blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,544 
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Post by blemon on Feb 3, 2022 15:19:19 GMT
I haven't stamped in many years. But I have some very nice alphabets I got from MaVinci's reliquary (I think) a million years ago. I want to start stamping some titles.
I went through all my inks and threw out anything that dried up but the colors aren't really my jam anymore and don't fit with the project I'm working on.
I want to pick up 4-5 of the mini pads but there are so many. I'm not sure what brands are good anymore.
I see the tiny Memento inks that look like drops, there are Tim Holtz distress inks in minis, and then Ranger inks in mini that also say Tim Holtz distressed on them.
What the heck is distressed? I want solid letters but the images makes it look like they will be blotchy.
Any brands I should check out?
I want plain old dye ink. I have ink for embossing that's still good.
I LOVED the chalk inks. So saturated. Dried so nice. Those don't seem to exist anymore.
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Post by kmage on Feb 3, 2022 15:36:48 GMT
I am in this very boat! I did post a question, about Distress inks and how long they will last in scrapbooks, 2peasrefugees.boards.net/thread/128284/expect-distress-inks-last-scrapbooks and it looks like PaperAngel was the only one to respond. They said: "I exclusively incorporate stamping into scrapping (ie basic stamping/stenciling/inking edges) & only use pigment inks (specifically Tsukineko brands) for their archival qualities. My current favorites are VersaFine Clair (link to Blink Art Materials website) for non-splotchy/crisp images/words & saturated/intense color (that is still embossable minutes later) & clear VersaMark (link to cube at SB.com) for tone-on-tone stamping & embossing." So I think I am not going to use my Distress inks in my scrapbooks and instead am looking at getting some VersaFine Clair, but even if I don't have those I am only going to use archival pigment inks. It's a bummer because I know tons of people use Distress Oxides/mixed media in their scrapbooks but I have read several articles now that talk about the fade of the thin color particles in dye inks. I'd be so interested to find out what others think. I did really appreciate PaperAngel for responding! |
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Post by kmage on Feb 3, 2022 15:40:35 GMT
What the heck is distressed? I want solid letters but the images makes it look like they will be blotchy. Was also going to add that yes, due to the nature of distress inks (I am sure someone more technical can speak to this) when you stamp with them, they can look blotchy. Sometimes that is fun, adding to the "Distress" look, but I don't always want that. The Distress Oxides provide a much better "stamped" look and if you liked the look of the chalk inks, you will most likely really like those. However I am not 100% convinced they belong in my scrapbooks, would love feedback from those who have done years of scrapping with Distress Oxides. |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,544
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Post by blemon on Feb 3, 2022 15:54:47 GMT
Was also going to add that yes, due to the nature of distress inks (I am sure someone more technical can speak to this) when you stamp with them, they can look blotchy. Sometimes that is fun, adding to the "Distress" look, but I don't always want that. The Distress Oxides provide a much better "stamped" look and if you liked the look of the chalk inks, you will most likely really like those. Super helpful. Thank you! I am only going to use archival pigment inks. Thanks for sharing that. I was under the impression that you had to heat set or emboss pigment ink, where dye ink dried on their own. Is that no longer the case? (again, my knowledge of stamping is about 20 years old). |
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Post by kmage on Feb 3, 2022 15:59:22 GMT
Thanks for sharing that. I was under the impression that you had to heat set or emboss pigment ink, where dye ink dried on their own. This is a great question! I *think* that if the paper is not glossy, time it all it takes. Hopefully others chime in! You're right though, I don't want to be heat embossing my scrapbook pages. |
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 3, 2022 15:59:45 GMT
For ink cubes, I like the Gina K inks.
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Post by JavaJones on Feb 3, 2022 16:10:52 GMT
If you like the Distress ink colors, Ranger makes mini Archival inks in some of the colors. They are not the Distress or Distress Oxide inks, they are the Archival formulation, but there are only 12 colors in this line. I have a few, including the Black Soot and a couple of colors I use frequently. They work well for titles and are not blotchy.
