Creating Alcohol Ink Art With Sharpies On Tiles

Creating art on tiles using Sharpies and alcohol is a fun and easy project for both kids and adults. It involves colouring ceramic tiles with Sharpies, then adding rubbing alcohol to blur and spread the colours, creating unique abstract designs. The tiles can be used as coasters, framed artwork, or even holiday gifts. The process is simple, but there are a few important steps and techniques to keep in mind to achieve the desired results. With creativity and experimentation, anyone can make beautiful and inexpensive pieces of art using this method.

Choosing the right alcohol

When creating Sharpie art on tiles with alcohol, it is important to select the right type of alcohol to achieve the desired effects. Here are some considerations for choosing the appropriate alcohol:

Type of Alcohol

The most commonly recommended type of alcohol for this project is rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol. This type of alcohol is easily accessible at drug stores and first-aid sections of stores. Ensure that the rubbing alcohol you choose has a high concentration, such as 91%, as lower concentrations like 70% may not be effective. Check the expiration date, as rubbing alcohol has a limited shelf life, usually around five years.

Alcohol Percentage

The concentration of alcohol plays a crucial role in achieving the desired blurring and blending effects. A higher concentration of alcohol, such as 91%, will provide more effective blurring and blending. Lower concentrations may require more product and may not produce the same level of blurring.

Amount of Alcohol Used

It is important to use the right amount of alcohol when applying it to your tiles. While you want enough alcohol to create a thick layer for effective blending, be cautious not to use too much, as it can lead to unwanted results. A good guideline is to aim for a layer of alcohol that is "floating" on the surface of the tile without spilling over.

Application Technique

The way you apply the alcohol to your tiles can also impact the final result. Using tools like an eye dropper, a small straw, or a paintbrush allows you to control the amount of alcohol dispensed and helps create different effects. For instance, using the end of a paintbrush with a small amount of alcohol can create unique white spots on your tile.

Alcohol Inks

In addition to rubbing alcohol, you can also explore using alcohol inks specifically designed for crafting. These inks are sold in small squeeze bottles at local craft stores. They provide vibrant colors and blend well with the rubbing alcohol, allowing you to create intricate designs and patterns on your tiles.

Remember, when working with alcohol and inks, always work in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from stains and potential irritation.

Colouring the tiles with Sharpies

Colouring tiles with Sharpies is an easy and fun activity for both kids and adults. It involves using Sharpie markers to create abstract designs on tiles, which are then blurred using rubbing alcohol to create unique and beautiful patterns. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Tiles:

Select ceramic tiles for your project, as they provide an inexpensive and absorbent surface for your Sharpie art. You can find tiles in various shapes and sizes at local craft stores or home improvement stores like Home Depot. The tiles are typically priced very affordably, making this project budget-friendly.

Preparing Your Work Area:

Cover your work area with newspapers or drop cloths to protect the surface from stains. Put on old clothes that you don't mind getting stained, as the alcohol inks can be messy. It is also recommended to wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from the toxic inks.

Cleaning the Tiles:

Before you start colouring, clean the surface of your tiles with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball or paper towel. This step ensures that your tiles are free from any dust or residue that might interfere with the ink absorption.

Colouring with Sharpies:

Once your tiles are dry from the initial cleaning, it's time to unleash your creativity! Colour the entire surface of your tile with Sharpie markers. You can use multiple colours, but it's best to stick to the same colour family to avoid muddy hues. Cover the tile completely with ink, creating abstract designs. Remember, you don't want to create a detailed picture, as the colours will blend and move in the following steps.

Adding Rubbing Alcohol:

Now, it's time to add the magic ingredient—rubbing alcohol! You can use an eye dropper or a small paintbrush to carefully drop or dab the alcohol onto the coloured tile. The alcohol will immediately start to blur and blend the colours, creating interesting patterns. Play around with different techniques, such as drizzling, splattering, or brush strokes, to achieve a variety of effects.

