Discover the Ultimate Guide to Inks for Stamping and Coloring Without the Bleed

Simon Kendall-Stokes
May 24
4 min read

Are you ready to take your stamping and colouring projects to the next level? Choosing the right ink can be a game changer. From avoiding pesky bleeds to achieving vibrant colours, knowing your options is key. Whether you're just starting or have years of experience, understanding how different inks work with various colouring methods will empower your creativity and bring your ideas to life.

In this guide, we will break down the types of inks available, their compatibility with colouring mediums, and share best practices to ensure your projects look stunning and professional. Let’s embark on this colourful journey together!

Understanding Different Inks for Stamping

Before we explore how inks interact with other mediums, it's essential to know what types of inks are available.

Dye Inks

Dye inks are popular for their bright colours. They soak into the paper, giving a clean and crisp impression. However, they may not be waterproof, which is important to keep in mind when choosing supplies for your projects. For example, using dye ink with watercolours often leads to undesirable bleeding.

Pigment Inks

Pigment inks rest on the surface of the paper and are generally more opaque. They are known for their longevity and resistance to fading. While they take longer to dry, they are great for techniques like embossing where you need the ink to remain wet longer. A specific example is the Versafine ink pad, which is excellent for embossing because it stays wet enough to allow for the addition of powders.

Hybrid Inks

Hybrid inks combine the best qualities of dye and pigment inks. They dry quickly like dye inks while maintaining the opacity and durability of pigment inks. This makes them highly versatile. For instance, brands like Gina K Designs offer hybrid inks that perform well across various techniques, allowing crafters to explore creatively without limits.

Different ink pads can be used with different mediums choose the right inkpad for the job in hand. Click the images to see the ranges available.

Watercolour Inks and Their Use in Stamping

Watercolour inks offer unique artistic effects, but how do they perform for stamping? Choosing the right ink is crucial if you want beautiful stamped images without bleeding.

Best Inks for using with Watercolour

If you want your stamped designs to withstand the application of watercolours, opt for waterproof inks. Here are three reliable options:

StazOn Ink: StazOn is a solvent-based ink that dries quickly and is waterproof once set. It works wonders for water colouring projects, ensuring clean edges. When using Stazon it can damage and stain clear stamps.
Archival Ink: This ink provides fade resistance and holds up well against watercolours. It’s excellent for maintaining the integrity of your designs, making it a favourite among crafters.
Versafine Ink: While not entirely waterproof, Versafine ink holds its own against watercolours, delivering rich colours and fine detail in impressions.

Tips for Watercolour Stamping

Allow your stamped images adequate space to avoid water overflow. This way, your colours can blend beautifully without running into the stamped areas.
When applying watercolours, use a gentle touch to prevent disturbing your stamped image.
Always permit the stamped image to dry completely before you introduce watercolours to keep the design intact.

Alcohol Inks and Stamping

Alcohol inks are renowned for their vibrant colours and unique effects. However, it's crucial to understand how to work with them effectively to avoid streaks or bleeding.

Best Ink Pads for Alcohol Markers and Inks

To achieve stunning results with alcohol inks, consider these options:

Water Based Dye Inks: Using pads that do not have an alcohol content, like Memento Ink Pads, will enhance your project's success.
Versafine Clair: Although it's a pigment ink, Versafine Clair has proven to work with alcohol markers it is advisable to heat set it or apply clear embossing powder to seal it. It provides a strong outline that doesn’t bleed easily.

Tips for Alcohol Ink Stamping

Use a good weight mat cardstock that has no coating, this will allow the stamped image to penetrate into the fibres.
If using pigment ink, lightly heat setting your stamped images can improve their resistance against alcohol inks.

The Dreaded Bleed: Understanding Compatibility

Bleeding is a common concern when colouring, resulting from the incompatible use of inks and mediums. Knowing how to avoid it can save you time and materials.

Bleeding Factors to Consider

Ink Type: Dye inks mixing with watercolours often lead to bleeding, whereas pigment or waterproof inks perform better.
Colouring Medium: Utilizing alcohol inks on solvent based ink typically results in bleeding. Always opt for compatible inks.
Surface Material: The paper or substrate types you use also make a difference. Smooth surfaces generally resist bleeding better than textured ones as they are more compressed.

Avoiding Bleed in Your Projects

Always conduct tests before starting on an important project. Create small swatches to check how your selected inks respond to water or alcohol solutions.
Use papers designed for mixed media, as these provide optimal resistance against bleeding while allowing for rich layering of colours.
Apply moderate water levels when using watercolours. Excessive water can disturb the blended ink underneath, causing unsightly effects.

Craft with Confidence

Getting familiar with stamping and colouring may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right knowledge and choices, you can create stunning works of art. Remember to distinguish between ink types, select the appropriate colouring mediums, and understand how some inks interact more positively than others.

The general rule of thumb and one I personally use is don't use the same ink type to colour an image that has also been used to stamp an image as this will reactivate the inks. Water based markers and wate based ink pads will more than likely cause bleeding, alcohol based markers will usually cause solvent based inks to bleed.

By following this guide, you will confidently pair different stamping inks with your favourite colouring methods, ultimately creating beautiful pieces without the worry of bleeding. So gather your supplies, embrace your creativity, and enjoy your crafting journey!