Vivian Marlowe
Yupo paper is a synthetic, non-porous, waterproof paper made from polypropylene pellets. It is a preferred substrate for many alcohol ink and watercolour artists. Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying, alcohol-based, and waterproof. They are semi-transparent and can be layered and combined to create beautiful effects. The process of painting with alcohol ink on Yupo paper involves using a foam brush or a flat paintbrush, along with isopropyl alcohol, to create lines, textures, and shapes. The flexibility of alcohol ink allows artists to create soft, ethereal, or bright and intensely colourful paintings. It is important to note that alcohol ink stains Yupo paper, and it is challenging to return to the original white background. Artists can experiment with different techniques, such as using a blow tool or plastic wrap, to achieve unique and abstract results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper type | Yupo paper is a synthetic, tree-free, recyclable, non-porous paper made from polypropylene pellets. |
| Paper quality | Yupo paper is bright white, inert, acid-free, and flexible. |
| Paper maintenance | Exposure to sunlight will cause Yupo paper to yellow over time. To prevent this, frame the paper behind UV-protective glass or apply a UV-protective spray or varnish. |
| Ink type | Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying, alcohol-based, and waterproof. |
| Ink quality | Alcohol inks are pigment-rich, highly concentrated, and semi-transparent. |
| Ink application | Alcohol inks can be diluted with isopropyl alcohol to increase transparency and create different effects. |
| Ink manipulation | Inks can be moved around on the paper using a blow tool, a hairdryer, or other air sources. |
| Ink layering | Alcohol inks can be layered and combined to create unique effects. |
| Ink removal | Alcohol inks cannot be completely wiped off Yupo paper but can be removed with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel. |
| Paper alternatives | Alternatives to Yupo paper include Nara paper, ceramic tiles, art boards, plastic acrylic blanks, and alcohol ink cardstock. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your paper
Yupo paper is a unique substrate for alcohol ink art. It is a synthetic paper made from polypropylene pellets, with a bright white colour and a completely non-porous, waterproof surface. Its non-porous nature allows the alcohol ink to flow and create unique effects without the pigment becoming locked in place. This flexibility means you can create soft, ethereal, or bright and intensely colourful paintings.
When choosing your Yupo paper, it is important to consider the quality and characteristics of the paper. Not all synthetic papers are created equal, and Yupo itself has some specific features to keep in mind. Firstly, Yupo is inert and acid-free, but it will yellow over time if exposed to sunlight (UV light). Therefore, it is essential to protect your artwork by framing it behind UV-protective glass or applying a UV-protective spray or varnish. Acrylic varnishes, for example, form a durable, non-yellowing plastic skin that bonds permanently to the artwork and can be painted over with acrylic paint if desired.
Another consideration is the front and back surfaces of Yupo paper. Technically, both sides are identical, made from the same material. However, some artists have noticed a difference in how inks behave on one side versus the other. It is recommended to experiment with both sides of the paper to determine your preference. Additionally, Yupo is considered "erasable watercolour paper", but it is important to note that alcohol inks cannot be completely wiped off. The inks will stain the paper, and while you can use isopropyl alcohol to remove the ink, the background will be discoloured. Therefore, if you want to maintain a white background, it is crucial to plan ahead and mask areas accordingly.
The size and thickness of the Yupo paper are also important factors to consider. Yupo paper typically comes in various sizes, and you can choose the one that best suits your artwork's dimensions. Keep in mind that larger sheets of Yupo paper may be more expensive, and if you're creating smaller pieces, you might want to consider alternative substrates like artist trading cards, which offer a range of materials and colours to experiment with. These cards are also available in waterproof options, providing similar characteristics to Yupo paper.
Lastly, when choosing your Yupo paper, consider the availability and cost. Yupo paper can be purchased from art supply stores or online retailers, and the price may vary depending on the size and quantity you require. It is a good idea to compare prices and options from different sources before making your purchase.
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Preparing your inks
YUPO paper is a unique substrate for alcohol ink painting. It is made from polypropylene pellets, giving it a plastic-like, flexible, and durable quality. This synthetic paper is completely non-porous, allowing the alcohol ink to be manipulated and moved around the page.
Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying, and highly pigmented. Their semi-transparent quality means they can be layered and blended to create unique effects. To prepare your inks for painting on YUPO paper, you will need to dilute them with isopropyl alcohol. This will increase their transparency and allow you to create softer, more ethereal art or bright and intensely colourful pieces. The amount of isopropyl alcohol you add will depend on your desired effect. You can add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to your inks on a palette to make them easier to spread and blend. Alternatively, you can load your brush with ink and then dip it into isopropyl alcohol before applying it to the paper. This technique will create more texture and movement in your piece.
If you are using multiple colours, clean your brush between each colour to avoid mixing them unintentionally. You can also add isopropyl alcohol between colours to create blended lines and soften harsh lines. Be generous with the isopropyl alcohol to create a textured and abstract effect. Remember that YUPO paper is not erasable, so plan your composition and colour choices before applying the ink.
You can also use a blow tool or a hairdryer to move the inks around the non-porous surface and create a soft, blended effect. This technique allows the inks to flow and mix, creating unique and abstract designs. Another interesting technique involves laying a piece of plastic wrap on top of the wet ink. Crinkle the plastic wrap slightly to create a mosaic effect. Once dry, remove the plastic and cut out shapes to create a collage.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using alcohol inks, and always follow safety precautions.
