If you are looking for an ink pad for a specific project or for a creative idea, the choice is almost endless. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, because it is definitely not just about choosing a color, but the purpose and use of the ink pad also plays a decisive role.
Today we want to focus on the ink pads from Tsukineko and highlight their special features. It should be noted that the range of options from this high-quality provider is already enormous.
DYE INK, PIGMENT INK AND SOLVENT INK
There are three types of stamp pads: dye ink, pigment ink and solvent ink. First of all, it is important to understand exactly what the difference is.
DYE INK
Dye ink forms the basis for the classic stamp pad for scrapbooking and stamping. The dye is mixed with water to create the actual stamp color. This is then absorbed by the paper, bound and dries very quickly. The color of the stamp pad is therefore not always the same as the color of the stamped object on the respective surface. This type of stamp pad is very economical and needs to be refilled less often.
PIGMENT INK – PIGMENT INK
The pigment dyes are very high-contrast and color-intensive, meaning that the stamped item has exactly the same color as the ink pad. Due to the high proportion of color pigments, they dry a little slower because the color sits as a layer on top of the paper and does not soak in or run into one another.
Therefore, it is sometimes useful to carefully speed up the drying process using a heat tool/hot air dryer.
Pigment ink is often used for embossing and light colors look great on dark paper.
SOLVENT INK
The solvent ink is a waterproof, permanent alcohol-based ink and is particularly suitable for watercolor techniques. It is also ideal for leaving quick-drying stamp impressions on smooth surfaces such as foil, glass, glossy paper, fabric and much more. However, you should make sure to treat the stamps and accessories with a special cleaner after each stamping and also close the stamp pads immediately after use, otherwise they will dry out quickly.
MEMENTO
The classic ink pad. These quick-drying, water-based inks are ideal for cards, greetings, alcohol marker-based coloring and are absorbed very finely on coated paper.
They are used on cardstock and coated paper, photo and glossy paper, inkjet, washi and much more. It should also be mentioned that the beautiful color selection is very resistant to light.
Memento ink pads come in a classic look, but are also available as Dew Drop , which of course offers a particularly nice stamping experience due to their ergonomic shape. They can be used at an angle and with several colors together on one stamp. They are stackable and of course easy to store and, just like the normal Memento ink pads, offer a wonderful color selection of currently 36 colors.
The Memento ink pads take a little longer to dry on tracing paper and, according to the manufacturer, the ink can also run. If you want to prevent this, you can work carefully with heat.
A magical addition to the normal Memento stamp inks are the Memento Luxe stamp pads , which can also be used on fabric (and can even be washed if sealed with heat beforehand). Wood, leather, shrink film and unglazed terracotta offer unique possibilities for great project ideas. The current color palette of 24 colors is therefore ideal for mixed media and is of course compatible with the normal Memento stamp inks. Embossing is also possible with these on paper, parchment and metal. Memento Luxe are water-based pigment inks that are particularly resistant, color-intensive and durable.
VERSAMAGIC
Versa Magic is a real magic and is available in both the regular ink pad size and the Dew Drop size. The advantages in handling the smaller drop shape are similar to the Memento series.
Versa Magic are water-based pigment paints that are colorfast and durable. They dry by themselves on glossy or matte coated paper . Particularly on very thin paper , they leave very clean prints that do not bleed through. They can also be used for painting with watercolors.
With 41 beautiful colors, you simply have a gigantic selection of delicate to strong tones that shine on normal paper, transparent paper, photos, leather, untreated wood, shrink film and terracotta .
Embossing is also possible with this, although with some papers there is a relatively short drying time for applying the embossing powder.
In the Versa Fine palette we also find the Versa Fine Clair ink pads , which currently have 24 shades. This oil-based pigment ink dries very quickly and works best on uncoated paper and even fabric (it should be noted that fading is also possible).
Since it dries particularly waterproof, you can color it wonderfully with watercolors (it should be mentioned that the longer you let the stamp dry, the more smudge-proof it is, although the bleeding of the colors can of course also be used as a deliberate effect, even with other stamp pads).
What is particularly impressive is the ability to use Versa Fine Clair color on very fine and detailed stamp designs. Even the thinnest lines are razor sharp and color-intensive. Once dry, they repel water and do not smudge. A wonderful way to incorporate this into your expressive, smaller projects, such as with watercolors, without the hassle of smudging.
DELICATA
Delicata ink pads are available in both small and regular ink pad sizes and are currently available in 12 water pigment-based colors. What makes them special are the glittering, shimmering metallic colors in the color palette, which offer particularly clear, vibrant and water-repellent conditions to prevent the motif from fading.
Delicata is best used on dark or black paper, glossy paper or uncoated wood. Embossing is also possible.
What is enchanting when used with Delicata is the fine border on thicker stamp motifs, which almost give a three-dimensional feeling.
STAZON
Stazon ink pads are the solution when other ink pads fail. The solvent-based ink adheres to almost all surfaces, is quick-drying and permanent. When cleaning, make sure that a special cleaning agent is used and some stains may not be able to be removed.
There are 4 groups. The Stazon ink pads are available in normal size or midi . They come in 17-30 colors and can be used on metal, plastic and leather , among other things. The midi also take up less space and are very handy when applying colors. It is amazing how quickly they dry and how colorfast and opaque the color palette is.
There is also Stazon Pigment with currently 12 colors.
These are particularly suitable for use on glass, vinyl and metal and have a very opaque, strong and covering finish.
The Stazon family also includes Stazon Opaque and Stazon Metallic .
The former are very opaque, but offer the best options for the colour white. This looks particularly classy on transparent foils , for example.
With both types of ink pad, you have to apply the solution to the newly purchased ink pad and close it again immediately. It comes empty with a refill bottle and the ink pad is freshly inked itself.
The metallic finish brings an incomparable shine to the stamp impressions and leaves a beautiful shimmer even after drying. The use is again very versatile, from normal paper, glossy and cardstock, photo paper, glass, ceramic, terracotta, fabric and painted surfaces, rubber, shrink film, metal and plastic, vinyl, leather and much more...
Conclusion
All in all, it must be said that each ink pad has its advantages and is almost unique for its intended, special purpose. So, depending on the occasion, you have to decide for yourself which ink pad you need for which project.
Here we have listed some of the advantages of the individual ink pads:
Have fun stamping!
From us to you ⭐
Jennifer