Ink Pad Comparison (A Simple Way To Understand Ink Pads and Their Properties)

[@Tiffany.Solorio]

This is a great video. Even though I have been crafting for 15 years I still get confused at times. There is so many companies making inks! I appreciate you making this video! Thank you so much!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome! BTW I really enjoyed your video colla with Karen and Ingrid today, I was making a big batch of cards and watching on autoplay and my laptop and many cards drying on the keyboard so I didn't get to comment anywhere but I love it! BTW if you lived nearby I'd give you a roll of the holey drywall tape that looks like punchenella! I have several!

[@Tiffany.Solorio]

@@thefrugalcrafter That is awesome. Thank you for watching! We had a lot of fun doing that collab! I need to get some cards made. I want to do better about sending cards out.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@Tiffany.Solorio same!

[@tainadelcaribe]

You know a good artist is a good teacher when you watch their “for beginner” videos about anything you know well just to listen to how well they explain everything. I’ve been 9+ years (probably very close to 10 by now) here and still enjoy your explanations and teachings! This is a great video for anyone that is just starting!

[@awenda598]

I use an one and a half square inch piece of watercolour paper I make a key ring with all my colors and brands, one per colour. I punch a hole on each piece of paper and hold them together by a 3” key ring. This is portable and easy to transport to a store to ensure you don’t buy duplicates of colours or brands. Perhaps doing a stamp ring that you can take with you when you shop in person may work well for inks as well. I’ve done my colours by brand and colour in an watercolour book and I am able to go through my colours quickly. My new project is to a large watercolour board, by colour and brand and tack it on a wall so I can see what colours I have. Still do a line of yellows, then orange, then my reds and so on. I’ll also indicate high brand each is from. Great lesson my friend. Happy New Year Lindsay!!!!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

That is brilliant. 😁

[@StephanieJarman]

I wish i had been in your art class when you were teaching! i feel like it would be awesome if school boards collaborated with creators like you that have experience producing online content to develop curriculum for distance learning!

[@jimflack9462]

What a great idea, especially for e learners and homeschoolers.

[@WendyColeArt]

Or churches could open up their doors to crafting for homeschool groups. Id love to be a part of something like that. We all have enough that would give them some fun fellowship and creative happy juice.

[@sabrinaandbenji1390]

Such an amazing dream alas this society does not see the benefit of art for many reasons but it could actually help people if there were more curriculum for art

[@Linda-qq5mg]

This is such a helpful video, especially for a beginner because the different kinds of inks can be so very confusing! Thanks so much Lindsay.

[@patriciajohnson6272]

Very helpful. Just last month i asked the manager at Michaels What is difference between dye based and pigment ink. All she could tell me was they are made a little bit different. Thank you Lindsay!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

When it comes to stamping, I have found that you really kind of need advance knowledge before you shop the aisles. I collage stamp so I have had several crash courses, ha ha.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EM-zd8iy]

This has been SO useful to bring clarity in an overwhelming world of products. Thank you.

[@suearcher8708]

Thank you for this video. I struggled at first with trying to figure out dye v pigment and why do I need both. Your "stamp school" from way back video was a great help. I have watch several which ink for which videos, and I have come to this conclusion: Chalk ink is fast drying, Dye ink is the next fast and pigment ink is slower to dry. So I sort them in alpha order "CDP" (fastest, fast and slowest). Today's video was a huge help to fine tune the ink properties.

[@aesthruka]

Thanks! I will go for versafine clair due to my budget, this video is so so so helpful for a stamping beginer like me.

[@jayneallman7566]

I always forget , so i will just keep referring back to this video, thanks for sharing and taking the hard work out of it for us all.

[@elizabethgoodhand7828]

Very useful thank you Lindsey never really understood the difference with the inks.

[@queengoben1018]

You are a life saver and time saver!!!! I have been watching tones of videos about ink pads and your video covers everything!!!

[@dbdsar112358]

This information is exactly what I've been looking for! Ahhh such perfect timing! ❤ The Stamp School series are also sincerely appreciated. Some components of this media can easily act as gatekeepers, and you make it very, very accessible. Thank you, really really.

[@DebbyLong777]

I’ve been stamping 25+ years and just started the Versa Claire. I love it for solid images and words.

[@karinhorman350]

Finally someone who explains the difference so I understand! Thank you

[@DMX11971]

Thank you for giving a nice summary of the different types of inks. I liked being able to see your notes. Being able to read along with you prevented me from getting distracted or confused by the different brands on the market while you were going through your presentation. I appreciate your recommendations at the end as well. 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@julieanntorrens5548]

Very helpful indeed. Ranger Archival is my go to because I like that it is permanent when dry and I can use mediums like clear gesso or matte medium over the top and they stay put. Thank you!

