Coloring Tutorials // Hardcore Basics // Bleedthrough Basics

November 3, 2025 by Ajey

In this tutorial we’re going to be learning why our markers bleed, how to control it and how to use it to your advantage.

Part 1: Umm can you just not do that?!?

So alcohol markers actually work by pushing dye suspended in isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol evaporates fast and that’s why we have to be mindful of time constraints. 

Things that will just make it worse
Paper Weight
Coating
Saturation & Layering
Hand Pressure
Color Intensity
 Thin Paper saturates quickly.
Slow absorption, helps blend but you always risk pooling.
Repeated passes soak all paper fibers completely.
Heavy hand pressure pushes ink deeper.
Darker ink will travel further.

Part 2: Paper types and stuff

Like you were warned this is merely informative. If you would rather learn through trial and error then move on ahead. Alcohol Markers with the lightest hand will work best at 110GSM or higher. Aim for 200+ for best results.
Read the damn table.
Paper Type GSM Bleed Risk Blend Quality Notes
Marker
Mixed Media
Bristol Smooth
Printer(20lb)
Cardstock(110lb)
 70-100
160-200
200-250
75
270
 Light
Moderate
Minimal
Heavy
Minimal
 Smooth
Good
Crisp Lines
Poor
SlowBlend
 Resist Heavy Handedness. Single Side.
Great for Sketchbook. Feathering risk.
Perfect for linework or scanning.
Instant Bleeder
Ideal for finished pages/printables.
GSM: Grams per Square Meter. (Measures Thickness & Density, not weight)


Okay so how do I fix this?

To show differences in the paper we use in a printed coloring book
(Book Used: CocoWyo’s Cozy Corner | You can find it here on Amazon)
So to show what I’m talking about I took 3 different sheets of paper. 1 from the book, 1 from a pack of cardstock I have, and 1 from a mixed media sketchbook I use for bigger projects.

Use what you need

In 1 you have our lines just filled in normally. No real effort to stop any bleeding whatsoever. This method is fine most the time if you’re using paper that is more dense. you won’t have much bleeding. Just color one layer softly, wait about 10 seconds and then spot check clean it up after if you are using a lower grade paper or coloring book. It prevents pooling but doesn’t dry completely to allow more blend time.



Now in 2 you have our lines filled in going along the inside of our linework. This allows our bleed to happen under the linework and rarely allows it to travel past the line.

Patience is Key

Best blending occurs when it’s wet. If you hold your paper up to a light and it still looks glossy then it’s not done evaporating. Ler her dry before you flip the page, stack it on top of another, or even layer more ink.

Blender Mindfulness

Your colorless blender is pure alcohol. Overusing it will actually make your bleed worse. Use it to fade the ink not so much flood the section.


Oh **** too late. Now what?!?



🔲 For scanning & digital cleanup: Scan front side only. Use photoshop to remove faint shadows. Use levels/Curves NOT Brightness/Saturation.
💅 For physical pages: R.I.P. My condolences. Or get creative to repair it.