Isabella Flores
Alcohol inks are a fun, vibrant, and therapeutic medium to work with. They are highly pigmented, alcohol-based, and fast-drying inks that can create stunning abstract art. However, the real question arises after you've created your masterpiece: how do you finish an alcohol ink painting? The answer is sealing. Due to alcohol ink being dye-based and not lightfast, it will break down and fade over time. Thus, sealing your artwork is crucial to preserving it. There are various ways to seal your artwork, such as using resin, varnish, or a clear protective coat. Each method has its own advantages, like the glossy finish of resin or the UV protection offered by certain varnishes. Ultimately, the choice of sealing method depends on the artist's preference and the specific requirements of the artwork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect the artwork from scratches and damage, discolouration, and fading over time |
| Process | Two essential steps and one optional step: create a barrier to prevent the inks from reactivating, seal the artwork, and apply UV protection (optional) |
| Timing | Artwork must be fully dry before starting the finishing process; leave for a minimum of 24 hours |
| Number of coats | Spray a minimum of 4 thin coats; apply more coats for dark inks (up to 6) to prevent discolouration |
| Sealants | Kamar, ArtResin, Krylon Gallery UV Archival Varnish, Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish, Crystal Clear Spray, Mod Podge, Gloss Spray Varnish, Rustoleum Crystal Clear®, Liquitex® Professional Gloss Varnish, automotive clear coat |
| Surfaces | Yupo paper, Nara Papers, canvas, tiles, coasters, mugs, candle holders, wood panels, metal |
| Tools | Brushes, hair dryer, sponges, felt pad applicators, straw, spray bottle, airbrush |
| Safety | Alcohol inks are messy and produce toxic fumes; use proper ventilation and a chemical fume mask |
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What You'll Learn
Sealants are essential to prevent fading and damage
There are several options for sealants, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. One popular option is Kamar®, a sealant that can be sprayed on in thin coats. It is important to test the spray on a sample before working on the finished piece, as spraying too close can create drips, and spraying too far can result in uneven drops. Alternatives to Kamar® include Winsor & Newton® Professional gloss spray varnish, Varnish 300 from Montana®, Ghiant® spray varnishes, Rustoleum Crystal Clear®, and Liquitex® professional Gloss varnish.
Another option for a sealant is resin. Resin gives artwork a glossy, clean finish and makes the colours pop. Popular brands of resin include ArtResin, Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin, and Crystalac Brite Tone. However, it is important to note that resin is more expensive than some other options, and it does not provide UV protection.
To prevent UV damage, you can apply several layers of a UV varnish such as Krylon Gallery UV Archival Varnish. This varnish contains a hindered amine light stabilizer and UV absorbers for maximum UV protection and comes in a gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte finish.
Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish is another option for a clear, fast-drying protective topcoat. It is less expensive than resin and varnish but still provides a shiny finish. It is best suited for artwork on solid surfaces, such as wood or canvas.
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Spray sealants are popular, but test on a sample first
Spray sealants are a popular choice for finishing an alcohol ink painting. However, it is recommended to test the spray on a sample first. This is because some sprays are alcohol-based and can cause the inks to move and reactivate. For example, Kamar® is a popular sealant, but it is not available in all countries, and some artists have found that it can create drips if sprayed too closely to the painting.
There are many alternative spray sealants available, including:
- Winsor & Newton® Professional gloss spray varnish
- Varnish 300 from Montana®
- Ghiant® spray varnishes
- Rustoleum Crystal Clear®
- Liquitex® professional Gloss varnish
When choosing an alternative spray, it is important to select a water-based formula, as fixatives that are alcohol-based will react with the inks. Additionally, some artists avoid using high-heat or automotive sprays due to the toxicity of the fumes produced.
It is worth noting that, while spray sealants are popular, there are other methods for sealing alcohol ink paintings, such as using resin or a clear coat. However, it is always a good idea to test any sealant on a sample first to ensure it does not affect the inks or the overall appearance of the artwork.
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Varnish provides UV protection
Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying inks that can be used to create stunning paintings. They are dye-based and not lightfast, which means that the ink will break down and fade over time. To prevent this, it is recommended to seal alcohol ink artwork when it is finished.
