Alcohol Ink Backgrounds

Yesterday I decided to play with my alcohol inks, and I tried some different substrates.   I used Yupo paper, glossy paper, and the front and back of photo paper.  I got the idea to use the back from a video on YouTube.  The woman who made the video said it was very similar to Yupo paper, so I gave it a try.  The glossy side of the photo paper wasn't successful,  The inks didn't move at all, since they were absorbed into the paper very quickly.  The results I got from the regular glossy paper weren't that great either.   Here are the rest of the results, with a description below the photo:

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I used Ranger/Tim Holtz alcohol inks in the following colors):  Red Pepper, Valencia, Sunset Orange, Peach Bellini, Sunshine Yellow, Lemonade, Limeade, Citrus, Aqua, Turquoise, Mermaid, Cool Peri, Purple Twilight, Eggplant.  I also tried the Brea Reese alcohol inks in these 3 colors:  Rose, Kelly Green (no link available), and Ocean Green.

The top 2 backgrounds were done on Yupo paper, which I found to be the most successful substrate.  It was easy to move and blend the inks, and I was able to create those beautiful cells that I love so much.  In all the backgrounds, you will see small flecks of Deco Foil that I applied while the ink was still a little tacky.  I used leftover scraps that I had used on other projects, just a dab here and there.

In the next row, the orange background on the left was done on the back of Canon Glossy Photo Paper.  I was surprised at how successful this was.  Although the inks didn't move quite as easily, and they took a little more work, I was happy with the results.  The finish is more matte than that of the Yupo paper.  The second background was done on Yupo paper.

The background (it's actually one cut in half) in the bottom row was made on the back of HP Glossy Photo Paper.  Like the Canon paper, I had to work a little harder with this one, and it was my least favorite.  I did like the end results, but the Alcohol Ink Blending Solution and plain alcohol that I used reacted in a strange way with the coating on the back of the paper.  Some spots were shiny, and others were matte.  Some of the ink also rubbed off, but I buffed the paper with a paper towel when I was done.  No more ink is rubbing off now, and I was able to make the 2 card bases that you see in the photo.

Overall, my favorite substrate to use is still the Yupo paper.  It's the most expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives available on Amazon as well.  The back side of photo paper is a less expensive way to go, especially if you have tons of it like I do.

Play around with different substrates, and see what happens.  You might be pleasantly surprised at the results!  Thanks for visiting, and remember to find a little joy every day.