Vivian Marlowe
Coloring epoxy resin with alcohol ink is a fun and creative process that can yield beautiful and unique results. Alcohol inks are ideal for coloring resin because they are alcohol-based, allowing the alcohol to quickly evaporate and leaving behind vibrant pigments that do not disrupt the curing process. The transparency of the color can be easily controlled by adjusting the number of ink drops, and custom colors can be created by mixing and matching different inks. It is important to note that only alcohol-based inks can be used, as water-based inks can negatively impact the curing process. When working with alcohol inks and epoxy resin, it is crucial to prioritize safety, especially when using a heat gun or blow torch to create interesting effects, as alcohol is flammable. With the right techniques and safety precautions, coloring epoxy resin with alcohol ink can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right alcohol ink
Alcohol inks are a perfect match for resin tinting and are often more affordable than specially marketed resin tints. Alcohol inks offer a vibrant, highly pigmented liquid medium that, when combined with resin, creates a translucent, stained-glass effect with stunning, flowing patterns.
When choosing the right alcohol ink, it is important to note that not all alcohol inks are created equal. If you aren't using inks specifically designed for epoxy, the colors can change or disappear altogether. Therefore, it is recommended to use inks that are specifically designed for epoxy resin, such as SigWong Alcohol Inks or ArtResin Alcohol Ink. These inks are tailored for epoxy resin, ensuring compatibility and optimal results.
Another factor to consider is the desired level of pigmentation and color saturation. Some alcohol inks, like SigWong, offer more subdued colors, while others, like Brea Reese Alcohol Inks, are known for their bold, transparent hues. If you are looking for a specific color, such as true red, SigWong is a good option. On the other hand, if you want a wide range of colors, Brea Reese offers a set of 24 colors, including neon, shimmer, and metallic varieties.
Additionally, it is important to consider the size of the project and the amount of ink required. SigWong Alcohol Inks come in smaller bottle sizes, making them ideal for minor projects or those with modest ink requirements. They are also a cost-effective option for beginners or casual users. However, professionals or those seeking more saturated colors may prefer other options with larger bottle sizes, such as the Brea Reese collection.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that alcohol is flammable, and adding alcohol ink to non-flammable resin will compromise its non-flammability. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions when working with alcohol inks and resin, especially if using a flame torch or heat gun to create special effects.
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Using a non-flammable colourant
When colouring epoxy resin, it's important to choose a non-toxic and non-flammable colourant to keep yourself safe. One such option is ResinTint, which was crafted specifically as a resin colourant. It mixes seamlessly into the resin, preserving its glossiness, and a little goes a long way due to its high pigmentation.
To use ResinTint, first, mix clear epoxy resin and the ResinTint colourant together thoroughly until the colour is mixed evenly. Remember to follow the general rule of adding no more than 6% of colourant to the total volume of the resin mix. For instance, if your resin and hardener mixture is 150 ml, you should add no more than 9 ml of colourant.
Once you have achieved your desired colour, carefully pour the coloured resin into your chosen mould or bezel and let it cure. You can also create interesting patterns by adding drops of ResinTint to the surface of the wet resin, allowing it to spread horizontally and create new colours where the two meet.
Another non-flammable option is mica powder, which can create gorgeous, semi-sparkly, opaque colours. It adds volume and weight to the resin, resulting in delightful fluid dynamics when interacting with lighter-weight mediums. You can find both natural and synthetic versions of mica powder, and it's available in a wide range of colours.
When working with any resin colourants, always remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from staining.
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Creating transparency and opacity
Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring epoxy resin because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol quickly evaporates, leaving pigment without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin. Alcohol inks offer transparency control, allowing you to create a vibrant transparent or opaque appearance.
To create a transparent effect, simply add a few drops of alcohol ink to a resin cup. This will result in a light but vibrant transparent colour. You can add more ink to increase the vibrancy and saturation of the colour. This method is highly customisable, allowing you to mix and match colours until you achieve your desired result.
To create an opaque effect, you will need to use a physical barrier for the ink to bounce off of and retain its colour. One way to achieve this is by using pigment powders, which offer opaqueness and body. Pigment powders can create a unique cellular look when the resin sets, making it ideal for certain projects.
Another option for creating opacity is to use liquid pigments. These are solvent-based products that blend into epoxy resin to provide a flat, consistent colour. You can control the level of opacity by adjusting the amount of liquid pigment added to the resin. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired colour intensity.
