Stamp, Smudge, Repeat: Best Stamping Ink for Every Project

A Playful Guide to Getting It Just Right

If you've ever found yourself staring at a wall of ink pads, wondering which one will work best for your project, you're not alone. Ink is one of those sneaky little craft supplies that seems simple—until you realize there are a dozen different types, each with its own quirks. The truth is, figuring out which ink to use is a little bit of trial and error (and maybe a few inky fingers along the way). But fear not! Let's break it down so you can confidently pick the right ink for your next stamping adventure.

Dye Ink: The Speedy Classic

Dye inks are the go-to for quick stamping. They soak into the paper, dry fast, and won’t smudge, making them perfect for everyday projects. If you're stamping on regular cardstock and don’t plan to do any blending or fancy techniques, dye ink is your friend. However, since it absorbs into the paper, it won’t show up well on dark surfaces.

Brand Examples: Memento (a personal favorite of mine—it plays so nicely with Copic markers!), Avery Elle, Altenew, Stampin’ Up!

Water-Based Ink: The Gentle Blenders

Water-based inks are fantastic if you love soft, blended effects. They react beautifully with water, making them ideal for watercolor techniques. Just be warned—because they stay reactive with water, you’ll want to avoid using them on anything that might get wet later. If you plan to color over your stamped images, make sure to use waterproof ink instead.

Brand Examples: Tim Holtz Distress Ink (brilliant for watercolor techniques!), Lisa Horton Cloud 9 Blending Inks, Stampin’ Up!

Distress Ink: Vintage, Faded Perfection

Tim Holtz Distress Inks are a crafter’s dream if you love that worn, aged look. They’re designed to blend effortlessly, making them ideal for backgrounds and shading. While they’re not great for crisp stamping, they are excellent for inking edges, creating gradients, and achieving that perfectly imperfect aesthetic. I personally love them because the colors are so vibrant—they practically jump off the paper!

Brand Examples: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Lisa Horton Cloud 9 Interference Ink

Distress Oxide Ink: The Best of Both Worlds

Take the blendability of distress ink, mix in the opacity of a pigment ink, and you get Distress Oxide. These inks are creamy, smooth, and layer beautifully. Unlike regular distress inks, they show up on dark paper, making them a fantastic option for bold backgrounds. I’ll admit, I was late to the Distress Oxide party, but I’m slowly discovering the joys of using them with water—the chalky, oxidized effect is pure magic.

Brand Examples: Tim Holtz Distress Oxide, Lisa Horton Cloud 9 Ink Pads, Stampin’ Up!

Waterproof Dye Ink: The Essential Outliner

If you plan to stamp an image and then color it with markers, watercolor, or other wet mediums, you need waterproof dye ink. These inks dry quickly and won’t smear when you add additional layers. Perfect for stamping outlines before going in with watercolors or alcohol markers.

Brand Examples: StazOn, Altenew Permanent Black Ink

Pigment Ink: The Bold and Opaque

Unlike dye inks that soak into paper, pigment inks sit on top, giving you rich, vibrant color. They take longer to dry, but they work beautifully on dark cardstock. Because they stay wet longer, they’re also great for heat embossing. If you want crisp, bold stamping, pigment inks are your best bet.

Brand Examples: VersaFine (a dream for detailed stamping!), Mama Elephant, Altenew Pigment Ink, Stampin’ Up!

Hybrid Ink: A Little Bit of Everything

Hybrid inks combine the best qualities of dye and pigment inks. They dry faster than traditional pigment inks but offer the opacity and vibrancy pigment lovers crave. They’re great for a variety of surfaces and work well with different coloring techniques.

Brand Examples: My Favorite Things Hybrid Ink, Avery Elle Hybrid Ink, Altenew Hybrid Ink

Solvent Ink: For the Unstoppable Crafter

Need to stamp on something non-porous like plastic, metal, glass, or glossy paper? Solvent ink is your answer. It’s permanent, waterproof, and won’t budge once it’s dry. Just be prepared—it can stain stamps, so clean them quickly after use.

Brand Examples: StazOn (works on nearly everything!)

Specialty Inks: Glitter, Metallic, and More

Beyond the basics, there are specialty inks like metallic, glitter, and even glow-in-the-dark varieties. These add extra flair and dimension to projects but often take longer to dry. Always check your paper type—some specialty inks perform best on coated surfaces.

Brand Examples: Brilliance Metallic Ink, Lisa Horton Cloud 9 Metallic Ink, Stampin’ Up!

Choosing the Best Stamping Ink for Your Project

• For everyday stamping on cardstock: Dye ink (Memento, Avery Elle, Altenew, Stampin’ Up!)

• For watercolor techniques: Waterproof dye ink (StazOn, Altenew Permanent Black Ink)

• For soft blends and vintage effects: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz, Lisa Horton, Stampin’ Up!)

• For bold colors on dark paper: Pigment ink or Distress Oxide (VersaFine, Mama Elephant, Altenew, Lisa Horton, Stampin’ Up!)

• For stamping on non-paper surfaces: Solvent ink (StazOn)

• For embossing: Pigment ink (VersaFine, Altenew, Stampin’ Up!)

Next time you're staring at your ink collection (or debating which one to buy), you'll know exactly what to grab. And if all else fails, remember—crafting is all about experimenting. The best way to find your favorite ink is to dive in, get messy, and embrace the trial-and-error process. Happy stamping!