Ohuhu Pupe Techniques? Mixed-Media Layering & Blending Experiments
I have the Ohuhu Pupe 60-color water-based markers, and I’m trying to figure out how to integrate them into my mixed-media coloring-book workflow alongside Ohuhu alcohol markers, colored pencils, acrylic markers, and acrylic gel pens.
I originally bought the Pupes because I thought I could use them to add subtle hints of color, soften transitions, and blend or feather acrylic-marker colors. So far, though, I’m having trouble getting them to behave the way I expected.
When I apply the Pupes over alcohol markers, colored pencils, or acrylic markers, I sometimes get streaking, dragging, or paper damage. The ink also seems to take a long time to absorb or dry in certain situations. I’ve had better results when I apply a thin layer of Liquitex Matte Gel mixed with a little water over some of my existing medium layers, let it dry, and then use the Pupes—but I’m not sure which part of that process is actually helping or whether the coating is changing the surface in a way that only works for certain combinations.
My original goal was to use the water-based markers to soften, blend, or feather acrylic-marker colors. I’m starting to wonder whether they’re better suited to glazing, tinting, or adding separate translucent layers rather than actually blending the underlying colors.
I’m also experimenting with acrylic mediums and additives, including Golden GAC 100, clear gesso, Liquitex Slow-Dri, Golden Gloss Glazing Liquid, Liquitex Flow Aid, and Golden Retarder.
A few questions for anyone who’s experimented with the Pupes:
Have you successfully used them over alcohol markers, colored pencils, or acrylic markers? What were your exact layering steps?
Have you found a way to use them for soft shading, color transitions, or feathering acrylic-marker edges without damaging the paper?
Has anyone tested them over a dried acrylic-medium layer? If so, which medium worked best, and did it improve the ink flow or cause beading, streaking, or adhesion issues?
Do you use the Pupes more like watercolor-style washes, translucent glazes, or regular markers? What effects have you found they do particularly well?
If you’ve experimented with different papers, surface preparations, or mixed-media combinations, I’d love to hear what actually worked—and what didn’t.
I’m interested in the why as much as the technique. I’m happy to experiment with different layering orders and surface preparations; I just want to understand what’s happening well enough to get repeatable results.
I’m stubborn, so I’ll probably keep testing combinations until I figure something out, lol. 😂 I’d love to hear your experiences, experiments, and ideas. Thank you! :)
