Making Resin Alcohol Ink Coasters was on my mind for the past few months. Considering the current scenario all around the globe and frequent lockdowns every now and then, I just got my alcohol inks delivered last week. So it’s time for me to get creative with resin and alcohol inks.
I have seen a lot of artists creating mesmerizing effects using alcohol inks for making resin coasters. And they all seemed alike, beautiful yet similar. So, I decided to try some new effects. I haven’t used white alcohol ink in my epoxy resin alcohol ink coasters at all. Rather, I have used white pigment to create unique effects. I am sure you are eager to discover the final piece.
This is an easy epoxy resin alcohol ink coasters tutorial using DIY resin coaster silicon mold. I have tried to keep it simple, minimal and effortless. So let’s get you started on your project of making resin alcohol ink coasters. Before we jump to the project, let’s understand what epoxy resin is.
Making Resin Alcohol Ink Coasters? Let’s Understand What Is Epoxy Resin?
Broadly classified, there are two types of resins: Casting resin and Coating or Laminating resin. Casting resin is commonly known as Epoxy resin.
Epoxy resin is created by an exothermic reaction when two components, resin and hardener, are mixed in a ratio of 1 part resin and 1 part hardener (1:1), 2 parts resin and 1 part hardener (2:1) or 3 parts resin and 1 part hardener (3:1). It depends on the configurations mentioned by the manufacturer on the epoxy resin bottle label.
Now that you are clear about what is art epoxy resin, you are ready to start your new resin DIY project. To know more about epoxy resin you can also check out my blog ‘Which Resin is best for making coasters?’
Know Your Resin – Sherwin William Epoxy Resin For Making Resin Alcohol Ink Coasters
I love to experiment with different brands of epoxy resin for different projects. It helps me to better understand the nature of epoxy, and I also learn to control the flow of resin of various ratios in different temperatures.
For making resin alcohol ink coasters I have used epoxy resin from Sherwin Williams. It is an Italian brand and its art epoxy resin comes in the ratio of 2:1.
Prominent Features of Sherwin Williams Art Epoxy Resin
| It is a clear resin yet can’t be categorized as crystal clear. So it is good for colourful resin projects. It mixes well with resin pigments, mica powder, metallic pigments and alcohol inks. |
| The art resin of Sherwin William comes in the ratio of 2:1. The pot life varies between 20 to 25 minutes. |
| Work time is 20 minutes. |
| It doesn’t emit any health hazardous visible fumes. |
Now that we understand our resin let’s get on to our work area.
Supplies Required For Making Resin Alcohol Ink Coasters
All the supplies that you will require for the epoxy resin project are available on amazon. You can also buy any epoxy resin brand that’s available locally.
| Epoxy Resin – Sherwin Williams for this project |
| Regular Mask – for small projects / Respirator Mask – for bigger projects |
| Nitrile/Latex Gloves |
| Electronic Digital Weighing Scale |
| Ice-cream sticks/plastic spoons |
| Disposable cups |
| Alcohol Ink – colours of your choice |
| Tissues to wipe ice-cream sticks |
| Silicon Coaster Mold |
Tip: When working with resin work in a ventilated area. It is also advisable to keep the kids away from your workspace.
Easy Steps For Making Resin Alcohol Ink Coasters
It is time to create the magic. Always remember that every piece made in epoxy resin is unique in itself and the same effects with alcohol inks in different pieces aren’t possible. So, let us begin.
Setting Up Your Work Space For Epoxy Resin Projects
Before you begin working with epoxy resin it is essential to cover your work area with old newspapers. Also, cover the floor and work table with plastic sheets in case of spillage of any resin. This makes the cleaning after finishing the work easier.
Get All Your Supplies To Your Work Space
Gather all your supplies to your work area. Epoxy resin has a pot life of 20 minutes. This art form doesn’t give you enough time to find supplies in the middle of the project. So be sure to have everything you need before you finally sit to work on your resin coasters.
Wear Mask and Gloves When Working With Resin And Alcohol Ink
Epoxy resin is a chemical. Even when the fumes are not visible, the resin does emit fumes. If you work for long hours with epoxy resin without wearing a mask chances are, you may suffer from health issues. Resin can also cause skin damage if it drops on your uncovered hands/arms. So, it is advisable to always wear a mask and latex/nitrile gloves when working with resin. Also, try and wear full sleeve clothing when you work with epoxy resin.
Measuring Epoxy Resin and Hardener For Casting Coasters
Depending upon the depth of the silicon mold each coaster needs 65 gm to 75 gm resin fill.
The epoxy resin I have used for this project is 2:1. And for making three epoxy resin coasters I have mixed 250 gm of resin and 125 gm of hardener. So the mixture will weigh 375 gm.
Mixing Epoxy Resin and Hardener
Be gentle when mixing the resin and hardener mixture. If your mixing speed is slow it might not mix thoroughly, leaving an uncured final piece. If your mixing speed is fast the mixture might become hot in the cup and harden. So stir the resin and hardener mixture gently, scraping the sides and the bottom of the glass.
Distribute Clear Resin Mixture
Once thoroughly mixed, pour a little mixture of resin and hardener into a separate disposable cup. Keep it aside for 3 to 5 minutes for the bubbles to settle.
Add White Pigment Mixture
Now add a small amount of white pigment in the cup with less quantity of resin mixture. Gently stir the pigment in the mixture, scraping the sides and the bottom of the cup. Keep it aside.
Pouring Clear Resin Mixture
This is our first pouring step. Pour the clear resin into the silicon mold. You can pour clear resin in all 3 silicon coasters at once. Next, use a hair dryer or heat gun to pop up the bubbles.
Drop Alcohol Ink Into Resin
Keep the alcohol inks ready and uncapped. Start dropping alcohol inks into the clear resin. Keep experimenting with different coloured inks. You may also choose to use only two colours or three colours of alcohol inks. Try various options on all three molds and see what combination of colours works best for you.
Adding White Resin Mixture
Now pour some drops of white resin mixture on the alcohol inks. Then, again pour drops of alcohol inks on the white resin pour.
Cover Your Resin Project
Once you are done dropping alcohol inks in the clear resin, it is time to cover your project. Use a mosquito/vegetable net or a cardboard box to cover your work. Wait for half an hour before covering to let the air pass through the epoxy resin. This is also the time when one or more bubbles can pop up if you cover your work immediately. Now, let it sit for 24 hours to cure fully.
Demoulding Alcohol Ink Resin Coasters
This is the best part of working with epoxy resin. You will not know how your project will turn out unless you demould it. So, this makes demoulding your resin art even more fun and worth the wait.
And voila, my epoxy resin alcohol ink coasters are ready for use. I am captivated by their beauty.
If you are looking for a step-by-step video tutorial on making resin alcohol ink coasters then do check out my YouTube Channel.
So, while I go and enjoy my evening tea and flaunt these DIY alcohol ink coasters to place my cup, you get set started with your alcohol ink and resin coaster project.
And do share your lovely, artistry resin alcohol ink coasters with me in the comments