It is important to note that when using liquid pigments, you should not exceed 12% pigment in ratio to the total volume of epoxy. Additionally, always mix your epoxy resin thoroughly before adding any colourants to ensure a consistent result.
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Adding colour to clear resin
Epoxy resins are colorless unless pigment is added. There are several ways to add colour to clear resin, including liquid-based colours and pigment powders.
Liquid-based colours
Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring resin because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind pigment without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin. Alcohol inks offer transparency and custom colours. You can control the transparency of the colour by adding more or less ink. Just a few drops will result in a light but vibrant transparent colour. You can also mix and match colours to get the desired shade.
It's important to note that not all alcohol inks are suitable for resin. If you don't use inks specifically designed for epoxy, the colours can change or disappear altogether.
Pigment powders
Pigment powders offer opaqueness and body. When added to resin, they can create a distinct cellular look. Mica powder is a popular choice and comes in both natural and synthetic versions. It adds volume and weight to the resin, resulting in delightful fluid dynamics. You can also use nail powders, which tend to be more vibrant than mica powders.
Other colourants
Acrylic paint is a common colourant used to tint epoxy resin. It is inexpensive and readily available in a variety of colours. However, it can take away from the glossiness of the resin, resulting in a less glossy appearance.
Another option is to use printer ink instead of alcohol ink or resin dye.
Techniques for adding colour
There are several techniques for adding colour to clear resin. One method is to create a Petri pattern by adding white and coloured alcohol ink to clear resin in a mold. Alternate between the two a few times, depending on the depth of your resin pour. Another technique is to pour clear resin into a mold and let it cure. Then, add drops of colour onto the surface to create interesting patterns.
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Using the Petri technique
The "'petri dish art' style involves encapsulating alcohol ink in epoxy resin within a reusable silicone mould. The result is a fascinating type of fluid art with colourful tendrils, blobs, and squiggles suspended in the cured resin. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your own petri dish art:
Prepare the Epoxy Resin
Following the instructions on your resin's label, measure equal volumes of resin and hardener in a mixing cup. Stir slowly and thoroughly for about 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container to ensure the mixture is well blended. Let the resin sit for a few minutes to allow any bubbles to rise to the surface. Use a heat gun to eliminate air bubbles.
Fill the Mould
Carefully fill your silicone mould with the epoxy resin, leaving some space for the inks. You can use about 400 ml of epoxy resin for a 3-cavity mould, each about 10 cm in diameter. However, the amount of resin may vary depending on your project.
Add the Alcohol Ink
Drop the desired colours of alcohol ink into the resin. You can add the ink immediately after pouring the resin for a single-layer pour, or wait 20-30 minutes for a double-layer pour. Allow the ink to spread and blend, creating the desired patterns. You can also add an Ink Sinker, a white alcohol ink that creates tendrils and pushes the coloured ink through the resin. To create pastel colours or eliminate white spots, premix your alcohol ink and Ink Sinker before adding it to the mould.
Cure and Remove from Mould
Allow the resin to cure, which can take up to 72 hours. Then, remove your cured petri dish art from the mould and admire your unique creation!
Tips and Tricks
- You can control the transparency of the colour by adjusting the amount of alcohol ink used. A few drops will result in a light but vibrant transparent colour, while adding more ink will increase the saturation and vibrancy.
- Experiment with different techniques, such as varying the number of resin layers and timing of ink addition, to create unique effects.
- Always wear gloves and protective gear when working with resin and alcohol ink.
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Frequently asked questions
First, mix clear epoxy resin with a drop or two of alcohol ink. Combine thoroughly until the colour is mixed evenly. You can always add more ink to make it darker.
Alcohol is flammable, so be careful when using a torch for popping bubbles on the resin surface. It's better to use a heat gun to remove resin bubbles and lessen your fire risk. Also, be careful not to add too much alcohol ink as it can make your resin cure bendy, which is not fixable.
You can create a look of depth in your resin by using the Petri technique. First, mix clear resin and add it to a mold. Then, add coloured ink to the surface, followed by white ink. Alternate back and forth a few times, depending on the depth of your resin pour. You can also add drops of ink to a wet resin surface to make interesting patterns.
Yes, you can use mica powder, glitter, nail powders, mirror effect powder, or acrylic paint. These alternatives can create different effects and levels of opacity in your epoxy resin.
