Methods For Creating Alcohol Ink Tiles

By Joshua Reynolds


For those individuals who are creatively inclined, there are so many different mediums that might me used to make wonderful products. Every one of them will possess a unique suitability range and set of characteristics. Making alcohol ink tiles with beautiful marbling effects using multiple colors could be a great project for those who love this look.

What makes this medium stand out from others of similar type is that it is acid free, has concentrated pigmentation, dries quickly, and is very forgiving. The colors are really vibrant, yet easily diluted, which gives them a highly versatile nature, allowing them to be used in many ways. The product is intended for non-porous surfaces as it would tend to saturate a porous one and produce a faded or muted look.

Before getting started on the project, one must obtain both the necessary materials and the optional ones they might use as embellishment. The working surface will be of ceramic which can be found in many shapes and sizes in either gloss or matte finishes. It is entirely up to the individual artist to decide the specifics of the pieces since the techniques are adaptable to almost any circumstance or format.

Inks can be purchase either singly, or in packs of three colors that are coordinated to work together effectively. Other products one might want to have on hand to enhance versatility are a blending solutions, pigmentation to customize hues, metallic additives to add luminosity or a polished effect. Stamp pad applicators, refillable markers, gloves, straws, canned air, felt, and clear coat sealer, are also needed to complete the project.

The first technique involves applying just a few drops of the desired colors directly to the felt attached to the stamp applicator. Once loaded, lightly dab the surface with the pad, repeating as often as necessary to achieve the target coverage or pattern. Keep in mind that by its very nature, felt will likely leave loose fibers behind, though this is nothing to be concerned over as they can simply be brushed away when the medium dries.

Another option is dropping the colors directly onto the surface, which gives the artist control over exactly where they go and in what amount. They can be blended together using the stamp pad, a gloved hand, a straw, or compressed air. Adding one or more droplets of blending solution will dilute and disperse the hues, giving the item a very beautiful fracture effect.

A third way of completing this project is to add a little medium to a bowl with water inside of it. The inks remain near the surface and as on dips their ceramics into the liquid, the colors will attach to the tile. This marbling affect has a slightly different look that is beautiful as is, or which may be altered as in the other two techniques.

The look of technique can be altered to preference by either dabbing it with the felt stamper, blowing on it with either straws of varied widths or compressed air, using the markers to add detail, or applying blending solution for dilution. This is a very forgiving medium that can be wiped off and reapplied as desired. To protect one's work from damage and possible fading, add about three thin coats of a quality clear sealer.




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