Alcohol Ink Coasters
Unlike some of the pins I’ve tried on Pinterest that don’t work out, this one for Alcohol Ink Coasters was definitely worth trying.
I saw this pin for alcohol ink coasters, as well as a few more like it, on Pinterest a few weeks back. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and the fun designs.
Via Artisan Des Arts via 52 Weeks Project
(to go to the original post, click on the picture above)
Before seeing this on Pinterest, I had never heard of alcohol ink. It’s crazy to think about all the things I’m missing out on!
So, when I first saw them, I thought it would be a great personalized Christmas gift that wouldn’t break the bank. It just so happened that my husband was at Home Depot when I first pinned it, so I called him to ask to pick up a few tiles from the tile department. I think they were $0.11 each, so for 16 it was less than $2.00.
For this project I used the following supplies.
- Alcohol ink by Adirondack
- Rubbing Alcohol (they sell a alcohol ink blending solution, but it’s basically alcohol, so why spend the $4 or $5 bucks if you don’t have to?)
- 4″ x 4″ tiles from Home Depot
- cotton balls
- Q-tips
- straws
I bought the ink at Michael’s. They came in packs of three for $9.99, and used a few of their coupons that saved me 40% on three packs. After making 16 coasters and about 10 larger pieces, they aren’t even close to being halfway empty, so I’d say it was money well spent.
How to: Just wipe your tile down with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and drop some ink onto the tile. If you want to create lines, just run the tip of the bottle across the tile. If you want to make funky designs, use a straw to blow the ink in the direction you want it to go. That is about as fancy as I’ve gotten so far. I have seen some absolutely stunning pieces of art created by more advanced techniques, but I haven’t gotten past this stage yet.
While I was looking online for some ideas on how to use Alcohol Inks, I found a picture of a peacock by Karen Walker that absolutely took my breath away. You can check out that picture, and others that she created, at http://karen-walker.artistwebsites.com. And this artist, Alexis Bonavitacola, has some beautiful pieces also – http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/alexis-bonavitacola.html. Their work makes mine look like my cats did it. LOL!
My son and I were the first ones to attempt to use the alcohol ink. At first, our attempts were just blobs. Then my husband tried it out and created more blobs.
My husband and son created these.
These were my first attempts – except for the one in the bottom right corner, my son did that one
And then, after watching a few videos on YouTube, we started to get creative.
Green tree on orange background – alcohol ink on tile
And even more daring…
I tried to make it look like a sunset. – alcohol ink on tile
Then I tried to use straws to blow the paint around on the tiles.
Underwater moon – alcohol ink on tile
On that one, I got really “fancy” and used a q-tip to clean a circle before adding a few drops of yellow to make the moon. I love how just blowing the ink around makes it look like seaweed and water.
On the occasions that the piece wasn’t turning out the way we wanted, we just wiped it clean. That’s the great thing about using alcohol ink on tile; if you don’t like it, you just wipe it off with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and start all over.
This one is probably my favorite. I used slightly larger tile that was left over from a bathroom reno that was done before we moved in.
Sea Creatures – alcohol ink on tile
Love the colors in this one.
Orange Flower on Water – alcohol ink on tile
This one just seems angry.
Red Volcano
Splotches – alcohol ink on tile
By the way, I meant to give the coasters to my family for Christmas, however I never got to adding the cork to the bottoms. In fact, when the family came over for the holidays, we ended up making some together. It was kind of interesting to see how each person used the inks to create their masterpieces. My sister is going to use the ones I made for her on the wall in her bedroom, instead of as coasters. And the bigger tiles are currently being used as artwork on the mantle in the living room.
So my overall opinion of alcohol ink is that it can make even the most artistically challenged people feel like Picasso. I loved working with it. I liked watching the colors overlapping each other to create interesting shades and shapes, and figuring out how to make it take the shape I wanted it to with different manipulations. I have a ton of other tiles still in the garage and will definitely be doing some more, as well as trying out some new materials to use the paints on. (you can’t use alcohol inks on regular paper)
The only thing I would do differently next time is wear gloves. I got some of the ink on my fingers and nails, and it was a bear to get off my nails.
