Do alcohol inks fade in the sunshine? - As a resin artist I wanted to know

Hi I'm Wendy a resin artist and crafter.
In This video I am testing 10 different pigments to see if they fade in the sunshine. As a resin artist I have constantly been told that alcohol inks fade in the sunshine and they may well do after weeks or months of exposure. But on one occasion I actually had colour completely disappear on me after the piece was in the sun for just a few hours.
So I wanted to try this test myself.
The results were not what I had expected and the test itself took months.
Join my journey to find out and hopefully you will learn something with me or maybe even just enjoy the journey.
If you have any questions or comments, please use the comment section below and I will get back to you.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching
Wendy
Music from Epidemic sounds www.epidemicso....
New Mask www.mysafetyge...
Jacquard Alcohol ink. www.jacquardpr...
Vista Red www.vistaresin...
Resin 8 Blood red www.resin8.co....
Resin 8 firelight www.resin8.co....
Hemway Red www.hemway.com...
Just4youonlineUK Pink just4youonline...
Glasscast. red www.glasscastr...
AFFILIATE SHOP LINK BELOW
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
These link below will not cost you any more than the store price but I will receive a little help for my channel. Thank you
www.amazon.co....

[@susanhopemason]

I saw another resin person do a similar test on another video. But he did it a bit differently. He did it with coasters. But the real difference is that he did two identical coasters for each color and put one away in the dark, and the other one he used as a coaster in the house, putting it on a side table near a window. He used alcohol ink for both, of course. It took longer than a few hours outside for a couple of days, and he didn't wait for sunny days. He just did the normal use test. He waited a few weeks, actually. But I can't remember exactly how many weeks it was. After the amount of time was up, he brought out the one that had been kept in the dark, and compared the two. The one that had gotten normal use and had been kept in the light, faded quite a lot. When he compared the two, it was a massive difference. If he had sold that coaster to someone, and the person had used it normally for a few weeks, that customer would likely have been very disappointed. I have many colors and pigments, but I don't own any alcohol inks at all. And I won't be buying any.

[@Toonpish]

I completely understand how you feel 😀😀 The test is on going for me and its not just about alcohol inks either 😳🤔 The pieces are in the garden right now and will stay outside for another few months to see what happens. It’s fascinating how different brands do different things and companies are always trying to improve their products so I will see what happens 😀😀 Thanks for your comment Susan 😀 It’s appreciated 😀🤗

[@craftienannie2013]

I have made sun catchers with alcohol inks , only to find out after 4 weeks of being in the garden , they are very very pale and murky, lesson learnt for me I don’t use alcohol ink in them anymore

[@Toonpish]

Yes it’s definitely something to avoid i think. I will be putting these pieces out in the sunshine over the next few months to see what happens Thanks for watching Anita 😀👍

[@pamcullen537]

Hi Wendy. Had a chuckle over you waiting for sunshine after this mega heatwave we’ve been having. I think perhaps the test should have been done over a slightly longer time for a true result about fading. Hugs 💕🦆

[@Toonpish]

Me too Pam Couldn’t have chosen a better day to put this video out could I 😂😂😂 Well I’m going to carry on with this test and come back in a few months with more results 🤔 Thanks for watching Pam 😀👍

[@funo6581]

Interesting experiment. I’d be interested in knowing if it’s only direct sunlight or if just UV exposure has a negative effect also. I tried to do a UV resin project out on my roof covered patio last year, it set up instantly.😂 Steve McDonald left his test petri pieces in a mostly sunny spot inside. He used Jaquard Piñata alcohol inks and did a 2wk & 4wk. reveal. The difference between the control piece that was kept completely in the dark and the sun exposed piece was drastic. Daniel Cooper is doing a 2 wk. test now with petri pieces, using Let’s resin alcohol inks. A test using a few different brands of alcohol inks would be great too. Thanks Wendy, it’s always good to have as much info as you can.. especially for those artists that sell their work.

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Funo 😀👍 I hadn’t seen either of the tests that you mentioned and will be putting mine out again and checking on them over time also. The more information we have the better 😀 I will come back to you with more results 😀👍❤️

[@virginiarichards6872]

I believe your Piñata Magenta, #9, had already changed color before you ever began your test. It sure wasn’t the same color to start with that you had in other of your videos. I think old age got it!! Great video, great test. Thanks!

