Not all inks are created equal---there are dye inks and
pigment inks. Dyes penetrate the surface whereas pigments are surface only
applications. Inks also have varying degrees of pigment saturation, and
should be acid free whether you choose to use the dye or pigment forms
. Some inks need to be heat set. Pigments are often soluable in water,
and some dyes require alcohol for cleanup. Always clean your stamps IMMEDIATELY
after use.
When using inks with polymer clay, thought should be given to chemical
interaction.
Sometimes changes occur only after time--for instance, black Sharpie
markers are used by some to sign their work--and the ink turns purple over
time and bleeds slightly into the surrounding clay. Prismacolor markers
stay colorfast and do not bleed, even after several years.
Clearsnap manufactures several
line of inks, stamps, embossing powders, and tools for their use. Some
of their pigment ink lines include Paintbox2, Colorbox, and Colorbox
Liquid Chalk.
They also make Ancient Page, a line of dye inks that are very
saturated. Note the difference in the picture above--two black inks are
used, and the Ancient Page black ink (shown on the bead and on part of
the discs) is visibly superior to the other brand. The medium grey value
shown on the upper disc is the Ancient Page black ink left on the stamp
after the first use.
Here are some of the colors in the Fluid Chalk line, shown
stamped onto raw white and raw translucent Premo clay, then baked.
The colors are far more noticeable on the white background.
These colors have a very "fluid" look, hence their name!
When baked, the Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink is still soluable in water
or Varathane, so a coating of Liquid Kato Clay or TLS should be used if
a layer of Varathane is going to be added.
Surfaces can be left matte, but the inks are then not protected.
Dye inks do not need a top sealer, but Varathane can be used to add
shine.
Inks can also be stamped onto the surfaces of baked clay pieces. Embossing
powders, including UTEE, can be applied to the wet inks, or to embossing
fluid.
Embossing powders should not be baked in the oven, so save them for
the last step, and use with a heat gun.
The pieces shown at left were stamped with Blue Iris Colorbox Fluid
Chalk Ink, and Top Boss Gold Embossing powder.
