An Introduction to Artist Acrylic Inks

What Are Acrylic Inks?

Acrylic inks are pigment-based, water-soluble liquids that share similarities with traditional acrylic paints. However, they have distinct properties:

Vibrant Colors: Acrylic inks come in intense, saturated hues, making them ideal for adding pops of color to your miniatures.
Transparency: Inks are more transparent than regular acrylic paints, allowing for layering and glazing effects.
Fluid Consistency: They flow smoothly and evenly, making them suitable for fine details and washes.
Permanent: Once dry, acrylic inks are permanent and lightfast.

Uses of Acrylic Inks in Miniature Painting

Glazing – Acrylic inks work wonderfully for glazing. Dilute them with water or a glazing medium and apply thin layers over your base colors. This technique adds depth, modifies colors, and creates smooth transitions.

Washes – Create washes by mixing inks with water. Apply these diluted inks to recessed areas (such as crevices or folds) to emphasize shadows and enhance texture.

Colorizing Metallics – Inks can transform metallic paints. Apply a thin layer of ink over metallic surfaces to alter their hue or add iridescence.

Saturation and Vibrancy – Inks provide intense color saturation. Use them sparingly to enhance specific areas, like gemstones or magical effects. You can also mix them with acrylic paints to adjust hues and shades.

Here are a few common questions involving acrylic inks:

Q: How do acrylic inks differ from thinned acrylic paints?

A: The key differences lie in transparency, consistency, and vibrancy:

Transparency: Inks are more transparent, while thinned acrylic paints retain some opacity.
Consistency: Inks are fluid, whereas thinned acrylics maintain a thicker consistency.
Vibrancy: Inks offer richer, more vivid colors.

Q: Can I airbrush with acrylic inks?

A: Yes! Acrylic inks are excellent for airbrushing due to their fluidity.

Q: Can I use the Arcus Artist Acrylic Inks on other mediums and surfaces?

A: Absolutely! They can be used on surfaces prepared with primer or matte surfaces such as canvas, paper, wood, plastic, resin and other materials.

Conclusion:

Acrylic inks expand your creative toolkit, allowing you to experiment with vibrant colors, glazes, and unique effects. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a beginner, give acrylic inks a try—they might just become your new favorite medium!

Sources:

Here’s a video which explains more about acrylic inks and a demo and introduction of the Arcus Professional Colours Artist Acrylic Inks.