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All of my Stampin Up ink pads, with red in them, have become crusty on top, and the ink pads are not usable. All my reds, some of my darker pinks and a number of my browns, are affected.
I need recommendations for the best red dye ink pads. If you have a brand that you love, and the browns and red dyes haven’t separated, for at least the last 2 years, I’d really appreciate your suggestions. I know red can be unstable, and I’ve heard that some other brands have also had trouble. I’d like a brand that will blend well, and has nice vibrant colors. If it has card stock that matches - that would be a bonus. I need to replace about 10 ink pads, so would like a brand that will last. Thank you for all your suggestions.
I've heard people have been able to revive these pads by completely rinsing out the ink, using a towel to blot out water and residual ink, letting the pads dry, and then reinking. Ten ink pads would take awhile and a lot of running water to accomplish this, but if you want to save money it's worth a try. I get it, though - sometimes it's easier just to replace things.
There are so many great companines that have ink pads. I do love my GinaK inks, and I have the most of these in my collection. These have something in them to make them blend nice and the line has lovely colors. I have had mine for several years and never had a problem with any of the ink pads. I also have a few pads from Pink fresh studio to fill in a few colors that I needed and also love these. What a bummer to have to replace your pads, but an opportunity to get some new colors and stash! Make lemonade.
Like Patricia, I have Gina K full size in red and have no problem. I also have Lawn Fawn full size pads in red and it works well. Both inks blend beautifully. They are 5 - 10 years old. I saw a video like Nicole is talking about. You might try it and see if it saves you a bit of money. I have made mini ink pads with blank pads from SU and refills. It might be another money saving way for you, especially since you have so many pads that need help.
I've slowly been changing out my SU pads for the same reason. I really like Gina K and also have discovered Catherine Pooler inks. I've had my Gina K ones for easily 4+ years and can't say enough good about them. CP I've had for a year and so far so good. I'd say if you can, purchase a couple different brands and play around with them to see which you like best. Many sites run weekly specials and you might just find a new favorite!
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ALL red pads, no matter the brand, will eventually develop the crust, or a metallic or shiny appearance because of the chemistry involved in making red pigments. Gold is in those compounds in varying amounts and it reacts with the other chemicals over time, confounding all artists, not just stampers.
You'd be surprised which colors -- even browns -- have gold in them.
For several years, I had "Buy new red ink pads" on my October calendar so I was prepared for Christmas and Valentine's Day projects without crises intervening.
@Alice in Md I realize all red inks can have problems, but my SU reds and browns don’t even last 2 years. I want something with a longer shelf life. I also don’t like how quickly the SU colors are replaced. I’d rather spend my money on the newest card making supplies, instead of replacing ink pads, and paper.
The following 2 users liked this post by LifesABeach48:
Interesting you say that, as I've struggled with my reds from SU too! Following for more feedback from the group!
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I've had the Ranger Adirondack dye inks in about 15 colours, including brown and dark orange and rust. I've had them about 20 years and they're not dry, nor are they crusty. None of my reds are crusty! What's wrong with me, lol?
The following 3 users liked this post by Renata Joyner:
I've really struggled to find a deep red stamping ink. Versafine's and VF Clair's are too weak or light, so are Ranger Archivals. I finally decided I can live with Memento Rhubarb Stalk so I have the little dewdrop pad, the big pad and a reinker.
Any suggestions for a rich deep (not dark) red that isn't weak or orangey or pinksy? One with hybrid and opaque properties like VF Clair would be much appreciated.
I've had the Ranger Adirondack dye inks in about 15 colours, including brown and dark orange and rust. I've had them about 20 years and they're not dry, nor are they crusty. None of my reds are crusty! What's wrong with me, lol?
I loved those ink pads. Ranger makes really good, very reliable, high-quality products. I've never had a bad experience with a Ranger product.
I got a couple of close to my heart stamp pads to try out a few new colors and I have been extremely happy with them. I've probably had them for five-ish years and they still stamp nice and bright and cover stamps really well. Plus I like that they're not a foam pad. Foam pads don't seem to have enough ink in them to stay nice and juicy, at least in my opinion.
Interesting. All of my ink pads are SU and I have not an issue with any of them, red or otherwise.
__________________ Mary ~~ QFTD #152, FS#514CC Guest Design Team 2012, 2013, 2017 & 2022 2014 CAS Spring Design Team MemberSC Guest Design Team 2015 & 2022 SU Consultant "Life's greatest adventure is finding your place in the Circle of Life" - Lion King
@123scrap Finding the perfect red is so hard, esp because we all like different reds, lol. Have you ever tried mixing inks, as in stamping one on top of the other? I find I can pretty much get any colour I like by under- and over-stamping different inks (even types of inks). I've got a pretty good grasp of colours, so it's not difficult for me, but YMMV. Of course, stamping platforms have made this technique possible. The easiest mix is this: if your red is too pink, over-stamp with yellow, or even orange or rust. If it's too orange, over-stamp with pink. A look at the colour wheel helps, too. This also means you don't need every colour.
Best Red Stamp Pads
