“Beach vibes, anyone?” If your summer crafting dreams include a little sparkle, some watercolor magic, and a whole lot of fun, then you’re going to love this tutorial! We’re diving into a gorgeous DIY project: Beach Painted Rocks with Alcohol Ink—and yes, it’s just as relaxing and fun as a day by the ocean.
Whether you’re new to rock painting or already have a stash of Santorini stones waiting for their glow-up, our talented guest artist Rachel LaRayes is here to walk you through two beginner-friendly techniques using alcohol ink (including markers!). You’ll also learn how to add a shimmering layer of glitter resin for that extra wow factor.
Need a little visual help? Don’t worry—we’ve got you! Be sure to watch the step-by-step video tutorial at the bottom of this post to see the entire process in action.
Grab your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get crafty!
WHAT IS ALCOHOL INK?
Alcohol inks are permanent, dye-based pigments that are fast-drying and perfect media for beginners. It’s typically used on non-porous materials such as glass, tile, ceramics’, yupo paper, and metal.
It has a watery consistency and has slight alcohol smell.
Blending solutions are used for diluting the highly pigmented colors and blending the alcohol ink together. It’s also used for cleaning paintbrushes, work areas, and hands because the inks will stain skin and surfaces.
Visit our Amazon Shop for Rock Painting Supplies for this project.
Beach Painted rocks Supply List
Here’s what Rachel used for both versions:
- Santorini stones (smooth and flat = perfect!)
- Ohuhu Alcohol Ink Markers: #50, #70, #63, #65, #21, #33
- Limino Alcohol Inks: Clover, Blue and Blueberry
- 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Soft bristle brush
- Small cup (for holding alcohol or propping rocks!)
- Folkart’s Extreme Glitter: Champagne
- Gold chunky glitter
- Mod Podge (glue chunky glitter down)
- Foil or plastic to protect your surface
- Resin (to seal and shine!)
- Black acrylic paint for lettering
How to make beach painted rocks with alcohol ink instructions
Method 1: Alcohol Ink Markers + Glitter
This method is perfect for beginners and uses Ohuhu alcohol ink markers to create a dreamy ocean gradient.
Step 1: Prep your workspace with all of your supplies.
Step 2: Use marker #50 (teal) and scribble a bit onto the plastic palette.
Step 3: Dip your brush into the alcohol and blend it into the marker ink, then paint the rock to create the ocean base.
Step 4: Repeat the process using marker #70 (deep blue) next to the teal, blending the two colors to create ocean depth.
Step 5: Mix markers #63 and #65 for midtones and apply, leaving space at the bottom for your sandy beach.
Step 6: For the beach, blend markers #21 and #33 to get those golden sand tones.
Step 7: Keep blending everything until it looks just the way you like it. Let it dry.
Step 8: Add shimmer! Use FolkArt Extreme Glitter in Champagne over the sandy area to catch the light.
Step 9: Finish with a layer of clear resin to seal everything in. Pop bubbles with a kitchen torch and let it cure for up to 72 hours.
Method 2: Dripped Alcohol Ink and Chunky Gold Glitter
Want a more fluid, watercolor feel? This one’s for you!
Step 1: Protect your surface and gather your inks. Add drops of Limino Clover, Blue, and Blueberry to your palette.
Step 2: Begin with the Clover ink and brush it on the rock, then blend using alcohol for that watery look.
Step 3: Layer on more colors and blend as you go to create a swirling ocean scene.
Step 4: Use Mod Podge to apply chunky gold glitter for the sandy beach area.
Step 5: Once dry, use black acrylic paint to letter something fun—like “Beach Vibes.”
Step 6: Finish with a layer of clear resin to seal everything in. Pop bubbles with a kitchen torch and let it cure for up to 72 hours.
Rachel’s Top 5 Alcohol Ink Tips for Beginners
Rachel’s been rocking alcohol inks for years, so we asked her to share a few must-know tips:
- Use 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol for best blending.
- Don’t be afraid to layer—it adds depth and drama.
- Protect your workspace. Trust us. Alcohol ink loves to travel.
- Soft bristle brushes work best for smooth blending.
- You can use acrylic paint over dry alcohol ink (great for lettering!).
Don’t Miss the Video Tutorial!
If you’re more of a visual learner (hi, same 🙋♀️), scroll down to watch the full step-by-step video. Rachel walks you through both methods, so you can see exactly how she blends, glitters, and seals her gorgeous beachy creations.
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your alcohol ink techniques on these beautiful beach painted rocks with us. Be sure to try Resin Pouring Art on Rocks another fun tutorial by Rachel.
And just like that—you’ve got your own little piece of beachy paradise, right in the palm of your hand! Whether you tried the marker method, the dripped ink look, or both, we hope you had a blast painting along with Rachel.
Ready for your next artsy adventure? Be sure to check out Rachel’s Resin Pour Art on Rocks tutorial—it’s full of texture, color, and just as easy to follow.
And don’t forget to follow Rachel on Facebook and Instagram for even more dreamy rock painting and resin art inspiration!
Want more Summer time Craft ideas:
- Resin Pour Beach Rocks DIY
- 60 Beach Painting & Crafts For Your Home
- 100+ Summer Rock Painting Ideas
- 150 Summer Drawing Ideas For All Ages
