Alcohol Ink - Cheaper Alternatives to Yupo Paper? | Budget Friendly Alcohol Ink Paper

Yupo is great but I need something a little cheaper to play around with! Check out this set of tests I did on 6 different alcohol ink substrates (including Yupo) and see how they stacked up!
Materials Used:
(Affiliate links may be used at no cost to you. Product disclosure below).
Ranger Alcohol Inks - bit.ly/32Tj90W
Yupo Synthetic Paper - amzn.to/3KNOVPQ
Mylar Stencil Material - amzn.to/47FlDwu
Canon Photo Paper - amzn.to/3P3repk
Grafix Craft Plastic -amzn.to/3OMiSAS
Tim Holtz Glossy Cardstock - amzn.to/3Pj7SwO
Synaps Synthetic Paper - bit.ly/3mUqGDu
99% Isopropyl I used - amzn.to/3P5uFvy
(smaller quantity) - amzn.to/45fMFc9
Alcohol Blending Solution - amzn.to/3OMdptS
Ink Blower - amzn.to/45gwPhL
----- DISCLOSURE -----
Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you use those links to purchase items I may receive a small commission. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

[@KASH10043]

How does this not have more views? Some of the best information that I've seen, very thorough and complete down to figuring out the true cost of each item. Really surprised at the results too.Thanks!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Wow, thank you! Appreciate the kind words :)

[@MaestraEva]

I agree.

[@mdayal210]

I also agree! This channel is full of great ideas!!

[@fruitlessbeast]

Agreed. Such a great informative post.

[@paulawalker9016]

I’ve been doing alcohol ink for about 3 years and this is just about the most informative video I’ve come across. Thank you so much!

[@susanrodesky9872]

Thank you for doing this comparison! One of the best that I have come across. Everyone seems to think that only Yupo is suitable for alcohol inks but I can't justify using it exclusively simply because of its cost. I do a ton of alcohol ink backgrounds so I am ordering Grafix & Mylar from now on!

[@cathymiller4489]

Shawna, fantastic video. I purchased a few alcohol inks years ago and looked at the type of paper you can put it on. For the price, no way! Found a video of a woman talking about Yasutomo Mineral Paper pad (11x14), 20 sheets for $14.92 (Amazon). It's crazy paper. Do the math when you think about it, $1.34 per sheet. You get to cut it down! Made out of rocks, smooth as silk, cuts effortlessly in a paper trimmer. If you have a die cutting machine you do need to put shims of paper on top of your machine plate to cut it since it is so thin. I do most of my alcohol inks with dies to cut out words. Easy to put a card together with when you glue it down. I also use the Alcohol solution (not much, the smell is strong) regular rubbing alcohol and drop it through a pipette and alcohol in a spray bottle held up higher over the project to create small bubbles when it gets dryer. Less ink is always they way to go so you can move it. You did an excellent job! I have a small pack of TH yupo that I purchase, used one sheet and was disappointed. This product is super thin but strong. Hard to tear. It will save you ink! You did a wonderful job. Thank-you!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

I always love trying new papers, thanks for the recommendation!

[@hazelanakadesign7071]

Hi Shawna, this was an incredible video for someone who just bought 40+ Adirondack alcohol inks through an online auction & has no idea what to do & why! Thanks so much for the in-depth analysis. I'm now a subscriber. Hazel

[@berlycece]

Excellent testing; you even put the same number of ink drops on each sheet. I'm impressed! New subscriber!

[@janasher4940]

Very good experiment on these papers. I learned a lot about other types of papers available and how well they performed under different techniques. I would never buy Yupo again since cheaper substrates are available. I've used Mylar and back it with white copy paper for an opaque look, and the white paper makes the colors more vivid.

[@RoySATX]

This is an excellent comparison video. It is the best alcohol ink substrate video I've seen on KZbin, though I do admit I've only viewed a few. I have, however, seen a lot of videos comparing other art supplies, watercolors, watercolor papers, acrylics, artists pens, pencils, you get the idea, and I would say this still ranks very high, like second or third place overall. She demonstrated the performance of each choice very well and covered all the important variables. The one consideration left unknown is how well each will hold up over time, but that's not within the scope of this video. So, thanks to this video I'm off to buy some alcohol ink paper, confident that if it turns out to be a waste of money it will be due to my lack of talent and nothing else!

[@taylorjudi]

Loved your comparison experiments. Thanks for sharing and it was fun!

[@scubajenn5]

This is a GREAT test video!! Thank you so much! Very good info!

[@judykronmeyer4737]

Great testing and usable results. Thank you.

[@Honeybee1975..]

Interesting outcome. Thanks for doing this and sharing it!

[@crochetessentialsbylisa]

Wow again!! I'm so glad I just found you!! Loved the testing.

[@crystaladams9477]

Thanks so much for the time you took in putting this together ...was a huge help

[@elisagonzales3440]

Very helpful, thanks!! Great job discerning between the brands.

[@WendyColeArt]

Wow, this was a great test, Thank you! I never even thought of using mylar!

