Choosing your ink — questions answered
Some pigment inks can be heat-set on fabric, but always check the individual pad and test a scrap first. For everyday card-making and journaling, the pads here are chosen for paper.
Pigment inks sit on the surface, give richer, more opaque colour, resist fading and work on coloured and dark card — but take a little longer to dry. Dye inks soak in, dry fast and are bright on white card, but can look thinner on detailed stamps. For finely detailed stamps, pigment is usually the better choice.
Tap the pad gently onto the stamp (rather than pressing the stamp into the pad) for even coverage, press straight down with flat hands without rocking, and lift cleanly. Small pads let you ink just part of a stamp for two-tone effects.
Yes — pigment inks show up beautifully on dark and kraft card, where dye inks tend to disappear. Gold or copper on dark card is one of my favourite looks.
For crisp detail and lettering, an oil-based pigment ink like VersaFine Clair gives the sharpest print and dries quickly. For colour work and layering, a water-based pigment such as VersaColor is ideal. Most makers end up with one of each.
Wipe stamps with a damp cloth or baby wipe between colours, and store pads flat and closed, out of direct sun, so they don't dry out. Looked after, both last for years.