UPDATE: Made a few more for the girls’ teachers this weekend…
Latest tries using q-tips
So, definitely a Pinterest pin I’d recommend.
Eliesa
tessvowels says
January 7, 2013 at 6:44 pmThank you so much for the details in this share… It is an art I’ve been interested in but not taken a serious look at! NOW, with new year ^ new ideas, I’m ready!! 🙂
A Pinterest Addict says
January 8, 2013 at 6:59 amYou won’t be sorry 🙂
Marlene says
January 7, 2013 at 7:11 pmThese are gorgeous! What a great job you did – you’ve inspired me to try. Question though, did you have to seal them somehow to protect the design?
A Pinterest Addict says
January 7, 2013 at 7:26 pmYes, I did seal them, but it speckled them and I didn’t want to recommend it. I will have to find something that works better and I’ll let you know.
Jill says
February 25, 2015 at 1:11 pmthese are beautiful. Have you found something to seal them with yet that does not speckle?- i’m having the same issue
Jackie says
June 1, 2016 at 3:43 pmLadies I used a polyurethane gloss spray on my tiles
Ellen says
November 1, 2016 at 12:09 amellensart@hotmail.com
I’d love to hear if this worked well
ellen
Kris says
February 28, 2018 at 2:11 pmI found that Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze works the best for sealing. You can also use rubber stamps over the ink. Make sure after stamping you seal it again or it will smudge.
Kris
Heather says
June 5, 2016 at 9:27 amI use resin to protect my coasters.
Lillie says
March 28, 2017 at 10:15 pmI used Sealer DAS13 matte that I got at the craft store.
Amanda says
December 14, 2015 at 11:46 pmMatte clear coat works great Krylon makes it you have to do 2-3 layers. Plus it gives it a nice textured look. Also makes the colors pop!
Amanda says
August 5, 2016 at 11:38 amHey all, Would ModPodge (Dishwasher Safe Gloss) work okay do you think? Wouldn’t plan on dishwashing them as I want to attach little felt feet but as a sealer?
Thanks!
A Pinterest Addict says
August 5, 2016 at 1:37 pmI don’t know, but reps from Mod Podge are here at Haven, so I’ll ask them.
Heather says
May 4, 2017 at 1:36 pmNo it causes the ink to rub off. The best luck I’ve had is using a spray clear coat. However some of those have made my ink swell. So the pictures become distorted
Shannon says
January 7, 2013 at 7:16 pmEliesa, these are amazing!!! I must do this! 🙂
A Pinterest Addict says
January 8, 2013 at 7:00 amThanks! Come over some day and we can do a few together 🙂
gale says
January 7, 2013 at 9:12 pmthese are great for many things i will try this soon
A Pinterest Addict says
January 8, 2013 at 7:01 amI picked up some clear Christmas balls, and I’m thinking of trying the ink out on them. Let me know if you try them!
linda717 says
January 8, 2013 at 5:18 pmI pinned those tiles quite some time ago and you have inspired me to try them…I was wondering about sealing them also…hummmm…yours look fabulous!!!
Jorge says
January 14, 2013 at 4:57 pmAwesome! I’m so trying this tomorrow with my daughter. We already have alcohol ink from some previous projects. Did you use any certain type of tile? Like was it glazed or flat? And, did you coat the tiles in anything to protect them when you were done, like mod podge?
A Pinterest Addict says
January 14, 2013 at 10:20 pmThe tile was the 4″ x 4″ glazed tiles you find everywhere – cheap! And I used a spray coating to protect them, but it kind of spotted the paintings, so I won’t recommend it (or not recommend it by name either). Thanks!
kelly renne says
April 20, 2013 at 11:21 pmThese are super cute. If you don’t seal them will the ink come off?
