If you’ve ever stamped an image and thought, “Why does this look smudgy?” or “Why won’t my ink dry on this paper?”—you’re not alone! Picking the right ink for the job can make all the difference in your finished project. Let’s break down the basics of ink types so you can choose confidently every time you stamp.
🖤 Dye Inks: Quick-Drying & Crisp
Best For: Everyday stamping, quick projects, and layering colors.
Dry Time: Fast.
Examples: Stampin’ Up! Classic Stampin’ Pads.
Dye inks are water-based and absorb into the paper quickly. That makes them perfect for crisp images and no-fuss cleanup. They're ideal for sentiments, background stamping, and when you need to move fast—like mass-producing cards.
Tip: Because they dry so quickly, they’re not the best for heat embossing unless you stamp super fast.
✨ Pigment Inks: Rich & Slow-Drying
Best For: Heat embossing, stamping on darker cardstock, and juicy color.
Dry Time: Slow (can smudge if not heat-set).
Examples: White Craft Ink, VersaMark.
Pigment inks sit on the surface of the paper, giving a more opaque and vibrant look. They’re especially great for heat embossing since they stay wet long enough for you to add powder. Use them when you want bold looks or to stamp on vellum or dark cardstocks.
Tip: Heat-set for faster drying, or give ample time before handling.
🎨 Solvent Inks: For Special Surfaces
Best For: Stamping on slick surfaces like acetate, window sheets, or metal.
Dry Time: Moderate.
Examples: StazOn.
Solvent inks are made to stick to non-porous surfaces. They’re your go-to when stamping on glassy, glossy, or plastic-like materials. Cleanup requires a special StazOn cleaner—regular stamp cleaner won’t do the trick.
Tip: Only use these on red rubber stamps—not photopolymer—as they can cause damage over time.
🌊 Hybrid & Specialty Inks
Hybrid inks (like Memento) offer the best of both worlds—they dry quickly but stay crisp, making them great for coloring with alcohol markers like Stampin’ Blends.
Tip: Always test your ink with your coloring medium to prevent smearing or bleeding.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re layering colors, embossing sentiments, or stamping on acetate, the right ink choice can turn a frustrating project into a flawless one. Keep a small reference chart of your inks and what they work best for, and you’ll always be ready to create with confidence.
What’s your most-used ink pad? And which one are you curious to try more? Share your faves below—I’d love to know what’s in your ink stash!
Happy stamping,
Katrina 💖
Katrina’s Kreative Heart
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