Noah Vinter
Alcohol ink art is a fun and creative process, but sealing it correctly is essential to protect your artwork. Some artists have experienced issues with epoxy resin turning their alcohol ink green or causing it to fade, so it is recommended to seal your alcohol ink before applying epoxy resin. The typical process involves allowing your alcohol ink to fully dry, then applying a sealant such as Kamar Varnish, followed by a UV protectant, and finally, a resin or other protective coating. This three-step process ensures your artwork is protected from UV rays and physical damage while also preventing the ink from interacting with the epoxy resin.
Sealing Alcohol Ink Before Epoxy
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance of sealing | Protecting alcohol ink art is essential if you want it to last. |
| Process | The ink must be fully dry for 24-48 hours before sealing. Sealants include Kamar Varnish, UV spray, and epoxy resin. |
| Benefits of sealing | Sealing alcohol ink prevents colours from fading, provides UV protection, and protects the art from scratches and damage. |
| Challenges | Some users have experienced issues with colours changing or disappearing when using epoxy directly on alcohol ink. |
| Alternatives | Other sealants include Winsor & Newton® Professional Gloss Spray Varnish, Varnish 300 from Montana®, and Liquitex® Professional Gloss Varnish. |
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What You'll Learn
Krylon Kamar Varnish is a necessary first step
Kamar Varnish is the first of three steps in sealing alcohol ink art. The ink must be fully dry for 24-48 hours before beginning the process. The varnish is then applied in 3-5 layers, after which the ink should be protected from UV rays with a UV protective spray. This step is crucial, as without it, the ink will fade faster.
After the UV protective spray, the art needs to be protected from scratches and damage. This can be done with a few different options, including Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray, which will protect the art from scratches and physical damage. This step should also be done in 3-5 thin layers, allowing each coat to dry fully according to the instructions.
While sealing alcohol ink art with epoxy resin can give it a glossy finish and make the colours pop, it can also cause the colours to change or disappear altogether. This is especially true for brown inks, which often turn green when epoxy is applied, regardless of how many coats of other spray sealants are used. Therefore, it is important to seal alcohol ink art with Kamar Varnish before applying epoxy resin.
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Epoxy resin can alter colours
Epoxy resin is a thermosetting polymer that is well-known for its strength, ease of use, and transparent finish. It is a popular choice for coating paintings, photographs, wood, puzzles, and more. One of the advantages of using epoxy resin is its ability to absorb pigments and dyes, resulting in tinted hues and shades. However, it's important to note that not all colourants are non-toxic, and some may contain solvents that can alter the non-toxicity, non-flammability, and food safety of the resin.
When working with alcohol ink, it is crucial to follow the proper sealing process to prevent issues such as colour changes or fading. Alcohol ink artists typically use Kamar Varnish, a clear-drying spray sealant, to seal their alcohol ink creations. This prevents the ink from reactivating, bleeding, or smudging. After applying the Kamar Varnish, it is recommended to use a UV protectant before applying any additional sealants or epoxy resin. This helps prevent the ink from fading over time.
While epoxy resin can be used to coat alcohol ink artwork, there have been reports of colour changes and fading when the two are combined. Some artists have noticed that their alcohol ink colours completely disappear or change when epoxy resin is applied. This issue seems to be more prevalent with certain colours, such as reds, oranges, pinks, and purples. It is recommended to test a small area first to ensure compatibility between the resin and the colourant.
To avoid colour changes when using epoxy resin with alcohol ink, it is crucial to follow the correct process. Allow the alcohol ink to dry completely before applying any resin. Additionally, choose a non-toxic and non-flammable colourant, such as ResinTint, specifically designed for use with epoxy resin. Always mix the colourant thoroughly with the resin to ensure proper emulsification. By following these steps, you can help prevent colour alterations and achieve the desired results in your artwork.
Epoxy resin offers a wide range of colour options, from basic pastel pigments to deep galaxy dyes, allowing for endless creative possibilities. With the proper techniques and precautions, artists can utilise the tinting capabilities of epoxy resin to enhance their creations without compromising the integrity of their artwork.
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Using a heat source can accelerate colour changes
Alcohol ink art is a fun and wonderful experience. However, protecting it correctly is essential if you want your art to last. The process of sealing alcohol ink involves ensuring the ink is fully dry, coating it correctly to prevent interaction with varnishes, protecting it from UV rays, and safeguarding it from scratches and damage.
One common issue observed when using alcohol inks with epoxy resin is the disappearance or colour change of the inks. This issue seems to be accelerated by the use of a heat source, such as a heat gun, hair dryer, or torch, during the process of popping bubbles in the resin. The heat from these tools can cause the inks to fade or change colour, especially when used on "wet" or coated pieces.
