How to Use Alcohol Inks

The most important thing to do when using alcohol inks for the first time is to experiment with them. It's great to get an idea of how the inks move across the page and how you can manipulate them. You can use them on all kinds of surfaces including Yupo paper, glass, ceramic, clay, resin and so much more.

Use a scrap piece of Yupo paper to have a play and try out different techniques. You'll notice as the first drop hits the page, how quickly it spreads out in a circle. Adding more drops and different colours will allow the circles to move into one another. When you drip blending solution over the top you will create a colourless circle that displaces the colours creating darker edges to you circles.

You can also use a drinking straw to wave your colours or create individual colour gradients. By using a hair dryer or blower on a cool setting, you could also achieve this effect.

Remember to always work in a well-ventilated room when using alcohol inks. If this isn't possible then a breathing mask with a filter is important in preventing you from inhaling small amounts of colour pigments as the alcohol evaporates.

It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves and to protect your working surface as the inks are very likely to stain. This will also prevent grease from getting on to your painting surface and effecting the inks.

To protect your artwork, you will need to use a UV light sealer as alcohol inks are very light sensitive and will likely fade over time if not protected.