Painting Alcohol Ink on Canvas vs. yupo paper - 5 ways to make paint flow seamlessly

Hi I am Jenna Webb. I specialize in oversized alcohol ink paintings on canvas.

Today’s blog is a mini lesson on Alcohol Ink painting on a canvas versus yupo paper.

If you are familiar with painting alcohol inks on yupo paper, then you’ve probably ran into several noticeable differences and frustrations when starting to paint inks on canvas. Amiright?

Maybe you discovered how the inks don’t flow as freely. The canvas absorbs the paint incredibly fast. It can be terribly frustrating and when you end up with a painting you hate. Especially if you spent a lot of time (and money) painting it. 😭

Well loves….Understanding the differences between canvas and yupo will help you paint with more freedom and ease.

In my Canvas Course I share the 5 Ways I make canvas painting feel like working on glossy, flowy, yupo paper (which is beyond easier and less intimidating). 

If you are more of a do-er and less of a reader, take the shortcut and go straight to my course:

Learn More about my Secret Priming methods in my Alcohol Ink on Canvas Course:

5 steps to Paint with Alcohol Inks on Canvas like you do on Yupo Paper for ultimate flow

Prime - Alcohol inks work on non-porous surfaces and that's why yupo paper is so alcohol ink friendly; it’s plastic! On the flip side, canvas is ultra porous!  Most canvases come primed. But be careful, the canvas may say it’s primed but it must be primed for wet media. There is a massive difference. Refer to my other course lesson for a complete guide to priming for wet media and my secret priming weapon. 

Lift - Use risers

Soak - Poor alcohol / blending solution generously.  My students’ biggest frustration with alcohol ink painting is the lack of flow.  You may notice little “fingers” developing in your work. Even when working on yupo paper I suggest using more alcohol and blending solution to help the flow.  This is even more crucial when working on canvas. 

Color- Prepare to use more color than usual.  Buy large bottles of ink to save money. Dilute your colors in jars to extend their working time. The larger the surface, the more materials you will need. 
Move - Assist the paint movement. The porous canvas will soak up liquid, while the yupo paper repels liquid like an umbrella.  Use a hairdryer with an extension cord to reach the entire canvas.  Use a sculpting tool and brushes to move the paint around.

Priming Canvas For Alcohol Ink Painting

Before we can address Priming Canvas For Alcohol Inks first we must ask, are you using the right type of Canvas for Alcohol Inks? 

So….. canvases might look the same, but canvases are NOT created equally.  As you begin to read labels it can get pretty overwhelming with the seemingly endless canvas options out there ....duck, linen, jute, primed, double primed, raw....  AHHHHH!  

No worries…. I break down all of the canvas choices for you in Lesson 1 of My Alcohol Ink on Canvas Course.  

It’s critically important that ALCOHOL INK PAINTERS work with the right kind of canvas. Out of the many crucial things that I have learned which make the most impactful difference, canvas type is one of them. I can show you exactly what canvas you need and where to buy it.

And the BEST PART is (drumroll….) in the Alcohol Ink on Canvas Course I share everything I’ve learned about SAVING some serious cash on canvases. 

PRIMING CANVAS FOR ALCOHOL INK PAINTING 

Priming is crucial because alcohol ink must be used on a non-porous surface. You must prime the right way, with the right products. 🔑

I am going to show you exactly how to prime canvas for alcohol ink painting in Lesson 2 of my Alcohol Ink on Canvas Course. My method helps your canvas painting flow like the glossy finish of yupo paper. 

And guess what…. 

I have a second secret priming weapon. 💁‍♀️ This solution guarantees a consistent finish every time. It saves you time and money too! All covered in the course.

I hope this blog post lesson makes your canvas painting process feel easier and as familiar as working with yupo paper.  Remember these five words:

Prime

Lift

Soak

Color

Move


In the comments below, share your biggest frustration with making the yupo to canvas transition. 

Alcohol Ink Painting Courses

The best learning is on the go! Why not have the guidance to work out all the kinks?

I offer 2 alcohol ink painting courses. So you can instantly jump Into Alcohol Ink Painting and get your flow on today!

1. For beginners and painters building their confidence with alcohol inks on yupo paper, I suggest my Meditative Painting Course first:

This button below takes you to my Free Webinar to learn my methods

+ the details of this course at the end!

Description: A course like no other - an online soul retreat. All levels are welcome on this journey of self-compassion and deep connection. Over 25 video lessons, 25+ AI techniques on yupo paper, supportive student community & more.

2. For painters familiar with alcohol inks and ready to paint on CANVAS, I suggest my advanced course.

Click the button to learn more:

Description:

Advanced techniques and big secrets revealed. Everything you need to know about painting on Canvas. I truly have laid all my secrets on the table that transformed my own painting process. I paint so much more freely now with a process that saves me money and makes me feel more confident in my compositions. I can show you how!

See you inside!