4. Vibrant Alcohol Ink Petri Dish Coasters
The “petri dish” technique is one of the most mesmerizing and unpredictable ways to work with resin. It relies on the chemical reaction between epoxy resin and alcohol inks. As the inks interact with a heavy white dropping ink, they are pulled down through the resin, creating beautiful, organic tendrils, drops, and “petrified” structures.
To achieve this effect, fill your coaster mold almost to the top with clear, thoroughly mixed resin. Let it sit for 10 minutes so bubbles can rise and escape. Next, drip colorful alcohol inks directly onto the surface of the clear resin. Immediately follow up by dropping a single drop of white alcohol ink (specifically labeled as a “sinker” white) directly on top of each colored drop. The heavy white ink will push the colors down through the resin. Repeat this process with two or three layers of color and white, then let it cure undisturbed to reveal a stunning 3D landscape on the underside.