Have you had trouble with alcohol ink projects being “sticky” after they’re done? Me too! Not all of them but some – I can’t even figure out consistently what causes it….it seems like it should be thick sections of dark color. Or maybe particular color combos. But nope, it seems to be somewhat random.

I have found that the back side of the photo paper does it less than the front side, along with the color moving better on the back. (The Epson linked at the end of this post doesn’t have the big HP grey logo on the paper I’m still using up – so if you’re looking for logoless, that works!)

Supplies for this project are linked at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

The solution to the sticky is so simple: powder! Check it out:

View on YouTube.

Alcohol Ink Landscape on IGTV

This card was painted in a little speed version on IGTV….click to watch the video.

Simple cards

My card designs for these rest on just the beauty of the ink – just popping the panel on a card base with dimensional adhesive. Easy!

SUPPLIES

Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. If you choose to shop using my EH (Ellen Hutson) links, please accept cookies on that site in order to retain the link to my blog, or that compensation does not happen for me. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art

Inks:
Powders:
- Powder Tool Adhesive Deactivator, EK Success
- Johnsons Baby Powder, Trial size
Storage:
- Ranger tin, holds 30 bottles
- Zipper case, holds 60 bottles
- Zipper case, holds 30 bottles
Pipettes, 200 https://amzn.to/37AKa7Y
Alcohol solutions to create flow:
- Ranger Alcohol Blending Solution
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- 91% Isopropyl Alcohol is also just fine!
Papers:
- Epson photo paper, 8-10 cents per card front size sheet
Freezer paper for table, slick side up!
Blowy tools YES:
- Gocheer Handheld Airbrush (no compressor needed)
- Airbrush
  - ABS3: • EH • AMZ • Blick
  - Air Compressor – ($69 without the kit in-store)
  - Cord, if it doesn’t come with the compressor
Blowy tools meh:
- Bipple or bendy straws – limited usefulness
- Canned air – limited usefulness
- Ranger Blower Tool – limited usefulness

8 Comments

Sandy S. on December 19, 2020 at 6:12 am

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer L Bates on September 15, 2020 at 10:33 am

Great tip, i will have to give this a try
creatingincolors on August 30, 2020 at 5:51 am

Simple and brilliant! Thanks for sharing. And your alcohol scenes are gorgeous.
Connie Griffin on August 29, 2020 at 7:00 pm

thanks so much for the tip, I have had so many that are tacky and so good to know there is a fix!
Gab on August 28, 2020 at 6:12 pm

These are just beautiful Sandy – and thanks for the tip!
Sheri Kempke on August 28, 2020 at 11:22 am

Thanks for this great tip–I planned to work with alcohol inks the next couple of times–it’s play time!
Debbie L. on August 28, 2020 at 9:10 am

Love this tip! Thanks so much. Fabulous cards, as always.
Janet Durbin on August 28, 2020 at 8:05 am

Your scenes are absolutely amazing! Wow! Also I have used baby powder to eliminate the tacky surface for some time now. I often use powder to eliminate tacky glue(that was in the wrong place) on a card and I just tried it on the alcohol inks and …it worked! Thanks for the inspiration!