DYE INKS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES:
matte & glossy cardstock
NOT FOR USE ON:
Glass, vinyl, shrink plastic, fabrics & other non-porous surfaces.
DYE INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
Archival Inks from Ranger (in 26 colors, MRSP $5.50)
-
Adirondack Inks from Ranger (in 48 colors, MRSP $5.00)
-
Big 'n Juicy Jumbo Sized Pads from Ranger (in 6 colors, MRSP $10.00)
-
Impress Ink from Tsukineko (in 36 colors, MRSP $4.80)
-
Memories from Stewart Superior (in 51 colors, MRSP $5.25)
-
Nick Bantock Inks from Ranger (in 12 colors, MRSP $5.00)
-
Stamp-It Inks from Ranger (in 8 colors, MRSP $4.00)
-
Tim Holtz Distress Inks from Ranger (in 24 colors, MRSP $5.00)
-
Vintage Scented Inks from Ranger (in 30 colors, MRSP $4.00)
Dye Inks are
probably the most popular, easiest, and cheapest pads to start with. Dye inks are water-based, thin bodied, brightly colored inks. Traditional dye inks work well on absorbent surfaces, such as matte
paper, but do not dry on non-porous surfaces. Most dry too quickly to
be used with embossing powders and can be prone to fading when exposed
to sunlight.
Since
dye inks work by soaking in and staining the fibers of the paper, they
can temporarily stain skin. They are easy to clean off of stamps,
however, using simply a paper towel dampened with water, or a baby
wipe. As a water based ink, dyes may run if in contact with water or
used in conjunction with water based mediums such as markers or
watercolors.
Most dye
inks come in a felt stamp pad. The thinner consistency makes them more
concentrated and they appear darker in the stamp pad bearing no
resemblance to the color the ink will stamp out.
*Our personal dye ink favorites are:
Adirondack Dye Ink Pads by Ranger -
24 Rich, realistic Earthtones, 12 pastel Lights and 12 vibrant Brights
for color coordinating with the popular Adirondack product line.
Adirondacks are acid free, non-toxic, and fade resistant. The raised
pad allows easy use of any size rubber image, brayer, or for
direct-to-paper techniques. The ink stays wet longer than other dye Ink
pads, so embossing is possible.
Tim Holtz™ Distress Inks from Ranger -
A collection of twenty-four acid-free, non-toxic, fade resistant,
water-based dye inks. They’re perfect for the new vintage, stained, aged
effect crafters are creating in their altered books, scrapbook pages,
cards and paper craft projects. Distress Inks stay wet long enough to be
used for embossing, which makes them especially versatile. The 2" x 2"
pads are made with a higher raised felt for easier use with direct to
paper techniques.
Rainbow Dye Pads
RECOMMENDED SURFACES:
matte & glossy cardstock
NOT FOR USE ON:
Glass, vinyl, shrink plastic, fabrics & other non-porous surfaces.
RAINBOW DYE INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
Adirondack 4 color Rainbow Pads from Ranger (in 9 color
combinations, MRSP $6.00)
-
Big 'n Juicy Jumbo 5 color Rainbow Pads from Ranger (in 14
handcolored pads, MRSP $12.95)
-
Kaleidacolor 5 Color Rainbow Pads from Tsukineko (in 20 color
combinations, MRSP $11.30)
-
Memories 5 Color Rainbow Pads from Stewart Superior (in 4 color
combinations, MRSP $7.25)
-
Scrapbooker’s Palette 4 Color Jumbo Dye Ink Pads from Ranger (in 3
color combinations, MRSP $11.00)
There are 2
kinds of Rainbow Dye Pads available. Basically, you can purchase either
a partitioned or a non-partitioned pad. There are benefits and
drawbacks to both types. Please learn the difference between them and
select the one best suited to your needs.
A
partitioned case actually separates the individual colors of ink on
their own small individual ink pad. Some brands that is as much as they
are partitioned. Kaleidacolor pads have a type of patented inkpad where
the pads are simply pushed together for a graduated color effect in
stamping. Before storage the pads are easily slid apart before the cover
is replaced. While your rainbow pad is being stored, the colors will not
seep into each other and become muddy.
