I am still working on defining my posts to make it easy for you to find useful information. Thus the creation of the Stamping University. I will use ‘Stamping University’ in the title for posts that instruct on different products or basic techniques. So stay tuned for some great courses and please add your course suggestions in the comments and I will do my best to create a lesson. First course: Compare Black Ink.
Have you ever been stymied by the decision of which black ink to use? Stampin’ Up! offers 2 kinds of Black Ink Pads: Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and Jet Black StazOn ink. Breathe deeply, you’ve got this…
This fast-drying, dye ink is perfect for most stamping projects. It is a dye-based ink on a linen pad and cleans up with water or regular stamp cleaner. It works well with both alcohol-based markers (like Stampin’ Blends) and Blender Pens.
Pros
- Best ink pad for photopolymer stamps if you don’t like your stamps stained. (Staining is inevitable and does not affect the stamped image.)
- Best ink pad for alcohol-based markers (like Stampin’ Blends)
- Best ink pad for Watercolor Pencils used in combination with your Blender Pens
- Vibrant black and great for stamping sentiments
- Slow drying making it great for clear embossing
- Stamps can be cleaned with water (Simply Shammy is awesome!)
Cons
- Slow drying and can smear if you work too quickly
- Not recommended for watercolor work (However, it will work if you use on good quality paper and let the ink dry. Then use damp, not wet watercolor technique.)
StazOn Jet Black Ink
This is a solvent-based ink on a linen pad. It should be used with StazOn Cleaner to remove ink from stamps. Perfect for nonporous surfaces like window sheets & cellophane bags. This ink works great for those tile coasters, ceramic dishes, glass, etc.
Pros
- Perfect for watercolor – since it’s a solvent-based ink, it can handle a lot of water without running or smearing
- Fast drying
- Perfect for non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal, acrylic, glass, wood, etc.
- It is a deep, rich vibrant black
- Waterproof
- Best ink pad for Watercolor Pencils Set 1 or Watercolor Pencils Set 2 used with your Aqua Painter
Cons
- Stains your stamps, not recommended for photopolymer stamps (If you do use it on your photopolymer stamps, clean stamps right away.)
- Needs to be reinked often as the solvent-based inks dry quickly
- Do not use with alcohol-based markers (like Blends) as the alcohol will make the ink smear
- Requires special cleaner (StazOn Cleaner)
BOTTOM LINE
Here is the basic rule of thumb: Opposites Attract! Coloring with alcohol marker? Use dye water-based ink for the stamped image. Using water? Then choose a solvent-based ink for the stamped image. There are always exceptions to the rule. I like to stamp with water-based ink and use my Aqua Painter to draw the color into the image. Do not be afraid to experiment. You may discover an imperfectly perfect technique.
While there is a different use in your crafting arsenal for both ink pads, if you only want to purchase one, think about how you stamp:
- If you predominantly use photopolymer stamps, I recommend the Tuxedo Black Memento ink
- If you like to watercolor & stamp on items other than paper (and predominantly use rubber stamps), I recommend the Jet Black StazOn ink
AND no matter which ink pad you purchase, always buy an ink refill at the same time you purchase your ink pad. This will allow you to re-ink and use your ink pad for a long time with proper care! Here is an Ink Chart from Stampin’ Up! that summarizes all the ink types we carry.
Would you like to learn more about Caring for Your Stamp Pads? Check out this post.
Placing an order today? If you are placing an order for $150 or more, I want you to enjoy all of the Host Rewards you have earned. If your order is less than $150, Please add the Host Code for the month when prompted. I use the accumulated Stampin’ Rewards to purchase gifts for my customers and team.
Thank you! If you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, I would love to work with you. Contact me.
Do Something Creative Every Day,
FANTASTIC information!!
I’m going to love going to this Stamping University!!
All the basics at your fingertips! That’s my goal. Demystifying the process.