Theo Nash
Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying, and waterproof. They are typically used on non-porous surfaces such as Yupo paper, metal, glass, ceramics, and clay. However, they can also be used on canvas, and this is where the question of sealing arises. When applied to an unsealed canvas, alcohol inks sink into the weave of the canvas and create a grainy, uneven finish. To prevent this, the canvas can be sealed with a product such as Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear Glaze or Kilz2, which creates a smooth, non-porous surface for the inks to glide over. After the inks are applied, a varnish or resin can be used to seal and protect the artwork, preventing colour fading and damage from dust, dirt, and pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason to seal alcohol inks on canvas | To prevent dust, dirt, pollution, and UV light rays from fading the colours |
| Sealing product | Varnish, resin, or primer |
| Sealing product brand examples | Krylon Kamar Varnish, ArtResin, Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin, Kilz2 |
| Sealing product application method | Spray or paint |
| Number of coats | 1-3 |
| Drying time between coats | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Total drying time | 2 hours minimum |
| Distance to hold spray from canvas | 12-14 inches |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the canvas
Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying inks that can be used to create stunning paintings on a variety of non-porous surfaces. They are typically best used on non-porous surfaces like Yupo paper, but they can also be applied to canvas.
Before applying alcohol inks to a canvas, it is important to seal the canvas to create a smooth, non-porous surface. This will ensure that the inks go on smoothly and do not sink into the weave of the canvas, creating a grainy, uneven finish.
One way to seal the canvas is to use a spray sealant such as Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear Glaze. Apply 3 layers of this spray to the canvas, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. Once the final layer is dry, the canvas is ready for ink.
Another option for sealing the canvas is to use a latex primer such as Kilz2. This type of primer can be found in hardware stores where paint is sold. Store-bought canvases typically come pre-primed with gesso, but you can add additional layers of gesso to create a smoother surface for the inks.
After you have finished applying the inks to the canvas, it is recommended to seal the artwork to protect it from dust, dirt, pollution, and UV light, which can cause the colours to fade over time. This can be done using a varnish such as Krylon UV Gloss Varnish, which is non-yellowing and provides high-quality protection for your artwork. Alternatively, you can use a glass fixative or clear glass glaze if you are working on a glass surface.
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Sealing the canvas
Sealing your canvas before applying alcohol ink is essential to ensure your artwork's longevity. Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying inks that can be used on various surfaces, but they are not lightfast and can fade quickly without protection. Sealing your canvas will also help create a smooth surface for the inks to glide on, enhancing their vibrant and glossy appearance.
To seal your canvas, you can use a spray sealant or a brush-on varnish. One popular product is Krylon's Kamar® Varnish, a UV-stable spray that "sets" the alcohol ink. While Kamar® Varnish protects the varnish itself from breaking down due to UV exposure, it does not provide UV protection for your artwork. Therefore, a second step of applying a UV protectant is necessary. Ensure your artwork is thoroughly dried before sealing. Apply 2-3 light coats of Kamar® Varnish about 12-14 inches away from the artwork, allowing 30 minutes to an hour of drying time between layers. After the final coat, let it dry completely before proceeding to the UV protectant step.
Another option for sealing your canvas is using a clear acrylic gloss spray or brush-on varnish. Apply several coats to create a smooth, non-porous surface. You can also use a latex primer like Kilz2 to prepare your canvas, which will help the inks glide more smoothly and prevent them from sinking into the canvas weave. Once the primer is dry, you can apply your alcohol inks.
If you plan to sell your artwork, it is recommended to use a varnish with UV protection to ensure the highest quality. You can use a spray UV protectant or a brush-on UV gloss varnish like Krylon UV Gloss Varnish, which is non-yellowing and of high quality. This additional step will protect your artwork from colour fading due to ultraviolet light exposure.
Finally, some artists choose to use resin as a final coat, providing a gorgeous glossy finish and excellent protection for functional art pieces like coasters. ArtResin and Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin are popular choices, with the latter being more heat-resistant when cured. However, it is essential to note that resin may not be suitable for all types of art and can be more advanced to work with.
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Applying alcohol inks
Alcohol inks are typically best used on a non-porous surface, such as yupo paper. However, with the right preparation, they can also be used on canvas to create stunning results. Here is a step-by-step guide on applying alcohol inks to a canvas:
Step 1: Prime the Canvas
Before applying alcohol ink to a canvas, it is essential to prime the surface to make it non-porous. This is because alcohol ink tends to bleed through porous surfaces, resulting in uneven patches of pigment. To create a smooth, non-porous surface on your canvas, apply a primer such as Killz2 Latex Primer or gesso. Make sure to coat the top and sides of the canvas evenly, ensuring that no areas of the canvas are left uncoated. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 2: Apply Alcohol Ink
Once the primer is dry, you can start applying your alcohol ink. Keep in mind that canvas may absorb more ink than other surfaces, so it is recommended to have extra ink on hand. The ink will glide smoothly over the primed canvas, allowing for more control and finer details in your artwork. You may notice that the pigments look more vibrant and glossy on a canvas compared to other surfaces.
