Ink survey results are in!

Turns out that Zoomerang only lets you view 100 responses to the free surveys — have to join them ($600!) to see any more than that! So here’s the results! Feel free to add comments!

Thanks everyone for participating! Click on more to see the results:

1. What kind of stamper are you?Number of
Responses
Response
Ratio
Beginning33%
Intermediate3940%
Advanced5657%
2. What type of ink do you reach for again and again?Number of
Responses
Response
Ratio
Pigment2728
Dye5456%
Chalk2930%
Distress1111%
Waterproof3334%
Shadow22%
Other: Staz-on (2), Memories, Tinted embossing, Versamark, VersaFine (2), Brilliance (3), CTMH dye ink, Clear embossing1313%
3. What techniques do you use on a regular basis?Number of
Responses
Response
Ratio
Simple stamping6668%
Layering one color ink on top of another3334%
Heat embossing5456%
Watercoloring stamped images5153%
Shadow/backgrond stamping4546%
Masking1819%
Direct to paper5557%
Brayering1111%
Stamping on hard surfaces such as glass, shrink plastic, or buttons1920%
Stamping on fabric55%
Misting with water2526%
Other: resist, bleaching, a little bit of everything, ironing out embossing – kinda like faux batik, layering/embellishments, watercolor directly on stamp, overstamping with stamp positioner77%
4. How important is it to you that ink dries quickly?Number of
Responses
Response Ratio
Not important66%
Somewhat important4445%
Very important4848%
5. Do you try to purchase a re-inker (refill ink) for each ink pad that you own?Number of
Responses
Response Ratio
Yes53%55%
No4445%
6. How important is it that ink pads are stackable?Number of
Responses
Response Ratio
Not important3636%
Somewhat important4041%
Very important2222%
7. What size ink pad do you prefer?Number of
Responses
Response Ratio
Cube sized1819%
Full sized7981%
9. What characteristics do you consider when purchasing a new ink pad?Number of
Responses
Response Ratio
Techniques it can be used for5557%
Color8689%
Already own ink by the same manufacturer3132%
Type of ink pad3838%
Other: ancient page is really good, quality and availability of reinkers, raised so you can use cube on a larger image, which stamps I can use it on (bold, detailed), something truly unique that I can’t get from other, I buy full lines of an ink pad at a time, waterproof77%
9. What do you tell new stampers about all the different kinds of inks out there? If you’re a new stamper, what have you learned about ink? (62 responses)
1I advise them to get Stazon black for their main black inkpad. It works on all surfaces, is waterproof on paper, and is really black. When they’re starting out, it’s good to get the Colorbox petal pads so that you get a coordinated selection of colors for less than buying full pads.
2that there is many different kinds out there. and which ones does what like pigment, dye and so forth.
3pigment vs dye, importance of permanent ink if they want to watercolor inside, alcohol for polished stome a favorite of mine, etc.
4No. 1 bit of advice: Buy a basic black ink that you can use with markers, etc. that won’t smear. I’m quite fond of Memories black. The new VersaFine inks are quite versatile also.
5Never come up as a topic
6use the right ink for the job
7I tell them to go to the different web sites to learn about them, there are too many for me to explain.
8That it’s confusing.
9Buy a permanent black first. Then a Versamark so you can emboss, then start with your colors.
10Start with one type of ink and slowly expand as you feel comfortable
11the new inks are better than the old ones–more versatile!
12You rarely need pigment ink because Versamark under dye ink does the same thing. Go for SU or Adirondack for quality.
13#1 thing I think they need to know is the differences between dye and pigment inks.
14Go to the Stampassion, Latham, NY website and read about inks. Basically get different blacks/reinkers first and then branch out. Look for archival inks if you don’t want your images to fade. Take classes.
15Learn which inks will dry on which papers. Don’t use pigment ink on glossy paper unless you plan to use embossing powder.
16I explain the difference between pigment and dye inks and the uses for each.
17-the difference between dye and pigment ink -start with cube sized inkpads -have at least one waterproof inkpad
18dye inks dry quickly, and have sheer color. pigment inks dry slowly and have dense color chalk inks have dense color, but dry quicker
19primarily the differences between dye and pigment…and what they are used for.
20Basics on diffrent types! I tried to emboss with dye ink when first starting as no one told me diffrent.
21There are a zillion types of inks and they vary somewhat by company. There are what I would consider to be three basic types. Dye which is quick drying pigment which is slower dying and has an opaque quality usually and solvent which are permanent inks that are best used for things like watercoloring and stamping on surfaces that aren’t very porus.
22The basics: dye vs pigment Buy a few chalk pads and definitely a versamark pad.
23Each ink has its specific characteristics and it takes a while to get “to know”all the inks. The more you stamo the better you get to know them,
24First generation inks – dye based ink dries fast, pigment inks are embossable. Second generation inks – Brilliance, Fluid Chalks, etc. – read the label. I use Brilliance Graphite Black and Lightning Black a lot.
25There are two main types of ink. Quick drying, dyes, and slow drying, pigment. Beyond that there are a world of inks out there, you can find one suitable for anything you want to try.
26Chose one, try it, Have fun.
27Buy SU because it matches paper, etc. But, SU black ink is NOT waterproof despite claims!
28Re dye and pigment, I liken them to watercolor and oil paint
29It’s all good!
30the difference between dye inks and pigment inks.
31First pad should be waterproof black. I explain differences between types and what they are used for.
32The difference between dye and pigment.
33Simple terms for beginners: Dye dries. Pigment you emboss.
34Be selective. Some inks are superior to others. An archival black dye ink is a must!
35I generally prefer plain ol’ dye ink for general stamping – closely followed by my chalk pads. I like the faast dry time, as well as the “graduated” colors I can get with the multigenerational stamping. That being said, I also consider my Versamark a must have, and also love my pigment inks for stamping light colors on dark paper (even if I do need to wait for it to dry!)
