Guide to Different Types of Stamping Inks
Every organization must buy a stamp at some point. It is an essential office tool for official use, but there is more to it than just picking the right size or shape. For any stamp to perform effectively, you'll need the right type of ink, whether it's dye-based, pigment-based, or even archival. In case of using the wrong type of ink, smearing, fading, or even bleed-through may be caused, so the choice of ink is paramount to save unnecessary costs or put one through difficulties.
Currently, there are three most popular types of ink preferred by stamp pads: water-based, alcohol-based, and oil-based. Furthermore, recently pigment ink and craft ink have become super popular because of their versatility and specific effects.- Water-based: Works well with paper.
- Alcohol-based: Quick-drying and ideal for nonporous surfaces.
- Oil-based: Offers a permanent impression and is great for certain special surfaces.
Each of these inks has specific benefits and limitations, so it’s best to try different options to find what works for your needs. For example, crafters looking for a vibrant, acid-free finish might look into water-based inks, while those stamping on glass or metal could opt for the opacity of an alcohol-based ink. Stamping with oil-based a.k.a. solvent-based inks are recommended when you want a deep, permanent mark that won’t smear or wear off quickly.Types of Stamp Inks: Pros and Cons
Each variety of stamp ink has its strengths and weaknesses, and appropriate selection may make all the difference in creating clear, long-lasting impressions on a wide range of surfaces. In this paper, we outline the pros and cons of each so that you can get the best ink that will meet your needs in crafting or at the office. This understanding will afford you the possibility of saving time, ensuring quality, and finding an ink suitable for your specific requirements.
Water-Based Inks
Water-based inks, often formulated with a blend of water and glycerin, work very well on paper, making them a top choice for regular stamping. They’re compatible with almost any stamp pad, whether desktop or self-inking, and won’t harm the stamp’s design or pad. Water-based inks absorb nicely into paper, helping to create sharp and precise impressions without bleeding.
A big advantage of watercoloring inks is the range of available colors. Besides the usual black and blue, you can choose from vibrant shades like mint, orange, yellow, pink, brown, and even white for stamping on colored paper. These inks often come in thicker, more opaque formulas for a rich look. However, because water-based inks aren’t waterproof, they may fade over time without a fade-resistant option. For longer-lasting results, thicker, more opaque colors or even hybrid formulas might be preferred.
Water-based inks are easy to clean off your stamp and pad and work great with additional crafting supplies, like markers and pencils, for adding customized details to your stamped designs. However, because they’re water-based, they are not ideal for surfaces that may get wet or need to resist smudging over time.
Alcohol-Based Inks
Alcohol-based inks are fast-drying and provide a permanent, smudge-free impression on nonporous surfaces, making them popular for stampers looking for precise results on materials like plastic, wood, glossy paper, or even fabric. Because they don’t absorb deeply into surfaces, these inks set quickly and hold up well over time. However, they can be tough on stamp pads, causing wear, and are generally not recommended for automatic stamp pads. When it’s time to re-ink, a thicker alcohol-based ink refill can help extend the life of your pad.
A major plus is the wide range of colors available in alcohol-based inks, including vibrant UV-reactive and metallic options. These inks are especially handy for creating secure, noticeable stamps that show up under UV light, making them ideal for security at events like nightclubs. They can be used to create tags, embellishments, or gift labels and are popular across DIY tutorials and journaling communities, often featuring in art projects on Instagram and Pinterest. A trusted brand like Noris 196-C offers a consistent, clean impression and is recommended for its quality.
For those getting into crafts or needing stamps that work on a variety of surfaces, alcohol-based inks are a reliable choice. Just remember that depending on the surface, you may need to try different ink types for the best effect, and you’ll likely be replacing the pads a bit more frequently.
Oil-Based Inks
Oil-based inks provide deep, permanent impressions that are ideal for professional stamping needs, especially when you want durable, high-detail results. Known for being slower drying, oil-based inks are a top choice when using embossing powders or applying heat, creating a raised effect that gives your stamp a unique finish. These inks work best with metal stamps and are used in various applications that require durable marks, such as production dates or other permanent impressions. Oil-based inks also pair well with pigment inks, providing a rich, permanent color that, when layered, enhances effects with embossing powders and heat-setting techniques. These inks tend to be very fade-resistant, perfect for long-lasting projects.
Craft Inks and Pigment Inks
Craft inks and pigment inks have a slower-drying formula, too, which does let the inks stay wet long enough for creative techniques to take full effect. Quite opaque and very colorful, pigment inks work well with projects that require bold and lasting impressions. They are perfect for embossing since the slow-drying formula lets embossing powders stick until setting with heat. Crafts and pigment inks resist fading and sit on top of surfaces and don’t absorb into them. This gives them a unique, opaque look on dark or colored surfaces. However, because they’re slower drying, you’ll need to allow for extra drying time or use a heat-setting tool for a quicker, more secure finish.
For crafters, these inks are perfect for cards, journals, and other stationery projects. They’re designed to work well on both matte and glossy surfaces, so you can use them on cards or even on small, felt-based projects. Many crafters use these inks with tools like acrylic blocks, pens, or even spongy applicators to create effects with watercolors, pastels, and oxide-based powders. These inks can be enhanced further by layering with other craft supplies, such as dyes, chalks, or permanent markers, creating a wide range of possibilities for each project.
If you are using oil-based or pigment inks, you may want to have some re-inking supplies on hand. These inks can be refreshed after time. They are usually available in several colors and sizes, and if you are looking for something specific, many retail stores and online shops stock a collection of pigment ink brands and colors.
There are also options like distress oxide, which is basically something between pigment ink and water-based ink.
Quick Tips for Using Oil-Based and Pigment Inks
- Always test on a scrap piece of material to check drying times and layering results.
- Use heat-setting tools for faster drying if needed; this can improve your workflow and help you achieve better results.
- Oil-based inks pair well with pigment inks for layering and embossing, creating beautiful effects that stand out.
- Make sure you’re working in a clean space, as these inks can bleed and be difficult to remove, leading to less frustration during your crafting process.
- Store your ink pads in a cool, dry place to ensure their longevity. Keeping them in the right conditions helps maintain their quality and performance.
Choosing the Right Ink for Your Project
Water-Based Inks: Great for everyday paper stamping. Suitable for documents, letters, and general-purpose stamping as they absorb into it very quickly, these inks are easy to use and come in a variety of colors.- Alcohol-Based Inks: Ideal for nonporous surfaces like wood, plastic, or glass. Perfect for logos, product labels, and anything requiring a permanent, dries quickly. Their vibrant colors make your projects stand out.
- Oil-Based Inks: Suitable for special projects where you need slow drying and a deeper color. These inks work well with colored embossing powders and heat setting, creating professional, fade-resistant effects that will last.
- Craft and Pigment Inks: These inks have a unique, slow-drying effect, making them ideal for embossing, detailed work, or projects where layering color is essential. They allow for creativity and artistic expression, whether you’re scrapbooking, creating cards, or working on DIY projects.
Ordering Custom Stamps Online
Ready to create your custom rubber stamp? Our online design tool MyStampReady is simple to use and offers a range of options. Whether you need something for craft projects, official documents, or special events, our site has everything you need to design, buy, and download your custom stamp.
Date of publication 2024-11-24