Getting a Blacker Black

Otis123 · 02-19-2009

I'd like to get a crisper, darker black print when I stamp. Is Stazon an option for cardstock? I don't know much about it. I do like to keep costs down, however. Thanks for your opinion.

maryb3 · 02-19-2009

I love the Versafine Onyx Black. I usually clear emboss it to help it dry faster. Also comes in Brown. Always use a Michael's coupon! Mary<><

annie21211 · 02-19-2009

I use black Stazon all the time.

CreativeCritter · 02-19-2009

Stazon works well, but I don't like how badly it stains (at least clear stamps - which I use the most these days). Palette has another really great black ink (it stains a little too, but not as much). Papertrey Ink just recently released a new black ink that many people seem to love. It's formulated to give you a really black color while being crisper (I've also heard it doesn't stain - I sense a theme).

Otis123 · 02-19-2009

Yikes! Glad you told me about the Stazon staining; I do use acrylic stamps quite a bit, too. THANKS. I'll look into the others.

mtgchic · 02-19-2009

I just got my PTI true black palette ink last night and am in love!!! I was using Brilliance Graphite Black before and, like you, I was unimpressed with the greyness of it. The palette ink was also much easier to clean off than the brilliance (less "sticky").

Otis123 · 02-19-2009

Does "PTI" mean Papertrey Ink?

CreativeCritter · 02-19-2009

momis mama · 02-19-2009

another vote for versafine black.

it's a GREAT black and it is wonderful for the fine line images. it does take a bit to dry tho.

i do have stazon and like it but don't use it as much as the versafine. i don't use clear stamps and it does stain the rubber stamps too. personally the staining doesn't bother me... it just shows the lovin' that the stamps get.

hope you find what will work best for you.

DisneyDoll · 02-19-2009

One thing to be aware of with the True Black ink from PTI is that it's not the same as the Noir Black one. Here are the differences as listed by Nichole on her blog:

The True Black ink has a few exciting features that we are thrilled about. We worked closely with our manufacturer to provide you with a black ink that would tackle some of the things that you did not like about the original Black Noir palette ink.

Our new True Black ink has some of the following characteristics that make it unique...

-Easier clean up. Many people did not like the staining that the original Black Noir pad left behind. This new and improved pad cleans thoroughly, with no residue or staining left behind!

-Improved coverage. A few taps will leave your stamp with a thick even coverage of juicy black ink. It works especially well for bold stamps that have large areas that need inking.

-Crisper detail. The formula used for this improved ink allows it to cling to every detail of a stamp, making the final stamped image crisp, clear and concise EVERY time.

A few additional details that you may want to know...

-this ink pad is not designed to be used successfully with Copic markers.

-it is waterproof, so it works well with watercoloring & spritzing techniques.

-it does not work on non-porous surfaces (glass, shrink plastic, transparencies) like the original Black Noir palette ink. It works best on porous surfaces such as paper & fabric.

-you cannot heat emboss with this ink.

I have both inks....there is NOTHING better for a TRUE Black ink than PTI! Their cardstock and ribbon to match? To DIE for! I knew that if ANY company could come up with a black that I liked, it would be PTI!

Scamper64 · 02-19-2009

I'm another Versafine lover here!

I recently switched after reading some threads here. I thought my lack of crispness was my stamping technique, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was my ink choice.

Sue Strozyk · 02-19-2009

I lOVE my brilliance, and also versafine.

Sue Strozyk · 02-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by DisneyDoll

One thing to be aware of with the True Black ink from PTI is that it's not the same as the Noir Black one. Here are the differences as listed by Nichole on her blog:

The True Black ink has a few exciting features that we are thrilled about. We worked closely with our manufacturer to provide you with a black ink that would tackle some of the things that you did not like about the original Black Noir palette ink.

Our new True Black ink has some of the following characteristics that make it unique...

-Easier clean up. Many people did not like the staining that the original Black Noir pad left behind. This new and improved pad cleans thoroughly, with no residue or staining left behind!

-Improved coverage. A few taps will leave your stamp with a thick even coverage of juicy black ink. It works especially well for bold stamps that have large areas that need inking.

-Crisper detail. The formula used for this improved ink allows it to cling to every detail of a stamp, making the final stamped image crisp, clear and concise EVERY time.

A few additional details that you may want to know...

-this ink pad is not designed to be used successfully with Copic markers.

-it is waterproof, so it works well with watercoloring & spritzing techniques.

-it does not work on non-porous surfaces (glass, shrink plastic, transparencies) like the original Black Noir palette ink. It works best on porous surfaces such as paper & fabric.

-you cannot heat emboss with this ink.

I have both inks....there is NOTHING better for a TRUE Black ink than PTI! Their cardstock and ribbon to match? To DIE for! I knew that if ANY company could come up with a black that I liked, it would be PTI!

Oooo... Thanks for the info. gotta try this one now too!

mrs_hawkins · 02-19-2009

I'm a StazOn girl. I don't really notice a staining issue, but I use StazOn cleaner. It really gives a crisp black image, is waterproof, and it works on non-porous surfaces.

NANCYRUTH · 02-19-2009

I LOVE black versafine for a really black black! JMHO!

merryf · 02-19-2009

Am gonna have to get that new PTI black. Boy my wish list is getting longer by the day.
Right now I like Archiver's Black. It's very crisp and cleans better than StazOn. I got it in Mikes or my LSS for, like, $5.

cjbapp · 02-19-2009

Another Brilliance Graphite Black user....I also use Memento Tuxedo Black...both are crisp with no purple tint like SU.

