October 20, 2022

Inks

 

Inks



If you are a stamper, you already know that ink is a must-have supply. If you are new to stamping, it can be confusing as to which ink to use and what each one does. Let’s take a look…

Dye Ink

Dye inks are the most common inks used for stamping. They are available in many different colors and surface pads, like sponge pads, and linen. Within the category of Dye inks are:

  • Water-based dye inks – transparent water-based inks will give your projects a watercolor appearance. They are generally acid-free, but not usually fade-resistant.
  • Archival Inks – waterproof and acid-free ink designed to resist fading and work best with archival paper
  • Waterproof dye inks – acid free, waterproof and fade resistant, these inks are designed to work with alcohol markers
  • Distress inks – dry slower than other water-based inks so you can easily emboss them. They are acid free, fade resistant and non-toxic. They react with water to create amazing effects


Pigment Ink

Pigment inks are opaque and very vibrant in color. They are thicker than water-based inks so they tend to take longer to dry. You can achieve unique effects by stamping lighter colors on top of darker colors, or white on dark paper. 

On the down side, Pigment Inks usually come as a sponge pad which can to dry out quicker than water-based ink, so you will need to refill them more often.

Hybrid Inks

Hybrid inks are a blend of both pigment and dye ink. It can be used on all surfaces and dries quickly on paper and porous surfaces but should be heat set on fabrics and glossy surfaces. They are also archival safe.


Chalk Inks

Chalk inks are a premium dye ink that gives chalk-like effect. With soft pastel colors, they look especially spectacular on dark colored paper. 

Chalk inks are permanent, acid free, archival safe and smear proof. They dry quickly, but can also be heat set on glossy paper. 

Other inks worth mentioning:

  • Staz-On – this ink was designed for non porous surfaces like glass and acrylics. It is thicker than most inks but you need a special cleaner to remove this ink from your stamps.
  • Adirondack – vibrant, quick drying, transparent, dye ink for non porous surfaces. They are also acid free and permanent. Adirondack ahs a blending solution that will lighten the colors for added effects.
  • VersaMark – a watermark resist of sorts on glossy and coated paper. VersaMark comes in pad form as well as pen form, and works well with embossing powders


IMHO

I hope I may have helped you in some way in choosing the appropriate ink to use for your fabulous stamping projects.

I’ve only attempted to help you learn a little more about the inks I use, and why they are my favorite must-haves. 

Tip: Some things are worth the investment. In order to achieve the best results, try to choose quality products, over price, whenever possible. After all, you work hard on your projects, right? 

Happy crafting…

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