Rubber Stamping 101: Choosing the Right Ink Type

Are you tired of smudged, faded, or lackluster rubber stamp impressions? 

The key to great stamped designs isn't just about technique - choosing the right ink type is just as important. With so many inks to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for your project.

We've got you covered. We'll break down the different stamping inks, making it easier for you to choose the right one and transform your projects from basic to brilliant.

Here are general guidelines to help you navigate the world of stamping inks:

• For Paper Projects: When you're working with non-glossy paper, dye-based inks are your go-to choice. These quick-drying inks produce vibrant results, perfect for those intricate designs on wedding invitations or crisp logos on letterheads. However, be cautious with exposure to moisture, as these inks are not water-resistant.

• For Clothes Stamping: Stamping on fabric? You'll want to reach for fabric inks. These specialized formulations are designed to become one with the fibers, standing up to washing and wear.

• For Dark Surfaces: When you're dealing with darker backgrounds, pigment-based inks are your best allies. Their opaque nature allows your designs to pop, making them ideal for bold statements.

• For Non-Porous Surfaces: Glass, metal, and other smooth operators require a special touch. Enter solvent inks – the superheroes of non-porous surfaces. They grip tight and laugh in the face of water, ensuring your designs stay put through thick and thin.

• For Artistic Effects: When you're looking to create unique artistic effects, alcohol inks offer exciting possibilities. These versatile inks excel at blending and creating fluid patterns, particularly on non-porous surfaces. While ceramic tiles are a popular choice, alcohol inks also work beautifully on glass, metals.

From Dye to Pigment: Understanding Rubber Stamping Inks

With the basics covered, let’s move beyond general guidelines and dive into the specifics. We'll break down the various types of stamping inks, their ideal uses, and how they can help you achieve the perfect finish for your projects.

Rubber Stamp Ink Type Comparison Table

1. Dye-Based Inks

Dye-based inks are water-based and fast-drying, making them a popular choice for rubber stamping. They produce vibrant, transparent colors that absorb into paper, ideal for creating clean, crisp impressions. However, they aren’t waterproof unless heat-set, so they may smudge if exposed to moisture.

Ideal Surface

Dye-based inks are best for porous surfaces like paper and cardstock. They are perfect for projects where quick drying is important, such as stamping business logos on paper or card making. These inks are also great for layering colors but are less effective on non-porous surfaces, like glass or plastic, where the ink may smear or not adhere properly.

Use Case

Dye-based inks are highly versatile, making them ideal for both crafting and business environments. In crafting, these inks are perfect for creating colorful designs on paper projects, thanks to their quick-drying properties, which are particularly beneficial for layering. 

In a business setting, dye-based inks are commonly used in self-inking stamps for various office needs, where their fast-drying nature is especially valuable for handling high-volume tasks.

Brands & Products

• Trodat Dye Inks are commonly used in self-inking stamps, offering reliable, long-lasting impressions. These inks are designed for everyday office use and are especially popular for stamping addresses, dates, and custom text on documents.

• Memento (by Tsukineko) Tuxedo Black is a leading dye-based ink, known for its ability to produce crisp, clean impressions. It's particularly favored for its quick-drying nature and is widely used in card making and detailed stamping.

• Stampin’ Up!: Classic Stampin’ Pads are well-regarded for their wide range of vibrant colors and quick-drying properties, making them a top choice for general stamping on paper and cardstock.

2. Fabric Inks

Fabric inks are specifically formulated for use on textiles. Unlike other types of inks, fabric inks are designed to penetrate fabric fibers and provide a durable, long-lasting print. Once heat-set, these inks become permanent and resistant to washing and fading, making them ideal for a variety of fabric projects.

Ideal Surfaces

Fabric inks are best suited for natural and synthetic fabrics, such as cotton, linen, canvas, and polyester. They work particularly well on light-colored fabrics where the ink colors can stand out vividly. Fabric inks can also be used on darker fabrics, especially if the ink is opaque or designed for high contrast.

Use Case

A common use for fabric inks is stamping children's names on their clothes. Whether for labeling clothing for daycare, school, or camping trips, fabric inks allow parents to create clear, durable name stamps that can withstand frequent washing and daily wear.

Brands & Products

• VersaCraft (by Tsukineko) Ink Pads are highly regarded for fabric stamping. These inks penetrate deeply into fabric fibers and become permanent once heat-set, making them ideal for customizing textiles like T-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric projects.

• Ranger Fabric Ink is a reliable choice for those looking to stamp or stencil on fabric. Known for its vibrant colors and durability, this ink holds up well to washing after being heat-set, making it perfect for wearable art and home decor projects.

• ColorBox (by Clearsnap) Crafter’s Ink is another popular choice for fabric stamping. These pigment-based inks are designed for use on fabric and can be heat-set to ensure long-lasting designs.

