How to Create Vibrant Dot Effects with Copic Ink Refills on Yupo Paper

If you’re looking for a fun, experimental way to use your Copic ink refills, try pairing them with YUPO paper. This synthetic, non-porous surface allows inks to move and layer in ways you can’t achieve on traditional paper. Here’s a quick tutorial to get you started!

What You’ll Need

• Copic ink refills (any colour of your choice)
• YUPO paper (we’re using a round sheet here, but any size works)
• Isopropyl alcohol 
• Wide palette to catch and hold your ink (you can use a plastic plate or fold a small sheet of aluminum foil!)
• Pointed brush
• Extra paper/rag to put underneath and to use for cleaning (it could get messy)
• Gloves (totally optional – it’s fun to get your hands dirty!)

Cool Things to Know

YUPO isn’t actually paper—it’s a synthetic plastic surface. Because it is non-absorbent:

• Watercolour and ink sit on top instead of soaking in, producing a vibrant effect with the colours retaining their brilliance.
• You can even rinse off watercolour under the sink and start again (though staining colours may leave a light tint).

This unique property makes it perfect for alcohol ink techniques!

Step 1: Create your Background

• Take one of your Copic ink refills and drop a small amount directly onto the YUPO surface. You’ll notice that the ink spreads out, creating organic shapes and textures.
• Drop a little bit of the isopropyl alcohol on top of your ink. The alcohol will mix with your ink right away.
• Pick the sheet up and tilt it at different angles to move the ink and create your background.
• Once you’re happy with the coverage, pour the excess to your palette or container.
• Allow a couple minutes for the surface to dry a little bit, but don’t wait too long! You don’t want it to be completely dry.

Step 2: Use Different Colours to Add your Dots

• Prepare your choice of ink colours on your palette. 
• Take your brush, dip it into one of the colours from your palette, and start adding dots to your piece by lightly touching the tip of your brush onto the paper.

The new layer of ink will push the background colour away, especially in those spots where the background is almost dry.

The more ink you have on the brush, the farther out it’s going to push the ink that’s already on the paper. Cool, huh?!

Step 3: Dip, Drop, and Repeat!

• You can add dots to existing dots and see how it creates another circle!
• The circles will be smaller if the first layer is still wet, so if you want bigger circles, add your dots to the dried parts of your paper.
• Do this until you have filled the whole sheet.

Step 4: Let it Dry

• Once you’re happy with your design, simply let the ink dry on the surface. The result is a vibrant, fluid artwork with a glossy finish that really pops.

Final Thoughts

Working with Copic ink refills on YUPO paper is fast, forgiving, and exciting. It’s an ideal way to explore colour, texture, and flow without worrying about mistakes – no two drops are the same and every drop leads to something new!