My suggestion would be to use Dye-Based, Waterproof stamppads/ink.
It's my understanding that the pigment-based are a slow-drying ink
used primarily for stamp/embossing artisans. Water proof is
invaluable here in Oregon.

My 2 cents....


D Monk


--- In letterbox-usa@y..., "mjfillen" wrote:
> I went to get an inkpad at a Hobby Lobby so that I could stamp some
> color other than Black (Sanford 58701) and there was a selection of
> pads in different colors which was good. But I had my choice of dye
> ink or pigment ink and I had no way to choose between the two. I
> finally chose a cheap pad called "child safe washable stamp pad" in
> the color green. It was also the cheapest one they sold. I figured
it
> has green food coloring in it which would be safe for anything (I
also
> added green food coloring to the pad because it seemed too dry).
And I
> figured I would ask the experts ( you people ) what the benefits of
> one or the other were and then I could go back if I wanted and buy
> another pad. So, what do you need to know to be able to choose
between
> dye or pigment ink? There seemed to be an equal selection between
the
> two, even made by the same company.

As a rubber stamp artist myself, I can tell you that there is a vast
difference between dye and pigment inks. Dye inks will absorb into
the paper and pigments sit on top of the paper. Pigments take
longer to dry - most need to be heat set in order to dry
sufficiently. They are used for embossing and other artsy
techniques. Dye are water-based, but some are permanent. Permanent
pads that I would recommend are these two brand: Memories and
Ancient Page. Both are waterproof, permanent and archival (acid
free). DO NOT buy anything that is alcohol based or solvent based
as this will corrode the rubber. Always clean your stamp when you
get home (whether it is store bought or hand carved). I find the
best cleaner is alcohol-free baby wipes! Dye based permanent inks
will always leave a little color on your stamp, but it won't
interfere with changing colors.
Hope this helps,
Christine
P0 F4 X0

Just a couple of notes about ink pads. A "child safe, washable ink pad"
would not have food coloring in it. Have you ever tried to get Kool-Aid off
your floor or counter when a child has spilled it? That stuff stains
severely! No ink is totally washable. Some wash off easier than others
but most will stain clothing and very dry skin (which just sucks the ink
in).

Pigment ink is indeed sometimes used for embossing but that is not it's only
purpose. Most archival water resistant inks are pigment inks. They do dry
slowly but once dry are pretty permanent and do not bleed under damp
conditions. And there are also companies producing quick drying pigment
ink. Pigment inks tend to have the most intense color. I also, in my neck
of the woods, am able to find tiny "cat's eye" style pads in pigment ink but
haven't found anything similar around here in dye based ink.

Some companies are now making water resistant dye ink pads. Many of the
brands of dye ink pads on the market are not at all water resistant, but
they do dry more quickly.

There are also solvent based inks on the market that I have not yet tried.
Some are alcohol based. They dry very quickly through evaporation.

I am still making up my mind about which I prefer. If stamping in with
pigment ink it would probably be wise to insert a little piece of tissue
paper to absorb any ink that doesn't dry before you close the log book.
Maybe a too much of a pain in the neck.

I would suggest that if people are truly concerned about the type of ink
they are using in their log books and boxes that they read labels and talk
with a knowledgeable sales person in a rubber stamping or scrapbooking
store. Ask all kinds of questions to be sure you are getting the kind of
ink you want. I think we are all looking for different things so no one ink
will work for everyone.

Hope this long response is somewhat helpful.

Memlili

P.S. If an ink pad is too dry to use you should take it back to the store.
It is a good idea to buy a reinker for your pad when you buy it - saves
money in the long run. Also, store your ink pads upside down and gravity
will keep the ink on the surface of the pad.

Looks like most of the high points have been covered.

I'll just add, that I prefer pigmant inks when using hand carved stamps.
Pigmant inks (in my experience) are more forgiving and give a nice image
more consistantly (with hand carved stamps).

~ Mischief ~
http://home1.gte.net/res0fpfm/letterboxes/wa_boxes.htm




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