[@jennyvoorhaar9547]

Thank you so much for all the research you’ve put into this ❤️

[@taaveritt]

GREAT video demo!! This is so helpful and informative. Thank you for creating this video!!

[@gratefulcreations]

Wow!! Good job on this experiment!! Thanks for the info

[@shellyeudy5116]

Great info. Surprised about the Yupo results... good to know! Appreciate YOU!!

[@kerry4987]

Great demo! Thank you!

[@caffinee22]

This was such a helpful and great video! thank you for doing this; I'm definitely going to try out the Grafix paper. loved seeing these results!

[@brightflower144]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@lindaj.herzog7392]

Thank you soooooo much. I’m a newbie, and needed to know this!

[@lisaanguish1495]

This video is informative, thorough and so easy to listen to! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and doing the comparisons!

[@donnacarraway9182]

Thank you for sharing your experience!! Always good to learn about how to save as well as be creative!!💕

[@zobing224]

I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel. Please continue to do budget friendly videos. This is great!

[@gingerwhalen7734]

Thank you, I have been wondering about using other papers as well!

[@chappbj]

Very cool! Great review, thank you!

[@michellegrace3406]

GREAT comparison! Love that. Thanks!

[@alisongervase7341]

A thorough, concise, informative and fun video. Thank you for putting it all together.

[@betemelculum]

Science in art! I love your research approach. 😊THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@Kati_k_kuriosz]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us ❤

[@lhwerry]

One of the most helpful videos on alcohol ink I have seen. Thank you!

[@golalehkamran9529]

Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I am very lucky to have discovered your channel today. I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you so much.

[@dilemmix]

Thank you, you've helped me a lot! Very good idea to show us all these options!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Great to hear! Thank you so much

[@angelahartley3212]

Thank you for this video!! I just happened on it and subscribed!! I have never heard of some of these things as I have been crafting quite some time!! This was fantastic!! Thank you!! Look forward to seeing more!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@adele6592]

Thanks for the info. It is very very helpful, and I appreciate what you have done, and the time it has taken. God bless you.

[@pauladyer9845]

Thank you…these are so new to me..your demos are spot on…thanks

[@rabbitgregory9289]

Great product review. I liked your system.

[@lindamaclaren1866]

Really great test! Glad I found your channel.

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

So glad it was helpful, thank you so much!!

[@dianemarie9d9]

Thank you! I just found you, and I banged that subscribe button RIGHT AWAY. I've never done that before, but I have a great feeling about learning from you!

[@janieness5158]

Great information!!! I really appreciate the comparisons you have done. I found some shiny poster board at the dollar store just to play around with my alcohol inks. It’s an inexpensive choice especially when just playing. I was so surprised how well the inks moved and the end result. So happy to have found your channel!!!

[@pgugliot]

Loved your scientific approach to evaluate and compare all of these substrates. Excellent video prompting me to be a new subscriber! Thank you!

[@kdbhoney]

Fabulous! You have taken the time and guesswork out of identifying different aspects of substrates for alcohol ink! You are the best! New sub here! 💗 🎨✨🎉

[@tatteredpaperandlace2905]

This was very informative. I’ve just gotten into alcohol inks and am still learning…I needed this info. Thank you for sharing.

[@lesliefischer1432]

This test was so helpful!!!! So happy I found your channel!!!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Glad it was helpful!! Thank you

[@guardself921]

Super helpful video! Thank you!!!!! 😊

[@lisacutten5573]

You are amazing! Thank you soooo much for putting together such an in depth analysis. I am new to alcohol inks so your knowledge, examples and method of testing along with your detailed discussion is extremely helpful to me and I’m sure many others.

[@skunnavatana9407]

Fantastic video….such great comparisons and a surprise ending !!!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Thank you very much!

[@janetcurtis701]

Thank you for using the scientific method to compare these substrates! Very helpful.

[@susantalcott2485]

Impressive job!! Well done!!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Thank you so much!!

[@cocoreese228]

Thank you for the effort you put into making this very useful video! God bless you!

[@sharonh.5586]

This is an awesome comparison and just what I was looking for! Than you so much!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

You're very welcome. Thank you!

[@TheTerrylwg]

Thanks so much for this demo. I am just beginning to investigate using alcohol ink and this was incredibly informative and saved me a ton of money, I'm sure! Thanks for all your videos.

[@tanyachmilar2975]

Excellent review. I was using Yupo and am waiting for the Grafix craft paper supposed to be here today. Will try the no name one. thank you

[@kathycultice5272]

Great comparisons, thanks!

[@melanieclaresmith]

Fantastic video ..thank you for doing this test ..really helpful..😊

[@katestuart327]

That was awesome! You rock. Great job. New sub.

[@nixdanger6733]

such an excellent scientific approach which demonstrated clearly which factors affect the substrate as well and which to use for a particular project and i love this thanks

[@kristicompton8812]

Wow, thank you for doing this comparison. It was timely fir me to view it, as I was looking for a translucent yupo alternative!

[@lindawhite1515]

Thanks for a serious comprehensive comparison of substrates. Well done!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@sueplatt8899]

Very interesting-thanks for sharing!

