Method 1: Alcohol Ink, Yupo & Wood Coasters Sealed With Resin
Want to learn how to turn alcohol ink art into stunning resin coasters? This DIY coaster tutorial shows you how. First, create colorful, marbled alcohol ink art on Yupo paper, then mount them to wooden coaster bases before sealing them with a glossy resin finish.
Artist Sequoia, of Coyasauce Abstract Art, is an Irish artist who developed this process after working with alcohol ink and resin over the past 4 years.
Coasters are a great way to re-purpose alcohol ink art, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist looking for a fun and useful project idea. Sequoia has kindly shared her tips and techniques so you can create your own coasters just like these...
Create alcohol ink coasters in 5 easy steps
Step 1: Create alcohol ink artwork on yupo paper
Step 2: Varnish the artwork
Step 3: Mount the artwork onto wooden coaster bases
Step 4: Resin the coasters
Step 5: Add finishing touches
The process takes about 5 days, start to finish, to allow the materials time to dry between steps. The results are worth the wait, but you can maximize the time by working on several coaster sets at once.
Here's a video version of Sequoia's tutorial and written instructions are below:
What You’ll Need:
-
Brass by Jacquard)
Alcohol inks in 2-3 colors that blend well together, plus a metallic ink (Sequoia used
- 99% isopropyl alcohol
- Yupo paper
- Alcohol ink blow tool (or a plastic condiment squeeze bottle)
- Plastic liner protect your surface
- Kamar Varnish or Montana UV Varnish
- 4 x wood 4" coaster bases
- 4 x adhesive cork backs (slightly smaller than 4")
- Pencil & paper
- Scissors & a craft knife
- Adhesive
- ArtResin
- Plastic liner to cover your work surface
- Gloves, mixing cup and stir stick
- Spreader
- Artist's Torch or heat gun
- Dust cover
- Gold, oil-based edging marker
- Ink & stamp (optional)
⚠️ NOTE: Always wear gloves to protect your skin. When working with a solvent material like alcohol ink, work in well-ventilated space with access to fresh air - or wear a respirator mask with organic vapour filter cartridges to avoid breathing in the fumes.
Step 1: Create Your Alcohol Ink Artwork
Create your alcohol ink abstract painting. Start by dropping 99% isopropyl alcohol onto a big sheet of Yupo paper, using a blow tool to thin it out.
Drop a little alcohol ink on top of the isopropyl. Use the blow tool to spread the ink, creating a design that's concentrated at the center with a wispy, faded effect at the edges. Add more isopropyl alcohol if the ink is not fading or blowing out as much as you'd like.
Use the blow tool to push the inks back and forth to create a smooth fade, using small, gentle puffs for more control and to help control ink splatters. Repeat the process of dropping isopropyl alcohol and ink, blowing them to blend, until the sheet is full and you're happy with your design.
💡 TIPS:
• Sequoia uses an empty squeeze bottle to blend and spread the inks. You can use a hair dryer, but the heat will cause the inks to dry very quickly and will reduce your working time.
• If some areas dry before you're finished working them, you can reactivate the ink by dropping on more isopropyl alcohol.
• Choose colors that blend well together. Similar colors are less likely to become muddy once mixed.
Once you have a base of color down, add the metallic ink to highlight and enhance different areas of your design. Once you're happy with how it looks, set it aside to dry.
For detailed instructions on how to create abstract alcohol ink art:
- Visit Sequoia's Complete Guide To Alcohol Inks
- Watch one of her beginner friendly tutorials on YouTube.
- See our blog 7 Easy Ways To Apply Alcohol Ink On Yupo Paper
Step 2: Varnish Your Alcohol Ink Artwork
Once your painting has fully dried, place it in a cardboard box. Apply about four light layers of Kamar Varnish, allowing each layer to dry for a few minutes before applying the next. Kamar Varnish is favored by alcohol ink artists: it doesn't contain alcohol so won't reactivate the inks and cause them to bleed.
Allow the varnish to dry at least overnight.
Stage 3: Mount your artwork onto wood coaster bases
The next step is to select the parts of your painting that you think will work well as coasters. An easy way to do this is to create a viewfinder to help find the best compositions: simply trace one of your coaster bases onto a piece of paper and cut out the circle. The hole will be the size of your coasters and should help you envision what the final result will be like.
Place the viewfinder onto the painting and move it around to find nice compositions. When you find an area you like, place a coaster base onto the painting, trace around it, and cut it out. Make sure to cut on the outside of the line to give you some extra wiggle room.
Cut out as many coaster shapes as you like. You can often get multiple coaster sets from one painting, depending on the size. It's also a good idea to have a few extra options on hand.
When your potential coasters are cut out, pick out the best ones to make a nice matching set.
Next, use an old paintbrush to add a layer of adhesive to a coaster base, carefully align one of the alcohol ink cut-outs, and press it down firmly. If any adhesive squeezes out the sides, wipe it off with a tissue. Repeat this step with the rest of your coasters.
