Have you discovered the delightful results you can achieve with alcohol inks? Those highly saturated colors and swirling blooms are amazing! The artwork created using these inks deserve to be protected so you can enjoy them for a long time.
If you’ve ever taken an alcohol ink class with Eva, you’ve heard her review and demo the steps to care for and protect your masterpieces. After classes she usually sends out an email reminder with written instructions too (how nice of her).
She thought it might be useful to other people to share those instructions and so here you go; How To Seal & Protect Your Alcohol Ink Paintings…
Be sure to let your alcohol ink piece dry completely before trying to seal it; give it a day or two.
Step One
Krylon Kamar Varnish is a non-yellowing, acid free spray, and vital in protecting your alcohol inks from interfering with any other product. Apply in thin, even coats, making sure to dry well between each layer. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your artwork.
Step Two
Krylon Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish matte (or glossy if you prefer). After you’ve got at least 3 layers of the Kamar varnish, then spray several thin, even layers of the UV protection over that, drying between each layer.
Step Three
Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray- Once you have both the Kamar varnish and UV sprays completed, you can add a non-yellowing clear coat to finish your project.
These are the steps that Eva follows to seal and protect all of her alcohol ink artwork. She also frames them under glass to add another layer of protection. If you are interested in learning more about painting with alcohol inks please consider taking a lesson with Eva. She offers private and small group classes in her Clay, NY studio. Come with your friends and share the fun!