Yupo is a synthetic paper made from polypropylene, originally developed in the 1960s by the Japanese company Yupo Corporation. Initially, it was not designed for artistic purposes but was created for commercial applications such as printing, packaging, and labels due to its waterproof and tear-resistant properties. Over time, artists discovered that Yupo's unique surface provided an exciting alternative to traditional papers, leading to its adoption in the fine art world. As demand grew, manufacturers began refining Yupo to cater specifically to artists, making it available in various weights and sizes. Today, it is used in contemporary painting and mixed media applications, particularly for water-based and alcohol ink techniques.
The First Artists to Use Yupo and How They Used It
The adoption of Yupo in the fine art community began with experimental watercolour and mixed-media artists in the late 1990s. The American watercolour artists saw it as an alternative to cotton rag paper for painting watercolours due to its smooth, non-absorbent surface. Unlike traditional watercolour paper, which absorbs pigment into the fibres, Yupo allows paint to sit on the surface, creating highly vibrant and fluid effects, including "blossoms and bleeds", some highly valued unique marks to watercolours (and they loved the fact that it can be washed off, great for beginners). Other artists working on yupo with alcohol inks, also popularized the use of Yupo for its ability to facilitate the dynamic movement of ink. These early experiments paved the way for a broader acceptance of Yupo in modern art techniques.
The Unique Attributes of Yupo
One of the standout features of Yupo is its non-porous and ultra-smooth surface, which allows paint and ink to glide effortlessly. This characteristic makes it ideal for fluid painting techniques, as pigments remain on the surface rather than being absorbed, resulting in highly saturated colours and intricate, organic patterns. Artists working with watercolour, alcohol ink, acrylics, and even oil pastels appreciate Yupo’s ability to retain vibrancy and sharp details.
Durability and Versatility of Yupo
Unlike traditional paper, Yupo is tear-resistant, waterproof, and extremely durable, making it a long-lasting* option for artists. Because it doesn’t warp** or buckle when wet, it can handle multiple layers of paint and mixed media applications. This durability also means that mistakes are more forgiving; watercolours and inks can often be wiped away or reworked, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Additionally, Yupo can be used for printmaking, collage, and digital transfers, making it a favourite for artists exploring experimental techniques.
Challenges and Considerations When Using Yupo
Despite its many advantages***, Yupo comes with a learning curve. Since it is non-absorbent, drying times can be longer, and artists must be mindful of how they layer their colours. Blending techniques that work on traditional paper may behave differently, as pigment remains on the surface and can be easily lifted or smudged. Additionally, because Yupo is plastic-based, traditional adhesives and varnishes may not adhere well, requiring artists to use specialized sealants or framing techniques to preserve their work.
Why Yupo Remains a Popular Choice for our Artists
Port Art artists always seek to push the boundaries of traditional painting techniques. Yupo's ability to produce bold, luminous effects, combined with its durability, makes it a standout choice for those working with water-based media. Regardless of genre, Yupo provides a versatile and exciting surface that challenges artists to explore new creative possibilities. As the art world continues to evolve, Yupo remains an innovative and sought-after material for those looking to achieve stunning, unconventional effects in their work. It needs to be said, however, that there are limitations to the substrate that need to be catered to and overcome to be valued as the archivally sound, long-lasting materials that it can be when managed and presented correctly.
At the studios of Port Art, yupo has been employed in these common ways, but has also been sealed and given 'tooth' to allow for acrylic and mixed media techniques which do not require glass in the mounting/framing process.
* Long-lasting implies non-yellowing, among other long-term issues with various substrates, When framing a watercolour or ink piece, art glass (which blocks 99% of UV needs to be utilised to retain the prevention of yellowing with age. When opaque sealants are utilised, this yellowing is no longer an issue, so works on yupo can be laminated with archival varnishes and do not need glass.
** Other works on traditional papers are heat-mounted by framers, but this is not an option for artworks on yupo as the polypropylene with warp and buckle. Dry mounting is the method in this case, and yupo can also be "gallery wrapped" over a braced "cradle-board", which gives the appearance that a stretched canvas would. Hence it can also have floating frames added to harmonise with a personalised home decor, as other framed artwork can.
*** Advantages of yupo include:
- unique effects with a range of media
- an alternative to paper which requires no glass*
- an alternative to canvases as never breaks down, stretches, sags or frays as with some traditional substrates
