Frequently Asked Questions about YUPO

As always, feel free to contact us with any unanswered questions! 

How to mount YUPO to different surfaces and materials

One of the most common questions we get from artists using YUPO is how to mount the finished painting to another surface, such as wood, metal, or even to YUPO itself. Since YUPO is a non-porous, synthetic material, traditional water-based glues just won’t cut it.

We teamed up with YUPO where their R&D lab spent several months testing a variety of glues, adhesives, films and mounts to see what worked, and what didn’t. We’re excited to announce the results that we formatted into a cheat-sheet and can be downloaded here.

Is YUPO archival when used with oil paints?

YUPO is a totally inert material and therefore is completely archival. However, the composition of the oils being used will ultimately determine the painting's overall longevity.

Does YUPO yellow with UV exposure?

Yes.

Is there anything I can do to prevent YUPO from turning yellow?

Use a sealant only when your work is complete, as rework and touch-ups on YUPO become difficult to do after sealing. Acrylic varnishes form a non-yellowing, durable plastic skin that bonds permanently to the artwork. These varnishes cannot be removed, but can be painted over with acrylic paint.

We reached out to the Artist SandySandy (www.SandSandyFineart.com) for her recommendation: Sandy uses a high quality acrylic non-yellowing varnish on YUPO, such as Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic spray or the UV Resistant Clear Acrylic Spray on watercolor. (3-5 light coats with drying time in-between)

On Alcohol Ink, she uses 3-5 light coats of Kamar Varnish first, with drying time in-between. Then she follows this up with 3-5 coats of the UV Resistant Clear. The Varnish must be used first or it will run with the acrylic spray.

Since YUPO is not inkjet or laser compatible, what is the best way to transfer words onto the paper?

There are a variety of processes available and the one that seems to work best with YUPO is the DASS ART process. For more information, you can view this page. 

How do I cut YUPO roll paper?

You may use any cutting tool to cut YUPO. Scissors work well, but for a more precise cut you may want to use an Xacto knife.

How do I remove fingerprint oil from YUPO?

Click here for a step by step tutorial on how to remove oil spots on YUPO.

How do I get YUPO to accept watercolor paint?

Occasionally, an area of YUPO will resist watercolor paint. To avoid this, simply add a few drops of oxgall to your paint. To avoid any chipping once the paint is dried, use a fixative/sealant to protect your finished painting on YUPO.

Is YUPO synthetic paper suitable for laser cutting?

We have seen the following issues regarding laser cuts on YUPO: edge burning, discoloration of edges, melting and distortion. However, this can be prevented if the laser cutting system is capable of controlling temperature and speed.

Is it true that YUPO performs poorly with acrylic paint?

Acrylics can be easier to control on YUPO than watercolor. They do not run as fast. If it is not sticking enough, a small amount of liquid soap may be added. Grease or oil from fingerprints or other sources may impair adhesion. To remove, wash YUPO with soapy water, rinse, and allow to dry. Water does not affect YUPO.

How large can you go with the YUPO paper without it buckling or having ripples when framed and matted? Is there anyway to prevent this from happening?

This is difficult for us to answer as there is no rule of thumb. We have seen large artworks done on YUPO mounted without any ripples, but we don't know if the YUPO was mounted with hinges, archival tape or dry mounted. But it's important to note that even very large works of art done on regular paper will often show rippling (if it's mounted with hinges for example) as the paper expands and contracts over time due to the environment.

Also find below two truly informative articles written by Chris A Paschke, CPF GCF of Designs Ink that appeared in 'Picture Framing Magazine'

“Yupo Part 1: What To Do with Yupo”

“Yupo Part 2: Mounting Synthetic Papers”