Alcohol ink tumblers are a beautiful trend if we talk about combining bazaar and crafts. The color patterns that you can get with this technique are amazing.
If you have been looking for alcohol ink tumbler ideas, you will have seen that you can make very different and colorful designs. You can even use tumblers of different sizes and shapes.
Follow this tutorial to create your own alcohol ink tumbler diy, the magic of handmade is that each project is unique!
Let’s get started!
Alcohol ink tumbler tutorial
In this step-by-step tutorial I will show you how to make a blue alcohol ink tumbler but you can use as many colors as you want (in general, it is recommended to use up to 3 colors, but if you distribute them well you can use more).
On the web you can find many alcohol ink tumbler ideas that you can be inspired to combine colors or see if you would like to add glitter, for example.
Materials list:
- Alcohol Inks (I will use blue color)
- White spray paint
- Stainless Steel Tumbler
- Epoxy resin
- Gloves
- Tumbler Spinner
- Makeup sponge
- Popsicle sticks
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
Instructions:
Before you begin, remember that you will need time, a lot of time, for the paint, alcohol inks, and epoxy resin to dry completely. Be patient in the process.
Also, my recommendation is that before starting to work, gather all the materials and prepare the work area (protect the table where you will work and also your clothes).
Step 1
Start by preparing your tumbler. First, remove any labels or stickers that may be attached to it. Then clean the tumbler with alcohol.
Lastly, place the tumbler on the tumbler spinner and use the white spray paint to paint it (if your tumbler is originally white, skip this step). To do this, turn the tumbler upside down and spray the spray paint in two thin coats (let dry about 20 minutes between coats).
Step 2
Once the spray paint is dry, we will start applying the alcohol ink with the makeup sponge. If you don’t have a sponge, you can use a brush, a paper towel, or your finger.
Apply a few drops of alcohol ink to the makeup sponge and start rubbing it across the tumbler.
When you are happy with the result of the first color, you can either stop there or add a second color.
Step 3
It is time to mix the colors of the alcohol inks. I will share with you 3 ways to do it:
First method:
Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean paper towel or sponge and gently rub it over the tumbler to blend the colors until you get the design you like best. If you want to add more alcohol ink, wait until the alcohol dries.Second method:
use a heat gun to get the ink to move.Third method:
For a watercolor effect finish, fill a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol with alcohol and spray lightly on the tumbler. The more alcohol you spray, the more faded or stained your colors will look.Use the method that you like the most to design your tumbler.
Step 4
Once you are satisfied with the result, let the alcohol inks dry completely and prepare your epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Step 5
Prepare the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s use instructions. If you don’t have them on hand, as a general guide you should mix equal parts Side A and Side B in a bowl, and stir the mixture for about 3 minutes.
With the tumbler placed in the tumbler spinner and apply the epoxy resin little by little, you can help with your fingers covered by the glove or using a popsicle stick.Step 6
If you want to add glitter this is the time to do it. Drop some random glitter onto the resin. You can use the heat gun to create movement in the glitter.Step 7
Let the epoxy on the tumbler dry for about 8 hours. Check if your tumbler feels soft to the touch. If you notice any rough edges, you can sand them down using fine-grit sandpaper, and then wash them with dish soap.
If it was necessary to sand, you will notice that now the resin will look scratchy and white, to solve it and make it shiny and smooth again, add another layer of epoxy resin and let it dry for 8 hours again.
Alcohol ink tumbler ideas
There are many different ways to create alcohol ink tumblers. Here I share a list of ideas that I have seen on the internet!
- With glitter
- With vinyl phrases or names
- Inspired by the colors of the sea/ocean
- Inspired by the colors of the rainbow
- Inspired by the galaxies
- Inspired by marble design
- Inspired by the design of watercolors
- Inspired by the colors of national flags
With this method you can create infinite designs, combining different colors of alcohol inks, adding vinyl or glitter, and even using different materials to apply the inks. Let your imagination run wild to create!
Alcohol ink tumblers are a great accessory for yourself, to give as gifts, or to sell. The advantage of making them yourself is that you can personalize them as much as you like.
Keep in mind, however, that these tumblers are not dishwasher safe, as the heat can damage the epoxy resin.
I hope this step by step tutorial will be useful to encourage you to create your alcohol ink tumbler DIY and that the alcohol ink tumbler ideas serve as inspiration.
Enjoy your tumblers!