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 3, 2022 16:28:29 GMT
If you like the Distress ink colors, Ranger makes mini Archival inks in some of the colors. They are not the Distress or Distress Oxide inks, they are the Archival formulation, but there are only 12 colors in this line. I have a few, including the Black Soot and a couple of colors I use frequently. They work well for titles and are not blotchy. Yes, these a great for stamping if you don't need a ton of colors. |
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Post by missmcd on Feb 3, 2022 17:11:27 GMT
I have SO many of the ranger mini archival inks but maybe they've since decreased the color options. I'm looking at two cases full right now (so minimum of 24 right in front of me). I use them on everything and absolutely love them. I think I purchased most online at JoAnn's.
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,544
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Post by blemon on Feb 3, 2022 17:16:01 GMT
This is a great question! I *think* that if the paper is not glossy, time it all it takes. Hopefully others chime in! You're right though, I don't want to be heat embossing my scrapbook pages. Yes. I did some research and although some new options have been added over the years. Pigment still = you gotta heat set or emboss Dye = good to go. Archival means it's acid free and should last a long time without fading (photo safe). For ink cubes, I like the Gina K inks. Will check these out! Ranger makes mini Archival inks in some of the colors. They are not the Distress or Distress Oxide inks, they are the Archival formulation, but there are only 12 colors in this line. I have a few, including the Black Soot and a couple of colors I use frequently. They work well for titles and are not blotchy. Perfect. That sounds like what I need. I think I purchased most online at JoAnn's. I don't live near a JoAnn's anymore (sniff) but I'll check out their website. I put two of the memento drops into my ACOT cart. I think those colors will work well with what I've been doing. I just need to add some sort of teal/aqua to finish it out. I was surprised to see that Hero arts is still making shadow inks. Not a fan. Still have a few. |
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Post by missmcd on Feb 3, 2022 17:16:40 GMT
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,544
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Post by blemon on Feb 3, 2022 17:23:31 GMT
How do you like the Pinkfresh dye inks? The colors are what I'm looking for and they're on Sale at JoAnn's right now (online). They also have the Ranger inks mentioned in lots of colors, and the Memento that I was eyeing up. Am following you. Will go check that out. Thanks! |
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 3, 2022 17:28:54 GMT
I have the Gina K and the PinkFresh cubes. I like that PinkFresh has four colors in a grouping. Works well for layered stamping or stenciling. However the Gina K inks stamp better and dry back smoother. But, for some layering, I don’t feel like she had enough shades of each color.
Altenew has cubes and they have six colors in each color scheme now. But, I haven’t tried their inks yet. I hate that their full size pads are ovals too. So much harder to store in my craft room.
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Post by amp on Feb 3, 2022 17:29:47 GMT
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Post by JavaJones on Feb 3, 2022 18:19:21 GMT
I have SO many of the ranger mini archival inks but maybe they've since decreased the color options. I'm looking at two cases full right now (so minimum of 24 right in front of me). I use them on everything and absolutely love them. I think I purchased most online at JoAnn's. Yes, Ranger offers a ton of colors in their Archival line. It is the Distress Archival (meaning colors specifically from the Distress line) that only have 12. I think I saw Tim Holtz in a YT video saying that these are the only Distress colors that will be released in the Archival formulation. |
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,980
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Feb 3, 2022 19:08:30 GMT
As kmage mentioned above, I exclusively use inks for mimimal mixed media on layouts (ie basic stamping, stenciling, inking edges, & occasional embossing). I only use pigment inks (specifically Tsukineko brands) for their archival qualities, currently VersaFine Clair & VersaMark. If interested in pigment inks offered in 1" cubes to stamp titles, check out the original VersaFine (not recommended for embossing due to its fast drying time; available in 11 colors) & VersaColor (embossable; available in 76 colors). ...What the heck is distressed? I want solid letters but the images makes it look like they will be blotchy... ...I LOVED the chalk inks. So saturated. Dried so nice. Those don't seem to exist anymore. As the name implies, distressed inks have an aged/worn/weathered/grungy/shabby chic appearance when stamped. Chalk inks are still available, although the once popular ColorBox cat's eyes are no longer produced. For example, Tsukineko offers VersaMagic, a pigment chalk ink, in both full pads & dew drops. ...I was under the impression that you had to heat set or emboss pigment ink, where dye ink dried on their own. Is that no longer the case? (again, my knowledge of stamping is about 20 years old). In my experience, pigment inks have always had the ability to dry on their own, some faster than others, on uncoated papers. Per the manufacturer website, on uncoated papers VersaFine dries in as little as 5 seconds compared to VersaMark (clear) in 5-10 minutes as well as VersaMagic (chalk) & VersaColor in 10-15 minutes. HTH. |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,544
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Post by blemon on Feb 3, 2022 21:10:07 GMT
You guys are awesome. There used to be a stamping store in my town. The owner was so helpful and knew everything.
