What are Some Different Types of Ink?
Inks can be very versatile if you know their properties and how to use them. They are often used with ink pads that come enclosed in plastic containers with a lid. The ink pads can be used for business or personal purposes. Businesses will use ink pads for stamping different messages on paper and envelopes while a person who makes a lot of paper crafts will use them to decorate their projects.
Ink pads come in just about every shade imaginable, however, the basic black ink pad is the most popular. They come in solid colors or a variety of colors on the same ink pad, similar to a rainbow. To achieve the best results, the different types of ink should be considered before attempting any project that involves them.
Water-based dye inks are the most popular type of ink. These are the type of ink pads you will find in an office supply store to use for a business. This type of ink is created for using on paper and comes in a variety of sizes with the surface of the ink pad varying from felt, sponge or cloth material.
Water-based ink dries more quickly than other inks. Most of these inks are acid-free, but the colors can fade over time if the paper is not treated with an ultraviolet fixative. This type of ink tends to run when it comes in contact with water. Sometimes an artist will use drops of water with this ink to smear it, imitating watercolor paints. It is easy to clean off the stamp by using a baby wipe or a damp paper towel.
Dye-based waterproof ink may be preferred when making cards or scrapbooking. Since it is waterproof, these inks will not run or smear with water once they are dry. This type of ink is often used to stamp the outline of an image because other colors and water may be used in conjunction with one another to color in the image without the worry of smudging the original outline.
Dye-based waterproof ink does not wash off stamps well. Although a solvent-based cleaner can be used to wash the ink off the stamp, it may still leave a stain. This type of ink is not recommended for stamping on fabric.
Pigment ink can be used in a variety of situations. Pigment ink is thicker than water-based or dye-based inks. It dries on top of the paper or project it is applied to, rather than being absorbed. It also takes much longer to dry. A small embossing gun can be used to heat the ink and speed the drying process.
This type of ink will not dry on coated or glossy surfaces no matter how long it is allowed to sit. Pigment ink is more difficult to wash off stamps, but it will wash off with warm water and a toothbrush or a special cleaning pad designed just for that purpose. This ink comes in solid colored ink pads as well as the multi-colored ink pads that resemble a rainbow.
Permanent inks are solvent-based inks. They will dry permanently on the surface without a heat setting. This ink will stain the stamps it is used with and is difficult to clean off the stamp, even with special cleaners.
Washable inks are water-based inks usually designed for children. They come in the form of ink pads and markers, and they are usually non-toxic. While washable inks are designed to wash off the skin and clothing, they may still stain certain fabrics.
Written by L. Hepfer
