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Alcohol inks have become an increasingly popular medium for artists and makers to express themselves.
Made from dye and alcohol, they are highly fluid and brightly colored.
They also dry quickly as the alcohol evaporates.
Photo: viktoryiaklimkovich/123RF
By using them, it’s possible to achieve layers of colors similar to when watercolor paint is used.
What really makesalcohol inkspecial is its versatility as afluid painting technique.
Non-porous surfaces like ceramics, metal, and glass all work well with alcohol ink.
Ranger Tim Holtz| $3.70+
This makes them ideal for decorating vases, mugs, tumblers, and wine glasses.
But, there’s so much more you might do.
It’s extremely fluid when wetwhich means that you might create some incredible effectsand the colors are vibrant.
Jacquard Piñata| $3.38+
Alcohol ink is popular for mixed-media art because of its unique properties.
There are many techniques to try with alcohol inks, all of which give different final effects.
One word of caution, however.
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You won’t want to use alcohol ink on normal paper.
Luckily, there are special items likeYupo paper, which is made from synthetic materials.
Waterproof and tearproof, it’s the perfect medium for alcohol ink.
Copic| $5.85+
You’ll also find waterproof art boards that can act as a canvas for alcohol inks.
Another consideration is also where you want to place your final project.
As alcohol inks aren’t lightfast, they will fade over time when exposed to the sun.
Ranger Tim Holtz| $5.76
One way around this is to use a UV protective varnish over the finished work.
Well, besides the ink itself, there are a few good supplies that are worth picking up.
This includes gloves to keep your hand clean, as well as ablending solution.
Outus| $9.99
Depending on the project, you may also want to usealcohol-ink markers.
Ceramics, glass, and metal all make excellent options.
But even fabric can be used with alcohol ink to great effect.
Legion Papers| $2.04
The final look will be like a muted tie-dye.
Alcohol ink is also a popular choice to combine withresin.
You’ll get some interesting effects when using these inks to createresin art.
Masterpiece| $5.30+
Or, you’re able to try the popularpetri dish techniqueto end up with some colorful coasters.
All in all, with alcohol ink you make hangable art, decor items, fashion, and accessories.
Check out some inspiration below on different surfaces to use with alcohol ink.
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It’s also suggested to use these respirators when adding a varnish to your finished piece.
Now they you’ve gathered all of your supplies, it’s time to get creative.
Single Drop Technique
This is one of the easiest fluid painting techniques to begin with.
Krylon| $11.73
Just turn over your bottle of ink and place a single drop on your surface.
From there, you might startlayering different drops of colorto see how they spread out and blend together.
you could even add a single drop of alcohol to add some negative space.
Mod Podge| $17.96
Beyond the abstract, the technique is also a favorite for making flowers.
First, you’ll mix the alcohol ink and isopropyl alcohol in a cut.
Get creative with what you attempt; you don’t need to invest in fancy materials.
ForPro| $11.99
Even an old piece of styrofoam or a crumpled piece of plastic can be used to great effect.
This technique first involves making a background using alcohol ink.
Then, you’ll place astencilover the background and dab isopropyl alcohol or blending solution.
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The flame technique involves first using the flood technique to fill your surface with ink and isopropyl alcohol.
Then, using a long lighter, you’ll set the surface aflame.
The end result will be slightly different but is still worth attempting.
Photo: gevko93/Depositphotos
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do you seal alcohol ink with?
Then, you’ll want to seriously consider a UV protectant likeKrylon UV Archival sprayis a good choice.
Do you need special paper for alcohol ink?
Glossy paper also makes a good alternative, as it’s not porous.
Can I use rubbing alcohol as a blender with alcohol ink?
Yes, but the quick drying time will give you a smaller window to work with when moving color.
