How to Make Your Own Alcohol Ink
Alcohol inks are vibrant and versatile, making them popular for various art projects. True, you can buy alcohol inks from craft stores, but making your own can be a fun and cost-effective alternative. Here's a guide to creating your own alcohol ink at home.
What You'll Need
Before you start, you should gather the following items:
Isopropyl alcohol: Preferably 91% or higher for the best results.
Permanent markers: Choose a range of colors.
Small glass or plastic bottles: To store your finished inks. Make sure they have tight-fitting caps.
Pliers: For taking apart the markers.
Plastic gloves: To protect your hands from stains.
Funnel: For transferring liquids without spills.
Scissors: To cut the markers open.
Paper towels: For easy cleanup.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by setting up a workspace. Make sure it's well-ventilated due to the fumes from the isopropyl alcohol. Cover your work surface with plastic or newspapers to protect it from potential spills and stains.
Step 2: Remove the Marker Ink
Use pliers to pull apart the marker. You'll need to remove the end cap and take out the ink tube and the nib (the part you write with). Using scissors, carefully cut open the ink tube to expose the ink-soaked felt inside.
Step 3: Mix with Alcohol
Put the ink-soaked felt and nib into a small container or jar. Pour isopropyl alcohol over the felt and nib. A good starting ratio is about 1 oz of alcohol per marker, but you can adjust based on the depth of color you desire. Allow the mixture to sit for about 24 hours, stirring or shaking occasionally to help the ink dissolve into the alcohol.
Step 4: Strain and Bottle
After soaking, use a funnel and a coffee filter or a fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the solid felt pieces. This ensures your ink is smooth and free from debris. Pour the ink into small bottles for storage. Make sure the bottles are sealed tightly to prevent evaporation.
Step 5: Test and Adjust
Try your ink on a piece of paper or a tile to see the color intensity. If the color is too light, you can add more marker ink or reduce the amount of alcohol next time. If too dark, dilute with more alcohol. I have made ink using one felt per bottle and with two felts per bottle.
Tips for Success
Color Variety: Experiment with different marker colors to expand your palette.
Safety First: Always handle isopropyl alcohol with care, and never use it near an open flame.
Label Your Bottles: Clearly label each bottle with the color for easy identification.
Making your own alcohol ink allows you to play with colors and achieve the exact look for your art projects that you are imagining. Enjoy the creative process and the unique results that follow!