Ink 101

Stamps and inks are versatile tools that can be used to add color, texture, letters and motifs to any project.  Without the proper knowledge, picking the right ink for a project can be confusing.  The type of ink used, depends upon the surface and the effect you want achieve.  There are many brands available, and they all can basically be separated into the following categories.

Pigment Inks: Are thick and opaque.  Because they are slow drying, they are a good choice for heat embossing.  Pigment inks are not recommended for glossy or coated surfaces.

Dye Inks:  Are fast drying on all types of surfaces and create a crisp image.  Dye inks are a good choice for glossy, coated papers, and wood.  They can be used for embossing as long as the ink is wet enough to accept embossing powders.  Dye inks are also used for distressing or aging papers, photos, and wood. 

Solvent Inks:  Are archival and fast drying.  They can be used on all surfaces, including non-porous surfaces such as, plastic, glass, transparencies, and especially metal.  Solvent inks will not smear when used with watercolors and watercolor markers. 

Watermark Ink:  Are used for embossing and as resists for chalk and pigment powders.  When rubber stamping, watermark inks leave a clear mark over which embossing powders or chalks can be applied.  Embossing powders should be heat set.