How I Paint with Alcohol Ink on Tiles

Artist Julie Gratien demonstrates her process of painting with alcohol ink on a white ceramic tile. Watch as she drips, sprays and brushes on the ink to create an image of wildflowers.

[@manbatmiso]

You deserve millions of subscribers. This is my favorite type of art I rediscovered it during Covid after being introduced by a high school teacher. Your technique is so masterful and gorgeous and unique and inspiring !!!!!!! I spend hours on tiles and have hundreds easily.

[@LorraineTapper]

This is so good. I have been wondering how to paint without making a mess.

[@melb3513]

Absolutely amazing. Thank you for the inspiration

[@paulabrown6840]

Really lovely.

[@naheedahmed6436]

Absolutely gorgeous 😍

[@margaretappleby3124]

Beautiful❤

[@jacqiart9433]

Great Job! I’ve done a few 4x4 tiles n love it.

[@carolinerawcliffe6648]

Brilliant, thank you

[@juliegratienartist]

Thanks Caroline! It really is so fun!

[@ruthherring6035]

Love it!

[@juliegratienartist]

Thanks! I hope it's helpful.

[@lindawhite1515]

Great video! Thanks.

[@juliegratienartist]

You are welcome!

[@BS-detector]

Thank you so much for sharing your technique...it's very beautiful and I can't wait to try this! 💜💜💜

[@juliegratienartist]

Enjoy!

[@jackieroberts9102]

Awesome technique.

[@gratienartdesigns]

Thank you!

[@shawnadubreuil3266]

You make it look so easy. I'd love to do this for individual shower tiles for the bus my husband and I are building.

[@juliegratienartist]

Hi Shawna! While this type of painting is so much fun, I wouldn't recommend it for bathroom tiles. Even when it's heavily coated with a clear Krylon spray, I don't think it can handle the wear and tear of bathroom showers. I have found that the colors do fade over time. You may want to create some tiles and hang them on the wall as decoration rather than installing them permanently.

[@Artistzip]

Wow nice

[@juliegratienartist]

Thank you!

[@beckyeberts7791]

This is so fun to watch. How do you use the tiles? Do they need to be sprayed or coated with anything? Thanks!

[@hsteil]

So lovely - can you list the products you are using?

[@juliegratienartist]

91 percent rubbing alcohol, alcohol inks, canned air, brushes, ceramic tiles.

[@boodles100]

This is so gorgeous! How do you seal it? I just bought a house and Id like to paint some entryway tiles, but I want it to hold.

[@juliegratienartist]

Actually, I would not recommend these painted tiles for permanent installation. I seal the tiles with the Krylon gloss UV-resistant clear acrylic coating, but the inks are still prone to fading when exposed to light over time. Instead, I would recommend sealing them and then hanging on the wall with "plate hangers." That way if you have a problem with them, you can switch them out. Here is a link to article that describes how to hang plates. www.drivenbydecor.com/hanging-plates-to-create-decorative/ Enjoy the process. It's so fun!

[@suew4609]

Beautiful work! I was thinking of using 6x6” tiles for trivets to give as gifts. Do you know how to seal them so that they are heat resistant?

[@gratienartdesigns]

Hi Sue! That's a good question. I don't use the tiles as trivets, so you'll have to do some research. There is probably a clear coat spray that is heat proof. Good luck and enjoy painting!

[@suew4609]

@@gratienartdesigns Hi Julie, Thanks for replying! I researching but having trouble finding anything but resin. I was hoping not to use that, but oh well, it is what it is.

[@gratienartdesigns]

@@suew4609 I get it. Resin is a whole process in itself. I hope you are able to find a painter with experience in this. Would clear coat for automotive paints work or would it just dissolve the alcohol inks?

[@patriciaheale6130]

How do you seal the picture without it moving the ink once finished ?

[@gratienartdesigns]

Hi Patricia. I let the tile dry overnight before spraying. Then, I make sure my first spray is a very light mist. I hold the can far away from the tile. That gives the initial seal. After that I can apply multiple layers.i hope this advice helps.

[@ireneaguilar174]

When you paint the flowers do you use alcohol ink? If so how do you keep it from running?

[@juliegratienartist]

Hi Irene, Yes, I do use alcohol ink. When I paint with a brush on the tile, the ink stays in place. When I use the other techniques, I use canned air and spray it softly to quickly dry it and keep it from moving. I hope this helps.

[@keyurthakore8361]

What r u spraying ?

[@juliegratienartist]

I have alcohol ink in a fine Mister bottle that is purchased at Michaels. If I want white specs, I use plain rubbing alcohol in the Mister bottle. Hold the bottle 1-2 feet from the tile to get a gentle fine mist, spray and wait. You will see the specs appear.