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Post by karinec on May 2, 2024 2:49:33 GMT
As my obsession with stencils and ink blending grows, I’m curious what everyone’s favorite white cardstock is.
I like the Hammermill, but to me the Neenah Solar white blends better. I have some old SU cs that worked really great.
Tell me your favorite. Also, can you ink blend on watercolor paper?
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Post by dewryce on May 2, 2024 9:49:27 GMT
I haven’t tried the Hammerhill yet, but I like the price point better than the Neenah! I will say I noticed a difference between the two Neenah 100# (exact index and Classic crest). My thought is that in theory the watercolor paper is so porous it would absorb the ink too quickly to blend it well, but I haven’t personally tried it.
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Post by MichyM on May 2, 2024 16:57:18 GMT
Interesting. I'm the opposite, I started out with Neenah solar white and loved it until I tried the Hammermill. I feel that it is better for ink blending.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
I'm not inclined to resign to maturity....
Posts: 2,947
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 2, 2024 18:35:32 GMT
I like Neenah Classic Crest for everything. I get it at officesupply.com. 80# is currently sold out, but the 110# is only $22.40/pk of 125.
I've been told what's in the C&CD boxes from S&CT is Hammermill. I've also been told it's a Canadian brand not sold elsewhere in the US.
All I know is that I don't like the way the card stock I've gotten in those event kits scores and folds, so I stick with Neenah.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,897
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on May 2, 2024 19:33:52 GMT
I haven’t tried the Hammerhill yet, but I like the price point better than the Neenah! I will say I noticed a difference between the two Neenah 100# (exact index and Classic crest). My thought is that in theory the watercolor paper is so porous it would absorb the ink too quickly to blend it well, but I haven’t personally tried it. If you want me to send you some so you can try it pm me your address. |
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Post by karinec on May 3, 2024 16:14:04 GMT
Interesting. I'm the opposite, I started out with Neenah solar white and loved it until I tried the Hammermill. I feel that it is better for ink blending. I think I've had a couple of times where the Hammermill is a little patchy, but I do prefer the shade of white it is over the Neenah. I have been working through 250 sheets of the Neenah Classic Crest Solar White for a few years and am finally near the end. I like the price point of the Hammermill, enough to make me buy that instead. |
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Post by karinec on May 3, 2024 16:14:43 GMT
I haven’t tried the Hammerhill yet, but I like the price point better than the Neenah! I will say I noticed a difference between the two Neenah 100# (exact index and Classic crest). My thought is that in theory the watercolor paper is so porous it would absorb the ink too quickly to blend it well, but I haven’t personally tried it. What would you say the difference is? |
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Post by mbanda on May 3, 2024 16:21:17 GMT
I like the Hammermill for blending but I also really like the Bristol Smooth cardstock. I feel it really gives a super smooth blend. I wouldn't use the Bristol for card bases - I typically just use it for blending background panels.
