Theo Nash
Alcohol inks are a fun and easy way to create colourful abstract collages or intricate paintings. However, alcohol inks are difficult to control, messy, and the fumes can be dizzying. Before you begin, it is important to protect your table from stains. You can use a recycled board, cardboard, or scrap paper to protect your table and always have a clean, dry surface to place your work on. You will also need a blending solution or 91% isopropyl alcohol, and a canvas like glossy cardstock, gloss paper, glass, or metal. It is important to note that alcohol should not be used to clean bare wood as it can damage the wood grains. Instead, use a primer or appropriate oils for your type of wood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Alcohol ink, blending solution, 91% isopropyl alcohol, glossy cardstock, gloss paper, glass, metal, canned air, blender pens, cotton swabs, resin, varnish, UV protection |
| Techniques | Mix colours on a separate canvas, pour a few drops on the main canvas, use light strokes to spread the ink, clean the brush when changing colours, apply a coat of blending solution to create a wavy, wet effect, blow the ink with canned air, draw an outline with a pen or pencil, paint freehand, dilute and blend inks, clean up spills, use a non-porous surface, seal paintings with resin, ink on top of dried resin, varnish before adding resin, use a recycled board to protect the table, use tissue to remove excess ink |
| Precautions | Do not use alcohol to clean bare wood, use oils or primers appropriate for the type of wood, do not let alcohol touch plastic parts or other materials that can be dissolved in alcohol, do not use drinking alcohol, wear a mask when sanding wood filler, ensure good ventilation |
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What You'll Learn
Use a non-porous surface
When preparing to paint with alcohol inks, it is important to use a non-porous surface as your canvas. Alcohol inks are absorbed quickly into uncoated paper, and normal paper will absorb the ink before you have a chance to move it around and mix it. A non-porous surface will give the ink time to flow and create unique effects.
There are several options for non-porous surfaces that can be used for alcohol ink painting. Glossy cardstock and gloss paper are non-porous paper options that will allow the ink to flow and create interesting effects. You can also use glass or metal as your canvas, both of which are non-porous and will allow you to create interesting effects with the ink.
If you are using a large amount of ink, it is a good idea to keep the paper detached from your table to avoid permanent stains. You can use a large recycled board on your table to protect it from stains, and have additional cardboard or scrap paper on hand to ensure your painting always has a clean, dry surface.
It is also important to note that alcohol inks can be used on wood, but only after a primer has been applied. Alcohol can damage wood grains if used on bare wood, but a primer will help the paint cure smoothly.
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Prepare the materials
To prepare for alcohol painting, you'll need a range of materials, including alcohol ink, a blending solution, and a suitable canvas.
Firstly, purchase your alcohol ink. These inks are colourful and acid-free, creating permanent stains, so be prepared to work quickly. You can buy alcohol ink online or at an art store, and some kits offer complementary colours. Alongside your ink, you'll need a blending solution, such as 91% isopropyl alcohol, to dilute and blend your inks and create interesting effects. You can also use this solution to clean up any spills.
Next, select your canvas. Glossy cardstock, gloss paper, glass, or metal are all suitable surfaces for alcohol painting. However, keep in mind that alcohol ink can bleed through uncoated paper, so consider placing your paper on a recycled board or cardboard to protect your work surface from stains. You may also want to keep additional cardboard or scrap paper nearby to ensure a clean, dry surface for your painting to rest on as it dries.
Before you begin painting, prepare your surface. If you're working with wood, fill in any holes, gaps, scratches, or chips with wood filler, and sand it down to create a smooth surface for your paint. If you're painting metal, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and free of grease and contaminants, as these can affect the final result.
Now you're ready to start painting! Outline your design with a pen or pencil, or dive straight into painting freehand. Remember to work quickly, as alcohol inks dry fast and are difficult to control. You can use a paintbrush to blend colours, and create abstract effects by blowing canned air at the wet ink or tilting the paper.
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Seal with varnish
Sealing alcohol ink art with varnish is an important step to protect your artwork and ensure its longevity. While it is not mandatory to seal your artwork, especially if the ink is completely dry, many artists choose to apply a sealant for added protection. Here is a comprehensive guide to sealing your alcohol ink art with varnish:
Choosing the Right Varnish:
There are various types of varnishes available in the market, and it is crucial to select one that is suitable for your specific needs. Some commonly used varnishes for alcohol ink art include Krylon Kamar Varnish, Krylon UV Resistant sprays, Winsor & Newton UV Varnish, and Brustro Acrylic Spray Varnish. These varnishes help protect the artwork from light exposure and UV rays, preventing the ink from fading.
Drying Time:
Before applying any varnish, it is imperative to allow your alcohol ink artwork to dry completely. The recommended drying time varies, but it is generally advised to wait for at least 24 to 48 hours before proceeding with the sealing process. This ensures that the inks are thoroughly dried and reduces the risk of smudging or spoiling your artwork.
Application Technique:
When applying the varnish, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions. Hold the spray can at the appropriate distance from the artwork to avoid creating drips or uneven coating. It is recommended to test the spray on a sample or a small area first to ensure that it reacts well with the ink and does not cause any undesirable effects, such as reactivating the ink or changing its colour.
