Which Ink to Use When?
Ever
wonder why there are so many different types of ink on the market? I
don't mean brands here, I'm talking about the actual make-up of the
ink... solvent, dye, pigment, embossing, metallic, chalk, alcohol,
watermark ... and even hybrids ... it's enough to confuse anyone!
Here's a quick rundown of the more common ink types, along with the best places to use each one:
DYE: (like Stampin' Up!'s Classic Inks) Acid-free
& archival. Dries fast, gives a clear stamped image, easy cleanup.
Tends to soak into the paper, so may fade in time. Scrapbook safe, but
not a scrapper's first choice. Best use: card making & other paper
crafts, good for glossy card stock & vellum. Suitable for
watercolouring. Black dye ink is a must-buy for outline stamps that
need to be coloured in. Re-inkers available.
PIGMENT: (like Stampin' Up!'s Craft Inks) Acid-free
& archival. Takes longer to dry, therefore is excellent for Heat
Embossing. Ink sits on top of paper, not absorbed, so colour stays
vibrant years longer than dye inks. Best choice for scrapbooks &
stamping on fabrics. Cannot be used on glossy card stock or vellum. Not
suitable for watercolouring. Re-inkers available.
WATERMARK: (like VersaMark Ink) Acid-free.
Stamps clear; when it dries the image appears slightly darker than the
card stock colour. Takes longer to dry, therefore is excellent for Heat
Embossing. Watermark will fade over time, so not recommended for
scrappers. Best Buy for the Frugal Stamper! Re-inkers available.
SOLVENT: (like StazOn Inks)
Acid-free & archival. Fast-drying, designed to stamp on plastic,
metal, glass, ceramic, and leather. Great for glossy card stock, vellum
& watercolour paper. Use in well-ventilated area & keep away
from children. Not suitable for Heat Embossing. Will stain rubber, but
won't affect stamped images. Re-inkers available.
METALLIC: (like Encore Inks)
Acid-free & fade-resistant. A type of pigment ink in a variety of
metallic finishes. Takes longer to dry, therefore suitable for Heat
Embossing. Will not dry on non-porous papers or other surfaces,
although you can seal it with a spray sealant or hair spray. Re-inkers
available.
ALCOHOL: (like Ranger Adirondack Inks) Acid-free
& fade-resistant. Quick drying, permanent & transparent. Can be
used for backgrounds on metal, plastic, acetate, glossy card stock
& vellum. Use with Alcohol Blending Solution & felt pads to
apply - gives excellent Polished Stone effect. Comes in re-inkers only,
not pads.
This information page is provided by Donna Henley, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Email your Comments to: scrappinwithdonna@rogers.com