36my two favorites are Brilliance and Ancient Page-spend the money on better inks because cheap inks just aren’t worth the trouble.
37You will find your self purchasing every color ink pad out there (hee hee)
38Store dye inks upside down. Store chalks and Pigments right side up.
39Start with a good dye ink that dries quickly and is waterproof, for applying other techniques
40Basically that pigment inks dry slowly. I usually recommend Versafine for basic stamping.
41Start with black archival and Versamark (ink?) I have dozens I rarely use
42There are different inks for different types of projects – fabric stamping, stamping on glass, embossing, watercoloring, etc.
43Keep it simple! Get 1-2 of the different types to see what suits your needs and style.
44I like variety of colors. I buy better brands, not no-name inexpensive brands.
45Dye inks dry quicker; while Pigments stay wet longer and blend better. The best way to learn about your ink purchases is to visit the manufacturers websites.
46I tell them that there are so many inks on the market; but the ones I use frequently are dye inks, pigment inks, metallic inks (which are great to stamp on dark cardstock), and solvent inks.
47stamping with dye inks are easy. I never have wonderful luck with pigment and heat embossing, too messy
48That there are basically two types: dye ink which dries immediately, and pigment ink which dries slowly and is used for heat embossing. I point out that there are exceptions and variation on this basic info but this is a start to understanding inks.
49I don’t tell new stamper’s anything cause I don’t think I know enough to be guiding anyone else. I have learned that if you want to water color you must use permanent ink.
50I tell new stampers that there are two must have ink pads, a black permanent dye based ink, and a versamark pad.
51get a great waterproof black stamp pad
52difference between dye and pigment inks
531) keep it simple to start. one good black, one good gold, and one good embossing (versamark is my fav) is plenty to start. 2) cubes are a good way to inexpensively a) try new inks and b) get a large collection of colors inexpensively and will take up less space.
54Colorbox chalks are my favorites, Versafine is great for heat embossing, Memories Shadow inks are great for muted hues, Foltz distress inks are great for DTP and spritzing, Opalites are great on black or deep blue paper!!!
55you don’t need every kind of ink on the market!
56experment!! You just have to play around and see what you like. Pick a project and go from there.
57the difference between waterproof and non
58I think it’s important to have a good, fast-drying, waterproof black ink. A resist ink like Versamark is great, too. After that, I’d suggest dye inks for most basic stamping and chalk inks for a softer look and more muted colors. I probably use pigment ink the least these days.
59Mainly the difference between pigment and dye inks.
60Choose an ink based on the results you want. If you are in a hurry, always choose dye based inks. And, always clean your stamps after you use a solvent type ink. Never be without a versa mark pad.
61Don’t go crazy. Many companies have the same types. Be aware of this so you don’t duplicate.
62Use only waterproof ink if you are going to use watercolors. Stampin’Up has ink pads and car
10. Anything else you’d like to share? (28 responses)
1you can make homemade inks also with rit dyes also. another way of saving money also.
2Ink is cool
3always buy a reinker with a pad- you never know if the company will discontinue right after your investment.
4I own all of the SU inks and most of the Marveys. Then the Brilliance… lots of those colors also. I prefer to stamp in color than coloring an image with pencils or markers.
5I have a whole Iris cart full of ink pads–dye, pigment, metallics, etc (probably over 100 different pads) and probably use 10 of them on a regular basis!
6SU has the best basic color line, Adirondack has the best deep tones, use Brillance Black for your basic black. Rainbow pads are fun. Blender pens are awesome with your ink pads. You can paint with reinkers like Brilliance and never need to buy the pad.
7I have zillions of ink pads by all kinds of manufacturers, but reach for the same 2 or 3 all the time. It’s way too easy to buy way more than you really need!
8It can be fun to have matching pens, pencils, patterned paper, and cardstock to coordinate easily. Experiment with different inks and just have fun.
9love to paint with my ink and watercolor brush
10Lately I have been using mostly chalk inks,
11You can’t have too many ink pads!
12colored pigment inks are great to use with clear embossing powder and for blending colors
13I love all kinds of inks for all kinds of reasons and purposes.
14If possible, I recommend playing with other people’s inks before investing in your own. While one person may love a certain line, another may think it’s completely worthless. And if it’s a new line, only buy one color instead of the whole kaboodle – they may have some kinks to work out with the formula!
15I Love Lisa’s Blog!
16Under size I really like the size of the old Marvy pads and I love the chalk cat’s eyes.
17I like to have ink that matches the cardstock that I’m working with .
18Whatever strikes your fancy. You can’t have too many stamping supplies. :)
19I LOVE your blog!!
20Don’t allow ink types to inhibit or intimidate you. Like anything else, learning to use them is fun!
21Keep it simple, I own lots of supplies but enjoy stamping with dye inks and brush markers. Your cost will stay down if you don’t jump on the bandwagon for every kind of ink and technique. AT picturetrail my gallery is presently under the name brass-stencils.com. Check out my latest creations, dye ink,no layering.
22I just wish that ink was more affordable.
23I own way more stamp pads than I need, and often many just sit idle.
24If I could only have two, I’d have Brilliance black, and Versamark!
25Favorite inks memories black, versamark, pallette pads, marvy, and tintz.
26Thanks for the survey!
27i wish manufacters would give more info on their ink pads ie long drying vs quick drying what the ink can be used for ie stampin up can be used to color besides stampin.
28Store ink pad upside down

3 Replies to “Ink survey results are in!”

  1. As always, I enjoy what you are up to, Lisa! ;^) Fascinating survey and love your most recent creations posted!

  2. I’m surprised pigment ink didn’t get a higher percentage.

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