Arielle Cruz
Alcohol ink is a popular medium for crafters and artists due to its vibrant colours, ease of use, and versatility. It can be used on various surfaces, including paper, metal, glass, ceramics, and fabric. However, one challenge that creators often face is how to properly seal alcohol ink to prevent it from being damaged, scratched, or faded over time. The sealing process is crucial as alcohol ink is dye-based and not light-fast, meaning it will eventually fade without protection. This article will explore the different methods and products available for sealing alcohol ink on acrylics, ensuring that your creations remain vibrant and well-preserved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sealing Alcohol Ink on Acrylics | Krylon Kamar Varnish |
| Protection from UV Rays | Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Gloss |
| Prevent Scratches and Physical Damage | Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray |
| Glossy Look | Krylon Triple Thick Clear Coat |
| Glossy Look with Depth and Dimension | Krylon Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish Glossy |
| Matte Finish | Krylon Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish Matte |
| Glossy Look with Food-Safe Resin | Pro Marine Supplies Pro Art Epoxy Resin |
| Food-Safe Sealer | Mod Podge |
| High Heat Clear Coat | Rustoleum Engine Enamel |
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What You'll Learn
Sealing alcohol ink on acrylics: the best products to use
Sealing alcohol ink on acrylics is necessary to protect the artwork from scratches, damage, and fading over time. The sealing process involves applying a sealer that will not reactivate the inks, followed by a UV protectant to prevent fading, and finally, an additional layer of protection against scratches and physical damage. Here are some of the best products to use for each step:
Step 1: Sealers
- Krylon Kamar Varnish: This is a widely recommended product that serves as a protective layer between the alcohol inks and subsequent coatings. It is essential to let the alcohol ink dry completely (for at least 24 hours) before applying the varnish. The varnish should be sprayed in 2-3 light coats, allowing adequate drying time between layers.
- Golden Acrylic UVLS Varnish: This product has been used successfully by a professional alcohol ink artist. It is important to shake the can vigorously for at least 2 minutes before applying 3 light coats, holding the can about 20-30 cm from the surface.
- Brustro Acrylic Spray Varnish: This is a suitable alternative for those in India, where Krylon products may be unavailable or expensive.
Step 2: UV Protection
- Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Gloss: This is the most recommended product for UV protection and can be applied before or after the Kamar Varnish without affecting the artwork.
- Winsor & Newton UV Varnish: This product can be used as an alternative to the Krylon UV-Resistant spray and should be applied after the Kamar Varnish.
Step 3: Additional Protection
- Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray: This non-yellowing clear coat provides protection against scratches and physical damage. It can be applied in 3-5 thin layers.
- Krylon Triple Thick Clear Coat: For a deeper, glossy look, this product can be used instead of the Crystal Spray, providing a finish with depth and dimension.
- Resin: Applying resin is a popular but more involved and expensive process. Pro Marine Supplies Pro Art Epoxy Resin is a recommended product that offers additional UV protection and is food-safe when fully cured.
- Mod-Podge: This product is not food-safe but can be used for items that will not come into contact with food, such as coasters.
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The importance of UV protection
Alcohol inks are dye-based and not light fast, so they will fade with time, especially with exposure to UV rays from sunlight. To prevent alcohol ink art from fading, it is essential to apply a UV protectant.
UV protection is necessary to slow down the process of ink fading due to UV exposure. While Krylon's Kamar Varnish is UV stable, it does not provide UV protection for the artwork behind it. Therefore, a UV protectant is needed as a second step. Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Gloss is the most recommended product for this purpose. The application sequence of Kamar Varnish and a UV protectant does not matter. However, it is crucial to ensure that the alcohol ink is thoroughly dried before applying any coatings.
For those creating wall art that will be framed, Kamar Varnish and UV protection are considered sufficient. However, if you are making coasters or ceramic pieces that need to withstand heat and moisture, additional sealing options beyond Kamar Varnish and UV protection are recommended. Resin is a popular choice for this purpose, providing lasting protection and additional UV protection.
When sealing alcohol ink art, it is important to follow the correct steps and techniques to ensure the inks do not reactivate and the artwork is protected from scratches, damage, and fading. The specific sealing process may vary depending on the surface being used, such as paper, metal, glass, or ceramic. Overall, UV protection is a vital step in preserving alcohol ink art and preventing it from the damaging effects of UV rays.
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How to prevent smudging
Sealing alcohol ink on acrylics is important to prevent smudging and damage. Firstly, it is essential to let the ink dry completely before applying any sealant. The drying time can vary from 10 to 48 hours, depending on the environmental conditions and the type of surface. For example, YUPO paper takes longer to dry than other surfaces.
Once the ink is dry, you can apply the sealant. It is recommended to use a spray sealant for quick and even application. Krylon Kamar Varnish is a popular choice and is available in spray form. Apply 2-5 thin, even coats, holding the bottle 8-18 inches away from the surface, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. You can also use a brush or sponge to apply the sealant, but be sure to use smooth, even strokes to avoid pooling or streaking.
