Techniques For Making 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.

Some of the ways this medium varies from others of similar nature is that the pigmentation is concentrated, it dries fast, has forgiveness, and contains no acid. The colors have a real vibrancy, though they can be diluted to obtain a range of versatility to be utilized in multiple methods. It is intended to be used on non-porous surfaces because it has a tendency to seep into porous materials and look faded.

To begin the project, one must first amass all the required materials and any embellishments they might wish to add. Ceramic pieces will be the working surface, and they come in many varied sizes and shapes, both in matte or gloss finish. The choice of the which specific items to purchase is entirely up to the artist as the techniques can be adapted to virtually any format and circumstances.

One may buy their inks singly or in kits with three colors that complement each other well. For enhanced versatility, additional products such as customizing pigmentation to create unique hues, metallic additives that can generate a polished or luminous appeal, and a blending solution, should also be gathered. Other tools for the project include refillable markers, straws, felt, clear coat sealer, canned air, gloves, and stamp pad applicators.

Technique number one is applying a couple drops of the colors one has chosen, to the piece of felt that has been added to the bottom of a stamp applicator. This is then tapped against the ceramic surface repeatedly and with varied pressure, to get the coverage and patterning desired. Although by its nature, felt tends to leave loose strands in the liquid, they can be removed easily after the medium has had adequate drying time.

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.

Each technique's unique appearance can be changed by using compressed air or straws to blow the inks around, dabbing felt against it, diluting and dispersing it with blending solution, or adding details with markers. This medium is extremely forgiving, allowing one to wipe it off and reapply as often as one wishes. When the look is right, add up to three thin layers of clear sealant to protect it against fading or damage.




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