Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Methods For Creating 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.

The facts that it is forgiving, quickly dries, is made with concentrated pigmentation, and is free of acid, are what make this product stand apart from others. It comes in a range of vibrant color that can be diluted to provide the versatility to achieve a scale of hues for different techniques. This medium is not intended for porous surfaces because it is liquid and would saturate the material and look muted.

To get started, it is first necessary to gather the required materials as well as the optional ones to be used for embellishments. The non-porous ceramic surfaces are available in a multitude of size and shape combinations with finish selections of either matte or gloss. The details are completely left to the artist because the techniques may be adapted to fit practically any circumstances or formats.

Inks can be purchase either singly, or in packs of three colors that are coordinated to work together effectively. Other products one might want to have on hand to enhance versatility are a blending solutions, pigmentation to customize hues, metallic additives to add luminosity or a polished effect. Stamp pad applicators, refillable markers, gloves, straws, canned air, felt, and clear coat sealer, are also needed to complete the project.

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.

A second option is to apply the inks directly to the ceramic surfaces in order to control how much color is used and exactly where it is placed. The splotches could then be mixed or blended using a gloved hand or finger, compressed air, straws, or the felt pad. Dropping a bit of blending solution will cause a beautiful dispersal pattern by diluting certain areas.

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.

Every technique's look may be altered as preferred, by dispersing or diluting the inks with blending solution, tapping with felt pads, using canned air or blowing through straws to move the colors around, or detailing it with markers. Due to the forgiving nature of the medium, the user can wipe remove and reapply it repeatedly until they are fully satisfied. In order to preserve the achieved look, it will be necessary to cover it with three thin layers of clear coat sealant.




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