A synthetic (polypropylene) substrate is born with a non-porous surface that repels water. YUPO® gives visual artists an amazingly beautiful canvas to work with. Its bright white, smooth finish gives artists the flexibility to work in several different mediums to achieve unique and creative results.
Painting or drawing on the ultra-smooth surface of YUPO® is different than regular watercolor or drawing paper, and will require some adjustments by the artist. The surface may be wiped clean to restore the original white of the sheet, making it an excellent surface for beginners. YUPO® is also a very exciting substrate for more advanced and experimental artists. Its creative possibilities and suitable applications are infinite.
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What is different about using acrylic paint on Yupo synthetic paper?
On Yupo, acrylic sits on top of the surface rather than soaking in, because Yupo is a non-porous, waterproof polypropylene sheet. This gives you crisp edges, very bright colour and lots of time to move or wipe paint, but it also means layers can feel more “slippery” than on cotton or wood pulp paper. Many artists like to start with thinner, fluid acrylics and transparent glazes on Yupo, then slowly build up thicker passages once the first layers are fully dry so the paint film has the best chance to grab and flex with the surface.
What is Yupo synthetic paper and how is it different from regular paper?
Yupo is a smooth, non-absorbent synthetic paper made from polypropylene, so it behaves very differently from cotton or wood pulp papers. Because it is waterproof and tear resistant, paint and ink sit on the surface instead of soaking in, which keeps colours intense and allows you to wipe, lift, and rework areas much more than on traditional papers. This also means drying happens by evaporation rather than absorption, so timing, patience, and a light touch become part of the process.
How can I improve adhesion and durability when using acrylic on Yupo, especially for finished artwork?
Because Yupo is slick, it helps to gently clean the surface first with isopropyl alcohol or mild soap and water to remove any oils, then build up your acrylic in thin layers, sometimes with a bit of acrylic medium mixed in to increase flexibility. Once your painting is completely dry and you are happy with it, you can protect it with a suitable clear spray or varnish, or by mounting and framing it behind glass. This reduces the risk of scratching or accidental lifting and keeps the unique look of acrylic on Yupo stable for display.
A synthetic (polypropylene) substrate is born with a non-porous surface that repels water. YUPO® gives visual artists an amazingly beautiful canvas to work with. Its bright white, smooth finish gives artists the flexibility to work in several different mediums to achieve unique and creative results.
Painting or drawing on the ultra-smooth surface of YUPO® is different than regular watercolor or drawing paper, and will require some adjustments by the artist. The surface may be wiped clean to restore the original white of the sheet, making it an excellent surface for beginners. YUPO® is also a very exciting substrate for more advanced and experimental artists. Its creative possibilities and suitable applications are infinite.
A synthetic (polypropylene) substrate is born with a non-porous surface that repels water. YUPO® gives visual artists an amazingly beautiful canvas to work with. Its bright white, smooth finish gives artists the flexibility to work in several different mediums to achieve unique and creative results.
Painting or drawing on the ultra-smooth surface of YUPO® is different than regular watercolor or drawing paper, and will require some adjustments by the artist. The surface may be wiped clean to restore the original white of the sheet, making it an excellent surface for beginners. YUPO® is also a very exciting substrate for more advanced and experimental artists. Its creative possibilities and suitable applications are infinite.