A synthetic surface for wet media & experimentation
YUPO® is a smooth, non-porous synthetic surface made from polypropylene, designed to keep media on the surface rather than absorb it. This allows color to move, interact, lift, and be reworked, making Yupo especially suited for wet and experimental media.
On Yupo, results are shaped by fluid control, surface tilt, drying time, and intentional intervention. The surface remains responsive throughout the process, supporting correction, repetition, and exploration.
🎨 Watercolor on Yupo
Watercolor behaves on Yupo through surface interaction rather than absorption. Paint remains active longer, allowing dramatic blooms, color movement, and granulation. Clean layering requires patience and full drying between passes. A small amount of oxgall can improve flow where watercolor resists the surface.
🖌️ Gouache on Yupo
Gouache performs best with thicker, controlled application. Overly diluted gouache may slip or lift, so building in well-dried layers produces the most stable and graphic results.
🎨 Acrylics & Acrylic Inks
Acrylic media forms a stable film on Yupo, making it suitable for layering, transparency, and mixed media work. Thin passes with drying time between layers provide the best control.
🍸 Alcohol Inks
Yupo is widely used for alcohol inks due to its ability to support spreading, breaking, and controlled movement through tilt, air, and alcohol.
🧼 Surface preparation
Finger oils can affect adhesion. Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water restores even surface behavior.
🛡️ Sealing & protection
Because media remains on the surface, finished work often benefits from protective sprays or varnish. Seal only after completion, as reworking becomes limited.
⚖️ White, Translucent & weights
- White (Opaque): maximum brightness and contrast
- Translucent: depth, overlays, and light-based effects
- Heavy: increased rigidity for intensive handling