Sounds
great, doesn’t it? Remember how I told you there were positives and
drawbacks to each type? The drawback from the partitioned pads is the
tendency of the inks to show up with unattractive stripes. This is
particularly apparent when brayering. To avoid this phenomenon, it is
necessary to slightly move your brayer or stamp back and forth to cover
up the spaces. The problem – you have now intermingled your colors
defeating the purpose of the nice separators.
I admittedly
am the type of person who freaks out if my gravy runs into my
cranberries. I can’t eat over-easy eggs, because the yolk may break and
run onto my toast or hashbrowns, leaving them unpalatable. With that
being said, I have to admit that I actually prefer my rainbow pads bleed
into each other. It looks more natural to me. But, my goal here is to
educate you about ink pads, not tell you which is better or worse.
Non-partitioned rainbow pads create a smooth transition from one color
to the next by using a single ink pad as a base for the color. Ranger
makes their rainbow pads by hand-applying the dye inks in vertical
stripes onto the felt pads with no sectioning between colors. The
blending of the inks at the point where they touch provides an easy
progression from color to color.
Note: blended rainbows do not always appear to have distinct color
separations even when fresh. This is normal and this is the beauty of
these rainbows. Also, note that the felt insert has a cloth cover
laminated to the top of the pad. Dyes tend to run across this cloth
covering much more quickly than they blend in the felt below. Always
stamp or brayer the rainbow before making a judgement and you will be
pleasantly surprised. Some color combinations do blend more quickly
than others, especially if they contain a lighter color next to a darker
tone. Lighter colors are always overtaken by darker tones. Purchase a
reinker of the lighter colors in your rainbows so that you can refresh
them regularly.
*Our personal favorite picks for dye rainbow pads are:
Big and Juicy Rainbow Pads by Ranger -
A BIG 4-1/4" x 6-1/4" raised felt pad brimming with vivid colors. The
rainbows are hand inked in vertical stripes on partitionless felt means
no aggravating lines – the colors blend seamlessly into each other.
The pad is placed in a sculpted case with hand brayered labels, a
removable hinged lid, and non-skid base. Great for brayering fabulous
water-color backgrounds on large areas such as photo album pages. Big
and juicy pads are acid free and non-toxic. The quick drying dye ink is
easy to clean up. The Large sized pad, means it is large enough to ink
your largest stamps, and a single roll with the brayer will cover an
entire card front without needing to line up a second pass with the
brayer.
Kaleidacolor Pads by Tsukineko
– As I mentioned before, there are certain times when you will prefer
one type of pad over the other. Sometimes, and image is small enough
that you can not get a rainbow effect when using a large pad. That is
when we like our Kaleidacolor pads. To avoid the striped look, I
slightly move my stamp or brayer when inking it.
PIGMENT INKS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES:
matte cardstocks (air dry), glossy cardstocks (must emboss to set)
NOT FOR USE ON:
fabrics, or non-porous surfaces such as: glass, vinyl, shrink plastic,
etc.
PIGMENT INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
Brilliance Pearlescent and Matte Inks from Tsukineko (in 18
Pearlescent and 7 matte colors, MRSP $7.90)
-
Color-It Inks from Ranger (in 12 colors, MRSP color pads $4.00,
metallic pads $4.50)
-
Encore Ultimate Metallic Ink from Tsukineko (in 12 colors, MRSP
$8.50)
-
Memories Metallics from Stewart Superior (in 12 colors, MRSP $5.25)
-
Memories Pigment from Stewart Superior (in 36 colors, MRSP $5.25)
-
Opalite Reflective Interference Ink from Tsukineko (in 9 beautiful
colors, MRSP $7.90)
-
Versacolor from Tsukineko (in 76 colors, MRSP $6.00)
-
Versamagic Pigment Chalk Ink from Tsukineko (in 41 colors, MRSP
$6.00)
Pigment inks are thick-bodied, opaque colors that are best distributed
from a spongy pad. Pigment Inks sit on top of whatever surface they are
stamped on. Pigment inks dry slowly and are ideal for adhering
embossing powder to the stamped image. Pigment inks work well on porous
surfaces and may also be used on some non-absorbent surfaces by heat
setting. Most are fade-resistant and water-based. Most of your
Metallic, Pearlescent, and Interference colors will fall into the
pigment ink category.