[@AafkeVultink]

I think you should reup these on the channel Lindsay. Specially this time of year with inbetween season festive stuff when people have a bit more to spent to stash up for special occasions, like I do, if I buy these supplies in high of the holiday season I could go bankrupt on it lol. There is so much available it is nice if people have basics; not duplicats; errors usually are user error due to applying it on wrong surface with wrong supply. Would be neat to see an updated version here. I know making cards has not been main focus; though starting with decent supplies that dont break the bank is, right? Just a thought. If you need my help; just drop me a dm. not sure if my desk and zoom are a wise combination but hey, who cares lol I can squeeze in ten cm space :P

[@patcyzauskas7216]

I started with only pigment inks and would use clear embossing powder to set the ink then watercolor the stamped item. I’ve had some ColorBox pads over 20 years now and most not even reinked. I then invested in Memento small pads from Michael’s using coupons for great discount. Due to craft room space, I then invested in mini Distress pads purchased from a lot off of 8 from EBay for only $36. I often use these inks to smush onto palette and pick up ink with paint brush and watercolor with. I have purchased a few Distress Oxides but space is a deterrent so am now waiting on the mini pads that get first released this month. I will only purchase mini inks nowadays. I purchase reinkers online when ordering items just to get up to amount for free shipping. I store reinkers in two old wall hanging spice racks I bought at secondhand stores and painted white. Makes a great colorful wall display in craft room. I store Memento mini pads in a plastic bin that is meant to beads (from Michael’s). I store mini Distress in the small mini tins. These also hold all other brands of pads. The tins I store in the Ranger designers bags from about 5 yrs ago (14.5” x 2.75” x 4.5”) that fit 4-6 tins in them. I believe this bag was discontinued but you can still find this size once in awhile on eBay. I bought 5 bags back bout 4 yrs ago at Tuesday Morning for bargain $3 each. Happy crafting one and all. Thanks for video

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Ah... a kindred spirit. 😸

[@juliez1539]

Wow, you have given us a lot of very useful information! I have (WAY too) many different ink pads of many different brands (almost all of the brands you showed us, plus more brands) and have recently bought many different colors of 2 brands. It has become obvious that some stamps made of different, sometimes cheaper, materials need certain types of ink pads, so I set out a lot of different types of ink pads and try them all out. One of the new brands of ink pads I bought works very well with my stamp positioner. It saves me a lot of time to get good results when I use it. Experimenting to find out which ink works best for each technique is actually fun! Thank you for all of the information you give us. Your videos are my go-to when I need help and want to learn about new products!

[@cassiescreations9828]

What do recommend for silicon stamps as I can never get a crisp image??? Vowed I never buy them again but I have some sentiment stamps I bought at Michael's that I'd like to use!

[@juliez1539]

Like Lindsay said in the video, I also found that pigment ink pads work best. I have a lot of Color Box ink pads, a few shades of each color.

[@cassiescreations9828]

@@juliez1539 Shame then, I don't buy pigment inks except the Versafine Onyx Black. I guess its oil pigment, according to Lindsay, but I cannot get a crisp image with it either. O well ...

[@juliez1539]

@@cassiescreations9828 I’ve never had a problem with stamps I’ve purchased from Michaels, YET. I use Versafine as my black ink pad for every occasion also. I have heard though that many stamps, usually the cheaper ones but now I find this problem with the really good brands too, is that there is a film on them left over from the manufacturing process. If you rub the dry stamp with your fingers, the stamp goes from shiny to cloudy, which means that you are rubbing off that film. You can then wipe it clean with a damp rag or use it right away. Sometimes you might have to do it a few times. You can also then stamp with a Versamark ink pad a few times to prep it even better. Try it out - hope that these tips help you get crisper images!

[@cassiescreations9828]

@@juliez1539 Yes, very good tips! Hopefully your tips will help someone else, new to stamping! 😀 I use Versafine Black Onyx also and do the rub thing with all new clear stamps. Honestly, my silicone stamps are over ten years old so I no longer think it is a problem with my "choice of ink," especially since you use the same Versafine ink as I do. I've decided that it's the quality of the stamps. I will say this, I bought a bottle of Recollections embossing powder, it's blue with clear and silver bits in it, and the embossed result is fantastic (I emboss on cardstock and use that with snowflake dies). So perhaps Michael's improved the quality of their products the last few years (not sure how long ago you bought your Recollections stamps). Happy Crafting!

[@lizziedae91]

This will help so many new stampers Lindsay! Great job!

[@rebecarod1475]

Recently stumbled upon your channel and happy I did. This is great information.

[@donnajuchtzer576]

Inks are always a little confusing, so this video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janetlitchfield1774]

That was a great overview of pad inks and what they are best used for. I 'stumbled' into stamping when I started card making and purchased (pre-owned) inks blindly. Fortunately I happened on most of the winners - although I did lose some over time when the pads disintegrated. Having watched your review I now feel inspired to try more techniques with the ink pads I have. Thank you

[@michelleweston2562]

I appreciate all your teachings, I find myself taking notes so I won't forget and am ready when I buy my inks. I love learning g new things

[@kathypatterson4630]

I love this review! I need to see it over and over and still don't seem to remember it!

[@carlamooney622]

Thank you Lindsay! I just purchased some acid free pigment ink pads and was not sure if I was going to be able to use them for card making. Your video just landed in my lap so perfectly timed!! I need you to be with me when I go shopping for card making supplies. We never know where we will land or how much I will spend!! My poor husband just holds his breath at the check out, I have to nudge him in the side so he will get a nice deep breath! 😂 I will be looking for more of your videos. And thanks again for such an informative video explaining in terms I can understand!

