How To Use Alcohol Ink On Wine Glasses
Today I’m sharing one of my latest creative projects—using alcohol ink on wine glasses. If you enjoy creating unique home decor or handmade gifts, you’re going to love this project! With just a few supplies and some colorful alcohol inks, an inexpensive wine glass becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art. These alcohol ink wine glasses are perfect for entertaining, gift giving, seasonal decorating, or simply adding a little beauty to your everyday life. Best of all, they’re easier to create than you might think!
Alcohol Ink On Wine Glasses – Supplies Needed:
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- Stemless or stemmed wine glass (Dollar Tree is a great inexpensive source)
- White enamel acrylic paint suitable for glass
- Paintbrush
- Rubbing alcohol (91%)
- Blue alcohol ink
- Green alcohol ink
- Beige alcohol ink
- Metallic gold alcohol ink
- Small precision dropper bottle
- Paper towels
- Acetone (for cleanup)
- Painter’s tape
- Krylon Kamar Varnish (for sealing alcohol inks)
- Glass spinner or cup turner (optional)
Alcohol Ink On Wine Glasses Video Tutorial
Alcohol Ink On Wine Glasses – Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wine Glass For Paint
Begin by cleaning your wine glass thoroughly with a paper towel and alcohol.
Step 2: Paint the Wine Glass
Why Paint the Wine Glass?
One challenge with applying alcohol ink on glass surfaces is that the inks can appear very transparent. While that look can be beautiful, I wanted richer, brighter, more opaque colors.
By painting the wine glass with white enamel paint first, the alcohol inks have a solid background to sit on, allowing the colors to pop and blend beautifully.
Apply a coat of white enamel paint to the outside of the glass. Leave approximately 1 inch at the top unpainted so the glass remains safe for drinking.
You could put tape at the top of the glass; However, I found it easier just to hold my paint brush steady as the glass rotateed.
If you’re using a spinner, rotate the glass as you paint for a smooth finish. Don’t worry about creating a perfectly straight line at the top edge since you’ll clean it up later.
Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat.
The white background is what makes these alcohol ink wine glasses so vibrant and colorful.
Step 3: Start With Dropping Alcohol To Painted Wine Glass
Fill a small dropper bottle with 91% rubbing alcohol.
Lightly coat sections of the painted glass with alcohol. The alcohol helps the inks flow, blend, and move across the surface.
This step is essential when creating alcohol ink glasses because it allows those beautiful organic patterns to form.
Step 4: Add Alcohol Inks On Wine Glasses
Now comes the fun part!
Begin dropping alcohol inks onto the damp surface. Alternate with the main colors as you work around the glass.
For this project, I used:
The colors will naturally spread, blend, and create unique effects. I let the top edge create naturally.
One of the reasons I love alcohol ink on wine glasses is that no two pieces ever turn out exactly the same.
Continue adding and alternating ink colors until you achieve a look you love.
As you work, continue adding small amounts of the rubbing alcohol.
Alcohol inks dry quickly, and the added alcohol helps keep the colors flowing and blending together.
Rotate the glass as you work and watch how the colors interact.
One important tip when creating alcohol ink wine glasses: know when to stop!
It’s easy to keep adding color, but sometimes the most beautiful results happen when you leave the inks alone and let them do their thing.
Step 5: Add Metallic Gold Alcohol Ink
Once you’re happy with the color blend, add metallic gold alcohol ink.
The gold creates beautiful highlights and adds extra dimension to the design.
I always add gold when creating alcohol ink projects because it catches the light beautifully and gives the finished piece an elegant look.
Step 6: Clean the Rim of any unwanted alcohol ink on wine glass
After the inks have dried, clean any excess paint or ink from the top rim of the glass.
A paper towel with rubbing alcohol can help, but I found that pure acetone works especially well for creating a clean edge.
Remember, if you’re planning to drink from the glass, leave an unpainted section at the top.
Step 7: Sealing Alcohol Ink On Wine Glasses
Once everything is completely dry, tape off the clear rim of the glass.
Apply a spray varnish designed specifically for alcohol inks.
Not all sealers work with alcohol ink on glass surfaces, so make sure to choose one that won’t reactivate or smear the inks.
Apply several light coats according to the manufacturer’s directions. I sprayed at least 5 coats.
Allow the sealer to cure fully before handling, then hand wash only.
Step 8 – Admire The Beauty Of Alcohol Ink On Wine Glasses
The finished glasses are absolutely gorgeous. The combination of flowing alcohol inks and metallic gold creates a colorful, artistic finish that looks completely unique from every angle.
One of my favorite things about creating alcohol ink glasses is that every piece becomes its own little work of art. The inks move differently each time, so no two glasses will ever be identical.
If you’re curious about other painting techniques on wine glasses, I also tried using Foil! Look how gorgeous! You can see that process HERE.
Do you love high-end projects? Check out 5 of my most popular ones!
Can You Use This Alcohol Ink Technique on Drink Ware That’s Already White?
Absolutely!
If you’re using a white ceramic mug, simply skip the painting step and begin with the alcohol ink application.
The white surface already provides the perfect background for vibrant colors, making it an excellent surface for alcohol ink on glass-inspired techniques.
Interested in More Alcohol Ink Projects? Check these ornaments out!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making gifts, decorating your home, or simply enjoying a creative afternoon, these alcohol ink wine glasses are a fun project that delivers beautiful results every time.
Happy Inking!
Love,
Joanie
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Until Next Time, Keep Creating!
