlighter bright.

Buildup: RV04 is easy to layer.

Shattering: Does not shatter at all.

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: RV04 does not stain.

Lift: Lifts easily. It’s not completely erasable but you can certainly minimize the look of a mistake.

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: Faded about 50%.

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: R04 is a diluted version of RV09. At the opposite end, RV0000 is the highly diluted version. WARNING: After complete testing of the RV-Zero family, I do not recommend purchasing this family of Copics, nor do I recommend using them due to their fade rate plus the obnoxious glow they provide. Try the RV-Ten’s instead.

Family Members: RV0000, RV000, RV00, RV02, RV04, RV06, RV09

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: A mild green like viridian.

Underpaint: We suggest G00 but even with underpaint, this color still glows.

This is simply one suggestion. Many possible colors exist. Test to find a color that pleases you.

Pushing Pencil: Prismacolor 1008 Parma Violet is a good choice.

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.