Lena Savoie
Alcohol ink blending solutions are used to dilute and move alcohol inks on a page. They are often used to create custom blended colours, but their main use is to manipulate the inks on the page before they dry. Isopropyl alcohol is a common alternative to blending solutions, but it dries faster and is harsher to work with. Blending solutions are also used to rewet old ink on waterproof paper. Artists can make their own blending solutions using alcohol and glycerin, but the process can be intimidating and requires appropriate health and safety equipment.
Characteristics and their values regarding the use of Alcohol Ink Blending Solution
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | The glycerin approach may result in a globby texture. |
| Ingredients | Alcohol, glycerine, and a proprietary blend of other chemicals. |
| Use | Help move around inks on the page, dilute effect, rewet old ink, clean brushes, blend colours, create gradients, dilute and spread ink, glazing effect, layer blending, and medium for painting. |
| Pros | Smooth, silky body, less harsh, soft transition lines, cheaper than isopropyl alcohol, less fumey than isopropyl alcohol. |
| Cons | Considerably more expensive than isopropyl alcohol. |
| Safety | Flammable, keep away from fire or heat, avoid spray bottles, work in a well-ventilated area, wear a respirator mask. |
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What You'll Learn
Isopropyl alcohol vs blending solution
When working with alcohol inks, a clear blender, also known as an alcohol ink blending solution, is a must-have tool. It typically has alcohol as its base, along with other chemicals that thicken it and create a fluid transport system that works well with alcohol inks' intense pigmentation. Its ability to blend and dilute colours is unmatched.
Isopropyl alcohol is a type of alcohol that can be used in a similar way to a blending solution. It can be used to mix, dilute, and dissolve alcohol inks. It evaporates very quickly, which can be advantageous for certain projects, but can also be a drawback as it may evaporate too fast. Isopropyl alcohol is also much cheaper than blending solution. However, it is not as smooth as blending solution and can result in harsher lines due to its faster evaporation time.
The Octopus Fluids Blending Solution, for example, contains protective resins and special additives that provide colour brilliance, gloss, and protection for finished artwork. It can create smooth colour gradients and lightens alcohol inks while increasing their transparency.
Some people have experimented with making their own blending solutions by adding glycerin to isopropyl alcohol. This approach can result in a globby texture, but it may be acceptable for certain projects.
In summary, isopropyl alcohol is a cheaper alternative to blending solution and can be used for similar purposes, but it has a faster evaporation time and may not produce as smooth of results. Blending solution, on the other hand, is more expensive but provides softer transition lines and is better suited for blending and diluting colours.
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Glycerin approach
When working with alcohol inks, a clear blender is essential for blending and diluting colours. While isopropyl alcohol can be used for blending, a clear alcohol blending solution is smoother and less harsh, allowing for softer transition lines.
The glycerin approach is one method for creating a DIY blending solution. Glycerin, or glycerol, is an organic compound derived from animal fat or vegetable oil. It is a clear, odourless liquid with a sweet taste, commonly used in soap and pharmaceuticals.
To make your own blending solution using the glycerin approach, combine isopropyl alcohol with a few drops of liquid glycerin. The glycerin slows the drying period and enhances the bleeding effect between the inks. The ratio of alcohol to glycerin may require some experimentation, as too much glycerin can result in a grainy or globby texture.
Artists using the glycerin approach have noted that vegetable glycerin produces better results than other types. It can be purchased online or at some drug stores and craft stores.
In summary, the glycerin approach is a DIY method for creating an alcohol ink blending solution. While it may not produce the same smooth results as a store-bought blender, it is a passable option for those who want to experiment with different blending techniques.
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Blending pens
There are several types of blending pens available, including water-based and alcohol-based options. Water-based blending pens, such as the Tombow Dual Brush Pens, have a flexible brush tip and a fine tip in one marker. The brush tip allows for a variety of stroke widths, while the fine tip creates consistent lines. These blending pens are designed to be used with water-based inks to create watercolour effects.
Alcohol-based blending pens, on the other hand, typically have a clear blender solution as their base, which contains alcohol and other chemicals to thicken the solution and facilitate the blending process. These blending pens are often used with alcohol-based inks and can be purchased from various brands, including Tombow and Ohuhu.
