Today I tried a fun new resin piece — a vibrant hexagonal coaster (or small art tile) using epoxy resin, alcohol inks, and my homemade sinker white. The colours are swirling beautifully so far, and I can’t wait to see the final result once it’s fully cured tomorrow!
This technique creates that mesmerizing petri-dish or ocean-like effect where the colours bloom and swirl as the white “sinks” through the resin. It’s surprisingly easy once you get the timing right.
What You’ll Need:
Epoxy resin and hardener (any clear, slow-cure resin works well)
Alcohol inks in your chosen colours (I used blues, purples, and magenta tones)
Sinker white (homemade version – recipe below)
Silicone mold (hexagon or any shape you like)
Mixing cups, stir sticks, and gloves
Optional: heat gun or torch for bubbles, and a level surface for curing
My Homemade Sinker White Recipe
I used the simple version we talked about:100% pure acetone (nail polish remover that is pure acetone)
99% isopropyl alcohol
White pigment paste (any brand works)
Quick mix tip: In a small dropper or needle-tip bottle, combine roughly 30% acetone with 70% isopropyl alcohol, then stir in a small amount of white pigment paste until it’s fully dissolved and smooth. Shake or stir well before each use. This creates a sinking white that pulls the alcohol inks down through the resin for those dramatic swirls.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Prepare your workspace
- Work in a well-ventilated area on a level surface. Wear gloves and protect your table.
- Mix the epoxy resin
- Follow the instructions for your specific resin. Measure equal parts resin and hardener (or whatever ratio your brand requires) and mix thoroughly for 3–5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom. Let it sit for a minute or two to let some bubbles rise.
- Pour the base layer Pour a thin, even layer of clear mixed epoxy into your silicone mold. This will be the background that the colors will move through.
- Add the alcohol inks
- Drop your alcohol inks directly onto the wet resin. I used several drops of deep blue, turquoise, purple, and magenta. Don’t stir — let them sit on top for a moment.
- Add the Sinker White
- Now the magic part! Add several drops of your homemade sinker white on top of (or beside) the alcohol ink drops. The white will start to sink slowly, pulling the colored inks down with it and creating those beautiful swirling, blooming patterns.
- You can gently tilt the mold or use a toothpick to guide the movement a little if you want more control.
- Remove bubbles (optional)
- Pass a heat gun or torch quickly over the surface to pop any surface bubbles. Be careful not to overheat.
- Let it cure
- Place the mold on a perfectly level surface and leave it undisturbed. Full cure time depends on your resin — mine usually needs 24 hours before demolding.
Tips for Success:Work quickly once the resin is mixed — epoxy has a limited working time.
Less is more with the inks and sinker white at first. You can always add more drops if needed.
The sinker effect continues to develop as it cures, so the piece often looks even better the next day.
Experiment with colour placement and the amount of sinker white to get different patterns — some look like galaxies, others like underwater scenes.
I love how the deep blues and magenta tones are blending in this one. The hexagon shape makes it perfect for coasters, jewelry trays, or small wall art.
Have you tried the alcohol ink + sinker white technique yet? Let me know in the comments what colours you’d use or any tips you’ve discovered!
Happy crafting,
Magdelene
helenshowto.blogspot.com
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