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Using a blow tool
First, prepare your work surface with a disposable, plastic-lined surface. Protect your hands with gloves. You will need a few drops of alcohol ink in 3-4 colours of your choice, 99% isopropyl alcohol, a pipette or needle dropper, and cotton pads. You will also need a hand blower, hairdryer, or blow dryer.
Start by applying a small dot of ink to the Yupo paper. Add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to the centre of the ink spot, using the hand blower to gently push the ink outwards and create a circle. You can tilt the paper to guide the flow of the ink. Repeat this process, adding more alcohol and blowing the ink outwards to create larger circles. You can also blow the ink in a circular motion, starting from the outer edge and moving inwards, to create a ring effect.
To create more intricate details, add more isopropyl alcohol to specific portions of the circle once the ink has dried. Use the blow dryer to create another ring, which will form lines and patterns in the ink. You can also add more ink in a different colour and use the blow tool to push it around the page, creating new shapes and compositions.
Remember to keep the blow dryer angled off to the side and not directly on the ink. Work quickly, as alcohol ink dries fast, and use cotton pads to soak up any excess ink.
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Creating a collage
Yupo paper is a synthetic, non-porous, waterproof paper made from polypropylene pellets. It is a popular substrate for alcohol ink artists due to its unique properties. Alcohol ink is a vibrant, fast-drying, alcohol-based, and waterproof ink that can be used to create stunning paintings on Yupo paper.
To create a collage using alcohol ink on Yupo paper, start by choosing a maximum of three colours, with two complementary colours and one contrasting colour. Add a few drops of each colour to a palette and dilute them with isopropyl alcohol to make them easier to spread. Load the first colour onto a flat brush and paint lines across the Yupo paper. Add isopropyl alcohol to blend the colour and create some texture. Clean your brush and repeat this process with the second colour. You can add a line of isopropyl alcohol to push the ink upward and create blended lines.
Clean your brush again and apply thin lines and dots of the third colour as an accent. Use isopropyl alcohol to soften harsh lines and create visual interest. You can also add lines or dots of isopropyl alcohol to the page to enhance the texture. Remember to choose colours that blend well together to avoid any muddiness.
For a mosaic effect, load a foam brush with ink and isopropyl alcohol, or use a flat paintbrush to keep the colours separate. Apply the ink in random lines on the page, making sure the page is slightly wet. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on top, crinkling it slightly so that it clings to the ink. Once dry, remove the plastic wrap to reveal the mosaic pattern. Cut out shapes from the Yupo paper, such as organic or geometric designs, and repeat or vary the sizes as desired. As you cut, look for visually interesting parts of your alcohol ink work and start planning your collage design.
You can also experiment with different techniques, such as using a blow tool to create soft, blended effects or applying alcohol ink in various ways to achieve an abstract collage. Remember that Yupo paper will stain if you use alcohol ink, so plan ahead if you want to keep certain areas white. Additionally, protect your artwork from sunlight to prevent discolouration, and consider using a varnish or UV protective spray to preserve your collage.
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Sealing your artwork
Give your painting adequate time to dry before applying any sealants. It is recommended that you wait at least 48 to 72 hours, depending on the humidity in your area. Ensure your painting is completely dry to the touch before proceeding to the next step.
Choose a suitable varnish for your artwork. A high-quality, acrylic varnish such as Krylon® Kamar Varnish is recommended. This type of varnish forms a clear, non-yellowing, durable coating that will not discolour your artwork over time. It is important to avoid certain fixatives, such as Lascaux Fixative, as they can interact negatively with alcohol ink paintings.
Apply the varnish in light, thin coats. Use a soft brush or spray applicator to gently apply the varnish, being careful not to overload the surface. Allow each coat to dry for about 30 minutes to an hour before applying the next coat. Two to three light coats should be sufficient to seal your artwork effectively.
Once you are satisfied with the varnish application, allow your artwork to cure completely. The curing process can take several days, and it is important to avoid touching or handling the artwork during this time. Once cured, your artwork will have a permanent, protective finish.
Finally, protect your sealed artwork from UV rays. Exposure to sunlight will cause Yupo to yellow over time. Frame your artwork behind UV-protective glass, or apply a UV protective spray or varnish as the final coat. This will ensure your alcohol ink painting on Yupo remains vibrant and undamaged for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Yupo paper is a synthetic paper made from polypropylene pellets. It is bright white, completely non-porous, and waterproof.
The tools required are alcohol ink, isopropyl alcohol, a foam brush or flat paintbrush, and plastic wrap.
Choose a maximum of three colours, adding a few drops of each to a palette and diluting them with isopropyl alcohol. Load the first colour onto your brush and paint lines across the Yupo paper. Add isopropyl alcohol to blend and create texture. Repeat this process for the second colour, then clean your brush and apply thin lines and dots of the third colour as an accent.
Yupo paper is not erasable, so plan ahead and mask areas you want to remain white. You can also use a blow tool or a hairdryer to create abstract effects by moving the ink around.
To protect your Yupo paper painting from UV damage, frame it behind UV-protective glass or apply a UV protective spray or varnish. Store your Yupo paper painting in an acid-free storage container away from direct sunlight.
