Category: Markers

DIY Recycled Alcohol INK

4/11/2020

Alcohol Inks have become a popular trend over the past few years and quite a pricy one. Ive been using alcohol markers for years and while there are many, many brands of alcohol markers with hundreds of colors to choose from, Sharpies will always be my favorite. (I'm not great at blending them anyway) They are not however, refillable like Copics are and most them have a ton of ink left in them even after they quit on you. I made my own alcohol ink with my 'retired' markers and was able to get a ton of ink in a bottle from even just one marker.

I must note that the standard alcohol inks you can buy from Tim Holtz for example do have a small amount of resin in their chemical makeup which makes them not dry out as quickly and are more archival than our homemade ones we're going to endeavor in making. If you want to try out alcohol ink with out going all in- then make your own to see how you like them. I've had a blast using them!

SUPPLIES:

Alcohol based markers- Sharpies, Copics, Expos....
Isopropyl alcohol- any percentage (highest is best)
Pliers
Scissors / Xacto Knife
Disposable plastic cup- do not use paper!
Storage container with lid- I recommend something glass, like a mason jar, but you can use whatever you have. Ink will stain the container and it will not be suitable for reuse for any other mediums. You may also want to use a small spray bottle, dropper bottle and any other kind of sturdy bottle- it all depends on how you want to use the ink.
Gloves if you don't want inky fingers

LINKS:

Support a fellow artist! Donate used pens and markers to the Pen Guy!
https://penguyart.com

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DIY Recycled Watercolor INK

4/11/2020

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If you're a teacher, a mom with crafty kids, or an avid colorer yourself then you may have several markers that you have thrown away due to drying up. If you haven't discarded of them yet- hang on to them! I'm going to show you how you can make your own vibrant watercolor ink from those worn out markers.

SUPPLIES:

Waterbased markers (Crayola, kids markers, highlighters) NOT Sharpies
Water- distilled is best if you plan to store it for long periods of time
Pliers
Scissors / Xacto Knife
Several plastic cups (one for each color)
Storage containers with lids (one for each color)

LINKS:

Support a fellow artist! Donate used pens and markers to the Pen Guy!
https://penguyart.com

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TIP: Refill Your Black Ink Pens/Markers

1/16/2019

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India Ink: pictured here is Higgins Waterproof Black India Ink but Speedball Super Black India Ink is cheaper per volume and a little bit thinner formula- which is better for refilling pens.

I tend to go through a lot of black ink pens and markers. My favorite writing pens to date are the Sharpie Fine Point Pen- they're rick black, archival and have a wonderful bold nib.

They're also pretty pricy for as much as I use them for.

I refill my pens as much as possible until they absolutely quit on me. Sharpie Fine Point Pens can be refilled with Speedball Super Black India Ink (I put a drop of alcohol in there too to help thin out the ink).

You can also refill your other pens as long as you refill it with the same type of ink in there. If you don't know, Google it. I refill my regular permanent Sharpies with black dye ink and alcohol and haven't had to replace near as many as I used to.

To refill, simply pull the nib off the pen gently with a pair of pliers. Some pens you may have to pull the bottom off to refill and some pens you just can't pull anything off. Sorry.

Once you've exposed the barrel, place a few (2-5 drops depending on how dry your pen is) into the barrel and then replace the nib. Store the pen upright so the ink can fully drain into the barrel.

*There may be a splurge of ink coming out the nib the first few times you use it afterwards, so be careful!

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DIY Recycled Alcohol INK

DIY Recycled Watercolor INK

TIP: Refill Your Black Ink Pens/Markers

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