[@beckyb4074]

I also have the Ranger archival ink in black in a larger pad than one you have. Most of my purchases have been based off your helpful information. I appreciate you so very much. God bless you. Becky B

[@elizabetheddy1073]

Great video, you really explained everything about inks! It definitely took me awhile to figure out what inks I wanted! I never thought card making could be so expensive?! There’s so many things you can buy now, compared to scrapbooking!! Thank you so much for sharing!!😊❤️

[@anmiyoto]

Thanks for this video! I'm so glad to see you have the memento dewdrops! I've been thinking of getting a whole new line of inks but now that I see you still have and use these, I will stick with what I have and save major $$! This is the year, I am determined to use what I already have and not buy anything "extra".

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@knackability7098]

Thank you so much, this was so informative. You're a wonderful teacher.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vilvile]

Wonderful video. Just getting into this hobby. Thank you.

[@24get24give]

really well done as always Lindsay, very succinct and complete information, I would add that it's a good idea to buy a pad that has a matching marker in case of an oops (unless you have a stamp positioner like a misti) and an embossing pad is a must if you want to use embossing powder (and you do!)

[@daynachristian8579]

Thanks for the info. I'm very, very new to stamping and knowing how stamp pads differ is a great help.

[@jrm2716]

Very helpful. I have started stamping an image and watercoloring over it. Now I know the best inks to do this with. There is so much conflicting information out there. Tfs.

[@cassiescreations9828]

Look at the back of the ink pad also. Many will say (small print though) what you can use with the ink pad. Not all do, however, Ranger, Memento and Versafine do tell you what you can use with the ink pad, or they did.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

That is where swatching is good. When I have bought new inks (rare, because I only use a few brands), I stamp images and test them to see if they run or bleed.

[@funheartl1567]

New to stamping!

[@craftyajay9495]

THE PERENNIAL QUESTION . . . and I suspect it’s un-answerable but this is a great intro to the world of ink pads. Thank-you.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I am so happy you did an upgrade ink pad video. I watched another video on ink pads that you did ?? years ago and it was so helpful. I agree about the Staz-on ink. Great for using over matte medium, yet hard to get off my stamps--besides the pad, one needs the reinker, and cleaner/remover dauber. I use Memento for line images and inked edges, Archival (three large and lots of minis) for more solid images, and simple dye inks for backgrounds (flicked water drops) and coloring. I recently bought a hybrid ink from Scrapbook dot com to play with. I use pigment inks (many minis) for backgrounds or to stamp details on top of finished images. I have reinkers for all of it, including gouache to reink the pigment pads (the first video I ever saw of yours taught me how). 😁

[@MelanieMaguire]

For Stazon - the solvent used is alcohol, so you need alcohol to re-activate/dissolve the ink. Water doesn't dissolve it which is why it's waterproof and compatible with all waterbased media. To clean your stamps you need to use alcohol. You can get isopropyl alcohol (IPA) also known as denatured alcohol from hardware stores, pharmacies and on ebay etc. You need at least 70% alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol) for it to be effective. If your ink pads dry up you can spritz them with alcohol and reactivate them. :)

[@MercyCuenca]

Hi, does anyone know which Gouche vid the commentor is referring to? TY!

[@vivrandles5179]

Thank you, that's answered a mass of questions that have been bubbling around quietly my head for several years. Now all I need to is watch it again, pausing to take copious notes, and then a third time, pausing to sort through my fairly random selection of pads. After which, I may even do some stamping, as I'll finally know how to used what and when. :-)

[@christinedavies336]

Happy New Year Lindsay! I found this very useful as a re-fresher and update on what's available, what's gone and what's replaced what. Tfs ~ C ~ xx

[@sondrabrown442]

Great informative video! Thanks so much for your recommendations at the end, perfect for the beginner who’s overwhelmed by all the choices!

[@craftergin]

Today I bought Hero Arts Pigment ink pad in Unicorn. I only bought it because I found a GORGEOUS Hero Arts stamp of a swirly starfield. OMG! I fell in love with that stamp. So now I know how to use my new ink. I only had Archival ink pads before. I'm anxious to try embossing that starfield! Thanks!

[@eileenscheindlinger2395]

As usual, a wonderful & in-depth video from you! Thank you for taking the time to put this video together & for sharing it! ❤️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@juliamadigan5934]

I learned from the Carol Duvall Show this basic principle: dye dry, and pigment powder. Simple way to remember what to use when embossing.

[@jillf24]

brilliant

[@mgauthier820]

Thank you for clarifying ink pad selection!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@lynnedoyle3654]

Thanks for this helpful video. I remember watching a similar one when I was confused about what to purchase way back when I had nothing.

[@youtubechannel9190]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I'm attempting to learn the products and their rules for mixed media. Your cheat sheet is EXTEMELY helpful!!!

[@karenreeves3958]

Thanks for this video. There are so many inks out there,and it’s good to have someone explain there uses so well. I have learned so much from you videos.

[@floief]

Thank you, Lindsay. This was just the ticket. I need to buy some new ink pads but which ones? I've told myself to learn more about the types of inks and advantages of certain sizes but....you know how it is, right? I start looking for ink pads, find a heck of a deal and buy it hoping it's the kind I meant to pick up. Last year really interrupted my craft supply shopping and things are looking seriously shabby and out of date.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Shabby looking inkpads still stamp great! Most of mine are pretty shabby looking but I just reink them! Good as new:)

[@theresesprinkle2103]

This is very helpful. I too wish I had taken your classes to learn more on what to do or not to do. Great job.

[@kbunny1977]

maybe you can clarify something for me... the Ranger Archival, if it is permanent when it dries what is the issue with alcohol markers? same as the StazOn?

