Distress Ink

[jcstamplady]

I am looking for information on how to use Distress Ink. Is there someone who can tell me how to use it with stamps?

[PJBstamper2]

I would think a google search would bring up lots of options.

[craftydolls]

There are many techniques you can use with Distress Ink. Because of the distress nature of the ink, you will have a difficut time getting a crisp stamped image unless you use the Distress Oxides. Since Tim Holtz designed it, you will find tutorials on his blog and Youtube channel. He also did at least 2 books. Jennifer Maguire was an early designer that used them, and still does. They have become a staple of paper crafting, so you could just type in Distress ink on Youtube and pick and choose.They are the first inks I invested in and I still use them all the time, mostly for ink blending or inking embossed papers.

[melissa59]

Hi Janie. I'm definitely NOT a Distress Ink expert but I can say that you *can* just use the Distress pads like regular stamp pads. Just know that the ink will stay wet longer than most dye inks.

I personally don't like using Distress ink for stamping because I don't always get a good image. I think that is because the color beads up on the stamp. If I recall correctly (no guarantees!) I think I got a better image using red rubber stamps. I definitely did not get a decent image using clear photopolymer stamps.

I'll see if I can find a few video tutorials to help you.

[melissa59]

Here are a couple videos that show some very interesting ways to stamp with Distress inks. The second one is sort of a stamp then watercolor technique that I think would be fun to try:

[pbft]

If you want to use them to stamp images, lightly ink your stamp first with Versamark or clear embossing ink, then ink the stamp with your Distress pad and then stamp it. The Versamark helps "contain" the Distress ink so it stamps more cleanly. However, it still isn't quite as good an impression as pigment, standard dye or oxide inks.

I do love using Distress Inks directly on solid image red rubber stamps, then spritz with water and stamp on watercolor paper or higher quality cardstock. Such a pretty watercolor painting effect!

[joniworx]

Here's a quick Tim Holtz link to a YouTube tutorial - 6 minutes long. HTH

https://youtu.be/UV-8nWHplaY

[wavejumper]

The Misti or other stamping platform has been invaluable with the distress inks because you can multi stamp it to get a full image. I think what paper you use will matter. Yes they stay wet longer than usual dye inks which makes them nice for heat embossing.

B/c they are water based, you can WC with them. I just stamp off to the side and dip in with a wet brush.

They were some of the first "super blendables" b/c they stay wet longer....although the distress oxides blend much smoother, they also (to me) are not as bright in color-feel a little chalky-and many feel the oxide's real super power is what happens if you wet them with water.

You may get a better blend with them with the brushes vs the older sponge on a handle tool. That tool takes some practice.

Just a few fast thoughts.

[Sleepymom33]

If you don’t know much at all about them, there is a Facebook live video on Distress inks that Tim Holtz ( the creator of them) made that gives the basics on how to use them with samples. This was a series he did last year on each of his categories of products. I’ve used his products since the beginning, yet I still learned from watching it. The whole series is phenomenal. I would link it but I don’t know how. If you go to his blog, under Videos, you can find it. I don’t think they are easy to find on YouTube.