Your guide to Sennelier Ink & Aero Color

Two classics in liquid color

When it comes to liquid colors for drawing, illustration and mixed media, both Sennelier Drawing Ink and Schmincke Aero Color are among the most recognized series. Although both are highly pigmented color inks in convenient bottles, they differ significantly in composition and application possibilities.

While Sennelier is based on the traditional shellac-based ink, Schmincke Aero Color is a modern acrylic-based ink - developed for both brush and airbrush. In this post, we'll guide you through the differences, benefits and applications so you can find the series that best suits your work.

Sennelier Drawing Ink - classic shellac-based color ink

Sennelier has been producing artist materials in Paris since the late 1800s, and their color inks have been a favorite of illustrators, calligraphers and artists who love the traditional look for decades.

What do they contain?

Sennelier inks are based on shellac, which gives the ink a natural shine and depth. The colors are very intense and when they dry, they leave a beautiful, light silky glossy surface.

What can they be used for?

- Perfect for calligraphy, drawing, illustration and decorative work.
- Can be applied by brush, fountain pen, dip pen or airbrush.
- Suitable for layering techniques - but note that dried ink becomes water resistant, making it ideal for building on without dissolving the underlying layers.

Surfaces

Shellac ink adheres best to paper and cardboard. It can also be used on other porous surfaces, but should be avoided on very smooth or flexible substrates.

Schmincke Aero Color - liquid acrylic-based color ink

Schmincke is known for its uncompromising focus on pigments and durability. Developed specifically for airbrushing, Aero Color has become popular for a wide range of techniques - among illustrators, designers and mixed media artists alike.

What does it contain?

Aero Color are acrylic-based paints in liquid form. This means they are lightfast, water-based and dry to a silky (satin), water-resistant and flexible film that can adhere to many different substrates.

What can they be used for?

- Ideal for airbrushing, but also works with brushes, dip pens and technical pens.
- Suitable for illustration, design, street art and mixed media.
- Dries quickly and provides a robust surface that can be combined with other acrylic products.

Surfaces

Acrylic ink is more versatile than shellac ink and can be used on paper, canvas, cardboard, wood, plastic and metal - as long as the surface is clean and grease-free.

What's the difference?

Although both series provide strong and brilliant colors, their character is different:

• Binder:
  - Sennelier: Shellac (classic, slightly more brittle film).
  - Schmincke: Acrylic (flexible and very durable film).
• Expressions:
  - Sennelier: Traditional, satin finish, intense color with classic ink look.
  - Schmincke: Satin finish, more "painterly" and suitable for modern media.
• Application:
  - Sennelier: Best for paper and calligraphy/illustration.
  - Schmincke: Can be used on many more surfaces - including non-porous materials.

Tips & tricks

- Combine shellac ink and acrylic ink in layers or side by side in your artwork for contrast between the different expressions of the colors. Note: Avoid mixing the colors in liquid form as the different binders will not mix properly.
- Remember that Sennelier becomes waterproof after drying - perfect for layering.
- Aero Color can be diluted with water or acrylic medium if you want softer transitions in airbrush or brushwork.
- Both series are extremely pigment-strong - start small and build layer by layer.

Why choose Sennelier or Schmincke?

It depends on your style and project:

• Choose Sennelier Drawing Penif you want the classic shellac feel, glossiness and a more traditional look.
• Choose Schmincke Aero Colorif you want flexibility, acrylic properties and the ability to work on many different surfaces.

Whichever series you choose, you get a professional product that inspires both experimentation and beautiful artwork.