More Black Ink questions

[mobrien207]

I posted earlier about problems I've been having with embossing. While I wait to get my new heat gun from Ranger, I'm looking harder at the black inks that I use.

I have Versacolor Black and was using that for the embossing on water color paper. I found that the detail isn't nearly as good on the WC paper as it is on other paper. Is that your experience? Could it be that the paper sucks the ink in and that's why the embossing powder didn't take?

Next, I have a NIB, sealed Memento Tuxedo Black. I understand that is for using with alcohol inks on smooth paper. Can someone please confirm.

Finally, I have a Ranger "Stamp It" black raised felt pad that works well, but I don't think it's made any more. While it's a dye ink, it's pretty wet in comparison to others, including my Versacolor Black.


I'm thinking perhaps I should buy Versafine Onyx Black and a Ranger DI in Black Soot to round out the collection. Both are on sale at J's this week and no S&H today. Is this a waste? I'd appreciate your collective wisdom.

Thanks,
Mob

[DianeinSparks]

Versafine Onyx Black is the best ink for fine detail. It's fast drying so wouldn't be good for embossing but for me it's now the only black ink I use since it gives such good crisp images.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DianeinSparks

Versafine Onyx Black is the best ink for fine detail. It's fast drying so wouldn't be good for embossing but for me it's now the only black ink I use since it gives such good crisp images.

Me, too, Diane. I just love how clear and black the images stamped with Versafine Onyx are. And you can't beat it for detailed stamp images.

I got the Memento Tuxedo Black for use with stamped images to color with alcohol markers, but I really don't like how the images look, compared to the Versafine. Kind of a faded black in comparison.

So I just use my Versafine, and color very, very carefully. Not going over the lines, just right up to them. Mostly I have no smearing if I'm careful, and I like the look of Versafine enough to take the time to do it.

[stamphappy1650]

I have Versacolor Black and was using that for the embossing on water color paper. I found that the detail isn't nearly as good on the WC paper as it is on other paper. Is that your experience? Could it be that the paper sucks the ink in and that's why the embossing powder didn't take? Is your watercolor paper smooth or rough? If its not smooth (Bristol) the detail problem is the paper. Anytime you stamp on non-smooth (cold pressed) watercolor paper you don't get a smooth image.

Next, I have a NIB, sealed Memento Tuxedo Black. I understand that is for using with alcohol inks on smooth paper. Can someone please confirm. Yes, it's great for Copics because it don't bleed with alcohol inks. But Memento is a great stamp pad in general. I use it the most of all my blacks because it's fast drying.

Finally, I have a Ranger "Stamp It" black raised felt pad that works well, but I don't think it's made any more. While it's a dye ink, it's pretty wet in comparison to others, including my Versacolor Black. If you can't get a refill, then when the pad dies, it's dead. Stamp pads aren't expected to last forever, they will break down and need to be replaced, it's just part of stamping.

Personally, I don't think you need another black pad. Just get refills for the versacolor and the memento.

[uncbballfan]

I don't know of any ink that will give you good coverage on cold-pressed watercolor paper, because the cold-pressed is textured. And some brands are more textured than others. I have some hot-pressed watercolor paper that works great, but it's very difficult to find in the big box stores. I found mine at Hobby Lobby

I would definitely add the Versafine Onyx Black to my arsenal. No comparison to the detailed coverage you get with this ink. I only wish they had more colors!

I love the Memento Tuxedo Black when using my Copics; my favorite paper to use is the XPress-It Blending stock. Another paper I use is 80# Hammermill; and yet another paper I use is HP Matte Photo paper. I had a pack from my scrapbooking days, which was no longer being used. So I decided to test a small area to make sure the paper wouldn't damage my Copic tips (some papers are clay-coated and should not be used with Copics); it didn't and I loved the results.

Hope this info helps!

[mobrien207]

It sure gets more complicated. I did order more cubes of the Versafine as there was a decent online sale yesterday. I have some of the versafine color cubes already. In the meantime, since the embossing didn't work, I finished up my Easter card by stamping and coloring one with the Spectrum Noir markers. If I can ever figure out how to get them into my Gallery I'll post both versions.
Mob

[dottiejdavis]

In the past I used Brilliance Ink (byTsusinko sp?) and loved the deep rich black it produced. But, unless you keep your ink pad really wet with ink it doesn't work as well. All pads need to be reinked now and then but this brand in particular seems to need reinking more often. I have tried all the black inks trying to find one I can just grab for my reg cardstock paper and have ended up with Versafine as well as the others mentioned above. Momento, for me, just doesn't get it black and dense enough for my taste. I've seen other gals projects using this brand and it looks great but for me, I just have trouble with it doing a perfect job every time. I have a whole box of black inks sitting behind my work table that I keep trying but never finish using because of the juiciness just not being there. I'm tired of reapplying ink all the time. I will say that Distress Black Soot is not half bad, though. Not as deep black but I like it for simple projects.

[jjhere]

I am always reaching for my Memento Tuxedo Black but am intrigued by all the talk about Versafine. May have to get that one too.

I've been wondering. How does Ranger's Adironback Black ink compare to Memento's tuxedo black? Are they essentially the same thing?

[shazsilverwolf]

Another vote for versafine Onyx Black. I also Like Rangers Archival Black,and one good thing with DI Black soot, and Adirondacks Pitch Black, is that although dye inks, they are quite wet, so depending on the card/aper you are using, it is possible to emboss them. But to get a good print with any black ink, you need a smooth cardstock/paper, rather than one with a rough surface. I don't know what to recommend, as I'm in the Uk and brands are different, but I'm sure the others will be able to provide some.
I did a blog post not too long ago on black inks, comparing the ones I have , its HERE if you would like to see them.

[mobrien207]

Thanks Silverwolf. I took a loog at your blog and every bit of information helps.
Mob

[shazsilverwolf]

By the way, I have a nasty feeling the Clearly Better ink may have been discontinued-the place I bought mine from said it was being discontinued, and as they had only just started stocking it, I assume that it was the maker, rather than them.

[sprtchick]

Versafine for everything except when using alcohol markers. Then I use Momento Onyx black.
Blessings