Which Ink Pad should I use?
Ink pads are a staple supply for many types of craft projects, from cardmaking and scrapbooking to art journaling and mixed media. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ink pad for your project. They are a great addition to any crafter's toolbox and can help you achieve beautiful and creative results but how do you know which ink pad to choose? In this blog, we will explore different types of ink pads and which ones are best suited for various craft projects.
Dye-Based Ink Pads
Dye-based ink pads are a popular choice for stamping on paper and cardstock. They are water-soluble and dry quickly, making them ideal for creating multi-layered stamped designs. Some popular brands of dye-based ink pads include Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Versafine Dye Ink & Prism.
Here are some popular craft projects that you can use dye-based ink pads for:
Stamping on Paper and Cardstock
Dye-based ink pads are ideal for stamping on paper and cardstock. They produce crisp and clear images, and they dry quickly, making them perfect for creating multi-layered stamped designs. You can use them to create custom-made cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper-craft projects.
Watercoloring
Dye-based ink pads are also great for watercoloring techniques. You can use them to create a beautiful watercolour effect by applying ink to a non-porous surface, adding water, and then using a brush to apply the colour to paper. This technique is perfect for creating backgrounds, adding colour to stamped images, and more.
Ink Blending
Dye-based ink pads are perfect for ink blending techniques. You can use a blending tool to apply ink to paper, creating a gradient effect or a blended background. This technique is ideal for creating backgrounds for cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper-craft projects.
Stamping on Fabric
Dye-based ink pads can also be used to stamp on fabric. You can use them to add designs to t-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric projects. However, it is important to note that dye-based ink pads are not permanent on fabric and will fade over time, so it's best to use them for projects that won't be washed frequently.
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Pigment-based ink pads
Pigment-based ink pads are thicker and more opaque than dye-based ink pads, making them perfect for stamping on dark or coloured paper. They dry more slowly than dye-based ink pads, which makes them ideal for heat embossing techniques. Some popular brands of pigment-based ink pads include VersaFine, Spectrum Noir Pigment Ink & Distress Oxidie Ink Pads.
Here are some popular craft projects that you can use pigment-based ink pads for:
Stamping on Dark or Coloured Paper
Pigment-based ink pads are perfect for stamping on dark or coloured paper, as they have a thicker and more opaque consistency than dye-based inks. They produce bold, vibrant colours and dry more slowly, making them ideal for heat embossing techniques. You can use them to create custom-made cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper-craft projects.
Heat Embossing
Pigment-based ink pads are ideal for heat embossing techniques. They dry more slowly than dye-based ink pads, which allows for the embossing powder to stick to the stamped image. Once heated, the embossing powder melts and creates a raised, shiny effect. This technique is perfect for adding a special touch to your cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper-craft projects.
Mixed Media
Pigment-based ink pads are also great for mixed media projects. You can use them to stamp on various surfaces, such as canvas, wood, and chipboard, to create unique and textured designs. They can also be used in combination with other mediums, such as acrylic paints, to create layered and dimensional effects.
Art Journaling
Pigment-based ink pads are perfect for art journaling, as they produce rich and vibrant colors that stand out on the page. You can use them to stamp images, add texture, and create backgrounds for your journal pages. They also work well with other art mediums, such as watercolours and markers, to create beautiful and unique journal spreads.
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Solvent-based ink pads
Solvent-based ink pads are designed for use on non-porous surfaces, such as metal, glass, and plastic. They are waterproof and fade-resistant, making them perfect for creating outdoor or long-lasting projects. Some popular brands of solvent-based ink pads include StazOn and Ranger Archival Ink.
Here are some popular craft projects that you can use solvent-based ink pads for:
Stamping on Non-Porous Surfaces
Solvent-based ink pads are ideal for stamping on non-porous surfaces, such as metal, plastic, glass, and ceramics. They produce a permanent and waterproof stamped image that won't smear or fade over time.
Outdoor Projects
Solvent-based ink pads are also great for outdoor projects, such as garden markers, plant labels, and outdoor signs. They can withstand exposure to the elements and won't fade or smudge, making them perfect for long-lasting outdoor projects.
Fabric Projects
Solvent-based ink pads can also be used to stamp on fabric, but they are best suited for projects that require a permanent and waterproof stamped image. They work well on synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and polyester, but may not work as well on natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen.
Industrial Applications
Solvent-based ink pads are also commonly used for industrial applications, such as marking parts, labels, and packaging. They are often used in manufacturing and assembly plants where a permanent and waterproof mark is required.
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Chalk ink pads
Chalk ink pads are perfect for creating a soft, muted look on paper and cardstock. They dry quickly and have a matte finish, which makes them ideal for creating vintage or distressed looks. Some popular brands of chalk ink pads include VersaMagic Chalk Ink.
Here are some popular craft projects that you can use chalk ink pads for:
Card Making
Chalk ink pads are perfect for creating vintage or shabby chic card designs. You can use them to add a soft, muted effect to your stamped images and backgrounds, giving your cards a charming and whimsical look.
Scrapbooking
Chalk ink pads are also great for scrapbooking. You can use them to create distressed edges on your paper, add subtle colour to your backgrounds, and highlight your photos with a soft chalk-like effect.
Home Decor
Chalk ink pads are perfect for creating unique and charming home decor items. You can use them to stamp on wood, metal, glass, or other surfaces to create custom-made signs, picture frames, and decorative accents.
Stamping on Fabric
Chalk ink pads can also be used to stamp on fabric, giving your projects a vintage or distressed look. They work well on natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, and can be heat-set to make the ink permanent.
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Stencil ink pads
Stencil ink pads are designed specifically for use with stencils. They have a foam pad, which allows for precise and easy application of ink through the stencil. They are formulated to be thicker than regular ink pads, which makes them perfect for applying ink through a stencil without smudging or bleeding. Some popular brands of stencil ink pads include Distress Ink Pads.
Here are some popular craft projects that you can use stencil ink pads for:
Mixed Media Art
Stencil ink pads are perfect for creating layered and textured backgrounds in mixed media art. You can use them to add colour and dimension to your artwork, and create unique and interesting effects with stencils.
DIY Home Decor
Stencil ink pads can be used to create custom-made stenciled designs on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and glass. They are great for creating unique and personalised home decor items, such as picture frames, vases, and wall art.
Card Making
Stencil ink pads are also great for card making. You can use them to create interesting and unique backgrounds for your cards, and add texture and dimension to your stamped images.
Scrapbooking
Stencil ink pads can be used to create custom-made stenciled designs on your scrapbook pages, adding a unique and personalised touch to your layouts.
In conclusion, choosing the right ink pad for your craft project is essential for achieving the desired outcome. Consider the surface you are stamping on, the technique you are using, and the look you want to achieve before selecting an ink pad. Whether you are creating cards, scrapbook pages, or mixed media art, there is an ink pad out there that is perfect for your project.
Browse our range of ink pads here.
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