The 5 MUST-haves to start with alcohol ink art
I get so many questions about which tools and materials to buy when starting with alcohol inks. So I decided to make it super simple for you: a list of the 5 absolute must-haves to get started. Nothing more, nothing less.
While I have a full (free) tool guide you can download, I know how overwhelming all the options can be. So if you just want the essentials to get going without spending a fortune, start here.
👉 I also created a handy Amazon shopping list (US only). You can add everything to your cart in one go. EU links are below!
*Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. It won’t cost you anything extra, but I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy through them. Thanks for supporting my work!
1. Alcohol Inks
Obviously, you need alcohol inks to get started. A set of three colors, for example this set of Ranger Ink alcohol inks, is great to get started. Skip those cheap off-brand alcohol inks, they are poor quality and won’t give you good results!
✨ Want those shiny gold edges? Add Jacquard Bronze ink to your cart. Yes, bronze, not gold*.
Shop: Ranger Alcohol Inks and Jacquard Bronze alcohol ink (optional)
*Not all gold alcohol inks give those beautiful golden edges, so make sure you get the one I linked to or check my full (free) tool guide provides for all brands I recommend.
2. Isopropyl alcohol 99%
Isopropyl alcohol is to alcohol inks what water is to watercolor! You need the flow of the alcohol to make the inks move around our surface with our tool. To dilute the alcohol inks, you need isopropyl alcohol 99% (or 91% if that’s not available to you).
Shop: Isopropyl alcohol 99%
P.s.: many alcohol ink brands provide blending solutions, but these are not great for ink flow and more expensive than IPA.
3. Needle bottles
You’ll need something to apply the isopropyl alcohol. Needle bottles are the easiest and cleanest option. I use them all the time, and they’re super handy for pre-mixing isopropyl with gold ink too.
Alternative: apply with a plastic pipette from a cup.
Shop: Set of 12 needle bottles
4. Synthetic paper
Alcohol inks need a non-porous surface so they can float on top and are not absorbed by the surface. I always use non-staining synthetic paper, which can be wiped clean. For example, this pack from Grafix Arts Plastics. Yupo paper is an option too, but it stains quickly and isn’t as forgiving. If you happen to have it in your crafts supplies, try that first!
Bonus tip: try glazed ceramic tiles for practicing, you can wipe clean completely and start over as any times as you like.
Shop: Grafix Arts Plastics synthetic paper
5. Manipulation tool: ink blower or heat tool
Now to the most sensitive topic when it comes to alcohol ink art, WHICH tool do I need?! The most asked question on Instagram.
Depending on what kind of technique or effect you’re going for, you can start with an ink blower or a heat tool:
Ink blower
An ink blower is a more beginner AND cost friendly tool to start out with. It’s a simple rubber bulb you can squeeze manually to push out air and manipulate the inks. I use it for creating soft blends and gradients for backgrounds and abstract techniques, as well as for many flowers like my poppies, peonies, cherry blossoms and more. For the roses however, you’re going to need a heat tool.
Heat tool
The tool you often see me use in my reels is the back of a hot air brush styler. I use the hot air flow to dry the inks in different patterns, creating the much sought-after effects like the (golden) ripples and roses. While my tool is not available outside Europe (as far as I know), this heat tool is the best alternative for people in North America
*Tools like a heatgun or embossing tool are too hot to use on synthetic paper, they would work on ceramic tile though
Shop: Ink Blower and/or Heat Tool
That’s it. You’re ready to start!
Review all products and add them to your cart using this Amazon Shopping list (US only). See Europe-specific links below.
Want to dive deeper?
Download my FREE Tool Guide for a full list of tools, recommended brands, discount codes and safety tips
Check out my online courses! Learn how to use all these tools with step-by-step guidance and turn them into beautiful art
Europe shopping links:
Alcohol Inks
- Kamenskaya Alcohol inks (Get 10% discount using the code ANNEROOS)
- Octopus Fluids starter kit (Get 15% discount using code anneroosart15)
Isopropyl Alcohol – Check google for local availability
Heat tool
- BaByliss Smooth Shape Airstyler AS86E
- BaByliss Smooth Boost 668E (top one has replaced this version)
Please Google for local availability, e.g., Mediamarkt
Want to learn more? In my online courses I share all my secrets to create beautiful alcohol ink art using easy to follow, step-by-step tutorials ⭣