[@starshinesoldier]

Not Lindsay, but from my understanding StazOn is alcohol based, so alcohol markers would make that bleed. Just like you can erase a permanent alcohol marker from surfaces with rubbing alcohol. Not sure why the Ranger Archival isn’t very compatible with alcohol markers. My best guess is oil and alcohol don’t play well together?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Ranger archival is an oil based dye ink and alcohol dissolves oil, just like how you can dissolve and blend colored pencil with an alcohol marker, the alcohol breaks down wax and oil.

[@cassiescreations9828]

@@starshinesoldier Your answer was great!

[@laurietrayers]

This was great! You are so knowledgeable! I really like the details. Thanks for the tip about acrylic stamps, I was having trouble using mine but I just tried using a pigment ink (I have a colorbox) and it worked so much better. I only have a few ink pads and want to use more stamps for journaling/planners; this video helps me make sense of all the ink brands. Thanks for posting this, so helpful.

[@MelanieMaguire]

Hi Lindsay, the difference between inkpads was one of the most mystifying thing to me when I first started crafting about 6 years ago! Your videos helped an awful lot. Thank you! There is one thing though - I don't share your poor opinion of Stazon - I've had about 12 Stazon pads for at least 4 years and they haven't dried out at all. There is one exception to this and it's the opaque Cotton White. But all it takes is a spritz with rubbing alcohol and off it goes again. I bought 2 bottles of rei-nker for the Cotton White because I'd heard people say it dried out quickly and you needed to re-ink every time you used it!! Well, I've never needed to re-ink it and haven't touched my re-inker bottles. Admittedly I don't use it very often, but the pigment (yes I think, unlike the others, this is pigment to achieve the opacity) is easily reactivated with alcohol. Also I notice that you don't say that Stazon is waterproof - although you have written on your sheet that the oil-based pads are waterproof and compatible with watercolours, Stazon gets a big blank! I bought Stazon because it was waterproof. And compatible with watercolours and other waterbased media. And works well on all shiny surfaces. And the colours are very rich and vibrant. As you can tell, I feel rather defensive about Stazon, because I feel they always get a raw deal from you!!! I have no affiliations with Stazon by the way!!! Thanks for this excellent video, though, I thoroughly enjoyed it as I do all your vids. :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

haha, fair enough! Yes it is waterproof. I actually had to use my staz on today to stamp on a slick tape so I do use it begrudgingly from time to time. I am glad you have had good luck. I can't beleive you have had to reink any esp that awful white pad LOL! Look, the company who makes Staz-on is great, no shade on them, it's just that kind of ink I'm not a fan of. I am glad it works for you tho:) This's a lid for every pot as they say:)

[@MelanieMaguire]

@@thefrugalcrafter LOL! I can understand that it's no good if you want to colour the stamped images with alcohol markers. I'm glad you don't think I'm criticizing you - I love your vids and I often watch them on .75x speed to make them last longer! :)

[@rtd1791]

Do you think this has anything to do with climate? I spent most of my life in desert climates but moved to the pacific coast a few years back. It really does affect art supplies. Glues especially. Some products couldn’t handle the change and I had to toss them. Gel plate printing is definitely easier in more humidity. Drying acrylic paints and therefore making acrylic skins takes so much longer. I wonder if you and Lindsay live with very different humidity levels.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@rtd1791 Oh it may very well or temperature, I can't use polymer clay in the winter cuz it is too hard to knead so I am sure other things are affected. I don't order glue or acrylic paint in the winter either due to the chance of it freezing in the delivery truck or my doorstep! Same fr clay in the summer LL!

[@rtd1791]

@@thefrugalcrafter In a funny coincidence, my Deep Sea Mermaid Marker by Jane Davenport had just leaked all over me and my art journal right before I read your comment. This has something to do with moving. The markers worked just fine before. My fault really because I knew I was having problems with leaking; I should have opened the marker over paper towels. I don’t know if it was the change in humidity that damaged the markers or if it was the change in air pressure . I had lived in The Great Basin desert next to the Sierra Mountain Range before. All my art supplies underwent a dramatic change in elevation. I’m hoping that I can fix the markers. They should be refillable.

[@georgesgentry5835]

Nice explanation Lindsay. There's so many choices now that it's confusing. I think your recommendations when getting started are very good. TFS

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

there are a lot of options but a lot are the same thing

[@SheriWinston]

Thank you so much for this excellent, clear and informative video. I'm new to stamping and was quite confused about the different inks. Not anymore, thanks to you!

[@ginan3041]

Thank you so much for this video! Very straight forward and I feel like I have a better understanding of the different inks. I can buy with confidence that the ink I'm getting will work as I want it to!

[@marileemck]

On the recommendation of a craft professional (luckily I can't remember who it was) I bought a Stazon black ink pad. I never liked it, but thought it must just be me. No dis to folks who like Stazon, but it sure made me feel better to know you don't like those ink pads either. Versafine is still my favorite permanent ink. Crisp images & I love them for embossing. I've even learned how to work the funky attached lid so I'm not covered in black ink when I'm done. :) ~marilee

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Well now that you figured it out they changed it lol!

