Sealant for Alcohol Inks Projects

[amyew]

Help! I made a bunch of coasters & trivets using alcohol inks on glossy tiles. They are really cool but I've discovered that the inks are not waterproof! I've tried spraying them with an acrylic sealant and also with Thompson's Water Sealant, but the inks are still rubbing off. Anyone have any other ideas for sealing them so the inks are protected???? Thanks!

[TeeGeeDee]

I remember reading that lots of people that make stuff with tiles bake them first (and usually use StazOn Ink which is a solvent ink so similar - I think - to alcohol inks). I have no direct experience but at least this gives your question a bump so others will see it.

Good luck and ...

Happy Crafting!
Tina aka TeeGeeDee

[Angelnorth]

Are you sure it's a waterproofness issue rather than a "friction" one? Alcohol inks should be waterproof but if your tile is very glossy I'm guessing they may just be rubbing off with handling? The stuff you're spraying on to seal them is presumably also not sticking to the tile.

I'm not sure whether baking helps with a glazed tile, does it? I've only done the porous type so I don't have any direct experience.

The only thing I can think of suggesting is that you make sure the surface of your tile is really well prepped and free of any traces of oiliness. Give it a wipe over with rubbing alcohol and then leave it for a few minutes to make sure it's evaporated off. Keep your fingers off the surface before you stamp to make sure you don't transfer any oils from your skin onto there.

Somebody else might have suggestions though - good luck!

[mycraftyideas]

There is a glass tile primer that is sold in shops to prepare glass or glossy surfaces to 'grip' paint. I am guessing this will work to prepare your tile surface for alcohol inks also.