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Introduction to Acrylic Inks

Acrylic inks can behave similarly to watercolour this is perfect for watercolour artists looking to try a new product that you can use with your watercolour techniques. Let Ali Hargreaves give you all her tips and advise on how to use these versatile inks.
Acrylic Inks

What are acrylic inks?

These are the most fluid of the range which means they can be used with a variety of exciting tools like calligraphy pens, dip pens, fine brushes and airbrushes. Liquid acrylics are available in bottles with dropper caps, as spray paints and acrylic markers. These are similar to concentrated inks – very bright and especially good for watercolour effects and washes. 

Five Daler Rowney acrylic ink bottles with ink smear
Thin black line

Learn the basics with Ali Hargreaves...

Acrylic Ink Types

  • Acrylic Inks are the most fluid of the range which means they can be used with a variety of exciting tools like calligraphy pens, dip pens, fine brushes and airbrushes.   

  • Acrylic paint in a spray can, dries waterproof and permanent, available in a variety of nozzles for different widths of application.  You can cover larger areas quickly with a fine application of colour. 

  • Acrylic markers are marker pens with various nib shapes and sizes filled with a water based acrylic paint. that dries quickly and works on many different surfaces. They are opaque paint, perfect for using on their own., on different coloured surfaces, for adding fine details, for mixed media work, or adding details to acrylic paints.  

    They dry to a permanent and waterproof finish. While the ink is still wet you can move or blend with water. You only have a brief time as the ink dries quickly and the ability to move and blend will depend on the surface used. 

Acrylic Inks

Inks to get you started...