5 Surprisingly Creative Ideas for Using Alcohol Inks

Alcohol inks are dye-based paints with bright colors that are often used to create free-flowing textures. They can be used on their own in mixed media projects like printing and stamping, jewelry design, fabric dyeing, and brightening up everyday products.

Since many markers use dye-based alcohol inks, you can be familiar with the tones and colors after using them. Alcohol inks, on the other hand, are more versatile than markers because they can be used to cover a variety of surfaces other than paper, and some people also use them to dye clay while dealing with pottery or clay-based sculpture. Let us help you understand more from this alcohol ink tutorial.

Alcohol ink crafting can seem daunting at first, or that it necessitates a high level of ability, but once you get started, you’ll be amazed at how many incredible things you can create with it. Here’s a fast rundown of the technique, just to get you started!

I’m a pretty terrible artist. That is right. Nobody wanted me on their Pictionary team when I was a kid because I couldn’t draw anything, and my art teacher in junior high used to say, “tell me about this photo,” because she didn’t want to admit she had no idea what it was supposed to be. So, painting isn’t one of my strong suits. 

That is why I am so enthusiastic about today’s project. This simple-fired alcohol ink art turns out beautifully and requires no creative skill. It’s so easy that even children can make a “masterpiece” in minutes, but it’s also entertaining for adults to play with. More simple art projects for kids can be found here.

Tie and dye a fabric

If you’ve ever tie-dyed, you’re probably familiar with the process of dyeing fabrics with ink. Alcohol inks work in a similar way. Alcohol ink used in a concentrated form will produce vivid colors similar to those used in tie-dying, but diluting the ink will result in much more muted coloring.

If you’re already confident in your fabric dying abilities, consider dying silk to make ethereal fabrics and scarves.

Alcohol inks also give you a lot of control over the dying process, so you can use ink spray bottles and stencils to create patterns and abstract designs that are close to what you can do with paper.

Creative design on a metal

Metal is a popular medium for artists who want to create gallery-worthy alcohol ink art. Aluminum canvases, which can be bought at arts and crafts shops, are a simple way to start painting on metal. And it isn’t exclusive to aluminum. Artists are also painting on stainless steel, brass, and copper with these long-lasting inks.

Alcohol ink tutorial on metal also has a creative side. It’s been used by many jewelers and hobbyists to dye metal jewelry, such as pendants, bracelets, and earrings. There is a lot of low-stakes, affordable craft being done with hardware tools, such as washers and masons, for those who are just starting out with alcohol inks and jewelry-making.

Clayboard and ceramics

Claybord is a fine art canvas made of artist-grade hardboard that has been covered in ground clay. It comes in handy when working with alcohol ink to create complete compositions. Claybord does not smudge, bleed, or feather as readily as canvas or paper because it is smooth and absorbent. It’s ideal for meditative painting because it keeps the ink colors saturated while still sparkling.

Ceramics, such as tiles, vases, and other forms, are great for abstract painting as well as creating representational shapes. Ceramic tiles may be used as coasters or as artwork in the home.

Yupo paper

Yupo paper is a water-resistant, synthetic watercolor paper that takes dyes well. This paper preserves the vibrant colors and crisp edges of your ink paintings.

One of the easiest ways to play with the mixing and flowing abilities of alcohol inks is to try it out on paper. Experiment with reabsorbing ink, adding texture with sponges and droppers, scraping methods, and spraying alcohol onto wet Yupo.

Glass

Since it helps the dyes to travel and flow easily, glass is an ideal surface for alcohol inks because it allows for innovative blending and mixing. When hanging in windows, alcohol ink-dyed glass provides a stained-glass-like finish that allows for beautiful lighting.

Alcohol inks can adhere to a glass surface in two ways. 1) Spray the finished piece with a glass fixative or clear glass glaze after it has fully dried. 2) Use fire to burn off the alcohol and stabilize the dyes until the piece dries fully for a full stained glass effect.

This is a perfect technique for making light-through glass panels, candle holders, and the outsides of mugs and wine glasses.

Conclusion

Any surface you paint with alcohol inks will have a unique tone and sound to it. The canvas is dictated not only by the project but also by you and your personal style. Experiment with various surfaces to find your pick, and let us know what works best for you with this alcohol ink tutorial!