Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as Rubbing Alcohol and Isopropanol) is popularly used as a thinning solvent and cleaner for Pinata Alcohol Inks. The Isopropyl Alcohol make colours separate and pool (this is especially effective when manipulated layers of colour are allowed to dry before applying each new coat. Isopropyl Alcohol quickly evaporates to leave patterning in place. It is also used for experimental mixed media applications using coloured pencils, crayons, oil pastels, acrylic paints, and fibre tip pens. Sponge, drip or brush onto wet paints and inks to watch the chemistry!
Isopropyl Alcohol can be used to extract colour from plant materials for natural dyeing. It is a highly effective method for creating concentrated, vibrant colours for painting, screen printing, and dyes for natural fabrics including cotton, wool and silk.
- Soak the dyestuff in a glass jar of isopropyl alcohol to extract the colour without heat, or place the jar in a bowl of hot water to accelerate the process. The alcohol quickly breaks down plant cell walls.
- Strain the dye liquor through a paper kitchen towel or coffee filter before use.
- To make inks or paints from the extracted colour, add a small amount of Gum Arabic to increase viscosity. To use the extracted colour as a dye, mordant the fabric with alum to improve wash-fastness. In general, mordanting procedures will still apply to the extracted colour; wool and silk will take the colour well if pre-mordanted with alum, while plant fibres such as cotton will need alum and a tannin to make the colour “stick”. Aluminium Lactate mordant can also be used for clear colours on plant fibres.
- Use the above extraction technique for sun printing or Anthotypes. The sun bleaches the exposed, light-sensitive areas, while covered areas retain the colour. Simply apply the solution with a wide brush to watercolour paper (or fabric) and allow it to dry in a dark room. Place objects such as leaves, flowers, feathers or a positive transparent image on the paper and secure them under glass or clear perspex (the flatter the “mask” the clearer the print). Expose in direct sunlight and allow the non-covered colour to fade. Remove the objects to reveal the silhouette of remaining colour. Turmeric Anthotypes are particularly effective due to the curcumin content breaking down rapidly in UV light.
Isopropyl Alcohol is also very effective for cleaning surfaces, particularly metals, plastics and glass, ready for painting, bonding or gilding. The alcohol easily removes oils, light grease, dirt, and some stains; as well as uncured glues, sealants, polymer clays, oil paints, varnishes and resins. The alcohol evaporates rapidly leaving a dry clean surface, making it ideal for cleaning items such as precision tools, glass, and photo negatives.
It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area, as isopropyl alcohol is flammable and fumes can be strong.
