How to Make a Stunning Hexagon Resin Coaster

How to Make a Stunning Hexagon Resin Coaster with Alcohol Ink and Sinker White

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

How to Make Your Own Sinker White for Resin Art

DIY Additive Using Acetone(Nail Polish Remover), Isopropyl Alcohol & White Pigment Paste

Resin can do amazing things, and sometimes the best additives are the ones you create yourself! Sinker white is a heavier white mixture that helps push alcohol inks or colours down through your resin, creating beautiful sinking blooms and effects (like the vibrant pink-and-white piece shown below).

Here’s the simple formula that worked well for the example in the photo:

What You’ll Need:100% pure acetone (or 100% acetone nail polish remover) 
99%+ Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) 
White pigment paste (resin-compatible) 
Small mixing cups, stir sticks, and droppers 
Gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation 
 
Basic Ratio (start small and test): In a small cup, add a small amount of white pigment paste (start with ½–1 teaspoon). 
Add a few drops of 100% acetone to break down the pigment paste. Stir well until smooth. The acetone helps the paste disperse. 
Top up with isopropyl alcohol (roughly 70% alcohol to 30% acetone ratio overall). Stir thoroughly until fully mixed and pourable. 
 
The exact amounts can vary depending on your pigment thickness and resin viscosity — start small and adjust until you get a milky white liquid that sinks nicely when dropped into resin.

Safety First:Work in a well-ventilated area (acetone and alcohol fumes are strong). 
Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection. 
Never mix large batches at once. Test in small quantities. 
Keep away from open flames — these are flammable. 
Label your container clearly and store in a cool, safe place. 
 
Once mixed, you can drop your homemade sinker white into coloured resin pours to create sinking effects and patterns.  Tomorrow I’ll demold the piece in the photo and we’ll see how this batch turned out — fingers crossed!

Have you tried making your own resin additives? Share your results or tips in the comments.

Stay safe and keep creating! 
Magdelene