Is YUPO paper Japanese?
You might be asking me, “what exactly is Yupo?” Yupo is made from polypropylene. It’s not a paper at all. That’s a good place to begin. Yupo is a synthetic paper that is tree-free. This surface is 100% recyclable, smooth, very durable, tear-resistant, waterproof. It resists buckling that usually occurs with cotton watercolor papers. It does not absorb the pigment.
Yupo paper is a synthetic water-resistant paper. That means that when used with watercolor, your paint will dry only by evaporation and there will be no absorption by your paper (as would be with regular watercolor paper). Yupo has an extra smooth surface and can be used with a combination of media, including watercolours, alcohol ink, acrylic paint, monotype, offset printing, debossing oil pastel, graphite and silkscreen. Yupo paper does not only take wet mediums. It will also accept fineliner pens, permanent marker, alcohol markers and graphite pencil. Yupo is a compelling and unique alternative to traditional art papers. It’s a synthetic paper, machine-made in the USA of 100% polypropylene. This is why yupo paper will allow very nice textures to form while the paint is drying. It is waterproof, stain resistant, and extremely strong and durable. PH neutral.
There’s also a translucent Yupo but I have not explored watercolor options there yet. Yupo’s available where art supplies are offered.
Watercolor is an adventure all on its own but if you are up for more challenge, you might give Yupo a try. Keep in mind! With yupo paper, the most influential element is water. Diluted watercolor paint in watercolor will dry making nice textures and a darker outline, you can see them on that detail of a painting. If you don’t like those outline you can remove them afterwards, when the paint has dried. My favorite subjects are landscapes and flowers. The artwork is now something I enjoy looking at and displaying for others to see.
Very important! Don’t touch the paper. The grease from your skin will create spots that repel paint – so don’t touch it any more than necessary. Remove it carefully from the pad by the edges. There could be techniques for removing that skin oil, but I haven’t found a reliable one.
The best thing? If it doesn’t work out, just wash it off! Again don’t touch the surface while washing it under the sink; use a soft cloth to rub it off. Know that some colors will stain lightly, and some colors that normally don’t stain normal watercolor paper can stain Yupo. But being able to reuse it is awesome! Let it air dry. You’re ready to paint!
abstract alcohol ink painting on yupo . Great guideline here. on amazon
What you might need:
* Revlon 500 watt styling brush hair dryer w/ cool setting
* EVO synthetic art paper 9″x12″ (10 sheet pad)
* Grafix Dura-Bright white synthetic art paper 9″x12″ (12 sheets)
* Alcohol Ink Set
* Pinata by Jacquard Exciter Pack (9 colors)
* Pinata Brass by Jacquard metallic alcohol ink (4 oz.)
* 3 pk. Ranger alcohol inks (slate, currant, & meadow)
* Krylon Kamar Varnish
* Precision Tip Applicator Bottles 30 ml
* Molotow Liquid Chrome 30 ml refill