[@Toonpish]

Old age gets us all eventually 😂😂😂 thanks Virginia 💜

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Great experiment Wendy. Looking forward to the next elongated tests. Take care Hun. Cheers, Huw

[@Toonpish]

Thanks Huw I will carry this one on over the coming months to see how they get on 😀👍❤️

[@traceychivers1988]

Finally I found someone from the UK. Thank you I will be following you and watching your videos your the first I have come across from the UK

[@Toonpish]

Oh Tracey I so know what you mean 😀😀😀 I felt like that 5 years ago 😂😂 then I found Claire’s crafty corner ❤️ I didn’t feel alone anymore 🥰

[@bentebrunsvelt319]

Nice work. Leaf longer out side.winter to👍👍😎 greats from Holland

[@Toonpish]

I will definitely be putting them outside over the next few months I want to find out as well 😀😀👍❤️

[@jpwoodwork]

another hit there Wendy-pie, great video

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Jamie 😀😀 I appreciate it 🤗🌸

[@Anita-Ball]

Very interesting test. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@Toonpish]

You are welcome Anita 😀😀 Thanks for watching 😀👍❤️

[@michelle_resinrebel]

Hi Wendy Great test thanks for sharing 😍 ❤️ xx

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Michelle 😀😀😀 It’s something that I will definitely carry on with 😀😀👍❤️

[@lorrainebaker1212]

Great video, thanks Wendy. The past two days would have been great for a test, but then again in this heat we just had, they probably have melted🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Toonpish]

Yes maybe would be pancakes right now 😂😂😂 Thanks Lorraine Going to keep going with this test Will see what happens over a longer time frame 😀👍❤️

[@patriciaharkin1571]

How interesting. Thanks Wendy.

[@Toonpish]

It’s a shame it wasn’t more dramatic 😂😂 but still worth showing 😀❤️👍

[@reginataylor9809]

What an amazing experiment!!

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Regina 😀 I will be carrying on with this over the next few months to see how they get on 👍❤️

[@junek1006]

I didn't think mica powder or resin pigments are alcohol inks. Are they? I also watched Steve McDonald test Pinyata alcohol ink and it faded quite a bit. Interesting. I'm glad you did this test. It's very important to know

[@Toonpish]

Thanks June 😀 No they are resin colours and I wanted to see if they changed. Pinata is the only one that has changed so far but I will be carrying on the test over the next few months to see if we get any more differences. It’s all worth knowing to me though 👍❤️

[@junek1006]

@@Toonpish thank you fr doing these tests. this is somthing iwant to know.

[@mizzuzie3338]

I've had problems with purple alcohol ink changing colour while curing to blue. I haven't thought about changes due to sunlight... I'm glad to know real resin colours seems unchanged!

[@Toonpish]

I think although uneventful This test needed to be shown 😂😂 It’s weird how some do Change though 🤔 Thanks for watching Hun 😀👍❤️

[@lindaeastment4542]

HI Wendy, A VERY BIG THANK YOU so much for being so Patient & sharing your test tutorial I really did appreciate it & it was a great Learning curve I always Learn so much from your fab tutorials Thank You 👍❤️✨

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Linda The test will carry on and I will let everyone know how time changes things. So far the pinata is the one that changed the most, lets see what else happens 😀👍❤️

[@lindaeastment4542]

HI Wendy, Thank You I will really look forward to seeing more Reactions & results 👍❤️✨

[@Toonpish]

Wahoo 😀😀😀👍❤️

[@LoveAngelLA]

interesting test thank you for sharing. 💜

[@Toonpish]

Thanks Donna 😀👍❤️

[@yvonneirving6488]

Thanks for showing us a great experiment Wendy. 👍 And I love your garden!

[@Toonpish]

It’s full of weeks atm But we are letting the wildlife have it for now 😂😂 Thanks Yvonne 😀👍

[@pammipayne3334]

UK and sunlight, ummm yes we don't have much sunshine. Summer is my favourite time. So you did good to catch it.

[@Toonpish]

Thanks Pammi. I love spring when it’s all over the place 😂😂

[@pammipayne3334]

@@Toonpish I don't know why but that made me laugh. 🤣🤣😂

[@Toonpish]

😂😂

[@WaynetheWoodturner]

great test Wendy, I would have thought that the colour fade would happen over time not over a couple of days, but wahat do i know about resin

[@Toonpish]

Well after having one disappear in a few hours I needed to try something. I will be putting them out over the next few months and see what happens 😀👍❤️

[@jayelleart]

Great experiment. Thank you!