[@whatifitnt]

YAY!!!! Finally found it!!! Needed this info right now... my heart ❤️ is dancing 💃🏻 Thanks a bunch!💐

[@rk3476]

Hi Lindsay! Thanks for another great educational video. I am just starting stamping, after ordering the waffle flower swatch stamps you use to make my own swatch book. I went through your old stamp school videos, also to try to find an answer, but can’t find it. I bought both the Memento and the Ranger Archival black ink pads based on your recommendations. The Memento felt sticky and difficult to get a good stamp from day 1. I assumed it might be an old stock, dry pad because I ordered from Amazon, but now the Ranger Archival feels the same way a week or so after I used it. I did 30-50 of the swatch stamps. Does that mean it needs to be reinked , or should I spray it with the glycerin/water solution you recommended in one of your videos. It seems like not much use to already be out of ink. My climate is normally pretty humid, though less so this time of year, and I stored it closed tightly with the label up.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Huh, sounds like old stock or it wasn't inked properly. I would try spraying the memento, it won't hurt anything. I'd order a reinker for the archival pad, 50 might be about right from a factory inked pad although when I reink my pad I usually get about 300 impressions (I only know this from prepping stamp show workshops LOL!)

[@forflower]

Thank you for your videos. They are always so educational and fun to watch. I have a question for you. I bought some pigment inks from Michael’s a while ago and they dried up pretty quickly, I never even got to open them. Do you have any tips on reviving them?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can try adding glycerin and alcohol and see if it works.

[@forflower]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thank you

[@felicitycrowe6971]

This is a fantastic video! Thank you for posting it! I have a QUESTION though: can you use artist inks with stamps???

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They don't work as well on stamps because they are thinner than stamping ink.

[@WellISaidIt]

Very informative. Thank you. so in your opinion what ink stamp would be good to use over a alcohol ink tile coaster. I'd like to customise the tile with alcohol inks and then use stamps to stamp over the ink when dried.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Honestly I'd many photocopies of the images you want on the tile and transfer them with a Xylene marker (like a clear chartpak marker) then you can color with alcohol ink or alcohol markers. I don't know of a xylene inkpad. You might be able to stamp with a juicy staz on bit it might lift up the ink you already applied.

[@WellISaidIt]

@@thefrugalcrafter chartpak markers are difficult to get in the UK but I did purchase a bottle of xylene after watching a previous vid of yours so will give it a try this weekend. thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@WellISaidIt alittle goes a long way, if you use too much it will smear the transfer. If you have one of those empty Ranger markers you can fill it with this and it will be easier to control.

[@susanfantozzi4415]

This is extremely useful video. Wish you had a cheat sheet available to print out. Ty!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

there is info in the video description if you want to copy and paste

[@ellenmcphate1441]

Thanks for all this information. It really helped!

[@WendyColeArt]

Hi Lindsay. I just ordered some Simon Hurely reinkers. I was thinking that they would be a good compromise between all the inks for doing techniques. Do you think I made the right decision? They seemed to be the best value and the colors are really nice. My understanding is that SH are pigment/dye hybrid and might be good for making some little sprays to kind of match my projects and they look like they are good for stamping and blending

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Im sure they are compatible to other brands and will work fine. I don't have his inks but I understand they are a formulation close to original distress ink.

[@WendyColeArt]

@@thefrugalcrafter oh, great, I'm still really fuzzy about inks and what you can do with them, Stamping School is awesome. His colors seem so bright and happy and I had a25.00 coupon with Ranger so it was a great buy for nice inks. Ranger seems like a real stand up company too. I wanted reinkers because you all are having so much fun playing and I want to play too.

[@jimflack9462]

Thanks for this review. I get confused changing back and forth! I'm not a fan of the Distress inks as they dry out really fast and any of the reinkers are really spendy. Momento tear drops are my favorites and I have almost as many as you do. Its good to have this video for a refresher course for us stampers!!😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

yep, you need the reinkers for distress if you use them a lot and I feel like some pads are very juicy when you get them. The Oxides are more consistant it seems, I bought reinkers for all the DO pads I have soon after I bought them. I got the pads at pegstamps.com and the reinkers in a bulk buy on amazon. It pays to look around. I don't care for stamping with either of those unless it is a background and a perfect image isn't requires. I use the distress pads like paint really.

[@cassiescreations9828]

I get the reinkers at Scrapbook.com for $3.99 and occasionally on sale cheaper than that. Not sure how many pads you have.

[@jimflack9462]

@@thefrugalcrafter i have very few of the Distress Inks and only 1 Distress Oxide

[@julieeibach739]

Thanks for the info. I love embossing with distress oxides. I get beautifully colored, raised, glossy sentiments.

[@cassiescreations9828]

Yes!

[@olderendirt]

Thanks for taking the mystery out of different inks. It's very helpful.

[@denaheck1506]

You covered most of my questions. But do have 2 more. 1. Have a clear stamp like balloon, circle & I want a solid color, which is best (excluding pigment). 2. One of the inks stain your stamps, it maybe Stazon ?? But some stamps I really need to see thru (layered stamp) and having it stain really impacts my ability to use it. Do you know which of your entire group will permanently stain a stamp ? Thank you for review & info.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Some colors stain. High quality photo polymer stain the worst. Memento disbt stain as bad as archival but some colors will. I find it's easier to position the layers stam when its stained sometimes!

[@carolannobyrne218]

You’re such a wealth of information! This was so informative. Thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I am glad you found it helpful!

[@badsworthcats]

Do you know your amazing… the fact you take the time and trouble to explain it to those of us who just don’t get it….

