Alcohol Ink Painting

Create An Abstract Masterpiece With Our Alcohol Ink Paints

If you're a serious crafter who loves to experiment and make wonderfully abstract works, chances are you've heard of alcohol ink paints. These little gems are highly pigmented coloured dyes used for fluid painting techniques on a range of non-porous surfaces, such as metal, ceramic, glass and yupo paper.

As Australia's favourite online craft store, Riot Art & Craft have you sorted with alcohol inks and supplies from The Paper Mill, Artist's First Choice and The Art Studio. Shop our range today and get started on your next project with free shipping over $99 Australia-wide!

An Introduction To Alcohol Inks

Alcohol ink art uses acid-free coloured dyes with a high pigment to create bright, free-flowing works of fluid art. An alcohol blending solution, such as isopropyl alcohol, is used to dilute the inks and make them 'run' across hard, non-porous surfaces such as glass and ceramic.

They're vivid, fast-drying and available in a huge range of stunning ink colors that allow you to create an unlimited number of projects. While copic markers and sharpies can also be used to make alcohol ink art and add detail, our individual inks give you more freedom to mix your own shades and use a variety of application techniques for interesting effect.

Abstract Art Using Alcohol Ink

Mastering the art of abstract painting is easier than ever with alcohol inks! When thinned with a blending solution, these inks take on a consistency that's similar to the fluidity of watercolor paint and are absolutely perfect for creating wonderfully unpredictable abstract designs.

We've got a stunning range of alcohol inks by The Paper Mill that come in various forms and finishes, from powdered pigments to liquid dyes, in bold, shimmery and metallic hues for all of your fluid art projects.

Try dropping ink onto yupo paper to create interesting shapes, then turn and twist the paper to make it run and blend.

How To Create High-Quality Paintings Using Alcohol Ink?

An alcohol ink artwork can be a piece of fine art that's worthy of displaying in a gallery or taking pride of place in your home. Whether you love abstract works or something more structured, you'll have the flexibility to create any masterpiece you've got in mind.

Try painting your work on different surfaces and shapes, such as canvas, ceramic tiles, glass and vases. You can use stencils to make detailed images or let the inks flow freely for a marbled effect. You can also combine alcohol inks with other mediums, such as oils paints, oil pastels, acrylics, gouache, markers, pens and pencils, for an impressive mixed media project to hang on your wall.

Don't forget to seal your work with varnish to protect it from damage and preserve it over time.

Is Alcohol Ink Water Resistant?

You'll find that most alcohol ink art pieces are not waterproof and can be susceptible to smudging or running if they come into contact with water, alcohol or even perspiration from your fingertips.

Avoid this by sealing your finished work with a fixative. A spray varnish will protect your finished work from dust and dirt, keep the colours vibrant and stop it from yellowing over time. You can choose different finishes to add another interesting element to your art, including matte or satin.

Alcohol Ink Painting Techniques

While half the fun of using alcohol inks lies in experimenting and discovering new and unique ways to use them, there are a few different techniques you can try if you're just starting out and want some inspiration. You can also check out many tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube to get those creative juices flowing. Try out these methods:
1. Layering - This is the simplest ink technique. Wet the surface with blending solution and drop some different colour alcohol inks onto it. They'll react like watercolour and bleed into each other, creating an ombre look. Go in with sponges, paintbrushes or felt stamps and blend further. You can then add detail with pens and markers or take it further by adding acrylic paint, oils or any other medium.
2. Blown Flowers - Use a blower, such as a hairdryer set to cold or even a straw, to blow the paint in different directions. Drop ink onto yupo paper and blow it in one direction, repeating the process with other colours to create abstract flowers.
3. Stencils - Make a card for someone special by using a stencil to create images and complex designs. Lay the stencil onto the surface and use a sponge or felt stamp to press ink onto it. You don't need blending solution as you don't want them too thin in case they run beneath the stencil.

Painting With Alcohol Inks On Yupo Paper

Yupo paper, or any other synthetic paper, is the preferred surface for using alcohol inks. This is because it's non-absorbent which means the ink won't sink in and is free to flow and blend as needed. You can experiment with different applicator tools, such as droppers and sponges, to create texture and interesting patterns.

