There are several types of ink pads out there – dye, pigment and hybrids. Since I’m still a beginner, I don’t really feel like I have the expertise to explain the difference other than what I can readily observe – dye inks absorb into paper and lighten as it dries while pigment ink typically sits on top of the paper, the color remains bright and it takes more time to dry. If you are interested, Jennifer McGuire does a great job explaining the difference between dye and pigment inks.
See below for some of the ink pads that I own and my thoughts on them:
- Versafine Onyx Black Ink – my favorite black ink for a clear, crisp stamped image or sentiment
- Versamark Ink – sticky ink that I use for heat embossing
- Ranger Archival Jet Black Ink – black ink that I use when watercoloring
- Hero Arts Shadow Ink Pad Bundle – my favorite dye inks, especially for solid stamps, that smooths out after stamping; beware that they stain your stamps though
- Tim Holtz Distress Inks – this is a GREAT ink for techniques (blending and water coloring) because of the way they react with water
- Avery Elle Pigment Ink Pad Bundle #1 – pigment ink where I’ve had issues getting full coverage even though they were brand new and straight out of the package; since a lot of people rave about this pigment ink, I have purchased some reinkers and will update once I’ve re-inked the pads
- Tsukineko Memento Dew Drops (Gum Drops) – great basic colors that do not smear when you color stamped images with Copic markers; they stamp a bit splotchy so I don’t like using them for anything other than with my Copics
- Colorbox Pigment Petal Points (Pinwheel) – I’m not a big fan of the product design so I don’t really use these that often but they have good coverage for solid stamps
- Colorbox Fluid Chalk Petal Points (Primary Pastels) – Again, I’m not a big fan of the product design so I don’t really use these often but they have good coverage for solid stamps
- Encore Ultimate Metallic Pigment Ink Cubes – I have not had any success getting good impressions or coverage when stamping with these inks
- Brilliance Planetarium Dew Drops – Metallic inks that look very nice on dark and colored cardstock
Other inks that I have on my wishlist:
I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the above products! Hope this helps you navigate through the world of inks! Happy Crafting!
JESS CRAFTIN' 