[@Toonpish]

Very welcome Jay 😀❤️

[@vivienne3757]

Great test, I’ve got a magnet on my fridge I did years ago and it’s colour hasn’t changed at all x

[@Toonpish]

That’s brilliant Vivienne There is hope for our art for years to come 😀😀👍❤️

[@m0v3st4R]

Thank you so much for this test, it helps a lot. Wanna leave my few bits here as well, I wouldn't point the finger on just alcohol inks and call them liquid dyes. Purchased one from Amazon some time ago ( was my first set of color inks for resin) and while I use JDiction quality resin with high UV protection the Bik Bok Creations liquid colors fully faded after just 3-4months in a half shady living room during the cold months. These dyes do not even mention any alcohol and def. don't smell like the alcohol inks but fade even worse :D To be safe I will use only Mica and Acrylic from now on, my old pretty pieces are ruined now :/

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Lucas😀😀 I agree with you that some colours do fade so quickly. One year on almost and the pieces I made are still outside and been through all the weather of the year so far. I will do an update on it in a while to see what’s happened 😀😀💜👍

[@m0v3st4R]

@@Toonpish Thank you Wendy, would be very very interested in checking the durability video once it's ready, I am currently testing a few pieces on my balcony as well to see what colors to avoid in future haha

[@teckle.turnings]

Super helpful thank you Wendy! 😃

[@Toonpish]

Totally welcome Val 😀 Thanks for watching 🤗❤️

[@angelaharder3997]

Thank you so much for doing this sunshine test. There has been so many different views posted on the various resin websites. Now we have a definitive answer to the question will alcohol ink colors fade. APPRECIATED!

[@Toonpish]

I will be carrying on this test over the next few months so we will see if long term they change But it seems not all alcohol inks fade so quickly Thanks for watching Happy crafting 👍❤️

[@LisaOliverauthor]

The UK was on the NZ news yesterday because of the extreme temperatures and sunny days - I do hope you were safe and away from the fires :)

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Lisa 😀😀 It was a definite challenge to keep cool 🤨 But it’s cooler now and although still hot it’s okay 👍 Our weather is so all over the place but then it’s England 😂😂😂

[@tinaholt717]

Not really long enough to get a true result. I’m in Australia and I did my test on a windowsill that gets around 3-6 hours afternoon sun, depending on the time of year. I used alcohol ink and mica powders in blues, greens, gold and some white pigment paste ( because I usually do beach scenes). The alcohol inks faded noticeably within a week or two. Even the mica powders eventually faded but it took many months. Of course the white turned yellow but it took a very long time; I’m not sure how long exactly but at least 3 months. The main reason for my test was to see how the resin itself held up. I was surprised to find that it took many months (maybe a year?) for it to lose its gloss and start to chalk up, but I have to say it was a surfboard resin with a high content of up inhibitors. Thanks for all your brilliant tutorials, I never miss one!

[@Toonpish]

Tina thank you so much for sharing this 😀❤️ I have plans on this carrying on for quite some time yet but our weather is so unpredictable 😂😂 I don’t have the sunny spot in my house like most people do, it’s a oddly positioned house 🤨 But the garden is good. So I will carry it on as often as I can 🤨 Might even leave them outside 🤔 Anyway Thanks for your input and lovely comment 😀👍❤️

[@leesmit3604]

Thank you for this info! This helps a lot! I plan to make some window hangers (like small scenes)…. I hope they don’t fade too fast! Thanks for your time and help!

[@Toonpish]

I will be carrying on with this test over the next few months as I suspect that the fade might take longer. We will see 😀👍❤️

[@lintball8379]

Thank you for the video! I had made color sample swatches of all my colors. I found the Let's Resin BLUE shades, and some yellow alcohol inks faded to almost clear hanging in my basement workshop over a month. There's only 2 small casement windows that get bright, but not direct sunlight.

