Theo Nash
Alcohol inks are a vibrant and highly pigmented liquid that, when combined with resin, creates a translucent, stained-glass effect. However, certain alcohol ink colors, especially those in the pink, red, purple, and blue range, tend to disappear or fade when mixed with resin. This can be due to various factors, such as the type of resin, the mixing technique, and the presence of other pigments. Understanding the interaction between alcohol inks and resin is crucial for achieving the desired colors and patterns in resin art and jewelry-making projects.
Why do certain alcohol ink colors disappear in resin?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol ink colors that disappear | Red, Purple, Pink, Orange, Blue, Dark colors |
| Alcohol ink colors that fade | Magenta, Purple, Teal, Lime Green, Black |
| Alcohol ink colors that remain | Teal, White |
| Techniques to prevent colors from disappearing | Using alcohol ink specifically for epoxy, using resin dyes, using ICE resin tints, using Jacquard white Pinata alcohol ink, sealing the ink before pouring resin, using acrylic-based spray, using Krylon sealer spray |
| Reasons for color change or disappearance | Alcohol inks are not colorfast, exposure to heat, sun/UV light, or time, mixing too much alcohol ink, chemical connection with resin, using alcohol ink instead of resin dye |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol ink colours can change when they come into contact with resin
Alcohol inks are not like traditional resin colours. Some alcohol ink colours will change, while others will disappear altogether when they come into contact with resin. This is because alcohol inks are often not very colourfast. The colours can shift or fade due to exposure to heat, sunlight/UV light, or simply over time.
For example, when mixing purple, dark blue, and red alcohol inks with resin, the inks turn a greyish murky colour and then change to an orange-brown shade. Similarly, when using Art Resin over alcohol inks, they initially turn green and then fade back to their original colour. Colours in the pink, red, and purple ranges are notorious for disappearing when in contact with resin.
To prevent alcohol inks from changing colour or disappearing when in contact with resin, it is recommended to use inks specifically designed for epoxy, such as alcohol-based inks or resin dyes. Additionally, using an acrylic-based spray or a sealer spray like Krylon before applying the resin can help retain the ink colours. It is also important to be mindful of the amount of ink used, as too much alcohol ink in epoxy can affect the final product.
When using alcohol inks with resin, it is essential to follow specific techniques. One method is to add drops of alcohol ink to a wet resin surface, allowing it to spread horizontally and create interesting patterns. Another technique is to mix clear resin, add it to a mould, and then add alcohol ink to create drops of colour throughout. This Petri technique creates a look of depth in the resin.
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Some colours disappear altogether
Alcohol inks are often not colourfast, and some colours are more prone to fading or shifting than others. Colours in the pink, red, purple, and orange range are notorious for disappearing altogether when mixed with clear epoxy. For instance, a user on Reddit reported that their purple, dark blue, and red alcohol inks ruined their final product, turning a "grayish murky colour" and then an "orange-brown colour".
Another user on Resin Obsession reported that their alcohol inks, which worked fine in their first batches, suddenly disappeared when they added part B. They suspected that it had something to do with the catalyst. Similarly, a user on Reddit reported that their black alcohol ink turned chocolate brown.
To prevent alcohol inks from disappearing, some users recommend using resin dyes or acrylic-based sprays instead of alcohol inks. Others suggest using alcohol ink specifically designed for epoxy, as these inks are meant to be mixed into the resin, not applied directly to the surface. Additionally, it's important to use light mist resin mould releases to protect the mould from microtears and ensure accurate measuring to prevent the resin from curing incorrectly.
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Colours in the pink, red, purple and blue range are most susceptible
Alcohol inks are not colourfast and are prone to fading or changing colour when they come into contact with resin. This is especially true for colours in the pink, red, purple, and blue range, which are most susceptible to disappearing when mixed with resin.
Several factors can contribute to this issue. Firstly, the type of resin used plays a role. Some resins, such as UV resin, are very sensitive to mix-ins, and adding too much ink can interfere with the chemical connection, resulting in a sticky or droopy final product. Additionally, UV resin may not cure properly if it cannot transmit UV light through the resin to the areas that need to cure.
