Fun & Messy Techniques: Alcohol Ink
One of my all-time super favorite paper crafting supplies, Alcohol Inks are just so much fun to play with! Want to see a video demo? Check out our Alcohol Ink Webisode!
Alcohol Inks
Alcohol inks come in little bottles of fabulous color. They’re generally packaged in sets of three 1/2 oz bottles, so it’s easy to color-coordinate. They’re fast drying and permanent—so wear plastic gloves if you want to protect your manicure!
What you need:
- Alcohol inks
- Glossy paper or other non-porous surface
- Ink Applicator
- Rubbing alcohol
- Gloves (optional)
Use on non-porous surfaces
Use alcohol inks on glossy paper, metal, plastic, Super-Size Slide Mounts, glass microscope slides or other non-porous surfaces for the best effect. If you use it on cardstock or matte paper, the ink just soaks in and looks muddy.
Applying Alcohol Inks
I love using my Ink Applicator. Just attach a piece of felt to the Velcro on the Applicator and you’re set to go. The felt is included with the applicators, and you can buy refill pads. I don’t throw my felt away after each use—they look awful but I just keep reusing them for the same color until they’re really muddy.
The thing to remember is this: Alcohol inks dry instantly. They can be reworked with the help of Ranger’s Blending solution or plain old rubbing alcohol.
Basic ink application
Place the felt rectangle onto the applicator, then squeeze a drop of color directly onto the felt. Use one color, or add a drop of one or both of the other coordinating colors in the set. Avoid overlapping the colors on the felt.
Randomly tap the applicator onto your surface. You can tap to apply the color, sweep the ink along your surface, or tap and twist for a random pattern.
Blending basics
Alcohol inks don’t blend unless you use rubbing alcohol. If you cover a glossy surface with one ink color, you can drop other ink colors onto it and it will push the first color out of the way. You can also drop rubbing alcohol onto the colors to blend, or first drop rubbing alcohol onto your surface, then apply the color.
Blending the color with rubbing alcohol
You can either blend the color with rubbing alcohol on your applicator, or blend on your surface.
To blend on your applicator, first squeeze two drops of Alcohol Ink on your applicator, then add a drop of rubbing alcohol. Start with just a small amount; it will really dilute the color. Tap, sweep or twist the applicator onto your inked surface to apply both color and rubbing alcohol.
To blend on your surface, squeeze two drops of Alcohol Ink onto your applicator and apply to your surface. Place a fresh felt piece onto the applicator, then squeeze a drop of rubbing alcohol onto the felt. Tap, sweep or twist the applicator onto your inked surface. Even though the ink has dried on your surface, the rubbing alcohol allows it to be reworked.
A bit like chemistry class…
…only more fun! You can experiment with the ratio of Alcohol Ink to rubbing alcohol for a more diluted or stronger color effect. Remember, a little bottle of Alcohol Ink can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to play a little!
Finger application
Here’s where the gloves come in! Squeeze a drop or two of one or more colors into separate wells of a plastic palette. Dip your (gloved) finger into a color, then tap it onto your paper. Add another color if you like; tap on some rubbing alcohol to blend.
Direct from the bottle
You can completely forgo the applicator and squeeze the Alcohol Ink directly onto your surface. This can give you a cool marbled effect. Alternate different colors, and add a drop or two of rubbing alcohol to blend. You can either let the ink dry in the circular pattern they’ll make on your paper, or you can rework it with the applicator or your finger.
To stamp or not to stamp?
The choice is yours, but be warned that applying the Alcohol Ink directly onto your stamp can dry it out—especially rubber stamps—causing it to crack over time.
