Who doesn’t love stamps? From kids to adult crafters, card-makers, and, well, anyone who loves a good project, we’re of the opinion that everyone loves a good stamp.
But clear stamps are a step up from the old-school rubber stamps most of us grew up with. When you’re new to clear stamps, you might be questioning whether all your hard-earned stamp knowledge still holds.
So when it comes to clear stamps, what ink is best? The best inks to use vary by the material of the clear stamp. Check the stamp manufacturer for the best ink to use. For photopolymer clear stamps, dye inks work well. For acrylic stamps, pigment inks are best. Pigment, chalk or even archival inks can work well for some clear stamps.
We’ve got a whole guide on choosing the right inks for your clear stamps. We also have some great ink brands for you to check out, so be sure to read on for more information on the best ink for clear stamps!
Choosing Inks For Clear Stamps
Regardless of which ink you are choosing for your project, you need to make sure to use a freshly-inked pad to use with your clear stamps. This will ensure that you get crisp images every time.
The final outcome will also be influenced by what kind of clear stamps you are using. Photopolymer stamps are the best clear stamps available.
These can take dye inks really well. Acrylic stamps pose some issues as they don’t work well with dye ink. There will be no clear or crisp image and you will have to choose chalk or pigment ink with these stamps.
Unfortunately, with clear stamps, it may come down to which inks work best with your stamps as much as which ink types work best, though we have some general guidelines for you.
You can check the instructions on the stamp to decide which ink will be most suitable to work with it. We have reviewed the best ink available for clear stamps in the market. You can compare them and weigh the pros and cons to choose a suitable ink for your project.
If you want crisp images with your clear stamps then you will have to use the right inks for the purpose.
Photopolymer stamps tend to take dye inks very well, though acrylic stamps tend to fare better with chalk or pigment inks, as dye inks can bead up.
Pigment inks also tend to work with different clear stamps, but you need to be careful while working with these. You can end up with blurry images. As these inks remain wet for a longer time, you may prefer to emboss with these inks.
Hybrid inks work fairly well with most clear stamps and some people seem to have success with chalk inks (especially for acrylic stamps, as we said before). Embossing inks also tend to work fairly well with clear stamps.
Archival inks may also work, but it can be tricky to get crisp images with these.
Best Inks for Clear Stamps
Okay, so now that we’ve talked about ink types and a few caveats, let’s look at some of our top inks that work with a variety of clear stamps:
| Rank | Product | Ink Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tsukineko VersaMark Pigment Inkpad | Pigment |
| 2. | Colorbox Classic Pigment Ink Pad | Pigment |
| 3. | Ranger Embossing Ink Pad | Embossing |
| 4. | Ranger Archival Jumbo Inkpad | Archival |
| 5. | VersaFine Claire Full Size Inkpad | Pigment |
Whether you’re scrapbooking, making cards, or working on another project, we’re confident one of these will suit you well.
For more about these great ink choices, read on!
1. Tsukineko VersaMark Pigment Inkpad
If you have tried various inkpads for embossing and have found them ineffective, then you wouldn’t be disappointed with the Tsukineko ink pad.
This ink pad offers complete coverage and lets you create subdued tone stamped impressions on your cards.
This clear ink pad measures 3”x2” in dimension. If you want the best results from your DIY card making project, then you should use the ink on an non-coated colored paper. This is great for use with embossing powder and chalks. Your images will certainly appear darker and deeper once the ink dries.
The best thing about the Tsukineko ink pad is that it is acid-free. It remains moist and won’t dry out too soon, unlike some cheaper inkpads.
Key Features:
- Measures 3”x2” in dimension
- Acid-free material
- Perfect for use with embossing powder and chalks
- Create stylish papercrafts with this inkpad
- Captures crisp details while stamping
Pros:
- Creates tone-on-tone effects while stamping
- Exceptional quality inkpad for embossing
- Clear pigment ink
- Easy to clean up with any all-purpose stamp cleaner
- Also available in a smaller size
Cons:
- Stamp remains little sticky for some time even after cleaning.
2. Colorbox Classic Pigment Ink Pad
This long-lasting pigment ink is available in a range of colors ranging from deeply saturated hues to subtle pastels.
This pigment ink pad has generous drying time which renders it suitable for blending, embossing, and for other crafting techniques.
The best thing about this classic pigment ink pad is that the ink is both fade-resistant and acid-free.
This makes it simply perfect for use in keepsake projects. The set consists of 6 inkpads of different colors. The unique cat’s eye shape makes it suitable for scrapbook and paper crafting projects.