Drying and Sealing:

Allow your tiles to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Once dry, you can use a small paintbrush to gently apply a polyurethane top coat or a clear coat spray to seal in the colours and protect your artwork.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create your Sharpie tile art. Experiment with different colours, techniques, and amounts of rubbing alcohol to discover the effects you like best. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating your unique masterpieces!

Applying alcohol to the tiles

Preparing the Tiles:

Before applying any colour, it is essential to prepare the tiles. Clean the ceramic tile surface using rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball or paper towel. Ensure that the tile is dry before proceeding to the next step.

Coloring the Tiles:

Use Sharpies or permanent markers to colour the tiles. Cover the entire surface with ink, creating abstract designs. You can use multiple colours, but it is recommended to stay within the same colour family to avoid muddy colours. Blues, greens, and teals tend to work well together. Keep in mind that the colours will blend and move around when alcohol is applied, so complex pictures may not be ideal.

Applying Alcohol:

There are several techniques for applying alcohol to the coloured tiles:

• Using an eye dropper or a small straw, carefully drop rubbing alcohol onto the tile. Focus on the areas where colours meet to blur the lines effectively.
• Alternatively, pour some alcohol into a small jar and use a paintbrush to dab it all over the tile. Create a nice, thick layer of alcohol floating on the surface, which will help the inks blend well.
• For a more artistic effect, try different application methods such as splattering or brush strokes. Be cautious not to add too much alcohol, as it can lighten the colours and make the white of the tile more prominent.

Drying and Sealing:

Allow the tiles to dry completely before proceeding. This usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes. You can then seal the tiles using a clear coat or a polyurethane top coat. Spray or gently brush the coating onto the tiles, being careful not to disturb the design. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying or curing times.

Sealing the tiles

Sealing your Sharpie and alcohol tiles is essential to protect your artwork and ensure it lasts. Here is a detailed guide on how to seal your tiles effectively:

Choosing a Sealer

The type of sealer you choose will depend on the desired finish and the intended use of your tiles. A popular option is a clear gloss spray, such as Krylon's Triple Thick Clear Glaze, which adds a glossy shine to your tiles. You can also use a brush-on gloss glaze for a thicker coat. If you prefer a spray sealer, options like Krylon's Clear Polyurethane spray or an acrylic enamel clear coat are suitable. These sprays provide a quick-drying, protective layer to your tiles.

Applying the Sealer

When applying a spray sealer, ensure you follow the directions on the can. Typically, you will need to spray an even coat onto the tile and allow it to dry before applying a second coat. For brush-on glazes, use a soft paintbrush to gently spread the glaze over the tile. Be careful not to press too hard, especially when dealing with lighter colours, as it may smudge your artwork.

Drying and Curing

After applying the sealer, allow your tiles to dry and cure thoroughly. For spray sealers, you may need to wait for around 30 minutes between coats and then let the final coat cure for about two days. For brush-on glazes, a curing time of 24 hours is recommended.

Finishing Touches

Once your tiles are sealed and cured, you can add finishing touches such as peel-and-stick felt to the back of each tile to create coasters. This step is especially useful if you plan to use your tiles for functional purposes, as it adds a protective layer between the tile and the surface it rests on.

Testing and Experimentation

It is important to test different sealers and techniques on spare tiles before applying them to your artwork. This will allow you to find the best method for your specific project and ensure that your tiles are adequately protected.

Adding a layer of felt

To add a layer of felt to your Sharpie and alcohol tile art, you can use peel-and-stick felt from a craft store. This is much easier than gluing the felt to the tile. Firstly, cut the felt to the size of the tile with scissors. You can then peel off the backing and stick it to the bottom of the tile. You can also use hot glue to attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the tile.

Alternatively, you can finish off your tile art by painting the edges of the tile with black paint and allowing it to dry. You can then add a square of black felt or cork sheeting to the back of the tile to prevent it from scratching your furniture. This is a great way to turn your tile art into coasters.

Frequently asked questions