[@nancyloomis3046]

2023 Nancy commenting here: I feel sort of dumb…I just discovered (after watching some other stamp ink vids…) that the Memento ink line of dual tip markers coordinate precisely with each Memento ink stamp color. Duh! I’m a big fan of Tsukineko inks. They’re really the best, along side Distress Oxide, in my book…and Ranger Archival are tops too.) I love Memento Pear Tart and have both the ink pad and marker in that color…that I bought at different times. I never thought to check if that’s the case for all the other Memento colors. As was pointed out in one of the the Imagine Crafts’ videos (Imagine Crafts is Tsukineko’s trade name in the US,….much easier for Americans to pronounce 😁) it’s nice to have a perfectly matching marker to fill-in if your image doesn’t stamp completely. But with all the stamp positioners on the market now, you can just stamp again to get the filled-in image. Side note: if I’m only using one stamped image on a card, for instance, I do like the immediacy and feel of using an acrylic block with clear or cling stamps or just using “old fashioned” wood-mounted stamps. And I wish all stamps were made out of rubber. I believe they give a superior impression when compared to clear ones. Thanks!

[@positronixartandlife4545]

Very informative video, thank you. I have my chosen brand at the moment (Lawn Fawndamentals, a dye based in that is said to be good for use with alcohol markers) and will be testing them out, but having the information on the different types of ink and your recommendation of brands and small vs. standard is useful. I've accidentally followed your suggestion - a large memento tuxedo black (plus reinker) and small cubes of the Lawn Fawn in fun colours😆

[@MercyCuenca]

Any update on the LF inks with alcohol markers?

[@cassiescreations9828]

Great video and I enjoyed how the video prompted conversation and I enjoyed learning from others, as well. This may sound like a dumb question but how do you know if you have photo polymer stamps, silicone (like Recollections) or acrylic stamps if the package only labels them "clear" stamps?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Acrylic stamps are not a thing, they refer to the acrylic block you stick them too. Less expensive stamps are silicone (fiskars, inkadinkado and lnockoffs) I think they are cheaper to make if they make a lot. Photopolomer hold ink better, tend to stain and smell slightly sweet. Smaller usa companies use these as they are higher quality and more affordable on smaller batches as they are produced through a photographic exposure to a gel.

[@cassiescreations9828]

@@thefrugalcrafter Ah, so when they list them online as "acrylic," it simply means they will stick to a block. I had just read that photo polymer stamps are heavier, thicker and won't stretch as much as silicone too (the reason why silicone stamps rip easily). I didn't read anything about how they smell sweet!😀 I do know people say their noses know!

[@MercyCuenca]

Hi Lindsey! May I ask if one has already invested a lot in an ink line to realize that newer lines that are specially formulated to provide a smoother blend but doesn't want to start over, what would you recommend as an additive or smoothing agent? TY!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can try buying the newinker of one of the colors to see if it helps. I till use my old inkpads.

[@henriettajackson6404]

Hi Lindsay! QUESTION: Do you have any ideas on how to refresh oil based ink pads such as the dye based Ranger Archival or the pigment based Versafine Claire? I do have the re-inkers but I haven't been able to find any info on diy methods of reviving these types of ink pads that have ink but are dry. Thank you for any advice you can provide. Regards, Henrietta

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Im not sure. I buy reinkers for those as I like the reliable formula.

[@lizbeebe9649]

A great video on ink! I really appreciate all the information! I have stamp pads and I like memento a lot! Thanks for sharing! I need some dew drops in new colors! Thanks again!

[@rhondita95]

I love these comparison videos! Thanks so much, Lindsay! I k ew about half the info but the rest of the detail was new to me, so thanks for all the good info and the great breakdown of all the info - new and old! I do have a question: I have some Stampin up dye ink pads that I’ve had for about 20 years now and a few of them I haven’t used for quite a while. When I opened them to use them, they were completely dry. I have the reinkers, but before I reink them is there anything I should do to condition them since they are dry? They are the old ‘hard’ felt version not the new cushy foam version. Thanks in advance. Also, if you’re up for it, I think from the comments that a lot of people could benefit from a follow up video about swatching out all their ink pads, how the ink pad companies all buy from the same manufacturers, so that swatching will tell you if you have dupes across brands and how you can use reinkers from one brand for another pad for a matching different brand of the same kind. Also maybe you could show us how you mix your own matching ink from reinkers you’ve got? I’d love that!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I would love to have space for enough ink pads to swatch out like that. 😆

[@rhondita95]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k most of mine are minis and don’t take up a lot of space

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I;m sure your SU pads are fine to reink. You might find a funky chunky residue on some of the pads (reds usually) but that is just salt separating out from the die, I'd rinse any pads like that and blot them dry as best as you can before inking but other than that you should be good to go. As for ink comparisons, I have no intention on buying more pads LOL! Essentially they are all the same and you don't need super close colors. I am frankly surprised that people have full collections from so many brands when it is literally the same ink. All the dyes work great together so mix and match. I defiantly don't have enough to do a comparison swatch, many of my pads are retired but the ink is still good and since when does a color go bad. Color combos change but colors really never go out, a color is a color, you can re combine it and make it new. That's why art companies don't retire paint colors unless pigment stores run out and then they find a new way yo make that color. Sometimes I think stamp companies are crazy LOL! If a color is so close to what you have in another brand that you can tell from a swatch online than what you have is probably close enough for nay project. OK, I need to settle down LOL! Sorry for the diatribe:)

