Rubber Stamps Review

Archive for the ‘Inks’ Category

The proper way to re-ink a pad is to put the ink on the pad and mix it in using the nozzle of the re-inker.

It is best to purchase the re-inker when you purchase a new stamp pad, especially when the color of the ink is new or somewhat different. By doing so, you will be assured that you will not run out of ink in the middle of a project. It is also more economical to buy a matching re-inker, as it is less expensive than having to buy a new pad each time you run out of ink. A re-inker may last for years. Re-ink the pad often and somewhat early into your project to prevent the ink pad from drying out.

The proper way to re-ink a pad is to put the ink on the pad and mix it in using the nozzle of the re-inker. You may also use items such as an old credit card (or something comparable) or even the back of a plastic spoon.

Re-inkers not only refresh an ink pad that is dry, they can act as paint directly from the bottle. One creative method of using the re-inker is to squirt some ink onto a pile of shaving cream, then marbleize it a little with a toothpick. Put a piece of cardstock into the shaving cream and pull it straight up; then remove the shaving cream with a spatula or straight edge. You suddenly have a marble background. Customized colors, individually or in combinations, can be created with a foam or felt pad by mixing colors of your choosing. Keep in mind, however, that it is always best to mix up and make up colors from the same manufacturer. You may use the pad again provided that you store it correctly. Use a resealable plastic bag and label the bag with the colors and types of inks that you used. Then store it with your other ink pads.

The ink companies are constantly coming up with new and improved inks that will fuel the creativity for artists and craft enthusiasts for many years.

Alcohol inks have been in existence for quite some time, but are more popular than ever now. They may create a look when stamped that resembles a polished stone. This appearance seems to be a favorite among many craft enthusiasts.

In addition to a wide variety of color choices among inks, there are so many different finishes that can be created by inks on the market today. They include metallic inks which dry on almost any surface; iridescent or sparkly inks, created from extremely fine mica powders or special ink formulas. These inks glow and sparkle, especially on dark paper. Inks also are available in deep rich metallic’s that sometimes even look like metal. Some inks have been developed which create an antique finish.

The ink companies are constantly coming up with new and improved inks that will fuel the creativity for artists and craft enthusiasts for many years. Clearly, stamping has evolved from a small amount of rubber stamps to an innovative and creative array of inks that provide us with a variety of art forms and craft projects that we can enjoy for years to come.

There is such a wide selection of stamp ink colors, both in the dye and pigment types of inks.

There is such a wide selection of stamp ink colors, both in the dye and pigment types of inks. One of the more popular assorted color stamping kits (rainbow pads) are those that contain removable bases, so that you can replace the colors individually (such as the colors you use most often). These types are usually sold in eight totally different colors or coordinating colors. They are also stackable and come in more than just one color palette.

The older rainbow dye pads would turn a dull brown as the colors would often run together. However, with the new types of rainbow pads, this problem does not occur because you are able to separate the colors when storing the pads, which prevents the colors from running together.

The assorted colors are still available in smaller packaging so that they could easily be toted from home to a craft club or other gathering.

Many other types of ink formulas and techniques have been developed as their popularity increases. Some inks have been developed that are for use only on fabrics, for example. Other inks have taken on their own special effect, such as those that dry to a chalky finish. Many inks enhance the creativity and techniques of the artists who use them. Some inks don’t even have any color, but merely a watermark appearance when stamped.

The development of heat-set inks and semi-permanent inks must have started a trend because once those two types of inks were developed, many others were created.

After heat-set inks were developed, another type of ink was created–the semi-permanent dye inks. You can stamp with them, and once they are thoroughly dry, you may use water-based markers or watercolors and you do not have to be concerned about smearing the image.

The development of heat-set inks and semi-permanent inks must have started a trend because once those two types of inks were developed, many others were created. For example, new metallic pigment inks were created. These inks could be permanent by using the heat setting method; others were merely pigment inks.

Also developed were new solvent-based, as well as non-solvent based permanent inks. The old solvent inks were used even a hundred or two hundred years ago, as well as in more modern times. However, many people would not use them because they were so messy. Another disadvantage to using them was the strong solvent odor that could cause headaches in many people.

The newer solvents have very little, if any, smell and they stay wet on the stamp pad, but can be cleaned easily with special stamp cleaners.

There are many different types of inks. The most common are the pigment and dye inks.

There are many different types of inks. The most common are the pigment and dye inks. However, more recently chalk, heat-set, alcohol, permanent, fabric and watercolor types of inks are being used. Inks are now available in a wide variety of colors.

Pigment inks are thick and come in dense colors. They are water based and dry by absorption. Since they are water-based, they do not work well with other water based products such as paints or markers. Their color is very durable and resistant to fading. This type of ink will dry on paper that is porous, but not on coated or glossy paper. They can be used with either colored or clear embossing powder due to the slow drying time. A distinct advantage of using the pigment inks is that their color does not fade; thus they are durable and function well with items that will be saved for years.

Centuries ago, there were only the two inks to choose from: pigment inks or dye inks. As a result there were many surfaces that could not be stamped, such as ceramics or glass. Did you know that today there are virtually more than 1,500 types of inks?

Inks are available is limitless colors today; in fact, it’s almost like looking at a paint chip rack in a paint or hardware store. Inks have become increasingly popular due in part to the surge in hobbies and crafts, particularly scrapbooking.

Before you get started in any stamping activity, you need to know the basics.

One of the more popular types of ink that is in use is the heat-set ink. This ink is permanent as it is stamped on a non-porous surface, then dried with a heating device. It is still in the category of pigment inks, but it is much more than a pigment ink. The inks can be purchased in packages that contain eight colors and can be removed from the base and used separately or together. It looks much like a rainbow pad which allows for creativity in whatever activity you are pursuing. You may stamp on many different non-porous surfaces without having to emboss (just as long as the surface can hold up with the heat).