How To: Use Alcohol Inks on Yupo Paper

Alcohol inks have created a new and unique style in the art world. If you aren’t sure what Alcohol Inks are, then visit our recent blog post. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of using alcohol inks on Yupo paper, providing you with tips, techniques, and inspiration to create your own masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this guide will help you harness the power of alcohol inks.

Before diving into the techniques, let’s gather the essential materials you’ll need:

Alcohol Inks: We stock Ranger, Pinata, Couture Creations and Copic brands, known for their high-quality pigments and vast colour selections.
Yupo Paper: Yupo is a brand, however all you really need is a synthetic, non-porous paper. This is ideal for alcohol inks as it allows the inks to move and blend beautifully.
Blending Solution or Isopropyl Alcohol: Used to dilute the inks and create interesting effects.
Applicator Tools: Brushes, Pipettes, Cotton swabs, straws, craft guns, etc.
Protective Gear: Gloves, mask and a well-ventilated workspace to handle the alcohol inks safely.

So now, lets begin! Here are the basic steps on how to use alcohol inks with Yupo (or similar) papers.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Start by setting up a clean, well-ventilated workspace. Cover your work surface with a protective layer to catch any spills or splatters. Alcohol inks can be messy, so it’s best to wear gloves and old clothing that you don’t mind getting stained. Although it is a much easier and cleaner medium as opposed to resin, we highly recommend covering up as Alcohol Inks are solvent based and will stain clothes and surfaces.

2. Apply the Alcohol Inks: There are various techniques to apply alcohol inks to Yupo paper, each yielding unique results. Here are a few methods to try:

Dropping Inks Directly: Start by dropping small amounts of alcohol ink directly onto the Yupo paper. Watch as the ink spreads and creates organic shapes. You can layer different colours for a more complex effect.
Using an Applicator: Apply the inks using a pipette, brush, cotton swab, or felt pad. This method allows for more controlled application and blending of colours.
Blowing the Inks: Use an air blower to blow the ink across the paper. This technique creates beautiful, wispy patterns and blends the colours in interesting ways.
Spraying Alcohol: Fill a spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol or blending solution or use a pipette and lightly spray the Yupo paper before or after applying the inks. This will help the inks spread and create a marbled effect.

3. Manipulate the Inks: Once the inks are on the paper, you can manipulate them to create various effects. Don’t forget, as these are solvent-based they will dry quick so you will need to work fast! Here are some methods to try:

Tilting the Paper: Tilt the Yupo paper in different directions to let the inks flow and blend naturally.
Using a Brush: Dip a brush into isopropyl alcohol or blending solution and lightly brush over the inks to create soft, blurred edges.

4. Layering and Blending: One of the advantages of using alcohol inks on Yupo paper is the ability to layer and blend colours. Let each layer dry before adding the next to prevent the colours from over blending and becoming messy. Use blending solution or isopropyl alcohol to blend the layers seamlessly and create colour depth.

5. Creating Details: For finer details, use a small brush or a pen. This allows you to add intricate designs and highlights to your artwork. You can also add things like gold leaf or metallic inks to create more detail and add a hint of sparkle.

If you haven’t worked with Alcohol Inks before, here are some tips we recommend for working with Alcohol Inks on Yupo Paper:

Work Quickly: Alcohol inks dry fast, so work quickly to manipulate the inks before they set.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different techniques, brands and tools. The beauty of alcohol inks lies in their unpredictability.
Seal Your Artwork: Once you’re satisfied with your piece, seal it with a UV-resistant varnish to protect it from fading and smudging.

Working with alcohol inks on Yupo paper is an exciting and rewarding process that opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, the techniques and tips outlined in this guide will help you create stunning, vibrant artworks. Remember to experiment, have fun, and let your creativity flow! Once you are confident enough with Alcohol Inks on paper, you can begin to branch out and experiment with new surfaces like Ceramic, Aluminium, Jesmonite or even MDF (MDF is very hard to work with!). Happy crafting!