[@Toonpish]

Fascinating Lin 🤨🤔 I will carry this test on over the coming months I am glad I’m not the only one that try’s things like this 😀👍❤️

[@_Daegon616]

Awesome video, your research on this is very much appreciated, thank you 😊

[@Toonpish]

I will be carrying over the coming months Hun 😀😀 Thank you so much 👍❤️

[@mole1461]

Very interesting. I wonder what the past two days would have done to them 🤔 all those samples looked like a selection of Rudolph noses 🤣🤣

[@Toonpish]

🤔🤷‍♀️ I think i will put them out periodically over the next few months and see what happens after then Who knows 😀👍❤️

[@jessbarnett7291]

Good test…I’ve got a teddy mould on the windowsill (other half put it there) a year on there’s virtually no colour left in it at all..think I used just mica powder when I made it…I honestly can’t remember…good video again Wendy! Very informative x

[@Toonpish]

Thanks Jess 😀😀😀 It’s worth knowing even though it’s a little uninteresting 😂😂😂

[@ps3845]

Well what a shocker 😱, maybe it takes longer or its cheap alcohol inks that fade quickly? I don't know hun but great test thanks for sharing xx

[@Toonpish]

Maybe 😂😂 Who knows but I liked that they stayed 😂😂 Thanks so much Paula 😀👍❤️

[@capatainnemo]

I wouldnt call pinata cheap inks

[@kerrividler6571]

I might do a test, I live in Brisbane Queensland Australia. We have really hot muggy weather, not right now but in summer, it may pay me to check it. thanks for the idea

[@Toonpish]

I colour type will work differently and resin itself doesn’t like the sunshine. I hope you get some answers 😀👍❤️

[@penneyreed7316]

THANK YOU! Mystery solved, yay

[@Toonpish]

😀😀❤️👍 I would consider that piñata ink does change quickly though 😀😀❤️

[@rkhnd51]

I believe the problem comes in if you have it in direct sunlight over time, such as a suncatcher hanging in a window. That is my understanding. Or a trinket dish that sits outside.

[@Toonpish]

I do believe you are right, but only time will tell 😀😀😀😀❤️

[@LisaVornhagen]

Interesting experiment. I've always heard alcohol inks fade in sunlight, too. I wonder how much of a change there would be if they were left in daylight, like on a window sill or something, for maybe a month?

[@Toonpish]

That’s my thoughts too 🤨🤔 Unfortunately I live in a house with not much sunshine through windows So outside is the only option But I will be putting them out over the next few months to see how they get on and will get back to you 😀👍❤️

[@JSGilbert]

I think 2 days isn’t enough of a test. Seeing that it has been over a year, I’d be curious to see what the sphere’s look like now and whether any yellowing of the resin has affected them. It might be fun to video them now and compare that video with the original. Thanks.

[@Toonpish]

They are still out there 🤭😂 I will do another one with them in time 😀😀😀😀 so far one stands out but we will see 😀👍

[@WendigovanStudio]

Hiya Wendy. Sugalite is pronounced as sugar-light. It's a semi-precious gemstone. I wanted to say, you kept saying at the end about not all alcohol inks fade in the sunlight, but I'm pretty sure you only used 1 alcohol ink which was the Pinyata magenta. The other colorants you used where pigment or mica which are more likely to be colorfast. Also some alcohol inks will react with resin and change colour as soon as you add it into the resin. I have had this issue with a pretty blue colour which I love, but whenever I add it into resin, it will change colour to green. Another thing is I don't think the temperature of the sunshine has any effect on if it fades or not. It would be interesting if you did a longer test with all the halves again and maybe just leave then on a sunny windowsill for a couple of weeks. Anyway, I'll shh now lol. Luv your videos and glad I found your channel. There are not enough UK crafters on here lol. All the best, Diane, UK xx

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Diane for your lovely comment. I did use 3 Alcohol inks The piñata which obviously changed colour straight away and two different reds from Let’sResin They had no change in 24 hours of sunlight. The Temperature doesn’t matter at all you are very right but I thought I would throw that in just for information 😀😀 Unfortunately I live in a house were there is no sunny windows so outside is my only option. But I will put these pieces outside for much longer and come back in a few months 😀😀😀 Thank you so much for the pronunciation I said it as Google told me to 😂😂😂 I really appreciate your time in writing this comment 😀 Happy crafting Diane 😀❤️👍

[@ramonaburnett3350]