Now I have all of you.
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 4, 2022 3:28:27 GMT
I have SO many of the ranger mini archival inks but maybe they've since decreased the color options. I'm looking at two cases full right now (so minimum of 24 right in front of me). I use them on everything and absolutely love them. I think I purchased most online at JoAnn's. I just checked. There seems to be 40 of one kind and 12 of the Tim Holtz kind. ETA: Just what Java Jones said! |
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Post by curiouscrafter on Feb 4, 2022 18:16:36 GMT
I have a TON of mini-ink pads, and pretty much NEVER use them.
I have a couple full sets of brands, and those are my go-to.
But - I do LOVE Wendy Vecchi's inks by Ranger.
They are great colors. I have about 12 of her mini-pads.
Not sure if they would be the right ink for you, but take a look and see what she has.
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,480
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Post by cbscrapper on Feb 4, 2022 18:18:29 GMT
Catherine Pooler inks haven’t been mentioned. She has smaller pads as well, although not the tiny cubes. Her color selection is wonderful, and I’ve been pleased with coverage and crispness too.
I second that anything by Tsukuneko will be high quality.
I generally prefer pigment inks or hybrids. Dye ink soaks into the paper, which makes it spread, sometimes blotchy and not crisp, but they dry quickly. Pigment inks sit on top of the paper, so they are better for fine details and truer color, but they do take a little longer to dry. If you want to stamp on glossy/slick surfaces, then solvent inks (like StazOn) are the way to go.
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Post by grammadee on Feb 4, 2022 19:05:15 GMT
For ink cubes, I like the Gina K inks. I only have one Gina K, a black, but it stamps nice and crisp, and actually BLACK, while my other brands (Tim Holtz distress, StazOn, and CTMH) are more smudgy.
I don't stamp very often; use inks more for inking edges, watercolouring, distressing and colouring cs.
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Post by JavaJones on Feb 12, 2022 18:37:29 GMT
I have SO many of the ranger mini archival inks but maybe they've since decreased the color options. I'm looking at two cases full right now (so minimum of 24 right in front of me). I use them on everything and absolutely love them. I think I purchased most online at JoAnn's. Yes, Ranger offers a ton of colors in their Archival line. It is the Distress Archival (meaning colors specifically from the Distress line) that only have 12. I think I saw Tim Holtz in a YT video saying that these are the only Distress colors that will be released in the Archival formulation. Ask and Ye Shall Receive...12 new colors in the Distress Archival line just came out and are available for preorder  New Distress Archival Ink Pads |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,615
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Post by kitbop on Feb 12, 2022 22:59:10 GMT
Catherine Pooler inks haven’t been mentioned. She has smaller pads as well, although not the tiny cubes. Her color selection is wonderful, and I’ve been pleased with coverage and crispness too. I was just going to post this...Catherine Pooler inks are fabulous, great colours, and the slightly bigger pad is easier to stamp from. I also love my gina K and lawn fawn cubes. The original Distress inks do NOT stamp well! I don't know about the archival ones. But honestly...the colours? Meh. I prefer the Gina K, lawn fawn (best red EVER is lobster red!) and Catherine Pooler colours.
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