Hello Everyone,
It seems that a lot of artists are interested in using resin with alcohol inks in their art these days. From resin top coats on paintings, flowing colored resin on a hard surface to make abstract art, to using molds to create resin shapes with interesting patterns created by the combination with alcohol ink, the possibilities are endless.
Intrigued by a resin and alcohol ink “petri” that another artist sent me, I had to experiment. I already had Art Resin brand resin and alcohol inks in the studio, so I ordered silicone molds. I played with molds to make coasters and jewelry pendants. I had to figure out how much resin I would need, how much inks to add to the resin, what colors worked well, and what patterns I could create.
The first batch of coasters were a disaster…too much ink, no great textures and bubbles, yikes! The second batch of three coasters yielded 2 that had what I was looking for. By the third batch, I think I got it.
Batch 3: Art Resin, Piñata Senorita Magenta ink, Ranger Ink in Sailboat and Butterscotch and Piñata Blanco.
I was pretty happy with this coaster, but got to thinking, how can I make a great design with the inks in the resin without the dots that appear from the white ink sinking through?
So I did some more research and learned that I could add the white alcohol ink to a small batch of resin ahead of time and used the mixture as opposed to straight ink.
Batch 4: mixing Piñata Blanco with a small amount of resin before pouring into the mold
Back to experimenting with success on the first try. When one of my newest alcohol ink art students asked if I taught classes on how to make the resin coasters, which were in my gallery, I was inspired to create a video tutorial. I have no space that is big enough to teach resin, and I am not an expert!
Happy Inking!
Korinne
Why did you put on a second coat of resin? Love the videos. Thank you.
Hi, I am glad you like the videos! When I unmold the coaster, the top of it is not flat as the resin creeps up the sides of the mold. You could just sand the rim flat and leave it that way. I prefer to add a coat of resin to make that side of the coaster flat. Stay tuned for part II video on this. Korinne
Thank you so much for your detailed tutorial! It is so helpful!!
Hi Rachel, I am so glad you found this helpful! Keep Inking! Korinne
Do you need to put something in the molds so they don’t stick and pop right out?
Hi Jodi, as long as you are using a shiny silicone mold, you don’t need to put anything in the mold. Just wash and dry well before use to remove any lint specs. Happy Arting! Korinne
Hi Korinne, Fab tutorial! I’ve just started trying this, and have found mixed information online about whether I need a respirator mask or not. I noticed you use one, would you say this is essential or preference? Are the fumes of the inks/resin harmful to me or others in my house? Where do you do your artwork? Sorry for so many questions.
Hi Kim, I am glad you are finding the tutorial helpful. Inks made in the US are toxic as the base is isopropyl alcohol. The new inks by Kielty, made in Ireland are advertised as non toxic, however the base is propanol which is a type of alcohol. I know there is conflicting information out on the web about respiratory protection. My recommendation is to use inks in a well ventilated area and to use a respirator. I have a small studio in my home with a Room size VOC air cleaner, and keep the room ventilated. The art resin is not supposed to be harmful, but the smell bothers me. So I use a respirator when using that product as well. Hope this is helpful.
You mentioned that you added 15 drops of white to the small batch of resin but how many fluid ounces or milliliters was the small batch?
Hi Annie, I used 15 ml of resin. Thanks!
Where did you get the silicone molds for the coasters? I haven’t been able to find a nice size like you have.
Hi Michelle,Here is a link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XD98JC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Liked your coaster resin alcohol ink tutorial….. Question…. How much resin did it take for the 6 molds? never can figure out how much to make up!
Hi Gerry, I used 2oz per mold; 12 oz for 6. Hope that helps!
I LOVED your coasters! My question is that I only have the Envirotex pour on resin from Michael’s. Will this resin work also? Thank you so much!
Thanks so much! Yes, i believe this will be fine! Love to see your coasters!
Hi! I am obsessed with resin art and I really want to try these. My question is: is the white necessary for all resin arts with alcohol inks or just when you are already using white in your piece?
The white pushes the colored in down through the resin to get the effect shown. You can use just colored ink, and it will be a totally different look. Experiment! It’s fun!
Can you do the resin pour with just regular acrylic paints or do u have to use alcohol ink
Thank you for your question. I haven’t tried that. You could try mixing a tiny bit of acrylic paint with a small amount of resin..a separate container for each color. And then swirl them into clear resin in the mold. It will look more like an acrylic pour.
I have been at this for a few batches now and still can’t seem to get something right can’t determine what it is. When I’m dropping my alcohol inks it’s not spreading as it’s supposed to and the white is sinking all to the bottom and blotches looks bad I’ve tried different resin mixture isn’t helping I’m lost. The resins I have are a 1.1 ratio any ideas ?
I’m making my Christmas gifts and really want the bloomed out tenticle look I’ve tried warming the resin and hardener as well as messing with the ratio I’m lost on how to get my inks to spread I’m using two different resins and both doing the same thing
To get the bloomed out look that I think you are referring to, mix your pinata white ink with a small amount of resin before adding it to the resin and colored ink which are in your mold. Then gently swirl it out into tentacles with a tooth pick. And, I used Art Resin brand resin. Hope that helps!
Hi, put in the colored ink first, then the white, then the colored again on top of it. It may be that you are using two much white. It is heavier and will sink somewhat. Alternatively, you can mix the white ink with a little resin and swirl it through your colored ink and resin which is in your mold. Use a toothpick to swirl. If you send me a picture of the cured piece, I might be better able to diagnose the issue. Hope that helps.
Are your coasters a bit more bendy after using alcohol inks?
Hi Kayla, no, they do not bend at all. Have fun! Korinne
Have you tried mixing the colored alcohol ink with the white ink before dropping into the resin?
Hi, I have not. When you mix colored ink with the white it creates a pastel color. If that is all you put in the resin, I think it will just sink to the bottom. If you try it, please share your experience!
I have used the inks and no white and they just sit on the top of the resin.. what am I doing wrong . do I need to use the white?
Hi Laurie, the white pushes the colored Inks through as it chemically reacts with the resin. You can use pinata blanco and drop it on top of the colored inks, or mix the blanco with a little resin and drizzle it on top. Alternatively, if you don’t want to use white, you can drizzle clear resin on top of the inks to push them down through the resin in the mold. It will not give you the same effect as when using the blanco. Hope that helps!
My alcohol inks go to the bottom if the mold and never dry. When I remove the mold 48 hours later the bottIm side has the wet inks still.
Hi Sherry, what type/brand of ink and brand of resin are you using? Korinne
COLORANT ALCOHOL INK ORDERED ON-LINE AND PROWORLD SUPPLIES EPOXY RESIN.
The only thing I can think of is that water and resin don’t mix. I am wondering if the ink has water in its base. I am unfamiliar with the resin you are using. The best brand of ink to use is jacquard pinata. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Good luck!
Thanks, I just ordered some and will try the new ink.
I cannot figure oit why my inks don’t sink like that. They just kind of blend and stay on top (when you look from the side of the coaster) and make sort of streaks…. And tend to gather to the middle, no matter what mold i use. And yes, i do use color-white-color. At first it seems to do well, but thwn…. I wish i could attach some pocs, buy i don’t habe that option.
Hi, thank you for you question. please send me a picture and I’ll see if I can figure it out. Email to: korinnecarpino@gmail.com.
How have the alcohol inks held up in the resin? Has any of your ArtResin turned yellow, if so how long has it taken? Thank you.
Hi Michelle, to the best of my knowledge, resin does yellow over time. I’ve had a resin coaster start to yellow at about 4 years post production. I hope that helps!