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penny8909
Shy Member
Posts: 39
May 18, 2018 5:21:38 GMT
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Post by penny8909 on May 3, 2024 17:18:52 GMT
Hammermill but the brush makes a difference. the bigger the better
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Post by karinec on May 3, 2024 17:53:24 GMT
Hammermill but the brush makes a difference. the bigger the better Oh, interesting. Never thought about that. |
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Post by karinec on May 3, 2024 17:53:44 GMT
I like the Hammermill for blending but I also really like the Bristol Smooth cardstock. I feel it really gives a super smooth blend. I wouldn't use the Bristol for card bases - I typically just use it for blending background panels. Might have to give that a try! |
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Post by dewryce on May 3, 2024 20:00:43 GMT
I haven’t tried the Hammerhill yet, but I like the price point better than the Neenah! I will say I noticed a difference between the two Neenah 100# (exact index and Classic crest). My thought is that in theory the watercolor paper is so porous it would absorb the ink too quickly to blend it well, but I haven’t personally tried it. If you want me to send you some so you can try it pm me your address. That is so kind of you to offer, thank you I really appreciate it! I put it on my subscribe & save for next month. I thought that even if I don’t love it as much it’ll be a great weight to make card bases out of. What would you say the difference is? Very noticeable difference in thickness of the paper (classic crest is much thicker). Exact index had a little bleed through. Also, the colors stayed more vibrant on the Classic Crest, though IIRC they started out looking the same. I don’t remember a difference in blotchiness, I will go check next time I’m up there and change this if I remembered incorrectly. (Eta: I checked and couldn’t see a difference in blotchiness. But while noticing I did notice that an issue I was having was on the Classic Crest, not the Exact Index. I have chalk ink on the bottom and pigment ink blended in spots on top of it, and there is almost a resist effect, the top ink does not cover the bottom ink even though it is much, much darker). |
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Post by dewryce on May 3, 2024 20:02:29 GMT
I like the Hammermill for blending but I also really like the Bristol Smooth cardstock. I feel it really gives a super smooth blend. I wouldn't use the Bristol for card bases - I typically just use it for blending background panels. Have you found any particular white that matches best to use for card bases? |
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Post by mbanda on May 3, 2024 21:13:32 GMT
I like the Hammermill for blending but I also really like the Bristol Smooth cardstock. I feel it really gives a super smooth blend. I wouldn't use the Bristol for card bases - I typically just use it for blending background panels. Have you found any particular white that matches best to use for card bases? I use this one linked below - you can get it at Michael's as well. Color is "smooth" on Amazon. I find it to be a white more like the Hammermill White . I also agree about using a larger brush if you are doing an entire background. I bought some larger flat brushes from Amazon (knock off of the Altenew design).I'll use these when I am blending an entire background panel. I linked them below as well. My tip (even though you didn't ask LOL) is to start with a light touch and build up your color so you don't get harsh marks on your blending. tinyurl.com/bristolsmoothtinyurl.com/largebrushes |
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Post by dewryce on May 3, 2024 21:31:11 GMT
Thanks mbanda ! What paper do you use for your cardstock bases that goes well with the Bristol? I might actually have that paper, I’ll have to check. That is the same brand of cheap foam brushes that I purchased, and I’m liking them so I added these to my wishlist. Okay, to be completely honest I added the black ones because I’m boring like that  . So far they feel easier on my hands than the set of Altenew brushes I just got yesterday. I’m only doing stenciling at this point, but that makes sense about using the bigger brush surfaces for backgrounds. I’ll get playing with that soon! And any advice is always welcome, I love how helpful everyone is and never get offended or bothered with unsolicited advice. Especially knowing it was kindly meant. I just started stenciling, and have found that the foam brushes are super easy to use, don’t hurt my hands, and lay down a nice, even, heavy color. But I had a hard time laying down a lighter amount so I purchased the Altenew set with all of their different brushes to try. It is easier to lay down a lighter amount, but I find it very uneven and splotchy and even with darker edges sometimes. It’s a cool effect but not what I’m going for. Is there a particular technique I should be using? |
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Post by karinec on May 3, 2024 21:56:57 GMT
mbanda ohhhhh that Bristol lol!
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lokismom
Full Member
Posts: 258
Member is Online
Aug 22, 2023 13:00:18 GMT
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Post by lokismom on May 4, 2024 13:17:37 GMT
Bristol is divine for ink blending. I buy the jumbo sized pads when they go on sale at Michaels and stock up.
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Post by riversong1963 on May 4, 2024 13:57:39 GMT
I really like the bristol smooth cardstock too; but honestly, I use whatever smooth cardstock I have on hand.
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. So far they feel easier on my hands than the set of Altenew brushes I just got yesterday. I’m only doing stenciling at this point, but that makes sense about using the bigger brush surfaces for backgrounds. I’ll get playing with that soon! And any advice is always welcome, I love how helpful everyone is and never get offended or bothered with unsolicited advice. Especially knowing it was kindly meant. 