There are several varnish products available that offer UV protection, such as Krylon Gallery UV Archival Varnish, which contains a UV absorber for maximum UV protection. It is available in gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte finishes, and it is recommended to apply 3-4 coats. Another option is Lascaux UV Protect Spray Varnish, which is composed of acrylic polymer and solvent and offers similar finishes. Golden Archival Spray Varnish is another popular choice, providing UV and surface protection.
It is important to follow the directions on the varnish when applying it to your artwork. Typically, 3-4 thin coats are recommended, and it is essential to apply the varnish in warm temperatures and with good ventilation.
While varnish provides UV protection, it is also worth noting that there are alternative ways to finish an alcohol ink painting. Some artists prefer to use resin, which gives a glossy finish and makes the colours pop. Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish is another option, offering a crystal-clear, fast-drying protective topcoat that is less expensive than resin and varnish.
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Resin is a common final coat for a glossy finish
Alcohol inks are dye-based and not lightfast, meaning that they will break down and fade over time. To prevent this, it is recommended to seal alcohol ink paintings when they are finished. This also helps to prevent scratches and damage.
Before applying resin, it is important to create a barrier to prevent the alcohol inks from reactivating and interacting with the resin. One way to do this is to use a sealer such as Kamar or Mod Podge to set the alcohol ink. It is also recommended to test the resin on a sample before applying it to the finished piece to ensure that it does not react with the alcohol ink.
Resin can be used on a variety of surfaces, including Yupo paper, canvas, and ceramic tiles. However, it is important to note that resin is not UV protective, so it will not protect the alcohol ink from fading due to UV light. To prevent UV damage, a UV varnish can be applied before or after the resin.
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Polycrylic is a cheaper alternative for a shiny finish
Sealing an alcohol ink painting is crucial to prevent the dye-based ink from breaking down and fading over time, as well as to protect it from scratches and damage. One option for a glossy finish is resin, but it can be expensive. Polycrylic is a less costly alternative that will give your artwork a shiny finish. It is a crystal-clear, fast-drying protective topcoat that can be applied with a brush or spray. When using a brush, opt for a soft bristle brush or a soft craft sponge, ensuring that the Polycrylic glides smoothly over the alcohol ink without dragging.
Polycrylic is readily available at local hardware stores and online. It is important to note that Polycrylic may not be suitable for certain projects, such as planters or trinket dishes, as it may chip. For these types of projects, consider using a different sealant or coating, such as resin or a heat-resistant finish.
When sealing alcohol ink artwork, it is essential to work in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, it is recommended to allow the artwork to dry completely before starting the sealing process, typically for a minimum of 24 hours. This will help ensure that the sealant does not smudge or reactivate the ink.
While Polycrylic is a more affordable option, it is still crucial to consider the specific requirements of your project. Some artists prefer using resin or other sealants for their unique properties, such as UV protection or heat resistance. It is always a good idea to research and test different sealants to find the one that best suits your needs and artistic vision.
Overall, Polycrylic is an excellent choice for a shiny finish on alcohol ink paintings, especially for those on a budget. Its ease of application and protective qualities make it a popular option among artists, and it can be found at most hardware stores, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol ink art is vibrant, fast-drying, and highly pigmented. However, because alcohol ink is dye-based, it is not lightfast, so it will break down and fade over time. To prevent this, you must seal your artwork when it is finished. Here are some options for sealing your alcohol ink painting:
- Spray varnish: Apply a minimum of 4 thin coats of spray varnish. If the ink is dark, apply up to 6 coats. You can use products like Krylon Gallery UV Archival Varnish, Kamar, or Winsor & Newton® Professional gloss spray varnish.
- Resin: Using resin will give your painting a glossy finish and make the colors pop. Popular brands include ArtResin and Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin.
- Polycrylic: Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish is a crystal clear, fast-drying protective topcoat that is less expensive than resin and varnish.
If you are using a dark ink, it is more likely to discolor, so you may need to apply more coats.
Alcohol ink can be used on a variety of papers, and each will react differently. Smooth, uncoated fine grain drawing papers, such as Hahnemühle Nostalgie 190 gsm, are a good option. Yupo paper, a synthetic, plastic paper that is waterproof and non-porous, is also a great surface for alcohol inks.
You can drop the ink directly from the tube onto the paper and tilt the paper from side to side to guide the flow of the ink. You can also use tools like paintbrushes, sponges, or straws to blow air and create different textures.
Alcohol ink is difficult to control and can be messy. It produces fumes that may cause headaches or dizziness, so it is important to work in a well-ventilated area.
