Technique
Creating heat-sensitive patterns with thermochromic ink.
Materials
- Thermochromic ink
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Fabric
Method
- Mix 5 spoons of base and 1 spoon of thermochromic powder
note: thermochromic powder disappears in high temperature while the base stays. the base could be either clear (the ink will seem to disappear) or coloured (the ink will seem to change colour) - Pour the mixture onto the edge of the silk screen frame
- Place the frame over the fabric
- Sweep the mixture over the screen a few times until it is evenly spread out
- Let the ink dry
Results
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- first attempt // red+blue ink with clear base
-
- with heat // seems to disappear
-
- second attempt // blue ink with yellow base
-
- with heat // seems to change colour
Reflection
The thermochromic ink is super cool! I’ve watched the effects of this ink online since I had considered it for a previous project, but to see it working in real life is mind-blowing. With this technique, I think it would be interesting to utilise it in an application that involves heat, like a lamp shade or a curtain!