To address this issue, it is recommended to seal the alcohol inks before applying the resin. One effective method is to use Kamar Varnish, a clear-drying spray sealant that prevents the ink from reactivating, bleeding, or smudging. Applying 2-3 light coats of Kamar Varnish and allowing it to dry for 24 hours before proceeding with the resin can help prevent colour changes.
Additionally, the type of resin used may also be a factor. Some artists have found success by mixing the alcohol inks directly into the resin before application, while others have experimented with different brands of resin to find compatible combinations. It is also important to protect alcohol ink art from extreme heat and direct sunlight, as alcohol inks are sensitive to temperature and light, and proper storage can help prevent colour changes.
Overall, while using a heat source can accelerate colour changes in alcohol inks when combined with epoxy resin, following the recommended sealing process, choosing compatible materials, and storing the artwork properly can help mitigate these issues and preserve the vibrant colours of your alcohol ink creations.
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Sealants can prevent scratches and damage
Sealing alcohol ink art is an important step to ensure its longevity. The sealant acts as a protective barrier, safeguarding the artwork from scratches, smudges, and other physical damage.
One recommended sealant to prevent scratches and damage is the Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray. This non-yellowing clear coat spray provides a protective layer that shields the artwork from scratches and physical damage. It is essential to apply multiple thin layers of the spray, allowing each coat to dry completely according to the instructions before applying the next.
Another option for a sealant is resin. Epoxy resin, in particular, can enhance alcohol ink artwork by giving it a glossy finish and making the colours more vibrant and saturated. However, it is important to note that some artists have experienced issues with colour changes when using epoxy resin with alcohol inks. To prevent this, it is recommended to seal the alcohol ink with a varnish, such as Kamar Varnish, before applying the epoxy resin.
For projects involving wood panels, it is beneficial to pre-seal the wood with a spray or brush-on sealant to prevent the formation of bubbles in the resin due to trapped air in the wood.
While the focus here is on sealants for alcohol ink art, it is worth noting that sealants are also commonly used in automotive applications to protect car paintwork. These car paint sealants provide a protective barrier against scratches, corrosion, and environmental factors such as UV rays, bird droppings, and extreme weather conditions. Some recommended car paint sealants include Supagard, Nexgen Ceramic Coating Spray, and CARPRO Reload Spray Sealant.
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UV protection is important
Sealing alcohol ink art is important to protect it from UV rays, which cause the ink to fade and break down over time. This is because alcohol ink is dye-based and not lightfast. Therefore, it is crucial to seal alcohol ink art properly to prevent it from fading and ensure its longevity.
The sealing process for alcohol ink art typically involves three steps. Firstly, the ink must be fully dry for 24 to 48 hours before any sealing process begins. This is an important step to ensure that the ink does not interact with the varnishes or sealants used in the subsequent steps.
The second step is to apply a varnish or sealant that will prevent the ink from reactivating, bleeding, or smudging. A popular product for this purpose is Kamar Varnish, a UV-stable clear-drying spray sealant. It is essential to follow the instructions and allow adequate drying time between coats.
The third step is to apply a UV protectant. This step is crucial as it shields the artwork from UV rays, the primary cause of ink fading. It is recommended to use a UV-resistant clear coating spray, such as Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coating Spray, for this purpose. Multiple thin layers of the UV protectant spray should be applied after the varnish has completely dried to ensure effective protection.
After these three steps, some artists choose to add an additional protective layer to their alcohol ink art. This could be in the form of a gloss medium, such as Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray or a resin coat. A resin coat can add depth and dimension to the artwork, giving it a glossy and glass-like appearance. It is important to note that some artists have experienced issues with their alcohol ink art turning green or fading when using certain resins. Therefore, it is recommended to use a resin specifically designed for this purpose, such as Pro Marine Supplies Pro Art Epoxy Resin, which offers additional UV protection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sealing alcohol ink before applying epoxy is essential to prevent the ink from reactivating, bleeding, or smudging.
Krylon Kamar Varnish is a popular choice for sealing alcohol ink before epoxy. It is a clear-drying spray sealant that is UV stable.
Yes, epoxy resin can be used to seal alcohol ink and give it a glossy finish. However, it is recommended to use a sealant such as Kamar Varnish before applying the epoxy resin to prevent the ink from changing color or fading.
Yes, sealing alcohol ink on tiles or coasters is essential to protect them from fading, scratches, and heat. A combination of Kamar Varnish, UV protectant, and a clear glaze or epoxy resin can be used for this purpose.
Yes, alternatives to Kamar Varnish include Winsor & Newton® Professional Gloss Spray Varnish, Varnish 300 from Montana®, Ghiant® Spray Varnishes, Rustoleum Crystal Clear®, and Liquitex® Professional Gloss Varnish. However, it is important to ensure that any alternative sealant is water-based and will not reactivate the inks.
