Alcohol Ink Stained Glass
by
OnTheFly...DIY
(IC: instagram)
16 Materials
$25
1 Day
Easy
Traditional stained glass panels are gorgeous but putting them together requires a diamond bit grinder and several specialty tools. Fake the look with some quilting tape and rubbing alcohol.
You’ll need: (proceeds from the affiliate links on my blog are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations)* Glass cleaner* Paper towels* 1/4" thick Quilter's Tape* Razor blade* Glazier Points* 91% or higher rubbing alcohol* Plyers* Three 2-oz bottles with lids* 3 permanent colored markers and one black marker* Ruler or other straightedge* Picture frame with glass* Aluminum foil* A can or two (you can get these from your pantry* Safety glasses* Level* Long multipurpose lighter
Use the razor blade to slice the protective outer plastic so the inside is exposed.
Place the marker ink in a plastic bottle then fill it about 3 quarters full with the rubbing alcohol. I’m making only three colors for this project as I found that more than three didn’t give me the impact I was going for and just mixed together.
Next, remove the glass from the frame and clean it off. Bailey’s version of “clean” leaves streaks so I’m using glass cleaner and paper towels.
Draw a pattern on one side of the glass with the black marker and ruler. I’m creating a geometric pattern with only straight lines as this will be much easier to construct with the tape.
On the other side, go over your marker lines with the quilter's tape. These will be your faux lead lines. Press the tape down very firmly with your fingers once you have it in place. You don’t want any ink to bleed underneath.
Find a fire safe setting – an open spot outdoors or inside a large fireplace – please use common sense here and don’t do this step on the stove or on the kitchen table. I’m just sayin'. I’m using my fireplace as my glass will fit inside.
Prop the glass over the foil with a can or two. Use the level to ensure the glass is straight as this will keep the ink on the surface.
Once level, drip your inks all over the surface of the glass in random patterns.
With your safety glasses on and all hair, fur and filmy sleeves pulled back, stand clear and use the long lighter to ignite the surface of the glass.
I have experience in glass fusing so I was initially concerned that the glass would crack once I lit the alcohol. However, the glass doesn’t get hot enough as the alcohol burns off quickly. It will be warm to the touch but not hot…and not hot enough for the glass to break.
Avoid touching any ink areas as the cleaner will take off the color.
If the points are hard to push in, use a flat blade screw driver to drive them in.
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Published January 30th, 2020 9:27 PM
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Melodie on Sep 06, 2023
Can I use this method on plexiglass? I have a back door that I would like to do. And is there a sealer so you can clean the window with out ruining your masterpiece?
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OnTheFly...DIY on Sep 07, 2023
I think plexiglass would melt :( I never put seal on mine as I didn't want to mess it up but I would definitely use a spray sealer vs a paint-on one
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Could you use sharpies and alcohol or does it need more alcohol?
Why did u pick Sharpies? Can it be any permanent marker?
Beautiful. Do you have to burn off the alcohol or can you just let it dry?