Step 3: Seal Your Artwork (Optional)
Sealing your artwork is an optional step, but it is recommended to protect your creation from UV damage and other elements. There are various products available for sealing alcohol ink art, such as Krylon's Kamar® Varnish or Krylon UV Gloss Varnish. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product and allow adequate drying time between coats.
Tips:
- When applying the primer, use a large foam brush instead of a paintbrush to avoid brush strokes.
- Plan to work quickly as some primers may react or lift if left too long before applying the ink.
- Always test your materials on a small area of the canvas before beginning your final piece to ensure they work well together.
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Varnishing the artwork
Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying inks that can be used to create stunning paintings on a variety of non-porous surfaces. They are semi-transparent, allowing for layers and combinations of colours to create gorgeous effects.
Varnishing is essential to protect alcohol ink paintings from dust, dirt, pollution, and ultraviolet light rays that can cause colour fading over time. Here are the steps to varnish and protect your artwork:
- Drying the Artwork: Before applying any varnish, ensure that your alcohol ink artwork is thoroughly dried. Allow at least 24 hours or more for the best results.
- Choosing a Varnish: Select a suitable varnish that will not reactivate the inks. Krylon's Kamar® Varnish is a popular choice for setting alcohol inks and provides UV stability. However, a separate UV protectant is still recommended. If Kamar® is not available in your region, other options like Krylon UV Gloss Varnish can be considered.
- Applying the Varnish: Work in a well-ventilated area. Spray the artwork with 2-3 light coats of varnish, maintaining a distance of about 12-14 inches from the surface. Allow 30 minutes to an hour of drying time between layers. Ensure the final coat is completely dry before proceeding. The drying time may vary depending on humidity levels.
- UV Protection: As alcohol inks are not inherently lightfast, apply a UV protectant after the varnish has dried. This will prevent colour fading due to ultraviolet light exposure.
- Additional Protection: For added protection and a glossy finish, you may consider using resin as a final coat. ArtResin and Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin are popular choices, with the latter being more heat-resistant when cured.
By following these steps, you can effectively varnish and protect your alcohol ink artwork, ensuring its longevity and preserving the vibrant colours.
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Alternative surfaces
Alcohol inks are incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide range of surfaces, with the only requirement being that the surface is as non-porous as possible. This is because alcohol inks are pigment-rich and can be manipulated like watercolour paints, but the alcohol base evaporates rapidly, so they need a smooth surface to flow.
Metal
Metal is a popular surface for creating alcohol ink art, with aluminium being a common choice that can be purchased from most arts and crafts stores. Artists also use these inks on stainless steel, brass, and copper. Alcohol ink is also used to dye metal jewellery, including pendants, bracelets, and earrings.
Claybord
Claybord is a fine arts canvas made from artist-grade hardboard that is then coated in ground clay. It is smooth and absorbent, so it does not smudge, bleed, or feather as easily as canvas and paper surfaces.
Ceramics
Ceramics, including tiles, vases, and other shapes, are excellent surfaces for painting both abstractly and representationally. Ceramic tiles can be used as coasters or artwork around the house.
Glass
Glass is another non-porous surface that can be used to create an almost stained glass effect with alcohol inks. This surface is great for mixing, layering, and scraping away layers of dried ink to create different designs.
Synthetic Paper
Synthetic papers, such as Yupo paper, are becoming increasingly popular for alcohol ink art. This type of paper is stain-resistant, can be wiped clean, and has a smooth surface that responds well to dyes, allowing your ink paintings to keep their bright colours and crisp edges.
Fabric
Alcohol inks can also be used to dye fabrics, with more concentrated inks creating intense colours and diluted inks resulting in more subdued colours.
Laminated MDF Boards
Laminated MDF boards are wipeable and stain-resistant, making them a great surface for practising techniques or creating art for selling. The end result on these boards looks more finished and can be easily installed in interiors.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a type of plastic that comes in a variety of colours, with white, black, and transparent being popular choices for alcohol ink art. It is stiff and extremely stain-resistant, and can be cut into various designs.
Clay
Clay is a unique surface for alcohol inks, offering a three-dimensional medium for creating art. Alcohol inks can be used to dye clay when working with pottery or clay-based sculptures.
No matter the surface chosen, it is essential to apply a sealer that will not reactivate the inks. Krylon’s Kamar® Varnish is a popular choice, as it is UV stable and can be followed by a UV protectant to prevent fading.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol inks are not as lightfast as other mediums and can fade faster if not protected. Sealing your artwork with a varnish can provide additional protection to prevent colour fading.
To seal canvas and prepare it for alcohol inks, you can coat the canvas with a product like Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear Glaze. Apply 3 layers of this spray to create a smooth non-porous surface. Once the base is fully dried, apply the inks.
You can use Krylon's Kamar Varnish to set the alcohol ink. After that has dried, you can use a UV spray like Krylon UV Gloss Varnish.
Allow your artwork to thoroughly dry before sealing. If you are using a spray varnish, ensure you are spraying in a well-ventilated area. If you are sealing a surface that will come into contact with food or drink, be sure to use a food-safe sealant. Clear Acrylic Gloss is not sufficient for this purpose.