A Pinterest Addict says
April 20, 2013 at 11:23 pmThanks! Yes, it flakes off when you touch them. I have never tried this on paper, just tiles, so I don’t know if it comes off of paper.
terri burnette says
June 22, 2013 at 8:08 amI realize this was an older post, but figured you might still be playing with the inks! To get the ink off your hands just wash your hair. Really. The coarse-ness of the hair rubs it right off and does not stain your hair. Also, if you need it off before that, try WD40. Alcohol inks are absolutely wonderful. Did you know that they can change the color of a metal piece (ie, costume jewelry)? Have fun
Jeanne says
March 2, 2015 at 2:12 pmA product called ReDuRan sold by Dharma Trading Co. (on line) does the job in an instant. I use it for removing silk dyes from my hands so tried it with the alcohol ink stains and it worked like a charm.
Edna Mishler says
November 13, 2013 at 9:23 amI am an alcohol ink addict also. The best sealant I have found is Parks Super Glaze Ultra Gloss epoxy sold at Home Depot and some craft stores. It is a learning process to get it right so practice first. You have to mix two different liquids and pour it over the tiles. I place my tiles on red solo cups on top of a disposable foil cookie sheet, to keep them from sticking to the cookie sheet. You can also use a high gloss spray varnish by Krylon followed by Pledge Floor Care for tile. Apply as many coats as you like. I agree that the spray can cause some changes to the ink.
A Pinterest Addict says
November 15, 2013 at 2:03 pmThanks for the tip! We might do some more of the tiles after Thanksgiving dinner with the family, so I’ll try it out then.
Dee Karvasale says
March 9, 2014 at 3:43 pmI love Alcohol ink…would like to know if you can use Poly Urethane spray on the coasters to seal them…I have been using Clear acrylic sealer and it does not work well. Thanks for all the info…love reading these post.
A Pinterest Addict says
March 10, 2014 at 10:03 amThank you for stopping by and saying hi! I do hope you will come back 🙂 I have not tried Poly Urethan on my alcohol ink pieces. Sorry that I can’t help.
Angie says
April 18, 2014 at 11:02 pmSo I have been making these and I’m going to try to sell them. But I want them to be perfect and not scratch off or wipe off. I sprayed mine with a clear coat spray. The ink scratched off still. So I threw them in the oven on 380 for about 10 minutes. It seemed to help. The ink isn’t scratching Off. I sprayed another coat on the tiles & letting them dry overnight. I don’t want to sell something to someone and the art wipe off. Has anyone tried the oven to set the ink?
Michelle says
April 20, 2014 at 3:33 pmHey there, I would love to do this. How long do they take to dry?
A Pinterest Addict says
May 1, 2014 at 8:54 pmIt dries pretty fast – but make sure you seal it, or it will scratch off.
Sharon says
June 26, 2014 at 9:13 pmWhat do you seal them with?
Andréa says
August 20, 2014 at 12:52 amYour presentation is very good. I did this technique is amazing, but I can not find something to finish it properly. I am having trouble with the coating. Can you help me, please?
Jackie says
March 17, 2015 at 8:29 amMod Podge can be used to brush on top.
Alison says
December 11, 2015 at 12:31 amHi Jackie. Did you mention how well the mod podge works? Is there a technique to applying it you would recommend?
Summer says
March 29, 2015 at 8:41 pmI use Krylon Triple Thick crystal clear glaze found at Walmart in the paint section. It works well. Use it very lightly then if you want to spray again wait for 1 hour and spray lightly again.
Becky Falls says
December 28, 2015 at 6:49 pmHow long after doing the project did you put the sealer on? How long does it take the alcohol to dry?
A Pinterest Addict says
December 28, 2015 at 7:53 pmThe alcohol ink dries in minutes. I sprayed them almost immediately. We just made a bunch more, and took them right outside to spray them.
Karen Gilbert says
March 31, 2015 at 8:53 pmCame across the original pictures on Pinterest and had to find out to create these. I am sure glad to have found your site. Very interesting and the tiles would made beautiful gifts. Thanks so much for the variety
lacy says
April 15, 2015 at 5:34 pmcan you spray an acrylic sealer over the top?
A Pinterest Addict says
May 6, 2015 at 7:43 amYou can, but some of them make the paint speckle. I’d try it on a piece you aren’t too worried about first.
