Types of Ink Pads

There are many different inks to choose from to give a different stamping effect.

Let's take a look at the different types available in crafts stores and understand what suits your stamping needs.

• Dye Ink
• Pigment Ink
• Permanent Solvent Ink
• Shadow Ink
• Chalk Ink
• Watermark

Dye Ink

Dye ink is normally quick drying and transfers its color quickly. It is permanent and dries up quickly which makes it unsuitable for embossing purposes.

It is usually not waterproof, which means it is not advisable to use water-based color mediums like paint, marker or ink to color the stamped images, as it will cause the dye to run. It is also recommended to use it on less absorbent paper, so that the dye is likely to bleed.

With it's quick drying property, it is best suitable for quick stamping without the worry of smudging.

Even though it is permanent, the color tends to fade with time especially exposed to sunlight. However, there are some dye inks claimed by merchants to be fade-resistant. So, it really depends on the brand.

Dye ink works better on lighter shade papers as it will bring out the color better.

My Personal Preference I only use Tim Holtz Distress Ink from the Ranger Company and don't invest much on dye inks as I do lots of embossing. You may search other brands available by googling for "dye inks for stamping".

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Pigment Ink

Pigment ink is usually richer in color and thicker in the intensity of the ink. There are slow and quick drying pigment. Slow drying is very suitable for embossing, which further enhances the richness in the color. Quick drying pigment ink can still be used for embossing but you must really be fast in spreading the embossing powder to ensure the ink captures it. Many colors are available and best effect is achieved on smooth surfaced paper especially if it is used for embossing. This is definitely one of the necessary ink pads to start your basic rubber stamping and embossing.

My Personal Preference I use VersaColor Ultimate Pigment Ink for embossing as the ink is rich, wet and very good for embossing. The quality surpasses many other brands I have used. These are my favourite ink pads, For black color versacolor inkpad, I strongly recommend using full size stamp pad rather than cube size as it is commonly used for image stamping. For quick drying pigment ink, I prefer Brilliance range due to the quality of the ink and firm sponge that inks well on the rubber stamps. I particularly like those colors with "pearlescent" as it adds shimmer to the ink. These are quick drying pigment ink pads are not really suitable for embossing. Here are some of my favourite colors to share with you. Both the VersaColor and Brilliance are from the same company and the quality of the ink pads and color is truly value for money. I particularly like the ease of inking it on the rubber stamps. These ink pads are durable and under proper care, they last a long time. Other brands include Ranger (I love Tim Holtz Distress range of ink pads) and ColorBox. You may also search other brands available by googling for "pigment ink for stamping".

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Permanent Solvent Ink

Permanent and fast drying solvent ink, these are great for stamping on a wide variety of surfaces, such as wood, glass and metal. As it is permanent, it is a little more difficult to remove the ink stain from your rubber stamps.

My Personal Preference So far, I don't own any because I can't bear to stain my rubber stamps. :) For home decor paper craft, I use purely scrapbooking techniques plus the basic stamping to make my own pattern paper. The most popular and reliable brand is by Tsukineko and here are some of their popular color for decorating non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, such as metal, shrink plastic, acrylic, cellophane, aluminum foil, leather and some glass surfaces. You may search other brands available by googling for "permanent solvent ink".

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Shadow Stamp

Colors are usually soft hues of pastel, making it the best ink for background stamping to give a softer look. Great on lighter colored paper and doesn't matter if the paper is smooth or textured.

My Personal Preference This is an essential ink pad for my stamping to create a contrasting color between background and actual stamping. These are my favourite shades as it is subtle. The Soft Lilac and Soft Baby Blue has been a great color for making baby shower invitation cards or Announcement of Baby Arrival. So far, I find Hero Arts brands shadow ink to be really good quality as well as Tsukineko. You really can see the light shades even it is such pale color. You may search other brands available by googling for "Shadow Ink for Stamping".

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Chalk Ink Stamp

Having the resilience of pigment ink, yet they stamp and blend like dye inks, drying quickly on most absorbent surfaces. Permanent when heat set, they resist smearing, bleeding or fading even when air dried. These inks have a flat, muted finish and usually have a chalky effect.

My Personal Preference I personally like the Versamagic in Dew Drop forms (as shown in the picture) rather than the full size ink pad as I find I don't need to use these very often. And even if I do, I don't use a lot, so, I don't spend much on full size pad, it's important to have variety of colors for chalk ink. I have yet to find a good online merchant that offers good prices for these, so, you may search other brands available by googling for "Watermark ink" and do a quick price comparison.

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Watermark Ink

Translucent watermark stamp that can create watermarks and one-on-tone images. Great for embossing, chalking and for background stamping on dark colored paper. I personally use Versamark Watermark inkpad due to its lasting quality.

My Personal Preference Can't do without the Versamark (shown above). I often choose really nice dark colored card stock, use Versamark ink for stamping and emboss using sparkle embossing powder! Really love the effect! It makes a very nice pattern paper, subtle and elegant. Other ways of using this ink is also discussed in the Advanced Rubber Stamping Section. Again, Tsukineko brand still tops the rest due to the quality and firm sponge for easy transfer of ink to stamp. You may search other brands available by googling for "Watermark ink".

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Quick Reference for Basic Stamping

Basic Stamping Main Page Types of Stamps Types of Inkpads Embossing Caring for your Craft Supplies Coloring How to do Stamping Move to Advanced Stamping

Use the above quick reference to browse through the different sections by clicking on the light bulb.