FREE SHIPPING for orders over $150

Alcohol Ink Artwork Tutorial

Learn Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol Inks Painting

Alcohol Ink is becoming increasingly popular among creative individuals. In this post, we’ll explain what the trendy method entails. We go through the most essential words and concepts, as well as the materials you’ll need to create a successful alcohol ink painting, and where you can get them. Additionally, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to your very first Alcohol Ink Painting.

What is Alcohol Ink, and how does it work?

The phrase Alcohol Ink has various connotations. On one hand, it refers to the painting material used, which is typically ethanol ink. On the other hand, it also refers to a fluid painting technique. This style was born in the United States, as with many others before it. While this method is yet relatively unfamiliar, Alcohol Ink inks are now extremely popular in America. Alcohol Inks are made up of a large amount of alcohol blended with color pigments and additional ingredients.

Alcohol has the advantage of evaporating swiftly, which is useful with this painting method. Due to the alcohol’s evaporation, the colors dry very rapidly. Even dried ink, however, may be “revived,” to use a word, by adding pure alcohol or fresh ink. The painting can be altered at a later date by adding new hues in this manner. Acrylic paints, for example, do not provide this option.

The following are the materials required for this technique: 

Alcohol Inks and Markers

First and foremost, you’ll need the alcohol paint. On the Internet is by far the easiest way to obtain them. The most well-known and probably most often utilized colors of Tim Holtz Ranger are those of the firm. This maker also has some metallic hues in addition to 60 distinct tones. Other outstanding brands include Let’s Resin and Piñata from Jacquard, which are both extremely low-cost options for testing and experimenting.

As an inexpensive alternative, compatible refill bottles for Copic Marker are also available. You may use this refill ink in the same way as the unique Alcohol Inks. The so-called Sharpie markers are very useful for making later decorations and ornaments on a dried painting.

Isopropyl Alcohol / Blending Solution

It’s generally a good idea to use a so-called blending solution while working with Alcohol Ink. On the one hand, you may save a lot of ink. On the other hand, using this solution allows for considerably more technical possibilities. The colors are brightened and can be combined thanks to isopropyl alcohol and glycerine in Blending Solution. You may purchase pure isopropyl alcohol online for about $10 per 1 l bottle, which has an alcohol content of 99.99 percent.

The alcohol is comparable to water in watercolor painting. It’s the Alcohol Ink counterpart, which comes from the same substance as water. The foundation on which the alcohol ink can be applied is formed by these big quantities of ethanol and oil. Because of their scale, these huge volumes are required. If at all possible, you should utilize isopropyl alcohol with a minimum 90% alcoholic content.

Alcohol Ink Painting on an Optimal Paint Surface

When selecting the proper substrate for the Alcohol Ink method, certain criteria should be considered. Alcohol Ink does not work with normal paper, as utilized in acrylic painting, oil painting, or watercolor painting. The ink would quickly enter the sheet due to its porous structure. The smoothest surface possible is ideal. This is the only way to combine and apply the colors, allowing them to be mixed and turned into many designs.

Melamine, tile, or porcelain tiles are excellent choices. Yupo Paper and Stone Paper are especially suited for this purpose. It’s made synthetically from polypropylene and has an extremely waterproof and tear-resistant construction. However, working with this paper is tough. Because it has a strong repellent effect on oil, rubber gloves are recommended when working with it. The Yupo paper produced by Frisk, among others, is available in sheets of 85 g/m2 (perfect for a beginner) and 110 g/m2.

Tutorial Video

Supplies You Need for Art with Alcohol Ink

High Quality Alcohol Inks

Alcohol Ink Set-LET'S RESIN Vibrant Colors Alcohol Ink

LET'S RESIN alcohol ink works a little different from other alcohol ink, which they don't spread so much in resin due to their high-pigment, which allows you to control the colors more precisely and make some amazing and personalized effects in epoxy resin.

Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink 24 bottle Mega Set

Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink 24 bottle Mega Set

Favorites Collection Set 3 - 24 bottle Set Includes 8- 3 pack sets: Mariner, Cabin Cupboard, Retro Cafe, Spring Break, Dockside Picnic, Countryside, Summit View, Farmers Market Set Contains 24 0.5 fl. oz. Bottles Fade Resistant, Dye Inks

T-Rex Premium Alcohol Inks

T-Rex Inks Premium Alcohol Inks Starter Set- 12

Unleash Your Inner Artist: Realize your artistic dreams with our premium Alcohol Ink Sets. Easy to use, jumbo sized fiercely vibrant colors & an included alcohol ink blending solution make this the perfect starter alcohol ink kit!

Blending Solution / Isopropyl Alcohol​

Tim_holtz_alcohol_ink_blending solution

Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Blending Solution 2oz-

Tim Holtz Alcohol Blending Solution is specially formulated to dilute and lighten the Alcohol Inks' vibrant tones. The solution will also remove Alcohol Ink from slick surfaces hands and tools. Acid free. Precision tip.

Member's Mark 91% Isopropyl Alcohol

Member's Mark 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (32 Fl. Oz, 2 pk.)

First aid topical antiseptic and sanitizer 91% Isopropyl Alcohol

Digger_cleaning_alcohol

Diggers 125ml Isopropyl Cleaning Alcohol

Preparation for applying wall hooks A highly effective ‘hard surface’ sanitiser Computer screens and equipment Easy-to-use spray pack Sanitising Diggers Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as IPA or Isopropanol) is a high quality hard surface cleaner with a high evaporation rate. It has many different applications around the home and office.

Suitable Paper / Painting Grounds​

Yupo_paper

Yupo Paper L21-YUP197W912 White Sheets, 9" x 12", 10 count

Yupo Paper-White Sheets: 74Lb Do It On Yupo- A Different Way To Watercolor 100% Polypropylene, Acid Free, Neutral pH, Smooth Surface, Recyclable Country Of Origin : United States

alcohol_ink_paper_roll

Alcohol Ink Paper Roll

Large Alcohol Ink Paper Roll - One large sheet of 300gsm (140lb) Pixiss Alcohol Ink & Watercolor Synthetic Paper with an extra smooth surface. This is high quality heavy weight synthetic paper for alcohol ink, watercolors, charcoal and more. Compare to Yupo paper. Size - 24 inches by 5 feet (610x1524mm), 300gs (140lb). The perfect size for your large scale alcohol ink or watercolor paper project.

Yupo_paper_l21

Yupo Paper L21-YUP153CL57 Translucent Sheets (15 Pack), 5" x 7"

Yupo Paper-Translucent Sheets This Paper Is An Unique Alternative To Traditional Watercolor Papers This Paper Is Incredibly Durable Stain-Resistant Non-Absorbent Synthetic Paper That Holds Ink And Watercolor With Razor Sharp Precision