If you stamp
on regular paper with pigment ink, it will take awhile to dry, but since
the ink remains on the paper’s surface, the color will be quite vibrant.
You can use a heat gun to ensure your pigment ink is completely dry when
stamping on a non-coated paper (called heat setting).
Note: coated or glossy papers must be embossed when using pigment inks –
they DO NOT EVER dry otherwise.
Since
pigment inks sit on top of surfaces, they wipe easily off non-porous
surfaces (like your work
table), and wash easily from your hands. Because of the thickness of
pigment ink, it tends to work its way into the cracks and crevices of
your stamps. For that reason, it is a little bit more difficult to
clean off of your stamps. It does come of with a stamp cleaning pad or
toothbrush and a little water or stamp cleaner.
*Our personal favorite picks for Pigment Inks are:
Brilliance pads by Tsukineko
– Fast drying ink and rich pearlescent colors you never thought you’d
see this combination from a pigment ink. Designed for use on shiny
papers, Brilliance dries to perfection on vellum, mica, acetate, photo
papers, sculpey clay, shrink plastic, and much more! Brilliance is the
solution to all your tricky pigment stamping problems. Ideal for
scrapbook embellishments – no smeared pages or smudged page protectors.
The only ink we have successfully had dry on vellum without embossing!
Versacolor Ultimate Pigment inks
by Tsukineko - combine the highest quality raw materials,
including a superior ink recipe, a stackable container with a unique
hinged lid and an ultra-dense foam pad for crisper stamped images.
VersaColor Ultimate Pigment ink is perfect for every stamping technique,
from embossing to archival projects. And is available exciting selection
of 76 colors.
RAINBOW PIGMENT INKS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES:
matte cardstocks (air dry), glossy cardstocks (must emboss to set)
NOT FOR USE ON:
fabrics, or non-porous surfaces such as: glass, vinyl, shrink plastic,
etc.
RAINBOW PIGMENT INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
Brilliance Pearlescent 3 Color Pads from Tsukineko (6 color
combinations, MRSP $9.20)
-
Encore Ultimate Metallic Ink 4 Color Pads from Tsukineko (2 color
combinations, MRSP $10.40)
-
Memories Pigment Rainbow 5 Color Pads from Stewart Superior (4
color combinations MRSP $7.25)
-
Palette Rainbow 4 Color Hybrid Ink Pads from Stewart Superior (4
color combinations MRSP $8.00)
-
Splendor 12 Color Pads from Tsukineko (5 color combinations, MRSP
$14.30)
-
Versacolor 3 Color Pads from Tsukineko (10 color combinations, MRSP
$6.60)
-
Versacolor 5 Color Pads from Tsukineko (8 color combinations, MRSP
$7.00)
Pigment inks
are available in not only solid colors, but in rainbow pads as well.
Since the ink is thick, the colors do not tend to mix and muddy when
stored in contact of each other as dye ink rainbow pads tend to do.
EMBOSSING
PADS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES: Intended to be used as a
base for embossing powders on both matte and glossy cardstocks.
NOT FOR USE ON:
fabrics, or non-porous surfaces such as: glass, vinyl, shrink plastic,
etc.
EMBOSSING INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
Big & Bossy Giant Embossing Ink Pad by Ranger (in Clear, Tinted, or
two-tone, MRSP $11.00)
-
Distress Embossing Ink by Ranger (MRSP $5.00)
-
Emboss It Embossing Ink Pad by Ranger (in Clear or Tinted, MRSP
$4.00)
-
Palette Embossing and Watermark Ink Pad from Stewart Superior (MRSP
$6.50)
-
Perfect Medium Stamp Pad (in Clear or Black) by Ranger (in Clear or
Black, MRSP $4.00)
These pads
are made like the pigment pads, but come in clear or a faintly tinted
(usually very pale blue or pink) ink. They are used to provide the wet
base that is necessary for embossing powder to adhere. The tinted pads
are beneficial as they help you to see where your image has been placed
on the paper. (Trust me, it is much easier to place your embossing
powder in a small area, rather than trying to guess where on the paper
it is!)
*
We recommend
the Palette Embossing and Watermark Pad from Stewart Superior - a
superb clear embossing ink that also creates many special effects.
