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    Home » DIY Projects

    Alcohol Ink Painting on Glass

    February 15, 2023 by Patti Estep 2 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card
    Alcohol ink painting framed over same in process.

    Learn how to use alcohol ink on glass to create a beautiful piece of artwork. A great creative project to try alone or with friends.

    Alcohol ink in glass painting in a frame on a table.

    Ever since I made jewelry dishes with alcohol inks I've been hooked on this gorgeous medium. I've made many projects with them (see below). However, I've never tried creating a painting with alcohol inks.

    There is a special paper called Yupo Paper that is typically used for creating paintings with alcohol inks because it is waterproof and nonporous. However, I have noticed a few projects that use these inks on stem glassware. So I thought it would be fun to try creating a painting directly on the glass of a photo frame. 

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    You can use any frame with glass. It's that slippery nonporous surface that makes the inks work. Pick up one or more cheap frames at the dollar store. Or check out your local thrift store for a large glass frame at a bargain price.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there’s no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Supplies for painting on a photo frame with alcohol inks, including inks, isopropyl alcohol, canned air, gloves and cotton swabs.

    How to Paint with Alcohol Inks on Glass

    Supplies

    • cotton pads and swabs
    • plastic cup
    • small spray bottle
    • can of air or a straw
    • disposable gloves
    • alcohol inks
    • isopropyl alcohol - rubbing alcohol
    • photo frame with glass cover
    • painters tape or masking tape
    • clear coat gloss top coat
    Taped off frame from glass in a picture frame.

    Place a piece of white paper or cardstock in the picture frame to give yourself a neutral background.

    Next, mask off the frame with painter's tape and clean the glass with some isopropyl alcohol.

    Note: These inks are pretty messy so you may want to wear gloves and cover the surface of your work area.

    Drops of blue alcohol ink on glass.

    Now comes the fun. Squeeze a few drops of the alcohol ink onto the glass.

    Spreading drops of blue alcohol ink on glass photo frame.

    Watch as each drop of ink spreads and thins out.

    Blowing alcohol ink with a straw.

    You can practice using air with a straw to blow the ink in a direction you like.

    Blowing alcohol in with canned air.

    Or use a can of air for a slightly different effect.

    Drop different colors on top of each other and watch as they blend and work together.

    Removing alcohol in with a cotton pan and rubbing alcohol.

    If you make a mistake that you really hate, simply place some isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad and wipe it away.

    Spraying isopropyl alcohol on alcohol ink effect.

    The isopropyl alcohol causes the ink to disperse, spread, and dilute the inks. The image above shows what it looks like if you spray some on as you are working from a spray bottle.

    You can also use cotton swaps dipped in isopropyl alcohol or the actual ink to dab onto the painting for more controlled effects.

    If you want less movement wait until the ink dries a bit or use a hair dryer on low to speed up the drying process.

    Conversely, you can also buy a special blending solution to work with alcohol inks. It's a little stickier than isopropyl alcohol and is more expensive but it does give you a little more time with blending.

    Finished alcohol ink on glass painting with tape still on.

    I like to add a little gold at the end for extra shine. The gold alcohol ink is a little different. It's metallic and doesn't blend as much but that's what makes it nice.

    Use a top coat for artists' work such as Kamar Varnish as a sealant to protect your masterpiece. You can choose a matte or glossy finish whatever you like best.

    Alcohol in painting on the wall.

    In the end, only you can decide when your alcohol ink art project is finished. Sometimes more is more and sometimes you just have to know when to stop.

    Patti signature

    More Alcohol Ink Crafts

    • Alcohol Ink Jewelry Dishes
    • Alcohol Ink Trivets
    • Alcohol Ink Ornaments
    • Alcohol Inks on Metal
    • Marbled Paper with Alcohol Inks
    • Fired Alcohol Ink Ceramic Tiles
    A white framed alcohol ink on glass painting.
    Alcohol ink in glass painting in a frame on a table.
    Print

    Alcohol Ink on Glass Tutorial

    Try this super fun alcohol ink on glass project alone or with family and friends for a beautiful piece of artwork that's easy to create.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Active Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 5 mins
    Yield: 1
    Cost: $30

    Equipment

    • cotton pads
    • cotton swabs
    • plastic cup
    • small spray bottle
    • can of air or a straw
    • disposable gloves

    Materials

    • alcohol inks
    • isopropyl alcohol > 90%
    • photo frame with glass cover
    • painters tape or masking tape
    • clear coat gloss top coat

    Instructions

    • Tape off the edges where the frame meets the glass of the photo frame with painter's tape or masking tape.
    • Wipe the glass with isospropyl alcohol.
    • Start using the alcohol inks dropping different colors on the glass.
    • Watch as the drops grow.
    • Add more color around and on top of the first drops.
    • Use a straw or can of air to blow the ink around in different directions.
    • Try spraying a little isospropyl alcohol to dispurse the color.
    • If you make a mistake or don't like something use a cotton pad with isopropyl alcohol or a cotton swap dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove the ink.
    • Continue painting with the inks until you are satisfied with the results.
    • Let the ink dry before removing the painter's tape.
    • Once completely dry add a few thin coats of varnish in a matte or glossy finish.
    • Hang and enjoy.

    Notes

    These inks are pretty messy so you may want to wear gloves and cover the surface of your work area.
    This is a great project to create with others because you can share the inks and the isopropyl solution while each one works on their own photo frame glass.
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa

      February 15, 2023 at 1:05 pm

      How fun and what a beautiful painting! My husband and I were just talking about creating a little Art studio in the house we plan to buy in retirement next year. This Art project is definitely on the list. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 15, 2023 at 3:07 pm

        Lisa, what a wonderful idea! I would love a dedicated art studio. I'll have to put it on my wish list for the future. The inks are really fun. I think you'll really love them.

        Reply

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