April Fiskarette Focus – Stamping Basics – Ink

Deciding which type of ink to use when stamping can be confused when starting out, so here is some basic info on what types of ink pads are available and what they do…

There are three basic types of ink:

• Dye
• Pigment
• Solvent

Dye Ink is faster drying and suitable for most paper surfaces, although it will take a little longer to dry completely on a glossy paper or cardstock.  Some ink pads are fade-resistant and once the ink is dry the stamped image will not bleed or migrate, so therefore ideal for using when you want to colour an image in.  (Examples are Memento and Archival Ink).

Pigment Ink is a slow-drying ink, and as its dries slowly it is therefore suitable for using with embossing powders and heat embossing.  Not suitable for glossy surfaces, unless heat drying.

Solvent Ink is appropriate for most surfaces.  A good example is StazOn.  Suitable for plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, coated paper and more, although not usually recommended for fabric, this type of ink is especially good for any non-porous surface.  It is also permanent.

So, in a nutshell, unless you want to heat emboss you need to look for Dye Ink for creating good stamped images on your papercraft projects.  Always check the info on the back of your chosen ink pad though – not all dye ink is fade-resistant and will not migrate or bleed.

Any other hints or tip with ink?  Comment and let us know!

Caroline x