After applying the final coat of Kamar Varnish, you need to apply a UV protectant such as Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Gloss. This will prevent the ink from fading over time. Again, apply 2-3 thin coats of the UV protectant, allowing each coat to dry before the next.
For a glossy finish, you can use Krylon Triple Thick Clear Coat, applying around 5 thin layers. Alternatively, for a food-safe finish, you can use Pro Marine Supplies Pro Art Epoxy Resin, which also offers additional UV protection.
When handling your sealed artwork, wear latex gloves to prevent fingerprints. Store your artwork in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity, to prevent smudging and fading.
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Sealing alcohol ink on different materials
Alcohol inks are dye-based and vibrant, fast-drying inks that can be used on a variety of non-porous surfaces. They are often used to create abstract art. The process of sealing alcohol ink on different materials involves three steps: coating, UV protection, and scratch protection.
Firstly, the ink must be fully dry before beginning the sealing process. This typically takes around 24-48 hours. Once dry, the ink should be coated with a sealer to prevent it from interacting with other varnishes. The most commonly recommended sealer is Krylon Kamar Varnish, which is UV stable and does not reactivate alcohol inks. It is recommended to apply 2-5 thin coats of Kamar Varnish, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
Secondly, as alcohol ink will fade with time, especially when exposed to UV rays, it is crucial to add a layer of UV protection. Krylon offers a UV-Resistant Clear Gloss spray that can be applied over the Kamar Varnish. The UV spray helps to slow down the fading process and protect the artwork.
Lastly, to protect the artwork from scratches and physical damage, a final coat can be applied. Options for this step include Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray, Krylon Triple Thick Clear Coat, or a resin coating. The Acrylic Crystal Spray is a non-yellowing clear coat, while the Triple Thick Clear Coat provides a deeper, glossy finish. Resin is a popular choice for sealing alcohol inks, especially for coasters and ceramic pieces that need to withstand heat and moisture. However, applying resin can be a more complex and expensive process.
It is important to note that the specific sealing process may vary depending on the material being used. For example, when sealing alcohol ink on glass, some artists have used Clear Acrylic Gloss, while others have mentioned using resin or Krylon Crystal Clear Glaze. On polymer clay, some people have experienced issues with varnishes turning red ink into a rusty orange colour. In this case, a recommended option is to use a resin designed for clay, such as Jacquard Pinata Varnish.
Overall, sealing alcohol ink on different materials requires a combination of coating, UV protection, and scratch protection. The specific products and steps may vary depending on the material and the desired finish.
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The process of sealing alcohol ink art
Sealing alcohol ink art is a crucial step to protect your artwork from scratches, damage, and fading. The process involves three main steps: initial coating, UV protection, and scratch protection.
Firstly, it is essential to allow your alcohol ink artwork to dry thoroughly before applying any sealant. The recommended drying time varies, with some suggesting 10 hours, while others advise waiting 24 to 48 hours for the best results. Once the artwork is dry, you can proceed with the sealing process.
The first step is to apply an initial coating to prevent the ink from interacting with other varnishes. Krylon's Kamar® Varnish is a popular choice for this step, as it effectively sets the alcohol ink without reactivating it. Apply 2-5 thin and even coats of Kamar® Varnish, holding the bottle about 12-14 inches away from the artwork. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, following the instructions on the bottle.
The second step is to provide UV protection for your artwork. Alcohol ink is prone to fading over time, especially with exposure to UV rays from sunlight. To mitigate this, apply a UV-resistant varnish such as Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish, available in both matte and glossy finishes. Apply 3 thin layers of the UV varnish, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
The third and final step is to protect your artwork from scratches and physical damage. For this, you can use a clear coat sealant such as Krylon's Acrylic Crystal Spray, applying 3-5 thin layers. If you prefer a deeper glossy look, you can use Krylon's Triple Thick Clear Coat or resin. Pro Marine Supplies Pro Art Epoxy Resin is a popular choice, offering additional UV protection and food safety once fully cured.
It is important to note that the specific sealing process may vary depending on the surface you are working on. For example, if you are sealing alcohol ink on coasters or ceramics, you may need to consider additional steps or products to ensure heat resistance and scratch protection.
Additionally, always work in a well-ventilated area when sealing alcohol ink art, and pay attention to your body's reactions to the products. Some products may produce toxic fumes, so take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective sealing process.
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Frequently asked questions
Krylon Kamar Varnish is the most recommended sealant for alcohol ink art. It is UV stable, meaning it won't break down when exposed to UV rays, and it also won't reactivate the alcohol inks.
Yes. While Kamar Varnish is UV stable, it does not protect the art behind it from UV rays. Therefore, a UV protectant is necessary to prevent the alcohol ink from fading.
Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Gloss is the most recommended product for UV protection.
For coasters, which need to be able to withstand heat and moisture, Kamar Varnish and UV protection are not enough. Resin is the most popular method of sealing coasters, but it is not inexpensive and takes 72 hours to cure.
Alcohol ink art on glass can be sealed in two ways. Firstly, you can wait until the design has dried completely, and then spray it with a glass fixative or clear glass glaze. Secondly, you can burn off the alcohol with fire before the piece has dried completely, stabilising the dyes for a full stained glass effect.
