Many people have been emailing me recently in regards to the compatibility of different inks with acrylic stamps. Everyone has different stamping styles and different "looks" or "results" that they prefer with their stamped images. The following information is my personal opinion and not necessarily based on any scientific research! :) I have been using acrylic stamps for about 3 years, and this experience is what I am basing my conclusions/opinions on...
DYE INKS: I love using dye inks with acrylic stamps, especially richer, darker colors and bright, vibrant hues as well. My favorite brand of dye ink is Stampin' Up!
CLEANING: Dye inks may leave a VERY slight tinting on my stamps, but the majority of time they clean thoroughly.
PIGMENT INKS: Sometimes when I want a more vibrant hue or I'm layering images in different colors I prefer to use pigment inks. Once again, Stampin' Up! is my favorite brand of this particular ink.
CLEANING: The clean up is a dream, with no noticeable tinting. If the ink is allowed to dry at all on the stamp, a little scraping with a fingernail under warm running water may be in order.
CHALK INKS: These give a BEAUTIFUL matte finish and leave a nice dense coat of color on my projects. Clearsnap's Fluid Chalk Inks are my personal favorite.
CLEANING: These inks stain the acrylic stamps pretty aggressively. There is some kind of ingredient in the ink that penetrates the acrylic and tints it quite thoroughly. I have not yet found any cleaner that removes this tinting. The stamps still remain transparent (just tinted, think rose colored glasses!) and that's good enough for me!
SOLVENT INKS: I have used StazOn frequently with my acrylic stamps, although have recently switched to my personal preference of the Palettes. I have heard from several people that you should not use solvent ink with acrylics, but I can attest to not having a problem. I have acrylic stamps that I have used with StazOn for over three years, and the stamps are still performing just as well as they did when I first purchased them.
CLEANING: StazOn cleaner or Ultra Clean works well for cleaning my stamps after use with solvent inks. Some staining may occur, depending on how aggressive I am with my cleaning.
PALETTE INKS: Black Noir and Burnt Umber are my two favorites. The Noir is a nice dense black and I love the look it gives me. Umber is the nice, deep chocolate brown that I've always wanted!
CLEANING: The noir & umber will stain your stamps, even after a thorough cleaning. Although,the staining doesn't bother me, because if anything, I can see the outline of the image better for easier placement/use on my projects.
ACRYLIC PAINT: To use acrylic paint, I just dab it on with a foam brush. Or I sometimes use the handy dandy daubers from Ranger! And don't forget, less is more when it come to inking with paint! I love the uneven nature that a paint stamped image creates. There is something so earthy and organic about the whole process!
CLEANING: Be sure and clean your stamps with warm water immediately after stamping. If the paint happens to dry on, I do a little gentle scraping with my fingernail to remove any residue.
In the end, I have three points I always make to the students in my classes...
1. A stained stamp is a loved stamp. I purchase them to make beautiful projects, not to sit pretty in a box!
2. If I clean whatever medium I chose to stamp with (Staz-on, bleach, acrylic paint, etc...), immediately from my stamp, long term effects do not apply.
3. Treat your acrylic stamps to a special spa treatment every month or so, depending on how often you use them. Draw them a nice warm bath (without any soap or bubbles!) and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes. When time is up, go through and massage each one, while still underwater) using a circular motion between your thumb and index finger. This helps to loosen any residue that may have built up over time. When done, you can rub them on your stamp scrubber to remove all the excess dirt and grime for good. Then pat dry with a lintless cloth or lay out to air dry on a solid surface.
I hope that some of you will find this information useful. Overall, just remember to have fun with your stamps and not worry too much about what the technique/medium may leave behind. This craft is all about experimenting and broadening you creativity! Happy Stamping!
Wow! thanks for the information. I'm brand new to acrylic stamps (you pushed me into them with your fab designs) so any tips are welcome.
Posted by: Jenny | May 23, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Great info Nichole! Thank you!
Posted by: Kathyc | May 23, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Thanks so much for this post! I think it will help so many stampers! I've been using acrylics for as long as I've been stamping and most, if not all of them are at least a little stained. I love it because it means I've used them! I've never noticed decreased performance and, like you, find it easier to place the image with a little "tint". Thanks again for producing such a wonderful product and for inspiring us to be creative!
Posted by: Stefanie | May 23, 2007 at 11:48 PM
FYI: Did you know that Stampin up purchased Colorbox? Yep it's a little known fact. The owner of my LSS told me. I know they are going to announce it sometime, don't know when. Cateyes etc.
