Comparison of Inks--for cardmakers

What beginner cardmakers need to know about inks

If you are new to cardmaking and using stamps, then here is a comparison of three categories of inks that you are likely to use: Dye, Pigment and Chalk.

Dye Ink
This water-based product gets absorb into paper and cardstock and dries very quickly. The colors tend to be translucent. You can create interesting visual and color effects by stamp over images. The can be used with most types of rubber and photopolymer stamps. Note:  Due to its fast drying time, it isn’t recommended for heat embossing.

Pigment Ink
Pigment is thick and creamy and the colors tend to be opaque. Unlike the dye ink, pigment ink sits on the paper surface and takes longer to dry. This longer drying time makes them blendable and ideal of heat embossing. Note: If you use them on glossy paper, you will have to heat set it. Otherwise, it will not dry on the surface.

Chalk Ink
If Dye Inks and Pigments Inks could have a baby, then it would be Chalk Inks. They have the opacity of the Pigment Inks and the quick drying of the Dye Inks. Plus, the colors tend to be more muted like chalk pastels and when dry, it has a matte finish. Note: If a project calls for vivid colors, then this wouldn’t be recommended.