[@MoniqueAO888]

Great testing...thanks for sharing !!!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!!

[@user-cn8dk7ce3x]

This is one of the best teaching videos I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much!

[@dianekeegan1134]

Love that this was a blind test. Excellent video!

[@kimberphereclar4979]

Thank you, I'm gonna buy the mylar now!

[@stitchingmatters6184]

Incredibly helpful information for someone who, like me, loves to try lots of different creative crafty things! Many, many thanks!

[@SD-bz4zh]

Great explanation and way to decide on which paper to choose. I am a newbie and I was getting overwhelmed on which to decide on. Thank you 🙂

[@lindakline7314]

Wow. What a great presentation. Thanks for such in-depth comparisons.surprised by the results of what did poorly. I have used Grafix but will try the Mylar.

[@etherealone]

I’m just getting into alcohol inks. This video is the best information. Thank you so much.

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Glad it was helpful, thank you too!

[@bridgetcampbell6629]

This is a fabulous overview. You just saved me a ton of money, time and effort. Thank you so much!

[@ladycase2]

This is by far the best review of alcohol ink substrates I have seen. Absolutely awesome. Thank you so very much!!!!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Thanks so much!

[@stormeeheyd8576]

I just came across this and I am very impressed. You gave a through informative comparison on the various substrates to use with alcohol ink. Thank you for putting this together.

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed!

[@kingeroyce2439]

This was awesome! I have a ton of no brand stencil plastic sheeting that I had no use what to use for, I picked it up for cheap at a liquidation place, something like 100sheetz for $1! I never really thought about even doing alcohol art and was actually looking for something else when I stumbled on your video. I know what my next project is now!

[@dianaguenther3239]

Methodical, informative and so useful! I really appreciate this video as I'm just getting into alcohol inks. I'm enjoying more of your videos as you now pop up on my feed! You are brilliant:)

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Oh, thank you so much. That's very kind. Glad you enjoyed!!

[@cleta2045]

I love the way your mind works.

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Wow, thank you!!

[@debdennis7853]

Very helpful! Thanks ❤

[@3bbbuzzz579]

LOVED IT!!! saved me a lot of time and money cause i was not going to use upo thanks

[@sandrakubu8163]

Excellent video!

[@vjonas397]

Great info, thanks!

[@j2bee735]

Thank you, this was really helpful

[@marcydobbs1653]

Very I threshing. I've avoided alcohol inks because of cost to learn. This changes that problem. Thank you for sharing g.

[@sonshinesunflower]

Thank you for doing & sharing this comparison! It was extremely informative & helpful! I could’ve saved so much money had I seen your video prior to buying all the things!! Lol So happy to have stumbled upon your channel! I’ll be binge watching to learn more! 😊

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Glad to help. Thank you!!

[@fastquilter600]

This will be a good reference video for when I'm working with alcohol inks. For now, I need to get Grafix papers!!!!!

[@veronicastewart1112]

This was very interesting, thank you.

[@alysonhovanec6314]

Very informative! Thank you

[@njow7586]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing

[@briarsecord]

Thank you! Such a great video! The content is exactly what I've been searching for. Your methodology was so well thought out. I was thoroughly mesmerized and entertained by the whole video. It even had a cliff-hanger ending! The results were shocking to me. So well done! Thanks again!

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the feedback, glad it was helpful :D

[@51andhappy44]

I loved this! TFS!

[@susanswindle1972]

Very well done!

[@jodimckean169]

Strongly agree with other folks: this was a fabulous non biased review! I’m new to inks and this was a great find, before I waste money on the substrate

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Thank you so much, I appreciate you!

[@kathyh216]

I am just starting with alcohol inks and am so happy I found your video! Thank you so much for creating this informative video!

[@sabineedelmann6531]

Great video! Thanks!

[@kimsharabba5386]

This was a fabulous video, I'm glad KZbin promoted it to me. I (amazingly) just bought some mylar for stencils and had NO thought to use it for Alcohol Inks. I'll try it. I also LOVE all Graphix products. Thank you so much.

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful. Thank you!!

[@traceyallen8286]

Really relevant information . Explained clearly. I expect this will save a lot of us significant time and money. Thanks so much. New subscriber.

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Glad it was helpful :) Thanks so much!

[@D.von.N]

Fab review. Although everyone will prefer different properies, so your overall score won't be relevant to everyone, still a great overview. Much appreciated!

[@rosetzu_nagasawa]

Yupo is trade name for COMPRESSED polypropylene into paper form. another common name is Tyvek by Dupont. if you go to DIY store and ask for roll of tyvek you can get the cheapest form of YUPO. Yupo is much finer than tyvek, tyvek is meant for industrial use. Been used as envelope for FEDEX for many years.

[@user-jm6pu8um2c]

Thank you. Excellent video.

[@ForgottenDetails]

I am totally blown away by your results! Thank you SO much for conducting this test. I feel you were very thorough and covered all the bases. I sat here making my own guesses as the tests were conducted and like I said, in the end, I was completely surprised.

[@CreatedandMadeStudios]

Awesome! So glad it was useful to you. Thank you!