You can also use other non-porous, water-resistant paper to give your alcohol ink a smooth, durable surface to run. Our Tim Holtz cardstock is perfect for creating textured works of art in a range of fun backgrounds.

Painting With Alcohol Inks On Ceramic Tile

Ceramic is another excellent surface for painting with alcohol inks. Ceramic items, such as tiles and vases, are good for painting unusual abstract designs on that are vivid and colourful. Revamp a plain ceramic vase and add a bright splash to your home or turn some ceramic tiles into coasters for your coffee table.

Painting With Alcohol Inks On Glass

Glass is a great surface for using with alcohol inks as it's hard and smooth so the paints can flow easily and quickly. When run together on glass, different coloured inks take on a marbled galaxy effect that looks similar to stained glass.

Fire can be used to seal the inks before they dry. This burns off the alcohol and make the dyes stable so you can create glass panels, mugs and candle holders that will allow light to shine through brilliantly.

Alcohol Ink Set

Our alcohol sets by The Paper Mill are the best and most cost-effective way to get into alcohol ink painting. Get a handy starter kit with 6 shades in bright or dark options and 2 blending solutions for blending and mixing.

Alcohol Ink Accessories You Can't Do Without

So, you've picked out your alcohol inks and you're ready to dive into creating your next masterpiece. Not so fast! There's some essential supplies and extra accessories to consider to ensure your project is a big success:
1. Blending solution thins the inks and makes them run better. Our Paper Mill solutions are made with 92% isopropyl alcohol which also makes clean up a breeze!
2. Yupo paper is a great surface to start on. Shop our synthetic paper pads by Tim Holtz and The Paper Mill for beautiful works that are crisp and colourful.
3. Get some applicators, such as the Tim Holtz Adirondack Applicator, sponges and droppers.
4. A spray bottle can be filled with blending solution for wetting down works for blending.
5. Our Art Spectrum extender will help slow the drying process so you have more time to work.
6. Protect your hands with rubber gloves!
7. Try stencils for creating structured, complex images
8. Add some bling! Our Artist's First Choice gold and copper metal leaf makes an excellent addition to any alcohol ink artwork.

Alcohol Ink Projects To Add To Your List

There's an unlimited number of DIY home decor projects to be had with alcohol inks. The flexibility of this medium means you can create beautifully vibrant designs on many different surfaces and objects throughout the home. Here's some ideas to kickstart your creativity:
1. Make some fired wall art using alcohol inks
2. Create marbled patterns on metal and turn it into a pendant
3. Paint some ceramic tiles and use as coasters
4. Use alcohol inks to tie dye some old, plain cushions
5. Jazz up a plain ceramic vase or planter with abstract designs
6. Make a greeting card using stamps and colour in the gaps with ink
7. Use the blown ink technique to create a hanging glass ornament
8. Paint a glass window panel using the stained glass technique

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Inks

What Is Alcohol Ink Painting?

Alcohol ink painting is creating art with dye-based inks that are vibrantly coloured with a high pigment and blended with isopropyl alcohol to make them fluid. They are applied to a non-porous surface and turned, tilted and twisted to create fun and unique abstract patterns and designs. They can also be used with oils, acrylics, watercolours and more to create a mixed media project.

What Supplies Do I Need For Alcohol Ink Painting?

If it's your first time using alcohol inks, you'll want to stock up on a few essential supplies that will ensure your project is a fun and successful one. You'll need:
1. Alcohol inks
2. Blending solution
3. Applicator tools, such as paintbrushes, sponges and droppers
4. Ink palette
5. Non-porous surface, such as yupo paper
6. Extender
7. Sealer
8. Rubber gloves
9. Art smock

Can You Do Alcohol Ink On Canvas?

Alcohol ink is typically used on non-porous surfaces such as glass, ceramic and synthetic paper. However, it can also be used on canvas as long as it's primed to provide a durable surface where the ink won't absorb into it. We sell triple primed canvases, including canvas panels and gallery wrapped, that are high-quality and ready for you to experiment!

What Can You Use Alcohol Ink On?

Alcohol inks work best on non-porous surfaces where they can run freely and create interesting abstract patterns and effects. However, you can also use them on porous surfaces to colour, stain or create a tie dye look. Use them on:
1. Synthetic paper, such as yupo
2. Glass
3. Ceramic
4. Metal
5. Fabric
6. Clay
7. Canvas