The Benefits of Prepping Your Paper Before Using Alcohol Markers

 

When working with alcohol markers, it's essential to consider the paper that you're using. While alcohol markers are known for their vibrant colors and blendability, they can also cause some papers to bleed or feather. Prepping your paper before using alcohol markers can prevent this and give you more control over your artwork. In this article, we will explore the benefits of prepping your paper before using alcohol markers.

 

What are Alcohol Markers?

 

Before we dive into how to prep your paper for alcohol markers, let's first define what alcohol markers are. Alcohol markers are a type of marker that use an alcohol-based ink instead of a water-based ink. They are popular among artists for their ability to blend colors seamlessly and create vibrant, saturated colors.

 

Why is Prepping Your Paper Important?

 

Prepping your paper before using alcohol markers is important for several reasons. Firstly, alcohol markers can bleed or feather on some papers, resulting in blurry, unfocused lines. Prepping your paper can prevent this and allow you to create sharper, clearer lines. Secondly, prepping your paper can help prevent ink from seeping through the paper and causing damage to surfaces below. Lastly, prepping your paper can help you achieve optimal results from your alcohol markers, allowing you to create smooth, even color blends.

 

How to Prep Your Paper for Alcohol Markers

 

1. Choose the Right Paper

 

Choosing the right paper for your alcohol markers is crucial. Not all papers are created equal, and some work better than others when it comes to alcohol markers. Look for papers that are specifically designed for use with alcohol markers, such as Bristol board or marker paper. These papers are designed to resist bleed-through and allow for smooth, even color blending.

 

2. Use an Anti-Bleed-Through Pad

 

An anti-bleed-through pad is a thin, protective pad that is placed underneath your paper. It is designed to absorb excess ink and prevent it from bleeding through the paper and onto surfaces below. Anti-bleed-through pads are particularly useful when working with thin or delicate papers that are prone to bleeding or feathering.

 

3. Use a Fixative

 

A fixative is a spray that is applied to paper to help prevent the ink from smudging or bleeding. Once applied, the fixative helps to set the ink and prevent it from rubbing off the paper. This is particularly useful for artists who want to protect their artwork and prevent it from being damaged during transportation or display. Note that not all papers work well with fixatives, so be sure to do a test spray before applying it to your full artwork.

 

4. Prime Your Paper

 

If you're using a particularly absorbent paper, you can prime it by applying a layer of gesso or clear acrylic medium. This creates a barrier between the paper and the alcohol ink, preventing it from seeping through and causing damage. This is a particularly useful technique for artists who like to work with mixed media, such as watercolors and alcohol markers, on the same surface.

 

5. Practice On Scrap Paper

 

Before starting your artwork, it's always a good idea to practice on scrap paper. This allows you to test the paper and the markers before committing to your final piece. It also allows you to experiment with different techniques, such as blending and layering, and see how they work on your chosen paper.

 

Conclusion

 

Prepping your paper before using alcohol markers can make a big difference in the quality and longevity of your artwork. By choosing the right paper, using an anti-bleed-through pad, applying a fixative, priming your paper, and practicing on scrap paper, you can create beautiful, vibrant artwork without the fear of fading, bleeding, or feathering. Experiment with different techniques and papers to find what works best for you, and don't be afraid to try new things. With alcohol markers, the possibilities are endless!