Some artists also choose to make their own blending solutions by mixing alcohol with a few drops of glycerin. However, the type of glycerin used can affect the results, and the process may require some experimentation. Store-bought blending solutions are also available and can be more convenient and reliable.
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Diluting and blending
Alcohol ink is a concentrated medium that can be challenging to control. To dilute it and keep it moving, use a blending solution or isopropyl alcohol.
A blending solution, also called a clear blender, typically has alcohol as its base, along with other chemicals that thicken it and create a fluid transport system suited to alcohol inks' intense pigmentation. Just a drop or two of blending solution can be used to dilute and blend inks, creating custom colours. The solution is primarily used to move inks around on a page, allowing artists to dilute and spread the inks as desired before they dry.
Isopropyl alcohol can also be used to dilute and blend alcohol inks. It dries faster than blending solutions, creating harder lines of evaporation. Isopropyl alcohol is also more affordable and fumey than blending solutions. To dilute inks with isopropyl alcohol, artists can add a drop of the alcohol on top of dried ink, causing the ink to "wake up" and start moving. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used to clean paintbrushes.
Some artists have experimented with making their own blending solutions by adding a few drops of glycerin to alcohol. While this approach can yield acceptable results for some, others have found that it creates a globby texture.
Various tools can be used for blending and creating effects, patterns, and designs with alcohol inks. These include cotton swabs, paintbrushes, blending pens, and ink blowers.
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Safety precautions
Alcohol ink blending solutions are a must-have tool for artists. They are used to blend, dilute, and rewet alcohol inks. While blending solutions are easily available in the market, some artists also make their own solutions by mixing glycerin with alcohol.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when using alcohol inks and blending solutions. These products can be extremely fumy and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Inhaling these fumes can cause headaches and other health issues. Ensure there is adequate airflow in your workspace to avoid inhaling concentrated amounts of these fumes.
Wear a Respirator Mask
To further protect yourself from inhaling fumes, consider wearing a respirator mask. This is especially important if you are working in an enclosed space or if you are using large amounts of blending solution. A respirator will help filter out the fumes and protect your respiratory system.
Keep Away from Fire or Heat
Alcohol inks and blending solutions are flammable. Always keep them away from open flames, sparks, or other sources of heat. Do not smoke or use any flammable materials near your workspace. Be cautious when using heat tools, such as hairdryers or heat guns, as the heat and sparks they produce can ignite the vapors.
Read Safety Data Sheets
Before using any blending solution, read the safety data sheets provided by the manufacturer. These sheets contain important information about the product's ingredients, potential hazards, and safety precautions. They will help you understand how to handle and store the product properly, as well as what to do in case of an accident or exposure.
Handle with Care
Always handle blending solutions with caution. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, as they can cause irritation. Wear protective gloves and eye protection, such as safety goggles, to minimize the risk of exposure. Be careful not to ingest the solution, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Clean Up Spills Promptly
In the event of a spill, clean up the blending solution promptly. Use absorbent materials, such as paper towels or rags, to soak up the spill. Dispose of the used materials appropriately, following any disposal instructions on the product's label or safety data sheet.
Store Properly
Store your blending solution in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Always close the container tightly after use to prevent evaporation and spillage. Ensure that the solution is stored in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol ink blending solution, also called a clear blender, typically has alcohol as its base along with other chemicals that thicken it and create a fluid transport system. This helps to move around the inks on the page and dilute them as desired before they dry.
Isopropyl alcohol is not as smooth as a clear blending solution due to the additives in the blender that give it a silky body. The blender allows for soft transition lines, whereas isopropyl alcohol creates harder lines due to faster evaporation. Isopropyl alcohol is also more fumey and cheaper than a clear blender.
You can make your own blending solution by adding a few drops of glycerin to alcohol. However, some people have reported that this results in a globby texture. It is recommended to use vegetable glycerin, which can be found in the cake decorating section of some craft stores.
Alcohol inks and blending solutions are flammable, so it is important to keep them away from fire or heat sources. They can also be fumey, so it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
There are several ways to blend alcohol inks, including tilting the paper, blowing through a straw, using a blending pen or brush, and adding a blending solution or isopropyl alcohol. These techniques help to create smooth transitions, gradients, and layers in your artwork.
