distress inks vs distress stains?

[br3n]

i have only 3 or 4 ink pads but have several sets of of the stains.i need one particular refill ink color but everytime i search it is sold out on back order,antique linen.i have never used the stains but can they be used to stamp with? what is the difference between them?TIA
br3n

[Karen99]

I have alot of the ink pads, but I have no stains. I have not tried them. I purchased all of my ink pad refills at a convention in OC Maryland. the pads do seem to get a bit dry, so I purchased the refills right away. Try your LSS...they may be able to order the refills for you. Hope this helps. I'll be interested to see if others stamp with the stains.

[dougnat]

I have used the stains to stamp with, they are way more watery and give a 'fuzzy' line effect, I think it's kinda cool I used the Walnut Stain Stain on the Bingo card on this...just to give you an idea.

[br3n]

thanks for the replies. wwill have to check if we even have a local store.michaels and hobby lobby are the ones i usually shop.might need to just order online .
br3n

[dini]

Shari Carroll had a post on stamping with the stains on her blog yesterday!

...my world: Watercolor with Distress Stains

[QueenOfInkland]

Tim Holtz has a video on youtube that explains the difference between distress inks and distress stains. They are not the same. Sorry, I don't remember the name of the video, but if you search youtube for 'distress stains' and find Tim's video, it's VERY helpful, as he always is hth a little

[ccbooboo]

I think Tim had described it as the stains are a fluid version of the inks, thus they will be more watery (less viscous) but not watered down in color. You can not add water to the ink refills and get the same effect. The stains had to be developed specially for this purpose. He also mentioned that the stains are not intended to replace the inks but rather work with them for different looks. Some uses of the stains are covering large areas with color in a hurry, blending the colors together on a non-stick mat, and stamping with a fuzzier look or perhaps one may say a grungier look.

I have loved using the stains so far because it makes me feel so creative. I did one project on watercolor paper and other on normal cardstock that was followed up with the inks for edge sponging and stamping. I have found that it is a good idea to wear cheap latex gloves when working with the stains.