Summer Himes says
May 6, 2015 at 8:55 amI have been into this for awhile and I use Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear Glaze. You can get it at Walmart. I don’t remember how much it cost. You can lightly spray it then wait an hour and lightly spray it again. I wait five days for the alcohol ink to dry on the tile first. That way it won’t react with the alcohol ink and smear. There is another one called
Rusteoleum Clear Enamel. It takes seven to ten days for these to cure. Don’t touch them before you may leave a fingerprint. There is a group on facebook called Alcohol Inks on Tile. I love this group they answer a lot of questions. They show their tiles and really inspire you. I hope I helped. I love doing it.
Amy Jo says
July 27, 2015 at 2:03 pmLast year I created coasters as Christmas gifts. For the sealant I used a gloss automotive enamel protective clearcoat that is typically used for car/truck engines. It works beautifully and makes the tiles, I would dare say, indestructible from high heat/cold temps, and prevents chipping.
This stuff is AMAZING and a fraction of the price of other clearcoats!!
A Pinterest Addict says
July 30, 2015 at 11:53 amI’ll have to try this next time I make the coasters. Thanks!
Deb says
October 4, 2015 at 11:02 pmWhere do you get the automotive type clear coat? I so want to make these for Christmas. I think I’ll make a larger one as a trivet to go with them. And couldn’t one make a unique backsplash with these!
A Pinterest Addict says
October 19, 2015 at 12:20 pmI’m not sure, but Michael’s has a lot of specialty spray paints.
Sarah says
November 11, 2015 at 1:15 amAn auto parts store is where I have found it
Andrea says
February 20, 2016 at 2:26 pmWhat is the name of the clear automotive spray?
John says
September 10, 2015 at 7:46 amWell done, I tried photograph paper glossy with the inks.
Brittany says
September 27, 2015 at 2:11 pmHi, I tried this project years and after I made my designs, I also used stamps and permanent ink and stamped other designs on top of my colors. I had trouble finding what would seal them but after reading these comments I will be trying these methods.
Deborah Hunter says
February 18, 2016 at 11:46 amI am going to do this same project with my preschool children as our next art auction piece. I’ve seen many examples and I’m excited to see what their pieces are gonna look like.
Andrea says
February 20, 2016 at 1:49 pmDid you do a gloss/protective coat once the ink dried to protect it from running when condensation from glasses gets on it, if you did what did you use? Do you think mod podge would work for that?
A Pinterest Addict says
February 20, 2016 at 1:53 pmI sprayed it with a clear gloss. It has held up – but I’m going to have to re-do it because it’s starting to come off
Andrea says
February 20, 2016 at 2:23 pmDo you think mod podge would hold up better? Maybe the gloss mod podge? I know it worked on other coasters I made before I just didn’t know what it might do to the ink as you brushed it on…..what spray did you use maybe I could spray first then mod podge over that….my son has to make 20 products for market day to sell at his school and I like these very much….thanks for the quick reply too 🙂
A Pinterest Addict says
February 21, 2016 at 10:37 amI don’t know. I really have never used mod podge for coasters before. I have imagined that it would be like getting glue wet, and therefore become sort of gummy and gross. But, like I said, I don’t know if that’s what would happen. I just used a clear coat spray paint from rustoleum.
Andrea says
March 10, 2016 at 10:33 pmI used the automotive engine glaze someone suggested above and it worked beautifully!
Caroline says
February 11, 2017 at 3:29 pmThese are just SO cool!!! What a Fab idea to use tiles. When I start to craft again, will definitely try these. Your examples are wonderful, good for you! C
Jill says
April 29, 2017 at 11:03 amHi ….just saw this pin. I would like to try this on the 4×4 tiles I found at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore…and then adhere them onto the wood fenceposts in my backyard. Would the sealant prevent water damage, do you think? thanks!
A Pinterest Addict says
April 29, 2017 at 11:43 amI would use an outdoor sealant, not the ones that were recommended here, which are usually just for indoor projects. Good luck!