[@rhondita95]

@@thefrugalcrafter thanks for the info on the SU Lindsay! I’ll have to look out for that salt gunk! As for ink comparisons, I didn’t mean for you to do a comparison like you did with markers, just encourage people to swatch out their pads (like I thought that you had) so they could do their own comparison of what they already had to PREVENT them from buying more of the same colors. ( Don’t I already have two blues that color??). Because I think people are doing exactly what you said and getting full sets of multiple different brands without comparing them against each other and realizing that they’re just the same colors (for the most part - depending on palette) , probably because they keep each set separate and use them separately. I don’t know why people are doing it, but it’s a waste of resources. And then they buy duplicate reinkers to go with the duplicate pads. 🤦🏼‍♀️ We all get the bug to buy the newest latest shiniest thing, but not if it’s the same as something you already have!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@rhondita95 oh, I get it now! I swatch my inkpad on a sticker on the edge of the pad so I can see what they are in drawers. I k ow o dont need any more do I dont have a travel swatch lol!

[@coreybartkuscole444]

This is a great resource for keeping info about different ink pads straight! But the more you stamp and use pads the easier it gets to remember. I too have been stamping for many years and some of my pads are 20 years old (yay for reinkers!) I miss the easy availability of Versacolor pads and reinkers. I still have mine but use them sparingly.

[@JC-dk4ny]

I use the plastic ferrero rocher containers to store my mini cubes and they work great! I have a bunch of hampton arts and studio g ink pads and they are great if I'm taking the stamp to the ink, but if I lake the ink to the stamp, as I do when using a misti, it can pull the pad out or is just so sticky it is hard to ink up evenly. Any suggestions on how to fix that? Also, what do you do when you have a really juicy pad that beads when stamping?

[@annalisamanderville1364]

Thank you for this fantastic review and comparison. I am clueless about ink pads and this was a great education.

[@kathycresswell8353]

Thank you Lindsey! Which ink should we use when stamping if we are going to color with colored pencils and gamsol?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Memento

[@kathycresswell8353]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thank you again!

[@aliciazazirski9898]

Awesome video! So useful. I have a variety of these already, but now have a better understanding of when to use them. Thank you.

[@sherriparks8481]

I’m one of those that love my Stazon ink but recently, after a reinking got the sticky action going on. First I thought it was the stamp I was using since I bought it at a yard sale second hand but then used a stamp I use all the time and same issue sticking to the paper. So I was thrilled to come across this video! But I wanted to know how much denatured alcohol to put on the pad to rejuvenate it? TIA

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have never measured but maybe a teaspoon

[@sherriparks8481]

Thank you

[@LB-vl3qn]

Thanks so much for your detailed explanation. I just learned more about inks in 30 minutes listening to you than in the 30 years I've been stamping. At the end, you mentioned a white pigment ink pad and I wondered which one you would recommend. Is it the one you showed? I've never been that interested in using white ink before, but lately I've been curious. Thanks again for a very helpful video that I'm sure I will revisit. ~ Lisa

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Honestly, most are made by the same company so it really dosnt matter. Gina I or hero arts are safe bets. White pads are tricky and often wont dry without heat setting.

[@LB-vl3qn]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks, Lindsay. I read in a book about stamping that the best way to get white ink to show up as really white was to set it with white embossing powder. I'm going to try that. Thanks again. ~ Lisa

[@debbiepeysen9419]

Awesome. It was so helpful to hear all of this information on ink pads. Thank you.

[@alison1972xxx]

Hi Lindsay, I like to combine a technique from both sides of your diagram - but end up with bleed. I like to rubber stamp, heat emboss and then colour in with pro markers . I do this because it gives me a raised edge and keeps my colouring neater. But often the black ink bleeds even though it’s embossed. What do you suggest? Thanks for your video.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Use clear embossing ink and black powder.

[@alison1972xxx]

Wow! So simple - and I have both of those - why hadn’t I thought of that!!! Thank you so much mwah mwah mwah!

[@wulfseig1864]

Questions: I was going through my Stampin Up ink pads, the hard felt, and some had this glittery film on top. My pads are roughly 10 years old. I don't want to get rid of them because most of them still ink beautifully. I was wondering if I can use dye based reinkers from another company on those pads? I didn't get a chance to buy some reinkers. Do you have a video on reinking? Is it the same formula as dye based liquid watercolor? And do you know what the heck that glittery stuff is on the pads? I'm thinking it's dried out ink. TFS Lindsay.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is salt that separated from the ink. You can spritz with ink refresher and it might dissolve or scrape it off and reink with any dye ink.

[@flychk1229]

Thank you Lindsay. A great and comprehensive overview of ink types! This will be extreme,y useful

[@wilmadiaz5517]

Great video, wish I had seen this before I bought so many ink pads I thought I needed! Thanks 😊

[@michelleannette7994]

Oh my gosh, so much to learn. Thank you so much for this video. Just getting started with cards and this was perfect. Going to watch it again!

