I've been reading a lot about using paper towels dipped in paints, to use in art journaling. I've been using a similar method for years and it seems to work better for me.
What I do is take my used fabric softener sheets and then rub them on different colored ink pads. Then I glue them on paint papers. I can then use them for backgrounds or cut them up for collages. Plus they smell nice!

I've posted a couple of them, plus a journal page.
Have a good day!