Hey sweetheart love your channel, I liked your test, however I really do believe that heat and sunlight will fade almost completely in a few months, I watched Steven do a test a couple weeks ago almost same thing, one in the dark and the other in direct sunlight, I think it was like 6 months time, he really dislikes any alcohol ink for this reason, he's had many to ask him why, I've also seen where all resin does turn a yellow or amber color, I have heard many say to put in a very light blue color to keep this from happening, I am a retired hairdresser and I know color, I am wondering if a light purple would do better bc purple counter acts yellow.. BTW love your natural curls and your purple hair, I watch lots of resin videos, love them all but you are one of my favorites, and Mike zimmetti, and Louise I forgot but you've mentioned her before, anyway love everything you guys make and try, I live in Alabama where it's been very hot this summer 105° and it's very humid. So anyways here's you a purple heart 💜 bc you love purple and so do i

[@Toonpish]

Ramona you are such a sweetheart 💟💜 A few people have mentioned Steve’s video to me which I haven’t seen 😂😂 And I will be carrying on this test over the next few months 😀👍 I always watch Nick Zammeti as he was one of those I subbed to many years ago, but feel bad for his failures 😳 Louise is absolutely fantastic 😀😀 Her curious mind is amazing 😀😀 This test will be carried on over the next few months and we will see what happens over more time 🤨🤔 Thank you so much for your comment ❤️ I really appreciate it 👍❤️

[@mizzourita3896]

I put some of my resin projects outside to let the heat help them harden a little better but when I brought them back inside, everything is completely clear as if I haven't used any resin at all. Does anyone know why this happened? I've got two things I did in resin awhile back and I haven't had those out in the sun but they're completely clear now as well...These were both different brands of ink

[@Toonpish]

It’s alcohol ink. It kinda evaporates. I have had it happen to me once so I avoid them in resin. Only one of these pieces has ink ins it. The test is still going on and the results are still happening 😀💜

[@ginaopacki]

Resin8 Blood Red They do have it as of 7/19/2022

[@Toonpish]

Thank you so much Gina 👍❤️

[@maryfrawley4388]

Wouldn't you need alcohol ink exposed to light for several months to do a true test?

[@Toonpish]

They are still being tested right now 🫢😂 I’m going to do a follow up shortly 👍💜

[@Nrscathy60]

Two days really won't matter. Have them in your sunny living room for a few weeks. Normal use.

[@Toonpish]

If only I had a sunny living room 😂😂 I will be putting them out for the next few months and coming back with the results as time will tell. Thanks Catherine 😀👍❤️

[@marylouriddle6178]

Just a thought but even on a cloudy day there are still UV rays coming from the sun through the clouds. 😃

[@Toonpish]

That’s very true But I wanted full sun for impact 😀😀 I will be carrying this test on over the coming months and see how they get on 😀👍❤️

[@AwkwardBirb]

Sugilite is a mineral. It’s purple, though, so.. not sure why they named the reds that. 😂

[@Toonpish]

😂😂😂thanks Awkward girl 🤨🤔😀 I had no idea 😀👍❤️

[@Dawns_Creative_Carousel]

When Steve did the alcohol ink test he kept it in a room with sunlight for like six months and it was horrible. Like coasters and such…..

[@Toonpish]

I’m still doing my test 😂😂😂💜❤️

[@katelynnlydon9848]

I left a bright fluorescent pink resin gummy bear in the sun in my car and it turned clear after two days

[@Toonpish]

Exactly 😳😳😳😔 it happens all too often ❤️

[@GavSedae]

You should have worn a lab coat Wendy and had a clip board lol

[@Toonpish]

That would have made all the difference Gav 😂😂😂 👍❤️

[@GavSedae]

@@Toonpish of course 🤣

[@MrsKateT]

Wendy, have you seen Steve McDonald's video on this topic? He had very different results, perhaps you should leave them out longer to see how they fair? Xx kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqqrpntmq7hrd6M

[@Toonpish]

I haven’t no 🤔 I think I will keep them out for a good few months and come back with it. Will be interesting 🤨 Thanks Taylor Perhaps we used totally different types of colours 🤷‍♀️ there are a lot around 👍❤️

[@MrsKateT]

@@Toonpish ok. He used Piñata as far as I can remember 👍🏻❤️

[@Toonpish]

That’s the one that changed colour in mine 😂😂 the only one 👍❤️

[@-dimitris]

Definitely not long enough.

[@Toonpish]

Yup I get that 😀😀