If you’re new to using alcohol ink, you’ll need to know some tips and get some practice. In this article, we’ll cover how to paint with alcohol inks.
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Alcohol inks are very much in trend for their extreme flexibility during usage. But before you start practicing, you need to know some pro-tips.
Are you lost about how to paint with alcohol inks?
This article will help you find your way. Here, we’ll walk you through all types of materials that you can use for this purpose. We will also give you some additional pro-tips that you can use while painting.
Once you get all this info, all you will need to do is implement them accordingly. Then, with time, practice, and dedication, you will surely master it!
So, let’s dive right in!
Why Should We Pick Alcohol Inks?
Painting with alcohol ink is becoming increasingly popular. As a result, there are so many different types of alcohol ink markers and brushes. These are also more readily available.
Working with alcohol ink is also very fun and flexible. You can do all sorts of details with markers.
You can do crafts and DIY ideas with alcohol inks on mediums such as glass, wood, etc. The results turn out to be beautiful with alcohol inks as it gives vibrant colors.
Now, let us learn about the different mediums of alcohol inks next!
Variety of Alcohol Ink Mediums and Their Uses!
Another significant aspect of working with alcohol ink is that it is available in various mediums – from brush to markers to droppers and much more. Let us learn about them in detail to help you choose the right one for your work!
Alcohol Ink with Brushes
You can get some of the best alcohol inks in the market. These can be found in small glass pots or tubes. Then, you just start working with brushes of your choice. Then you can adorn your house with some alcohol paint on glass Christmas ornaments.
Use thin brushes when you want to add intricate details. Medium brushes help to blend in the colors. In contrast, large brushes work well for painting the base color.
As alcohol inks flow freely, this makes them highly compatible with brushes.
Rough brushes help to add more texture after the ink dries off. It gives strong outlines.
On the other hand, soft brushes help with the smooth blending of the alcohol inks.
However, don’t get your best brushes for the work, as alcohol inks can dry out the brush bristles.
Alcohol Ink Based Markers
The dyes inside most markers are of the same texture and quality as alcohol inks. Alcohol markers are gems.
They are easy to control. They can be used to make intricately detailed artworks like mandalas on almost all mediums.
They can also be used to add some border to your alcohol-based painting work. Markers work very well if you want a clean and neat-looking artwork where everything is in place.
Once you know how to paint with alcohol markers, you will be hooked to it. And not to mention the beautiful fragrance of alcohol ink markers!
Droppers
Droppers are usually available with all alcohol inks that we buy from the store. However, it is advised to buy more with varying shapes.
Droppers are amazing for doing abstract painting with alcohol ink. You can use them to blend any color of your choice over a base paint.
This can be done by simply dropping the colors on top. Alcohol inks are hands down the best for abstract painting!
Droppers are also helpful for experimentation with colors by mixing different ones.
Felt Stamps
These are great for creating patterns with alcohol inks by simply stamping over a base paint. Replaceable stamps are widely available, giving you several pattern options. Whether you want to try a different color or you want to start fresh-just replace the stamp!
Felt brushes also work as a substitute for felt stamps. Yes, they are similar in their work, just as they are similar in their outlook.
Spray Bottles
As alcohol inks are freely flowing, add them to a spray bottle to make your own spray paint.
Then you can use it to spray colors on desired surfaces directly. You can also spray them over a surface that is prepped with a blending solution.
Or you can simply add them to a surface that is still wet with paint. This adds more glaze and vibrancy to the piece.
Art Sponges
You can simply replace your brushes with art sponges whenever you like. Working with sponges helps you get more control over the work. Also, it’s also a lot of fun to work with.
Alcohol ink’s flexibility in texture makes it easily sit on the surface of art sponges. It can also blend in with much ease.
It also comes in handy when you want to add some aesthetic effect to your work.
Magic Eraser
This one works as a cheaper alternative to brushes and stamps and art sponges. It works as a multifaceted tool for painting. This is because it can hold both alcohol ink and rubbing alcohol in a reasonable amount.
You will have lots of fun as you experiment with your artwork with magic erasers.
Pro Tips for Painting with Alcohol Inks
Now that we have told you about all the different mediums for alcohol ink let us look into how we can improvise our works..
Playing with Texture
You can paint like a professional by using alcohol ink sealants. They add some glaze and longevity to your artwork.
How you dry the alcohol ink primarily determines the texture of your work. The ink tends to create a strong and coarse border around the edges of your work as the ink dries.
You can control the edges by using drying tactics. They can be controlled with the help of hairdryers, rolling plastic straws, or fine bristle paintbrushes.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can be used to thin out alcohol inks. They also help to replenish dried-out inks. When you add some rubbing alcohol at the end of your work, it will have some additional composition.
However, to get the most uniform effects and finishes in your work, you need to pick wisely. Make sure that you use rubbing alcohol of a minimum of 91% concentration to get the best outcome.
Rubbing alcohol also comes in handy while making DIY alcohol inks at your home.
Wrapping Up
We tried to cover all the tips and tricks that you can play around with your alcohol ink to help you get the perfect finish for your work.
So, are you excited? Do you feel confident about how to paint with alcohol inks?
Keep practicing till you master it. Make sure to have fun and let your creativity guide you in each step. Every project turns out to be better when you enjoy it!
All the best in your endeavors, and let us know how it goes for you!