3. Pigment-Based Inks

Pigment-based inks are thicker and more opaque than dye-based inks, offering rich, vibrant colors that sit on top of the surface rather than absorbing into it. This characteristic makes them ideal for creating crisp, detailed impressions. Unlike dye-based inks, pigment inks are slow-drying, which makes them perfect for techniques like heat embossing.

Ideal Surfaces

Pigment-based inks are best suited for both light and dark papers, as their opacity ensures the colors remain bold and visible. They work well on porous surfaces such as cardstock and matte paper, but they can also be used on glossy papers with extended drying time or heat setting. Pigment inks are ideal for projects where longevity and color vibrancy are essential.

Use Case

A great use for pigment-based inks is creating elegant designs on wedding invitations. The slow-drying nature of the ink allows you to add embossing powder to your stamped images, which can then be heat-set to create a raised, textured effect.

Brands/Products

• VersaFine (by Tsukineko) Onyx Black is a top choice for capturing fine details, making it ideal for intricate stamps. It’s also known for being fast-drying and water-resistant once dry, making it a popular option for detailed, long-lasting designs.

• StazOn (by Tsukineko) Pigment Ink Pads offer the same permanent, vibrant qualities as the original StazOn inks but with the added opacity of pigment. These inks are ideal for non-porous surfaces and are available in a variety of bright, bold colors.

• Altenew Pigment Inks offer a smooth, rich application, with colors that remain vibrant and true over time. They are excellent for use in detailed stamping and layering techniques on various surfaces.

4. Solvent Inks

Solvent inks are permanent, fast-drying inks that adhere exceptionally well to non-porous surfaces. Unlike water-based inks, solvent inks are designed to be waterproof and fade-resistant, making them ideal for projects that require durability and longevity. Their strong adhesion allows them to be used on a variety of materials that are typically challenging for other ink types.

Ideal Surfaces

Solvent inks work best on non-porous surfaces such as plastic, metal, glass, and coated papers. These inks are perfect for applications where the stamped image needs to withstand exposure to the elements, such as outdoor signage or industrial labeling. Due to their permanent nature, solvent inks are also suitable for stamping on glossy or slick surfaces where other inks might smear or fail to adhere properly.

Use Case

A common use for solvent inks is labeling glass jars for kitchen organization. Their strong adhesion and waterproof properties ensure that the labels stay intact and legible, even with frequent handling and washing. Whether you're labeling spice jars, pantry containers, or homemade preserves, solvent inks provide a durable and professional-looking result that can withstand daily use.

Brands/Products

• StazOn (by Tsukineko) Jet Black is one of the most popular solvent inks, known for its strong adhesion to non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, plastic, and acetate. It’s waterproof, permanent, and dries quickly, making it ideal for projects that require durability.

• Memento (by Tsukineko) StazOn combines the qualities of StazOn’s solvent ink with the detailed stamping capabilities of Memento. This line offers vibrant colors that work well on non-porous surfaces, ensuring long-lasting results.

5. Alcohol Inks

Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast-drying inks specifically designed for use on non-porous surfaces. Unlike traditional water-based inks, alcohol inks are known for their fluidity and ability to blend seamlessly, creating stunning, marbled effects. These inks are highly pigmented and can be diluted with alcohol to create varying intensities, making them versatile for a range of artistic and crafting projects.

Ideal Surfaces

Alcohol inks are best suited for non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, and glossy paper. They are particularly popular in mixed media art, where their ability to spread and blend on slick surfaces allows for unique, abstract designs. Alcohol inks are also commonly used on Yupo paper, a synthetic, non-porous 

substrate that enhances the ink’s flow and vibrancy.

Use Case

A popular use for alcohol inks is creating decorative, marbled coasters on ceramic tiles. By applying and blending the inks directly onto the tiles, you can achieve beautiful, one-of-a-kind patterns. Once sealed with a protective coating, these coasters become not only functional but also striking pieces of art, perfect for personal use or as gifts.

Brands/Products

• Ranger Ink Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink: Known for intense pigmentation and vibrant colors, these inks blend seamlessly, making them ideal for creating marbled effects on non-porous surfaces like Yupo paper, glass, and metal. The variety of colors and metallic options enhances their versatility.

• Jacquard Piñata Alcohol Ink: These inks offer rich, saturated colors with excellent lightfastness, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy. They can be reactivated with isopropyl alcohol, making them flexible for mixed media projects.

• Marabu Alcohol Inks  are appreciated for their smooth flow and quick-drying, high-gloss finish. They offer a wide color range and are perfect for both beginners and advanced artists seeking consistent results on non-porous surfaces.

