new to stamping..help with ink pads

[patko]

Hi there,
I am new at stamping and was wondering if someone could explain the different type of inks to me and their uses. e.g. die or pigment or solvent.
I have started off by buying a stazon and the cleaner for it.
Do the chalk ones come out soft and "chalky"?
I have started off with some stampin'up rubber & MSE clear stamps.
I know this has probably been asked a million times, but I did a search & it only confused me further.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Pat

[Ellibelle]

Hello and welcome to the stamping world!

The inks I use all the time is Stampin Up's dye ink. It dries quickly and matches my SU cardstock.

I have a few SU craft inks. They take too long to dry and actually if I don't heat set it, then it usually smears. The colors are more vibrant but I personally prefer the regular dye inks.

I use stazon to stamp outline stamps that I want to watercolor. You can also use stazon to stamp on tiles and other surfaces.

I am not familiar with chalk inks. (sorry)

There is also Palette Hybrid inks, I read only good things about them, but haven't tried them yet.

[GACynM]

So would you buy the pigment then for scrapbooks if the craft ones take forever to dry?

[susanvm]

Craft pads are pigment ink. They are designed to stay wet longer so that you can heat emboss. I don't scrap much, but I believe that pigment ink is supposed to last longer (i.e. have more color fidelity without fading) relative to dye inks. Sorry, I can't help with chalk inks as I haven't used them for stamping.

[windycitystamper]

Craft/pigment inks are great for embossing. You can cover them with clear embossing powder and, therefore, be embossing in any color you want. I started with the "dye" ink and now have all the different types of ink that I've accumulated over the years...use each one in a different way or for a different purpose.

[patko]

thank you for your help.
I have bought a couple of brilliance dewdrops. I am also a little confused with versamark and versamagic.
Can anyone help me with those?
Thanks again,
Pat

[jenny4wheel]

Versamark is a colorless "ink" that can be used for embossing--it's tacky (but not like glue), or to make watermark images. Just ink up with the Versamark and stamp on the colored cardstock for a light image. Almost looks like you stamped in the same color ink on the cardstock (ex. Brilliant Blue ink on Brilliant Blue cardstock). This effect is more understated on the softer/lighter colored cardstock.

Versamagic ink is made by the same people as Versamark and is a chalk ink. Use just like any other ink. Chalk inks do have a softer "chalk-like" finish, but don't smear or rub off like regular chalk would.

[Marissa]

I use mostly dye ink (SU! Classic Stampin' Pads) for their quick drying and ease of use.
Pigment ink (SU! Craft Stampin' Pads) is great for embossing; your embossed image will be the same colour as the ink if you use pigment ink and clear embossing powder. Pigment ink is also a must for stamping on things other than paper, like fabric, tile, and chipboard. I use my Craft pads directly on chipboard to apply colour all over.
Versamark is great for the things mentioned by Jenny4wheel. You can also use it to adhere pastels and Pearl-Ex. Just stamp your image in Versamark, then use a sponge to dab on the pastel or Pearl-Ex. It will stick to the Versamark ink.
HTH!