Stamping ink

Regular stamping ink comes in a few different forms and next to stamping can also be used for ink blending or other techniques. Below are the most common properties of the different inks listed, but keep in mind that there are variations.

Pigment ink

Pigment ink has the following properties:

• most often comes on a foam pad
• is opaque (not see-through) which means that
  • it can be layered without the colors mixing, so if you stamp a big image in blue and then a smaller red image on top, the smaller image will still show up red
  • it can be used on dark or kraft card stock and will not change colors much (if at all)
• is slow-drying (and thus can be used for heat embossing)
• has a thicker consistency
• are easy to blend, because of their viscosity and slower drying time
• give good stamping coverage because they stick well to stamps

Dye ink

Dye ink has the following properties:

• most often comes on a felt pad (and in some cases on a foam pad)
• is see-through, which means that
  • ink layers will mix, so if you stamp a big image in blue and then a smaller red image on top, the smaller image will appear to be purple
  • it won't show up on black card stock
  • it will change colors depending on the paper below (whether that's colored paper or paper that has another stamped image on it)
• can be used for ink blending
• often water-soluble
• will become a bit lighter and more even when drying (so right after stamping the color may appear a bit darker and a bit blotchy or uneven)
• might bead up on your stamps, but you can prime your stamps to help prevent this

Hybrid ink

Hybrid inks are something between pigment and dye inks. They usually have a faster drying time than pigment ink, but a slower drying time than dye inks. Black hybrid inks are very suited for stamping sentiments, because they have a solid color, are good for fine details and don't take too long to dry.

Chalk ink

Chalk ink can be compared to pigment ink, but has a matte, chalky finish.