The ink pads can be separated for individual use and can be stacked for easy storage. The drying time is dependent on the kind of paper used for the project. You can clean the ink easily with water.
Key Features:
- Available in colors lime, orange, scarlet, heliotrope, marigold, and canary
- Inkpads can be stacked for easy storage
- Unique cat’s eye shape makes it ideal for scrapbooking and paper crafting projects
- Long-lasting colors
Pros:
- Easy to clean up with water
- Nice pigment and pretty colors in the set
- Compact and easy to store
Cons:
- Pad is smaller than a standard ink pad.
3. Ranger Embossing Ink Pad
This product consists of a specially developed embossing ink that remains wet for an extended period of time.
It is acid-free and adheres beautifully on a surface. The pad is generally moist and lets you stamp great designs on your DIY card making project or for any other purpose.
This ink pad comes well packaged and leaves an even print on the surface. It helps you create beautiful embossed designs. The foam pad is acid-free whereas the ink is lignin and acid-free. This ensures that you are using safe products for your craftwork.
Key Features:
- Works well for embossing
- Gives an even print after stamping
- Produces beautiful embossed item
Pros:
- Moist pad
- Good size for most stamps
- The foam pad is acid-free
- Stable product
Cons:
- The ink pad dries quickly and you may have to use glycerin to revive it.
4. Ranger Archival Jumbo Inkpad
Archival inks are manufactured with the utmost care. These come with fade-resistant dyes and are non-toxic.
The inks are waterproof and also acid-free. As they’re made for archival use, these won’t deteriorate photos or paper that you are stamping.
The best thing about Ranger Archival Jumbo Inkpad is that these won’t bleed when painted over with water-based markers or colors. The product conforms to ADTM-D4236 standards.
Key Features:
- Nontoxic and acid-free
- Waterproof ink
- Permanent on gloss and matte papers
- Air dries on matte surfaces
- Large stamp pad ideal for giant logo stamping
Pros:
- Provide long-lasting stamping results
- Is even permanent on certain surfaces
- Offers a crisp image that doesn’t bleed
- Bigger stamp size and feels great to use
Cons:
- Ink doesn’t always stick to the stamp at first; you may have to press some stamps a few times in the ink pad to pick up enough.
5. VersaFine Claire Full Size Inkpad
If you are looking for a fine ink pad for your project, then you wouldn’t be disappointed with this one.
This pigment ink pad manages to capture the finest details with perfection. It is available in a variety of colors and you can choose as per your requirements.
This package contains one ink pad that measures 3.75 x 2.25x 0.875 in dimensions. The product conforms to D4236 standards. This inkpad offers the best quality and coverage and is one of the top choices of crafters.
Key Features:
- Highlights the details really well
- Available in a variety of colors
- Quality product and conforms to regulatory standards
- Comes with a secure airtight lid that prevents stamping
Pros:
- Offers good coverage
- Doesn’t smudge
- Clear and crisp images
- The narrow case makes it easier to apply stamps
Cons:
- Colors not always precise shades as advertised.
How To Prepare Clear Stamps
Clear stamps require additional preparation in comparison to rubber stamps.
Firstly, you need to clean them with a mild dishwashing soap each time you use them for your stamping project. If you are using these stamps with dye inks and haven’t been able to get crisp images, then you will have to condition the stamps before using them.
To condition clear stamps, you will have to use a fine-grit sanding block. This will remove the coating left during the manufacturing stage. If you don’t remove the coating, then the inks will start beading up or you may face issues while stamping certain parts of an image.
How To Use Clear Stamps Without Acrylic Block
Glass or plastic items work as the best substitutes for acrylic blocks when clear stamping. You can use household items such as heavy bottom glassware, CD/DVD cases, thick plastic coasters, or anything else that is durable and resembles glass or plastic.
Watch the below video by Karighar Keera Crafts on YouTube for a visual tutorial.
Related Questions
Can Pigment Stamp Inks Be Used On Glass?
Pigment inks don’t work on glass. The ink will just bead on a glass surface. Even if you are successful with making a stamp, it wouldn’t last for long.
Can Stamp Inks Work on Fabric?
If you are looking for an ink that would work well with the fabric, then you should opt for dye inks and not pigment inks.
Some pigment inks can be permanent and some fade with regular wash when stamped on a piece of fabric. In general, you shouldn’t assume pigment inks are permanent enough for fabric.
Can These Inks Be Used With Rubber Stamps?
For the most part, you can use these inkpads with rubber stamps. Generally, they should work well with rubber stamps and provide crisp images.
But as always, it’s a good idea to read the manufacturer’s label to find out which inks are ideal with your stamps.
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