Paula in GA · 02-19-2009

I guess I'm the only one, but I love India Ink Black. It's made by Superior and is really crisp and black. I have ten or eleven black inks and I always go to this one.

MrHambo · 02-19-2009

I like Adirondack Pitch Black, seems to work good for me. It cleans easily. Just looked it up and they have av Archival Jet Black ink....I have to look into that.

Boss · 02-19-2009

Another Versa Fine Onyx Black user here! I've used the Noir Blk pallette ink (original not new PTI) and wasn't impressed with it. However, after reading the description of the new and improved PTI Black I am intriqued enough to give it a try. Sounds like it has the qualities that I look for in a black ink.

Ellibelle · 02-19-2009

I like versafine onyx and memento tuxedo black. I got both of those at the HL either while on sale or with coupon. They are great!

mtgchic · 02-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by DisneyDoll

-this ink pad is not designed to be used successfully with Copic markers.

oops....glad you posted this! I tried it out last night and thought it worked OK, but I guess now I'm on the lookout for a black ink that can be used with clear stamps and copics-any of the above (or others) meet those qualifications?

cjbapp · 02-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtgchic

oops....glad you posted this! I tried it out last night and thought it worked OK, but I guess now I'm on the lookout for a black ink that can be used with clear stamps and copics-any of the above (or others) meet those qualifications?

I use Memento with clear stamps and copics and it works beautifully!

Gina K. Designs · 02-19-2009

Versafine is an awesome black- VERY black but Memento is my absolute favorite because there is no heat setting involved and it doesn't smear at all. LOVE THAT!

momis mama · 02-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina K. Designs

Versafine is an awesome black- VERY black but Memento is my absolute favorite because there is no heat setting involved and it doesn't smear at all. LOVE THAT!

how does it work with the very fine line images?

TIA

s_anthony · 02-19-2009

I'm a Stazon Gal... but I have to admit, if you are using prismacolors or copics for blending, then it may not work as well. But I love all Stazon ink pads.. wish they had more colors and came in smaller forms (was a suggestion I sent to them on their website last year).

Gina K. Designs · 02-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by momis mama

how does it work with the very fine line images?

TIA

It works great! Here is a card I made using the Memento black:

This is a fairly detailed image yet that black pops even in the areas of darker green and brownish rust. And I colored with copics with that light pink and the black didn't bleed at all with NO heat setting. It's pretty cheap too. It's around $5.50- $6.00. I've been using my pad since July and I haven't had to re-ink it yet either. It's works well with clear stamps too. I have a bunch of clear stamps from MFT, ("Hi Kim" *waving*) and they respond quite well to this ink.

Can you tell it's my favorite!

jazzytobi · 02-19-2009

i use and LOVE this ink in LAMP BLACK.
i have a re-inker and when it starts to get a little low I juice it back up. it's also great with copic markers..

Mrs.Mike · 02-19-2009

I really like the Momento Tuxedo Black.

Marcie

mtgchic · 02-19-2009

When you all are talking about momento tuxedo black, are you talking about dye ink or pigment ink? I have the dye ink, but I thought dye ink doesn't play well with clear stamps.

jeanstamping2 · 02-19-2009

I use Palettte Noir ink. I get a clean and very crisp look.

And I use Copic Markers to color my images.

You'll be able to see it in this photo: <click on green word.

ApocalipsisR · 02-19-2009

Black Versacolor is good leaves a good impression but you have to wait a while for it to dry or heat set it.

Stazon is awesome no doubt about it.

My new favorite has to be the memento tuxedo black. And eventhough its a dye ink is worked great with clear stamps. At least for me.

A good solution to keep costs down is always shop with a coupon. Mike's, Joann's, Hobby Lobby, Archivers always have some sort of coupon in circulation. And places like Mike's and Joann's accept competitors coupons as well as theirs.

Hobby Lobby has the memento pads for $4.99 - 40% off = $3.00

Gina K. Designs · 02-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtgchic

When you all are talking about momento tuxedo black, are you talking about dye ink or pigment ink? I have the dye ink, but I thought dye ink doesn't play well with clear stamps.

This is one of the few that I have found works pretty well with clear and it is a dye ink.

Curly Chick · 02-19-2009

I have used Stazon with clear stamps (even cheap $1 jobies) and never had a problem with it staining. I just use stamp cleaner. The only thing that has stained my clear stamps is SU basic gray. I used it twice and it turned it them both yellow. ?????

Pamela

flaxychick · 02-19-2009

I love Versamark Black for a rich, black color for most stamping. If I'm using copic markers I use Memento Tuxedo Black.

Boss · 02-19-2009

Alright, after all the kudos for Memento Tuxedo Black I went searching for it. Our Jo-ann's does not carry it so I guess I'll have to wait until I get to a Michaels or Archivers. Rats!

Looks like that won't be for a few days.

StampingSpud · 02-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss

Alright, after all the kudos for Memento Tuxedo Black I went searching for it. Our Jo-ann's does not carry it so I guess I'll have to wait until I get to a Michaels or Archivers. Rats!

Looks like that won't be for a few days.

I haven't seen Memento inks at Michael's or Archiver's, Boss, and I've been to both in the last couple of days. I purchased mine online, as no place nearby carries it. JoAnn.com had some at one time, as did Overstock.com.

HTH!