Place the coasters under a pile of heavy books and leave them dry overnight.
Step 4: Resin the coasters
Start by very carefully tidying up the edges of the coasters using a craft knife, pointing the blade away from you.
To determine the amount of resin you'll need for each coaster, head over to ArtResin's Circle Calculator. Simply enter the diameter, and multiply that by the number of coasters you're planning to coat. Sequoia used approximately 10 ml of resin for each 4" coaster.
Wearing gloves, prepare the ArtResin by measuring equal volumes of resin and hardener in a graduated mixing cup. Stir well for 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the mixing container to ensure every part is thoroughly blended.
Pour a small amount of resin in the center of each coaster, using a craft stick to guide it evenly across the surface. You can either let the resin run over the sides of the coaster or create a domed effect by neatly nudging it right up to the edge without going over.
Use one or two quick passes with a torch to pop any bubbles. Under a good light source, inspect each coaster at eye level, using a toothpick to remove any bits of dust or remaining bubbles.
Last, cover your coasters with a clean plastic tote or cardboard box with the flaps cut off and leave them to cure overnight.
Step 5: Finishing touches
Once the resin has cured, remove the masking tape. Use a gold edging marker to paint in the edges.
Finally, apply the adhesive cork backing to the coaster and you're done!
💡 TIP: For a professional-looking finish, stamp the cork backing with your business name or logo.
Now you have a beautiful set of handmade coasters that you can give as gifts, sell as part of your resin business, or enjoy using yourself!
To see more of Sequoia's artwork:
Follow her on Instagram: @coyasauce
Visit her website: www.coyasauce.com
Watch her YouTube videos: @Coyasauce
Method 2: Alcohol Ink & Tile Coasters Sealed with Resin
Discover the joy in creating your own colorful alcohol ink coasters!
Alcohol ink coasters are a fun way to dive into the world of resin crafts. Easily customizable with your favorite color palette, these handcrafted pieces will add a touch of beauty to your home or make great gifts. For those who own resin craft business, adding alcohol ink coasters to your line up can significantly boost sales - their popularity and colorful appeal make them potential best-sellers.
Alcohol ink is popular amongst beginner and seasoned artists due to its rich color, affordability, versatility, and quick dry time. Artist Alia Khan from Artistically Crafted is known for her vibrant alcohol ink creations, including geodes, paintings, and coasters. Recently, she visited the ArtResin studio to share techniques and tips for crafting your own alcohol ink coasters, finished with a resin top coat to make them shine.
Here's a video version of Alia's tutorial. You'll find the written instructions below.
What's the best surface for alcohol ink coasters?
Alcohol ink coasters are best made with a non-porous material that will allow the ink to sit on the surface rather than absorb. Ideal surfaces include ceramic tile, waterproof paper, synthetic paper such as Yupo, Clayboard, glass, metal, and polymer clay.
How do you use alcohol ink on ceramic coasters?
Alcohol ink is a versatile medium that offers various application options for ceramic coasters. Here are some of the most common techniques:
- Apply in dense layers for a deep, saturated look or in thin layers for a washy, watercolor effect.
- Drop alcohol ink straightout of the bottle, flick it on with a brush or spritz it on with a small spray bottle.
- Blend the ink with other colors to create new hues.
- Thin the ink out by blowing it along the surface with a straw or a hairdryer or dilute it with isopropyl alcohol to create a faded effect.
- Apply alcohol ink to a dry surface or achieve a more diluted effect by first wetting the surface with isopropyl alcohol so the inks can move and blend with ease.
- Slowly tilt the coaster back and forth to encourage the inks to blend.
Within 10 minutes, you can create a simple, stunning abstract alcohol ink design that will dry almost instantly. And if you don't like what you've created, simply wipe the coaster off with isopropyl alcohol and start again. The most important thing is to experiment and have fun!
What You’ll Need:
- 4" ceramic tiles in a circular, square, or hexagon shape
- 99% isopropyl alcohol in a small plastic cup
- A small syringe to apply the isopropyl alcohol
- Alcohol ink in 2-3 colors that blend well without becoming muddy. Alia used blue, pink and purple.
- A hair dryer
- Metallic mica powder - Alia used silver
- A small spoon or craft stick to apply the mica powder
- Metallic leaf - Alia used silver
- Metallic leaf adhesive and small fine tipped paintbrush
- Kamar Varnish to seal the alcohol ink
- ArtResin epoxy resin
- Disposable nitrile gloves
- A graduated plastic mixing cup
- A mixing stick such as a wood or plastic craft stick
- Maker's Studio Torch to remove bubbles
- Toothpick
- A dust cover such as a clean cardboard box, plastic tote or deli tray lid
- Cork backing cut to fit your coaster
-
Industrial strength adhesive such as E6000
Step 1: Create Your Alcohol Ink Design
First, drop the syringe into the cup to pick up a little bit of isopropyl alcohol. Using a syringe to apply the alcohol provides much more control and creates less mess.