Multiple Coats:
For the best results and maximum protection, it is often suggested to apply multiple light coats of varnish rather than a single heavy coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. This helps build up a strong and even protective layer over your artwork.
UV Protection:
In addition to using a varnish, consider adding a UV protectant layer to your artwork. This is especially important if your piece will be displayed in an area with direct sunlight exposure, as UV rays can cause fading and discolouration over time.
Alternative Sealants:
While varnish is a popular choice for sealing alcohol ink art, there are alternative sealants available as well. Resin, for example, can be used to seal alcohol ink art, providing a glossy and durable finish. However, it is crucial to follow the specific instructions for using resin, including proper ventilation and curing time.
Remember, the sealing process allows you to enhance and protect your artwork, so take your time, experiment with different techniques, and always work in a well-ventilated area.
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Clean the surface
Alcohol is a great helper when it comes to cleaning the surface before painting. It can help you get rid of fingerprints, dust, grease, and other contaminants that may ruin your work. However, it is important to remember that alcohol is not suitable for all surfaces. For example, cleaning bare wood with alcohol can damage the wood grains and make it harder for the paint to cure. Instead, you should use appropriate oils or primers for your type of wood. After the primer is applied, you can use alcohol to clean the surface. The same goes for metal surfaces – they need to be cleaned properly at all stages, and alcohol can help with that. Just make sure that alcohol doesn't get to the plastic parts of your project or any other materials that can be dissolved in alcohol, as it can lead to discoloration and other problems.
When using alcohol as a paint prep material, it is crucial to dilute it properly. Improper dilution will result in poor chemical reactions and an overly strong or weak effect. Determining the optimal dilution percentage can be challenging, and even if you know it, diluting isopropyl alcohol is not a simple task. You can use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, but avoid drinking alcohol, as it may contain additional components that will make your surface sticky and greasy.
If you are working with wood, you might need to fill in any holes, gaps, scratches, or chips in the veneer. Standard wood filler works well for small areas, while a two-part wood filler is recommended for larger or deeper areas. Once the filler is dry, sand it down to be level with the original surface, wearing a mask to avoid inhaling the particles. This will help create a smooth surface for your paint to adhere to.
In addition to alcohol, there are other cleaners you can use to prepare your surface for painting. TSP or TSP Substitute cleaner is a heavy-duty option that is great for removing grease and grime from kitchen cabinets or dirty furniture. It can be purchased as a powder or a pre-mixed spray cleaner. If you use the powder, mix it with warm water according to the instructions on the box. Apply the cleaner with a green pad or sponge, then "rinse" it off with a damp rag, and wipe away any excess moisture.
Overall, cleaning the surface before alcohol painting is an important step to ensure the best results. Whether you choose to use alcohol or other cleaning solutions, always follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions to avoid any damage to your project.
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Use a blending solution
When preparing for alcohol painting, it is important to cover your work surface with something that can catch any ink or isopropyl alcohol that spills over the edges of your painting. Alcohol inks are very concentrated, so it is recommended to start with a single drop and add more as you go. To dilute the inks and keep them moving, you can use isopropyl alcohol or a blending solution.
A blending solution is a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and other added ingredients. It is used to dilute and blend inks, as well as clean up spills. It helps to keep the inks bright and vivid and slows down the drying time. A 4 oz big-sized bottle of blending solution should be enough for your project. The unique bottle mouth design of some products prevents dripping while giving you total control. It is also leakproof, so you don't have to worry about wasting any product.
You can use different tools for blending, such as cotton swabs for adding small dots of ink or wiping away small areas. You can also make your own controlled blending pen by filling a water brush or refillable felt tip with isopropyl alcohol or blending solution. This can be useful for lifting ink or blending out the edges of your alcohol ink to avoid a crisp line at the end of your design.
The primary blending method for alcohol inks involves tilting the paper to create flat washes or the appearance of slow movement. Alternatively, you can blow through a straw to create the impression of splashy, rapid movement. However, moisture can gather in the straw, so it is recommended to use a low-wattage hairdryer, airbrush, or air blower instead.
Alcohol inks can be difficult to control, but with practice, you can keep certain colours from spreading and mixing into each other. You can also use brushes to add texture to your blends during the tacky part of the drying process.
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Frequently asked questions
Before alcohol painting, it is recommended to put down a recycled board, cardboard, or scrap paper to protect your table from stains. You should also have glossy cardstock, gloss paper, glass, or metal as your canvas, and a blending solution or 91% isopropyl alcohol to mix with the ink.
A blending solution is used to dilute and blend your inks, clean up spills, and create interesting effects and designs in your paintings. It is made up of isopropyl alcohol and other ingredients.
Alcohol should not be used to clean bare wood as it can damage the wood grains and make it harder for paint to cure. It should also be kept away from plastic, as it can lead to discolouration.
Alcohol inks are messy and produce strong fumes, so it is important to work in a well-ventilated area. It is recommended to wear a mask when working with the inks and to avoid using alcohol paints in a bedroom or sleeping area.
No, drinking alcohol should not be used for paint preparation as it can make the surface sticky and greasy. Instead, use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol.