Money well spent! It also creates watermark style images on text weight
paper. Makes tone on tone of faux effects on uncoated colored papers
for a soft shadow appearance. For dye ink resist techniques stamp onto
glossy paper and then heat set. Then apply the dye inks with a brayer or
applicator. The stamped image will resist the dye ink colors. It is
slow drying for flexible embossing times. It makes a great medium for
brush-on pigment, pearl, and chalk powder applications. This pad also
creates watermark or light shadow images on uncoated cardstock. Great
for creating Batik-like dye ink resist effects on coated cardstock.
HYBRID
INKS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES: Works on all
surfaces
NOT FOR USE ON:
Images to be embossed – the ink dries too quickly
HYBRID INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
Palette Hybrid Ink Pads from Stewart Superior (in 36 colors, MRSP
$6.00)
-
Palette Hybrid 4 Color Rainbow Pads from Stewart Superior (in 4
color combinations, MRSP $8.00)
-
Palette Hybrid Metallic Ink Pads from Stewart Superior (in 16
colors, MRSP $11.00)
-
Pearl-Ex Metallic Two-Tone Metallic Ink from Jacquard (in 12 colors,
MRSP $7.49)
Hybrid inks
are the newest in ink technology. They blend the best of dye and
pigment into one inkpad. These all-surface inks have the archival
qualities of pigment inks, and dry quickly like Dye Inks. For even
faster drying, and improved permanence heat set these inks.
They eliminate confusion over which ink to use for what surface -
because they work on everything They dry instantly on paper and porous
surfaces and require heat-setting on glossy surfaces and fabrics – yes,
they can even be used on fabrics and glass!
WATERPROOF INKS
(ALSO
KNOWN AS SEMI PERMANENT INKS)
RECOMMENDED SURFACES:
Matte or glossy cardstocks. May need heat-setting.
NOT FOR USE ON:
glass, vinyl, shrink plastic, fabrics or other non-porous surfaces.
WATERPROOF INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
Archival Inks from Ranger (in 26 colors, MRSP $5.50)
-
India Black Ink from Stewart Superior (MRSP $6.00)
-
Memories Inks from Stewart Superior (in 51 colors, MRSP $5.25)
-
Palette Hybrid Inks from Stewart Superior (in 36 colors, MRSP $6.00)
-
Scrapbooker’s Palette from Ranger (in 3 color combinations, MRSP
$11.00)
Semi-Permanent inks are dye-based and fade-resistant. These inks, once
dry, will not run with water (hence the term waterproof inks). This type
of inkpad is especially helpful in conjunction with certain mediums ie;
watercolor painting, watercolor pencils, and water based markers just to
name a few. If you are on a limited cash or storage budget, we
recommend purchasing a black waterproof pad.
Note: on some coated or glossy papers the waterproof ink doesn't seem to
dry completely, even when heat set, and could smudge either when touched
or in contact with wet mediums. Be sure to experiment on scraps anytime
you are unsure how your inks will react with certain surfaces.
Because of
the dye-based waterproof qualities of this ink, it can be more difficult
to clean off of your stamps. A solvent based cleaner is needed to remove
this ink from your stamps. Although the ink is "waterproof", it is not
permanent and is not suitable for applications like fabric stamping or
stamping on shrink plastic.
*Our
favorite waterproof inks are:
Memories Premium Dye Inkpads from Stewart Superior
- are quick drying and fade resistant. They dry permananetly on many
surfaces when heat set. Memories Inks are acid free and archival. The
raised pad ensures complete coverage of any size stamp.
India Ink from Stewart Superior
- a quick drying, premium dye ink available only in black. Specially
designed for use with markers and water coloring. It is also great for
keeping detail when stamping. Another one of our favorite must haves.
The black dries truly black.
PERMANENT INKS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES:
All surfaces including glass, vinyl, shrink plastic, fabrics,
transparencies, wood, paper, and metal.
PERMANENT INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
-
213 Non-Porous Ink from Ranger (in 5 colors, MRSP $7.00)
-
Decor-It Ink Kit from Ranger (in 5 colors, MRSP $9.00)
-
Staz-On from Tsukineko (in 19 colors, MRSP $7.90)
-
VersaFine Fine Detail Permanent Ink
from
Tsukineko
(in 10 colors, MRSP $8.60)
Permanent
inks are solvent based inks and will not run or smear when used with
water-based mediums. This is especially important if you are planning
on coloring your stamped image with watercolor pencils, water-based
markers, or water soluble paints.