Next, drop the alcohol ink onto the coaster. Alia alternated blue and purple in a horseshoe pattern around the outer edge. 
Next, add several drops of pink. 
Next, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol from the syringe, squeezing it over the areas where the ink has been applied.
Blow with the hairdryer to blend the inks together until the ink has dried. Alternate the direction the hair dryer is blowing to create different layers and effects.
At this point, you’ll be able to see any saturated areas that need to be diluted with more isopropyl alcohol or light areas that may need a little more ink. You'll also be able to see how the colors have blended in ways that you like ... or don't like.
Drop a little more isopropyl alcohol onto the areas where you've added more ink. Then blowdry once more, alternating the direction of the hair dryer, until the ink has dried.
Repeat these steps, building layers by adding ink where more color is needed or isopropyl alcohol to areas that need diluting. Blow dry after each addition until the ink is no longer wet and you're happy with your design.
Step 2: Add sparkle with mica powder
Drop a little ink and isopropyl alcohol onto the coaster, then add a little mica powder on top. A little mica powder goes a long way so start with less than you think you’ll need.
Blow with the hairdryer until the alcohol has dried off and the mica has created a metallic lining.
Repeat the same technique on the remaining coasters to create a matching set. Don’t worry about trying to match the exact pattern on each coaster. They will be tied together with the color palette, but each will have its own unique design.
Step 3: Apply metallic leaf
Dip the paintbrush into the metal leaf adhesive and, starting on one corner, paint a thin line across the coaster. Place as much or as little adhesive as you wish, creating random, abstract lines throughout the coaster, or follow the pattern you created with your alcohol ink design. Allow the adhesive to dry until it’s tacky, but no longer wet.
Tear off small pieces of silver leaf and attach them to the areas where you can see the adhesive lines. Lightly pat the pieces down with your fingers to ensure they adhere.
Gently rub with your finger to remove the excess silver leaf - it should come off easily.
Step 4: Sealing the coasters
Spray the coasters lightly with Kamar Varnish to evenly coat the entire surface. Allow to dry according to the label directions.
What's the best sealant for alcohol ink?
Kamar Varnish is the specific spray sealant favored by alcohol ink artists. It can be applied over dried alcohol ink pieces without reactivating the ink and causing it to bleed or smudge. Spray Kamar varnish over the entire alcohol ink piece in a light sweeping motion. Allow to dry before applying resin.
Step 5: Measure and Mix the ArtResin
Wearing gloves, measure the ArtResin according to the label instructions. To cover her 4 coasters, Alia prepared 4 fl oz total (2 fl oz of resin + 2 fl oz of hardener).
💡TIP: Visit ArtResin's online resin calculator to determine the exact amount of resin and hardener required for your project.
Mix the resin and hardener together slowly for 3 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container to incorporate all of the resin and hardener. Mix slowly to avoid creating too many bubbles. If desired, use a heat gun on the resin periodically throughout the mixing process to eliminate bubbles.
For detailed instructions, please see our blog How To Measure and Mix Epoxy Resin and Hardener.
Step 6: Apply the ArtResin
Pour the resin into the middle of the coaster and, using the stir stick, gently nudge the resin to the edges of the piece. If you're worried about the resin spilling over the sides and creating drips, you can coat the bottom edges of the coaster with masking tape or liquid latex before you start.
Lightly run a Maker's Studio Torch over the surface 1-2 times to pop any surface air bubbles.
Cover and leave for 24 hours to cure
Step 7: Apply a backing to the coasters
To give the coasters a finished look, a cork back can be applied once the resin has cured. The resin will be dry to the touch at the 24 hour mark but can still be indented at this point. We advise waiting until the resin has finished its full 72 hour cure and the resin is rock hard.
Apply a little industrial strength adhesive to a piece of cork, cut to size to fit the coaster. 
Gently place the coaster on top of the cork and press gently to ensure an even and tight bond. Wait 24 hours for the glue to dry.
Once the glue has dried, you've got yourself a beautiful set of handcrafted alcohol ink and resin coasters - perfect to sell, give away or keep for yourself.
We hope you've enjoyed Alia's tutorial. Please leave any questions in the comments below and if you'd like to learn more about working with alcohol ink, please see our blog How To Paint With Alcohol Ink On Yupo Paper.
To see more of Alia's work:
Visit her website: www.artisticallycrafted.ca
Follow her on Instagram: @artisticallycrafted_
Watch her on YouTube: @artisticallycrafted
We hope you found these tutorials helpful. For more resin art and craft ideas, visit our blogs:
The 20 Best Resin Crafts To Make With Epoxy
What Resin Art Sells The Best and Where To Sell Resin Art?
Resin Art For Beginners
ArtResin: The Original Epoxy For Resin Art.
