The key difference between alcohol ink and resin dye is that we can use alcohol ink for a variety of surfaces, whereas resin dye is suitable for epoxy resin material.
There are different types of coloring agents for use in artworks. Alcohol ink and resin dye are two types of coloring agents.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Alcohol Ink
3. What is Resin Dye
4. Alcohol Ink vs Resin Dye in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Alcohol Ink vs Resin Dye
What is Alcohol Ink?
Alcohol inks are fast-drying, waterproof, and highly pigmented alcohol-based inks that are applicable to a variety of surfaces. These inks can be named as dye-based colors as opposed to pigment-based colors. Alcohol inks are flowy and transparent. Therefore, the users of these inks are able to create a unique and versatile effect. This effect cannot be achieved using water-based paints such as acrylic paint. When we apply alcohol ink on a surface, we can reactivate it after drying. This reactivation can be done using alcohol in a similar way to that of watercolors. We can also remove it.
The most suitable surfaces to work with alcohol inks include Yupo paper, synthetic paper, ceramic, glass, metal, acrylic sheets, and plastic sheets. We can use this ink on any surface, but sometimes it might not be the best choice for some surfaces. E.g., for surfaces where the ink does not get absorbed and cannot move the ink freely on the surface. In addition, a canvas is another popular surface having three or four layers that make it non-porous.
Although alcohol ink is a fluid, there is a special way of using the ink. We need to drop the ink on the chosen surface. Dropping some alcohol or any other blending solution can enable the free movement of the ink on the surface and reduces the intensity of the ink. This allows the movement and drying of the ink via various techniques to get the desired effects. Moreover, we can use brushes to apply the ink as well. There are a variety of ways to spread the ink after applying it. After this, spreading the alcohol evaporates, leaving the dye behind.
What is Resin Dye?
Resin dyes or dyes that can be used to color resin are liquid dyes that are suitable for mass-coloration of epoxy resins. These dyes are usually compatible with solvent-phased varnishes, most resins, gel coats, and glues.
Resins have gained extreme popularity in recent years among all groups of people and occupations who are trying to use this art form. We can manufacture different things using resins such as jewelry, coasters, cutting boards, shapes, letters, and containers. Typically, the resin is clear, and there are techniques to add color to this material.
For coloring a resin, we can use alcohol ink, mic powder, food coloring, acrylic paint, and even eyeshadow. These are important in adding some color to the epoxy resin. We can find resin dyes in most craft stores or online. These dyes can be pricey but are quick and effective in adding color to the resin that we are crafting. In other words, it requires less effort to color a resin. Typically, these dyes are formulated in such a way that the dye colors the resin at a molecular level to get the most efficient coloring.
What is the Difference Between Alcohol Ink and Resin Dye?
Dyes are important in coloring something. Alcohol inks and resin dyes are two such coloring agents. The key difference between alcohol ink and resin dye is that we can use alcohol ink for a variety of surfaces, whereas resin dye is suitable for epoxy resin material.
The below infographic presents the differences between alcohol ink and resin dye in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Alcohol Ink vs Resin Dye
Alcohol inks are fast-drying, waterproof, highly-pigmented, and alcohol-based inks that are applicable on a variety of surfaces, while resin dyes are liquid dyes that are suitable for mass-coloration of epoxy resins. The key difference between alcohol ink and resin dye is that we can use alcohol ink for a variety of surfaces, whereas resin dye is suitable for epoxy resin material.
Reference:
1. Aggarwal, Anuja. “A Beginner’s Guide – Things You Should Know about Alcohol Inks.” Piece Of My Art, 11 May 2021.