All About Inks

Confused about the variety of stamping inks on the market and what each is used for? Here's some information I compiled for my stamping classes.

INTRODUCTION TO STAMPING INKS


Inkpads fit into three basic categories, although there is some crossover and a few “exceptions.” The most important thing to remember is to first select the material you will be stamping on and then choose an appropriate inkpad for that application.

DYE-BASED INKS
Water-based and washable (semi-permanent once dry)
Dry quickly (and, thus, not used for heat embossing)
Best for detailed stamps
Usually dry on all papers, including glossy, though may need to be heat-set
May fade over time

PIGMENT INKS
Slow drying (used for heat-embossing)
Smears easily until dry
Cannot be used on non-porous surfaces (glossy or matte papers) unless embossed
Fade resistant
Resist and embossing inks are included in this category
* Note: Brilliance pigment ink is the only ink that will dry on vellum!

PERMANENT INKS
Either water-soluble or solvent-based
Dry quickly
Can be used on non-porous surfaces, including glossy paper, transparencies,
shrink plastic
Use when coloring image with water-soluble media
Special cleaner may be needed


OTHER:

CHALK INKS
Rich, opaque colors with matte finish
Blend easily
Can be embossed
Permanent when heat-set
Some brands juicier than others (ie. Colorbox)

VERSAMARK
Actually a pigment ink but “in a class by itself”
Can be used for resist technique, heat-embossing, watermark background