The choice of ink is also crucial. Alcohol inks are not designed to be mixed into resin; instead, they should be dropped onto the desired area, followed by a layer of resin. Using inks specifically formulated for epoxy, such as alcohol-based resin colours, can help ensure that the colours remain vibrant after curing.
Furthermore, the curing process itself can impact colour retention. Curing time may vary depending on the type of resin used, and inadequate curing can lead to issues with colour retention. It is recommended to allow the resin to cure fully or at least long enough to prevent blending with subsequent layers of ink and resin.
To mitigate the issue of disappearing colours, some artists suggest using resin dyes, acrylic paint, resin pigment dyes, or mica powders instead of alcohol inks. These alternatives tend to be more colourfast and less prone to fading or shifting. Additionally, applying a sealer, such as an acrylic-based spray or a Krylon sealer spray, before adding the resin can help prevent the ink from disappearing.
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Inks should be applied to wet resin
Alcohol inks are a great way to add colour to your resin projects, be it resin painting or other projects like resin jewellery making. Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring resin because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol quickly evaporates and leaves pigment without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin.
However, it is important to note that not all alcohol inks are compatible with resin. Some alcohol ink colours will change colours, while others will disappear altogether. Colours in the pink, red, purple, orange, and magenta range are notorious for this. You can add them to clear epoxy only to find that they have disappeared a few minutes later. This is because the alcohol ink colours are not meant to be mixed with the resin. Instead, you can drop the ink where you want it and then pour the resin on top, or do the reverse.
To avoid this issue, you can use resin dyes or alcohol inks specifically made for epoxy. This will ensure that your colours stay vibrant after your resin cures. You can also try using ICE resin tints and the Jacquard white Pinata alcohol ink, which give beautiful and consistent results in epoxy projects.
When applying alcohol inks to resin, you can add drops of ink to a wet resin surface to create interesting patterns. This technique is known as the Petri technique and creates a look of depth in your resin. You can also try mixing clear resin, adding it to a mould, and then adding coloured ink to the surface. Alternating between coloured and white ink will create drops of colour throughout your resin.
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Using a non-alcoholic ink will disrupt the curing process
Alcohol-based inks are ideal for colouring resin because the alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving pigment without disrupting the curing process. However, non-alcoholic inks can cause issues with curing. For example, acrylic inks contain too much moisture, which can prevent the resin from curing.
The type of resin used also matters. For instance, alcohol inks are not compatible with urethane resins because they contain water, and urethane reacts badly to water. Similarly, UV resin is very sensitive to additives, and too much of a non-alcoholic ink or dye can prevent curing.
In general, it is recommended to use only a small amount of ink or dye in resin, regardless of whether it is alcohol-based or not. This is because the resin's chemical connection can be affected, resulting in a sticky or droopy final product.
It is also important to note that some colours of alcohol ink, such as purple, red, and dark blue, are more prone to discolouration during the curing process, turning a reddish-brown colour. This is due to their sensitivity to the heat generated during curing.
Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right type of ink or dye and use it sparingly to avoid disrupting the curing process and ensure the desired colour outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol ink colors, especially those in the pink, purple, red, and blue range, are known to change or disappear when in contact with resin. This is because alcohol inks are not meant to be mixed with resin.
To avoid this issue, use resin dyes or alcohol ink specifically designed for epoxy. You can also try adding the alcohol ink to the resin's surface instead of mixing it in. Additionally, ensure that you are using the correct ratio of ink to resin and that your resin is mixed accurately.
Resins that are super clear, such as Resin Obsession's super clear resin, are ideal for use with alcohol ink as they allow for better control over the transparency of the color. ICE resin tints and Jacquard white Pinata alcohol ink are also good options for consistent results.
There are several techniques you can use. One method is to mix clear epoxy with a drop or two of alcohol ink, combining thoroughly until the color is evenly mixed. Another technique, known as the Petri technique, involves creating drops of color throughout your resin by alternating layers of clear resin and colored or white alcohol ink.
Yes, you can use pigment powders or resin tints to add color to your resin. However, pigment powders will result in a more opaque and chunky appearance, while alcohol inks offer a translucent effect. You can also use India inks or create your own alcohol ink by combining isopropanol with standard printer ink.