Posted by: ~liz | May 24, 2007 at 12:27 AM
Thank-you so much for this information. The spa treatment idea was especially helpful.
Posted by: Beth | May 24, 2007 at 12:36 AM
Thank you. I was worried because I came a cross a certain post somewhere;) that you shouldn't use stazon especially the cleaner on the stamps is bothered me because the first ink I used was Stazon on my little Lady:(, Now I am Happy because you've put my mind at ease. Thanks again.
Do you do the same to keep the blocks clean also. I think its the oils from solvents making the blocks less sticky that people on the other post might be referring to!
Posted by: K Ostvig | May 24, 2007 at 12:47 AM
Thanks for all the tips Nicole!
Posted by: Denise Rose | May 24, 2007 at 06:48 AM
very helpful! i don't use acrylics very often, but this definitely makes me feel more confident about the next time!
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 24, 2007 at 08:25 AM
Nicole - This was very helpful. Thanks a BUNCH!
Posted by: Laura | May 24, 2007 at 08:29 AM
Very helpful, thanks!
Posted by: Young Chang | May 24, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Wow! What great information! Thanks for sharing! You rock!
Posted by: kimberly | May 24, 2007 at 01:27 PM
I don't have any acrylics yet, though I have been drooling over your sets... I LOVE THEM. Next time my hubby gives me my allowance, I'll have to invest. I love the info you posted.
I recently posted some of the cards that I've made... you can view them here: http://mitchells2000.blogspot.com/2007/05/recent-cards-cross-stitch.html
They're not quite as detailed as most I've seen on other's blogs, but I do what I can with the stuff I have. I like them! :-)
Enjoy!
Posted by: Heather Mitchell | May 24, 2007 at 07:57 PM
Thank you for this wonderful comparison, it is just what I was looking for! I needed to see all of the inks listed in one place. I have read about them here and there and when I try to find them I can't. TFS all in one place!
Posted by: Juanita | May 26, 2007 at 12:59 PM
So if you soak them in the Spa bath, the stickiness will return? I was so worried about that! Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Beth | May 27, 2007 at 06:21 AM
Thanks for taking time to tell us about this topic. I've wondered about the care of stamps - and the staining doesn't bother me, but wondering about how to take care of them helps.
Posted by: Angela Fisk | May 27, 2007 at 10:03 AM
the Stamping Up inks do not work for me with your stamps.
Posted by: c. | September 29, 2007 at 01:04 AM
Thank you; this was so informative. I have some stamps and ink that have been just sitting as I was not sure what to do with them...we 'newbies' really benefit by the 'every day' knowledge you share. Thanks!
Posted by: Daisydaze | October 11, 2007 at 01:30 PM
great site beautiful card ideas thanks for this website. will visit again.
Posted by: Susan Nel | December 22, 2007 at 01:39 PM
I found you 'sort of by accident.' I was on another U.K forum when 'papertrey' was mentioned..in a good way...so I googled. And got this amazing blog and information. I found a tutorial about the Cuttlebug, - more information and practical help than I had managed to find anywhere at all. So a few weeks ago I bought one..Good. Now I want all the bits and pieces to go with it..not so good !!!
Seriously, I love the blog..love the papers and stamps and think it is all wonderful. If only the postage didn't cost so much, and our regulations were more generous I could find myself doing doing a lot of damage to our bank account.
Thank you, I will be following all your activities with interest.
Best wishes. Joyce
Posted by: Joyce Hobby | February 07, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Hi,
Just recently bought shape by design (love them), some paper,and some mini ink pads. I was wondering if I'm not getting a clear impression because of the size of the ink pad ,my inking or possibly some other reason?The impressions come out precise with stamin up full size pads.Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Beth O'Shea
P.S. Continued success with your company. I cant wait to order again.
Posted by: Beth O'Shea | April 22, 2008 at 06:16 AM
I have a question!!! i am new at scrapbooking and i bought some clear stamp supplies.. but im a little confused.. do i have to buy a clear block for each stamp?? i thought somehow it would work that i could just peel one design off and then stick the other one on.. but it doesnt look like that works....??
Posted by: Megonn | May 23, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Just wondering in regards to the Stampin Up ink pad and acrylic stamps everytime I've tried the ink beads up on the stamp and doesnt fully cover it. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Posted by: Sophie | November 13, 2008 at 10:47 PM
very helpful - thanks!
Posted by: Kim | October 24, 2009 at 05:22 PM