White-out, also known as correction fluid, is a quick-drying liquid used to cover up mistakes made with pen or pencil. It was invented in 1951 by the secretary Bette Nesmith Graham as a way to correct typing errors. White-out works by applying an opaque, white polymer onto the paper that blocks out the ink or graphite underneath it. Once it dries, you can write or type over the whited-out area again.
While white-out is very useful for correcting small mistakes, many people wonder if it can also be used as a canvas for drawing or coloring. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not you can effectively color on white-out and the pros and cons of doing so.
Can You Technically Color on White-Out?
The short answer is yes, you can technically use white-out as a surface to color on. White-out provides a blank, white surface once dried that creates a smooth backdrop for laying down color.
Here’s how it works:
– Apply a layer of white-out over the area you want to color. Allow it to dry completely.
– Use markers, colored pencils, gel pens or other coloring implements to draw and color over the white-out. The white background allows the colors to really pop.
– You may need to apply multiple coats of white-out if coloring larger areas to ensure opacity.
– Avoid using wet media like paint or watercolors that may dissolve the white-out surface.
So technically speaking, the white polymer material in white-out can be colored on once dried. But just because you can color on white-out doesn’t necessarily mean you should. There are some downsides to using white-out as an impromptu coloring surface.
Problems with Coloring on White-Out
Here are some potential issues that can arise with coloring on dried white-out:
Flaking and Cracking
As you layer color on top of white-out, you may notice cracking or flaking occurring in the surface. This happens because the white-out polymer is relatively brittle when dried. Using multiple markers or pressure can cause it to crack.
Tooth and Texture
While white-out may look smooth, up close it has a bit of tooth and texture to it compared to premium art paper. This can cause coloring implements to catch and skip rather than glide smoothly.
Yellowing Over Time
The white-out surface can become dull and yellow over time, especially with exposure to sunlight. This causes your colors to look faded and muted.
Difficult to Erase and Correct
If you make a coloring mistake on white-out, it can be tricky to erase and re-do compared to normal paper. The white-out may peel up and get damaged.
Colors Don’t Blend Well
Markers and colors do not blend seamlessly on white-out like they would on high-quality drawing paper. The texture causes uneven blending.
So in summary, while white-out provides a blank white canvas to color on, the surface and texture causes issues like cracking, limited erasability, and uneven blending. For best results, stick to using high quality drawing, mixed media or canvas paper made specifically for coloring.
Better Surfaces for Coloring
Rather than using office supplies not designed for art, you’ll achieve much better coloring results using paper and canvases designed specifically for creative work. Here are some good options:
Bristol Paper – Bristol paper is a premium paper praised for its super smooth surface. It comes in different thicknesses, allowing it to withstand a variety of wet and dry media. Bristol works excellently with both markers and colored pencils.
Watercolor Paper – The thick fibers and sizing in watercolor paper allow it to handle wet media like watercolors and alcohol markers without warping. The texture also creates unique blending effects.
Mixed Media Paper – Mixed media paper stands up to a wide range of coloring implements from gouache to pastels. It has a toothy texture that grips media but still allows for smooth blending.
Toned Paper – Toned paper comes in shades like tan or grey. Coloring on toned paper makes colors pop and appear more vivid. The color base cuts down on white areas showing through.
Black Paper – For dramatic effects, try coloring on black paper. Colors seem to glow and become more neon on the dark background. Metallic and neon markers work beautifully on black.
Canvas Paper – With a thicker base and bumpy texture, canvas paper mimics the feeling of coloring on artist canvas. The small grooves allow colors to blend fascinatingly. Use with bold markers and paint pens.
Papers meant for artistic creations better facilitate coloring techniques and deliver more impressive, professional visual appeal than an office supply like white-out.
When White-Out Coloring Could Work
There are some scenarios where coloring on dried white-out may produce acceptable results:
– As an impromptu solution if quality drawing paper is unavailable
– For quick concept work not meant as a finished art piece
– For elementary grade level coloring sheets or activities
– Using simple crayons or colored pencils where blending and erasing are not needed
– As an underpainting base on a canvas painting
– For abstract technique experiments and texture effects
Basically, white-out coloring may be fine for informal play or draft work, but serious, finished artwork calls for professional grade coloring surfaces specifically designed for the medium you want to use.
Conclusion
In summary, while you can technically use dried white-out as a canvas to color on, it is not ideal for high quality, finished artwork. The texture causes cracking, limited blendability, yellowing issues, and other problems. For best results, select a paper or surface designed specifically for coloring such as Bristol, watercolor paper, canvas paper, or toned paper. This allows your colors and techniques to shine and creates a professional finished product. White-out coloring may work in a pinch or for simple practice work, but for something you want to frame and display, stick to real art papers. With quality materials, you can create vivid, dynamic artwork that shows off your true creative vision.
| Surface | Good For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| White-Out | Impromptu coloring surface, concept work | Prone to cracking, yellowing, uneven blending |
| Bristol Paper | Smooth blending, markers, colored pencils | Expensive, not ideal for wet media |
| Watercolor Paper | Wet media like watercolors and alcohol markers | Can warp if oversaturated |
| Mixed Media Paper | Versatile for many types of coloring | Too toothy for detailed marker work |
| Toned Paper | Makes colors pop, reduces white areas showing through | Limited range of colors available |
| Black Paper | Dramatic backgrounds, neon/metallic pops | Can use up color fast from repeated layering |
| Canvas Paper | Mimics canvas texture, allows bold blending | Too rough for fine detail work |