Synthetic paper is the go-to surface for alcohol inks because of its smooth, non-porous surface and ideally non-staining quality. This makes it the perfect surface for alcohol inks, as it is easy to make the inks flow across the surface and the paper is very forgiving, since we can correct our mistakes by just reactivating the inks or removing parts we don’t like. 

That doesn’t mean we can’t use other surfaces for alcohol inks. In this blog I will give you some inspiration for both non-porous and porous surfaces to work on. Some may be familiar to you, others may be new to you. Let it inspire you to try something different!

Let’s start with the main smooth, non-porous surfaces that are suitable for inks, and end with some more out of the comfort zone surfaces that can be a fun challenge as well! 

Ceramic (glazed)

Ceramic may be the BEST surface for alcohol inks, because it has the same qualities as synthetic paper, and the added advantage that it can take much more heath. You can use a super hot embossing gun on these without problem and get extremely detailed ripples without any warping. 

Ceramic tiles were my go-to surface in my beginner days, as you can use them over and over again so they are a very cost efficient option for practicing. I still love to experiment on tiles with new techniques, like new floral techniques. Not to forget, I use ceramic tiles to create coasters, finished with a resin topcoat.

Tip: Pixiss offers both glazed and unglazed ceramic coasters that already have a cork backing, this is a huge save timer (I always have to handcut the cork for the backing and attach it to the coaster, which takes ages). Use my discount code* ‘ANNE10’ at check-out to get 10% off here. Please double check that you take the GLAZED coasters and not the unglazed.

Coaster made on ceramic tile

Ceramic plant pot with a Tuscany landscape

But don’t stop there! In shops, I am always on the look out for ceramic products I could ink on. Think: plant pots, flower vases, small bowls, ceramic Christmas ornaments, the options are endless! 

Important: make sure you get the smooth, glazed ceramic. Sometimes, hobby or art shops sell unglazed ceramic tiles, which will absorb your inks and are no good to work with. 

Glass & Metal

Glass and metal are similar to ceramic tile, non-pourous, smooth surfaces that can take the heath of a heath gun well. The fun of working with glass is that you can play with the transparency of the glass. Alternatively, you can work on white glass. Did you know my Christmas baubles are from glass too? Working on a round shape definitely provides challenges on its own!

Alcohol inks on glass bauble

Acrylic (white or transparent)

Acrylic is another smooth surface that works very well with alcohol inks. This really is a gamechanger for alcohol inks, because acrylic can be cut into ANY shape you can think off using a laser cutter. Nara offers coaster shapes and clocks, but you can also think earrings, name plates, Christmas ornaments etc. Check out fellow alcohol ink artist Crystal, she offers a super wide range of acrylic products for alcohol inks on her Etsy and creates the most original alcohol ink art with it (US-based). You may be able to find a local laser cutter that can make you these shapes as well.
Clock from acrylic (Nara)Artboards / laminated MDF  

Artboards / laminated MDF 

Some brands and art shops offer artboards specifically made for alcohol inks (Nara offers such artboards). These artboards essentially are laminated MDF boards. What’s nice about artboards/laminated MDF is that it’s a relatively thick surface, so these boards can be directly hung on the wall and don’t need framing (although they look even better with a nice float frame). 

Again, you can find a local supplier of laminated MDF (white or black) who cut these into custom shapes. Please note that quality of laminated MDF can differ largely between suppliers, so I advise to first order test samples to see if it is the right quality for inks. Alternatively, you can prime normal MDF board so they are more suitable for alcohol inks, but you will never get the same smooth surface as laminated MDF. 

Commissioned artworks on primed MDF board (black primer)

Canvas 

While canvas is not the ideal surface for alcohol inks, it does give a different, distinctive look to alcohol inks with its very soft gradients and softer lines which is not easy to achieve on other surfaces.

Because the canvas will right away absorb the alcohol inks, it leaves less time for them to ‘flow’ around the surface, which definitely doesn’t make this the easiest surface to work on. Moreover, since the canvas will absorb the inks, it’s less forgiving and not as easy to rework ‘mistakes’. 

But hey, sometimes we also need to challenge ourselves!

Want to try it out too? I advise to get some small, good quality canvasses! (not the cheap-ass ones) But as always, if you have something laying around the house, just go with that first! 

It’s best to prime your canvas so that the inks can flow better on its surface. I personally use Kamenskaya Ink’s canvas primer specifically made for alcohol inks. Follow this link and use coupon code ‘ANNEROOS’* at check-out you get 10% discount on the primer, or any of their other ink products.

I hope this gave you some inspiration! If you’re anything like me, you’ll be browsing the house and shops for any ink-suitable surfaces 😊

Do you have any other surfaces you can add to the list ? Please let me know in the discussion section! 

Don’t forget to also check out my free tool guide with more links and discounts for my favourite alcohol ink supplies!

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