6. Chalk Inks

Chalk inks are unique in that they combine the opacity of pigment inks with a soft, matte finish, reminiscent of chalk. These inks are designed to produce rich, velvety colors that appear opaque on a variety of surfaces. Chalk inks are quick-drying and offer excellent coverage, making them ideal for projects that require a subtle, vintage look.

Ideal Surfaces

Chalk inks work well on both porous and non-porous surfaces, including paper, cardstock, and even wood. They are particularly effective on dark or colored papers, where their opacity allows the colors to stand out vividly.

Use Case

A great use for chalk inks is creating a chalkboard-style menu or sign. By stamping with chalk ink on dark cardstock or actual chalkboard surfaces, you can achieve a clean, crisp look that mimics traditional chalk without the mess.

Brands/Products

• ColorBox (by Clearsnap) Chalk Inks: Known for their soft, matte finish, ColorBox Chalk Inks are perfect for creating vintage or shabby chic effects. They offer excellent coverage on both light and dark papers, making them versatile for various crafting projects.

• Tsukineko - VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pads: VersaMagic inks provide a smooth, opaque finish that mimics the look of chalk, without the mess. They are ideal for stamping on both porous and non-porous surfaces, offering a consistent, velvety texture that stands out, especially on dark backgrounds.

• Prima Marketing - Chalk Edgers: These chalk-based ink pads are designed with a unique edge applicator, making them perfect for adding distressed edges to paper crafts. They offer a soft, matte finish and blend easily for creating aged effects.

7. Distress Inks

Distress inks are a type of dye-based ink specifically formulated to create aged, weathered, and distressed effects on paper and other surfaces. These inks are known for their water-reactive properties, which allow them to blend and spread easily, making them ideal for a wide range of creative techniques. 

Ideal Surfaces

Distress inks are best suited for porous surfaces such as paper, cardstock, and even fabric when a vintage or worn look is desired. They are particularly popular in scrapbooking, card-making, and art journaling, where blending, layering, and creating textured backgrounds are key.

Use Case

A common use for distress inks is creating aged, textured backgrounds in scrapbooks or journals. By applying the ink with a blending tool or directly onto the paper and then spritzing it with water, you can achieve a beautiful, time-worn effect.

Brands/Products

• Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz Distress Ink are specifically formulated to create aged, distressed effects, making them a go-to for vintage-style projects. They are highly reactive with water, allowing for unique blending and layering techniques. Popular colors like Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain are staples in the crafting community for achieving that weathered look.

• Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink is a highly recommended hybrid ink combining dye and pigment properties. It offers a chalky, opaque finish with excellent water-reactivity. Praised in crafting communities for its versatility, Distress Oxide Ink excels in creating layered, textured backgrounds without color muddying. Its wide color range and unique blending capabilities make it ideal for achieving aged, distressed effects in various creative projects.

8. Embossing & Watermark Inks

Embossing and watermark inks are slow-drying, sticky inks that serve a dual purpose in crafting. These inks are primarily used for heat embossing and creating subtle, tone-on-tone watermark effects. Their slow drying time allows for the application of embossing powders, which can then be heat-set to create raised, textured designs. 

When used without embossing powder, these inks leave a clear or slightly tinted impression, ideal for watermarking.

Ideal Surfaces

Embossing and watermark inks are best used on porous surfaces such as paper, cardstock, and vellum. These surfaces allow the ink to hold embossing powders securely in place until they are heat-set. Additionally, these inks work well on light-colored papers for watermark effects, where the subtle design can add a layer of elegance without overpowering the rest of the project.

Use Case

A perfect use for embossing inks is creating raised, metallic monograms on custom stationery. By stamping with embossing ink and applying metallic embossing powder, you can create a luxurious, textured monogram that stands out beautifully on invitations, thank-you cards, or personal stationery.

Brands/Products

• Tsukineko - VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad is the industry standard for embossing and watermarking. It's clear, sticky ink is perfect for holding embossing powders in place until heat-set, creating raised, textured designs. It also works well for creating subtle tone-on-tone watermarks, adding a professional touch to any project.

• Ranger’s Emboss It Ink Pad offers a clear, slow-drying formula that is ideal for heat embossing. This ink pad is highly effective at capturing fine details in stamped images, ensuring that embossing powders adhere evenly for a crisp, clean finish.

• ColorBox (by Clearsnap) Embossing Ink Pads are known for their high-quality embossing capabilities, ColorBox Embossing Ink Pads provide a slow-drying, sticky ink that is great for detailed embossing. They also offer tinted options, making it easier to see where you’ve stamped before applying embossing powder.

The Ink That Makes All the Difference

What you’ll notice as you work with different inks is how much they influence the final outcome of your project. Whether you're aiming for bold, colorful designs or strong, durable prints, the ink you pick determines the quality and impact of your work. 

Take the time to experiment with various options, and you'll find that rubber stamping is less about following rules and more about discovering what makes your creativity shine.