These inks
are permanent once dry, and do not require heat setting. They will
definitely stain stamps, and can be hard to clean off even with a
solvent cleaner. The staining does not harm your stamps, and the
versatility of these inks makes the occasional stained stamp well worth
it!
*Our
favorite by far
for not only versatility, but color spectrum as well are
StazOn by
Tsukineko is a solvent-based inkpad, designed for decorating
non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, shrink plastic, cellophane,
aluminum foil, leather and acrylic. StazOn is waterproof, permanent,
acid-free, and archival. StazOn is non-toxic and much safer to use than
other permanent inks, and has a milder smell. It’s also much easier to
use since there is no need to re-ink the pad before each use. StazOn
comes in 19 vibrant colors. They are easier to use than other permanent,
solvent-based inks because the pad does not need to be inked prior to
each use.
FABRIC &
CRAFT INK PADS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES: Porous surfaces
including fabrics and wood.
FABRIC AND CRAFT INKS AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
Crafters
Inks are also used for fabrics and other mediums. Considered pigment
ink, some must be heat set to become permanent. They are also commonly
used when stamping on wood.
WASHABLE
INKS
RECOMMENDED SURFACES:
matte cardstock
NOT FOR USE ON:
Glossy or coated cardstock, glass, vinyl, shrink plastic, fabrics &
other non-porous surfaces.
WASHABLE INKS
AVAILABLE FROM ALLURING IMPRESSIONS:
These are
water-based inks used mainly in stamp pads to be used by children.
While they may stain some fabrics and surfaces, these inks are
manufactured to wash off your children and their clothes easily, and are
non-toxic. Washable inks do not dry well on glossy or slick surfaces.
SPECIALTY INKS
-
Castaway Pad by Jacquard -
Stamped image magically alters the color of paper when heated with
an iron. (MRSP $7.49)
-
Clear Resist Pad by Ranger
- A resist is created when one ink resists being colored over by
another. This is most dramatic when the color underneath is lighter
and brighter than the color(s) on top. The colors laid down first
appear to "pop out" of the surface! Works best on gloss paper. (MRSP
$4.00)
-
Palette Embossing and Watermark Pad from Stewart Superior
- a superb clear embossing ink that also creates watermark style
images on text weight paper. Makes tone on tone of faux effects on
uncoated colored papers for a soft shadow appearance. For dye ink
resist techniques stamp onto glossy paper and then heat set. Then
apply the dye inks with a brayer or applicator. The stamped image
will resist the dye ink colors. It is slow drying for flexible
embossing times. It makes a great medium for brush-on pigment,
pearl, and chalk powder applications. This pad also creates
watermark or light shadow images on uncoated cardstock. Great for
creating Batik-like dye ink resist effects on coated cardstock. (MRSP
$6.00)
-
Palette
Stamp & Stick Glue Pad
from Stewart Superior
- A clear, heat-activated adhesive solution for applying
metal leaf, glitter, metallic pigments or chalk powders to any
surface or to a rubber stamped image. Creates dynamic effects for
scrapbooks, cards, home décor and more. (MRSP
$6.50)
-
Perfect Medium Stamp Pad from Ranger
- makes a great medium for brush-on pigment, pearl, and chalk powder
applications. (in Clear or Black, MRSP $4.00)
-
The
Essential Glue Pad from Tsukineko -
A clear, heat free adhesive for all your creative needs. Just
stamp, daub or apply a light layer of glue to your project and apply
your embellishments. There is no need for a heat gun! (MRSP $6.88)
-
VersaMark from Tsukineko
- is a necessity in every crafter’s toolbox. Easy for beginning
stampers to use, but versatile enough for experienced stamp artists
to create unparalleled masterpieces. VersaMark allows you to perform
a number of amazing techniques! Stamp your image onto text-weight
paper to explore the possibilities of watermarking, or stamp subtle
tone-on-tone images onto colored cardstock. Create a resist image by
stamping on glossy and brayering with dye ink. And VersaMark is so
sticky that it will act as a “glue” for chalks and pigment powders.
You won’t believe what you can do with just one ink pad! (MRSP
$7.70)