[@mumzthewurd1]

Great information. I think I will add some labels on the backs which ones are alcohol safe and which work with water coulor

[@mumzthewurd1]

*colour

[@christinedavies336]

Really useful Lindsay - thanks! I prefer the older S'U! ink and ink-pads. Love the Holtz/Ranger oxides and SN harmonies. Loved the Kaleidoscope and the Hero Arts ombre inkpads. I agree with you about Stazon being the 'needy person'! Lol! I still have the tower of Whisper Inkpads - what did you say to re-ink them with? ~ C ~ xx

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I use stampin up reinkers ie any dye ink really

[@llaw1414]

Hello Lindsay, Great video! I work in a law office. I need a small, blue ink pad to rub over an embossed notary seal. We use plain paper 90% of the time. There are so many options. If I find an option that works well for me, I'll buy more for our paralegals. After watching your video I think the mini Memento or mini Ranger. What do you recommend?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Does it need to waterproof? The memento mini is pretty water resistant and not messy. The ranger archival is waterproof but a bit easier and may bleed through the back of your papers. I would avoid the distress inks as they will run if they get wet.

[@llaw1414]

@@thefrugalcrafter Water resistant would be ideal. Bleeding through the paper would be very bad. This would be used for signing Will's, Power of Attorney's etc. It needs to be very neat and tidy. Messiness is my biggest concern. It sounds like the Memento mini is my best option. I did see 1"x1" un-inked pads that I could ink myself. I considered that as well.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@llaw1414 I would go for the mini memento dew drops and a bottle of refill. Rubber stamp tapestry is a great company and they have good prices on the re-inkers and mini memento pads: pegstamps.com/product-category/inks-for-stamping/memento/

[@llaw1414]

@@thefrugalcrafter I appreciate your advice and will check them out. Thank you!

[@darkglamramos]

I have a Studio G Dye Ink and a Ranger Archival Ink Pad, I want to stamp on Canvas Shoes and combine with acrylic paint. Which would be ideal for such project? I would like to create the outlines using some laser cut kraft icons from the dollar store as the stamp and than color them in with acrylic paints. I would like for the outline to last a bit or at the very least not fade easily or won't wash off with rain or when washing / cleaning them. I also have Micron pens but I'd like to stamp the outlines with the kraft icons if possible using the stamping ink pads. Thanks in advance.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Archival

[@darkglamramos]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks Lindsay

[@AlysonGold]

Thank you for this video! It's so helpful (as are all of your videos!). I've heard some great things about the Simon Hurley inks too, but I haven't tried them yet. I do have a question, though...what about storage? I've heard conflicting ideas about storing pads upside down, right side up, on their sides (which sometimes causes leaking). What's your opinion? Thank you!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Most of mine are on their sides in shallow drawers except for the distress pads because they leaked. I di keep my stampin up rightsidd up which keeps the pad upside down and hubby made me a holder for them. They are z weird size too.

[@AlysonGold]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thank you for answering so quickly! Right now, I have mostly Distress pads (with some cheapies I bought at Michael's before I knew better, mixed in) and I keep them right side up, but wasn't sure if that was correct. I really appreciate your insight and help!

[@HeatherDeweyPettet]

I love it when you do videos like this. Do you have any of those Memento Dew Drops that are of the pearlescent variety? They're pigment inks. I have two collections of those, but I sometimes am at a loss as to how to use them, with the exception of using one direct-to-paper after using an embossing folder. I got that idea after seeing you doing that, especially your Christmas cards from last year!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I don't but I have a few metallic pads I use for embossing ot inking up paper that i textured in embossing folders.

[@lucialawver5415]

I love all your detailed and knowledgeable explanations. You’re an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us! Xo.

[@beoneofthemany]

THANK YOU! I've learned so much from you. My favorite inks are Versafine Clair and it was an investment to get all the colors, but the Black Nocturn is my all time go to. What about Catherine Pooler's inks? I have one mini in chocolate and was surprised how much I like it. The mini shape is nice... larger than the standard cube. But they are way too expensive to get a whole collection, especially when I already have enough inks. You are my crafting product Guru, so I'm just wondering if you've tried the CP inks and what your opinion is. The pad is different-- very rubbery-squishy and some people really rave on KZbin about them.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I don't have any, I have plenty or pads and reinkers already so I never invested in those. I'm sure they are great but it's too easy to get caught up in the "grass is greener" syndrome with inkpads. I know stampin up switched to the spongy pads and I think it's a preference thing. It can be difficult to switch because of the different pressure required.

[@cassiescreations9828]

I meant to ask the same question, as I don't have any Catherine Pooler inks or any of her products but I've heard nothing but good things and I even hear people say that her inks are their favorite (and this coming from people who use a variety of brands). There must be something special about them but I cannot imagine what that could be and how, when compared to all other inks, they seem to be a favorite. I don't even know who she is! It certainly makes me wonder, just like I did when Pretty Excellent paints came out and I just had to buy that cheap set - to see if they lived up to the great reviews. They did and I was genuinely surprised by this cheap set of watercolors and surprised that they mixed so beautifully. I'll probably buy a single pad, just to see what all the fuss is about and so I can judge for myself!😀 Are you saying you are surprised at how much you like the size of the "mini pad" or are surprised at how much you like the ink? Or both?

[@deborahcollard9639]

Brilliant video, I have watched it twice but my brain is still muddled. Can you advise the best ink pad to stamp on acrylic paint on a gel pad, then lay more acrylic paint on top please, obviously paint layers would be dry before and after stamping…..thank you

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can use staz on or simply stamp with painr

[@deborahcollard9639]

@@thefrugalcrafter many thanks…I am currently trying with acrylic ink……I did try Memento ink but it just went blurry.