Epoxy Resin Pigment Vs Alcohol Ink: What's The Difference?

Alcohol inks and epoxy resin pigments are both used to colour epoxy resin, but they are not the same. Alcohol inks are alcohol-based and are suitable for a variety of surfaces, whereas epoxy resin pigments are designed specifically for epoxy resin material. Alcohol inks are transparent and vibrant, and they dry quickly. They can be used to create a `petri` effect, but they are sensitive to heat and can become discoloured. Epoxy resin pigments, on the other hand, are highly concentrated and typically come in the form of pigment powders, which offer opaqueness and body to the resin.

Alcohol inks are alcohol-based, while epoxy resin pigments are not

Alcohol inks are alcohol-based, whereas epoxy resin pigments are not. Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring resin because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind a pigment that does not interfere with the curing of the epoxy resin. Only alcohol-based inks, not water-based ones, can be used in resin. Water disrupts the chemical processes involved in epoxy resin curing.

Alcohol inks are transparent and produce a vibrant, saturated look with beautiful effects. They are also fast-drying, waterproof, and highly pigmented. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, whereas resin dyes are suitable for epoxy resin material. Resin dyes are liquid dyes that are suitable for mass colouring of epoxy resins.

Epoxy resin colourants, on the other hand, consist of special effects pigments such as Mica nanoparticles, which create dazzling, eye-catching effects. Resin tints are non-flammable, non-toxic, and shimmery, and they can be used alone or mixed with resin.

While alcohol inks are versatile and affordable, they are sensitive to heat generated during resin curing and may discolour, especially purple hues. They are also not UV resistant, so they will fade if exposed to sunlight or placed near a window. Additionally, using more than 6% alcohol ink in resin can disrupt curing.

In summary, alcohol inks and epoxy resin pigments serve different purposes in the creative process. Alcohol inks are alcohol-based and offer versatility in colouring various surfaces, while epoxy resin pigments provide special effects and unique finishes specifically designed for epoxy resins.

Alcohol inks are ideal for epoxy resin as they don't disrupt curing

Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring epoxy resin because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol base means that the inks quickly evaporate, leaving pigment without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin. However, it is important to note that only alcohol-based inks can be used in resin—water-based inks such as acrylic inks will disrupt the curing process.

Alcohol inks are also ideal for epoxy resin because they offer transparency and custom colours. The transparency of the colour can be controlled easily, and the colours can be mixed and matched to create the desired shade. To achieve opacity, a physical barrier can be used for the ink to bounce off of and retain colour.

Alcohol inks are often more affordable than resin tints, which usually come in smaller amounts. They are also a good option for creating a translucent effect, as they can be used to build depth by allowing the underlayer to show through.

However, it is important to note that alcohol inks, especially certain colours like purple, are sensitive to the heat generated by curing resin and can become discoloured. Additionally, alcohol inks are not UV-resistant, so they will fade if left outside or near a window. It is recommended to use a UV protectant after using alcohol inks.

While alcohol inks are generally safe to use with epoxy resin, it is important to use them sparingly and test them before using them in large quantities, as using too much ink can inhibit curing.

Alcohol inks are versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces

Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying inks that can be used on a variety of surfaces. The only requirement is that the surface should be as non-porous as possible. The inks need a smooth surface to flow. If the surface is porous and absorbs the inks, the effects of alcohol inks will be lost, and a lot of ink will be required.

Popular surfaces for alcohol inks include synthetic paper, such as Yupo paper, which is stain-resistant, can be wiped clean, and has a smooth surface. Synthetic papers are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and colours, making them ideal for professional alcohol ink artwork. Laminated MDF boards are another option, as they are wipeable, stain-resistant, and reusable. They are also heat-resistant and do not warp or bend with moderately hot tools. Canvases are also a good choice, as they come in various shapes and sizes and are easy to hang.

Alcohol inks are also suitable for use on metal, glass, and plastic pieces. These surfaces can be used to create unique effects that are not possible with other mediums. For example, dropping alcohol inks on top of and across poured resins creates a cellular or nebulous effect. Alcohol inks are ideal for resin tinting and are more affordable than specially marketed resin tints. However, it is important to note that alcohol inks are not compatible with urethane resins as they contain water, which reacts badly with urethane.

Alcohol inks are versatile and can be applied using a brush, pen, or by dropping the ink directly from the bottle. It is important to prioritise safety when working with alcohol inks as they are toxic and flammable. Always use a respirator mask with organic vapour filter cartridges and nitrile gloves to protect your hands and avoid inhalation of toxic particles.

Epoxy resin pigments are more opaque and chunky than alcohol inks

Epoxy resin pigments and alcohol inks are two different categories of colouring agents. While alcohol inks are fluid-based and transparent, epoxy resin pigments are more opaque and chunky.

Alcohol inks are ideal for epoxy resin colouring because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind a vibrant pigment without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin. Alcohol inks are also highly saturated, meaning a little goes a long way. They are also compatible with a variety of surfaces, making them versatile.

On the other hand, epoxy resin pigments are super chunky or 100% opaque, which may not be the desired look for all projects, especially when making jewellery with resin. Epoxy resin pigments are also more expensive than alcohol inks, as they come in smaller amounts.

However, epoxy resin pigments have their advantages. They can be used with alcohol inks to achieve opaqueness, resulting in a fully customisable resin colouring system. Epoxy resin pigments also have special effects, such as Mica nanoparticles, which create dazzling, eye-catching effects.

In conclusion, while alcohol inks offer transparency and custom colours, epoxy resin pigments provide opacity and a unique cellular look when the resin sets. The choice between the two depends on the desired level of transparency and the specific requirements of the project.

Alcohol inks are flammable, while epoxy resin is not

Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying inks that are alcohol-based and waterproof. They are used to colour epoxy resins. Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring resins because the alcohol base evaporates quickly, leaving pigment without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin. The transparency of the colour can be controlled by varying the number of drops of ink added to the resin. Alcohol inks are also more affordable than specially marketed resin tints.

However, alcohol inks are flammable. Artists using alcohol inks must take safety precautions, such as wearing respirator masks with organic vapour filter cartridges and nitrile gloves. The presence of a flame makes fire a possibility, so artists must be cautious when using a torch to remove air bubbles. The risk of fire can be reduced by waiting several minutes after pouring the ink to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

On the other hand, epoxy resin is not flammable. It is a synthetic material made from a mixture of resin and a hardening agent. When these two components are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction that creates long chains of molecules, resulting in a hard, durable plastic-like material. This process is known as curing.

The difference in flammability between alcohol inks and epoxy resin is due to their chemical compositions. Alcohol inks contain volatile compounds that evaporate quickly and are flammable. In contrast, epoxy resin is a non-flammable plastic-like material once cured.

Artists using alcohol inks to colour epoxy resin must be cautious and follow safety precautions to mitigate the risk of fire. The flammability of alcohol inks is an important consideration when working with this medium.

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