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I'm looking for the best black ink that gives a true dark black color. What's the best one for watercoloring? And what's the best one for coloring with markers (Prismacolor)? And is there such a thing as a true dark black ink that you can use for watercoloring AND markers? I have Stazon black, but to me, it's still not a true dark black. I'm getting so frustrated because I see all of these nice dark crisp images in the gallery, but none of my blacks just are not that true of a black and too light.
Thanks!
__________________ Tish, a/k/a GaMtnScrap Be who you are. Those that matter don't mind, and those that mind don't matter.
I Use memento tuxedo black with my copics and I think it gives a nice dark black. I use it with my prisma pencils and it does not smear, I even emboss with it if you can beleive that. I just stamp it in versamark first. I dont know if you are suppose to use it like this but I do and am happy with my results.
Another vote for memento. I got it to use with my copics and was in disbelief the first time I stamped it. The image was so dark and clean. I didn't realize my old ink left anything to be desired until I used this.
I, too, prefer Memento for coloring but I prefer Brilliance Graphite Black for stamping anything with a solid area...like penguins, etc. Some say they need to heat set the Brilliance if they color it in, but I never have and it hasn't bled on me...yet.
Memento is available online at tons of places, so no sure what the best deal is...otherwise in stores, I think Archivers has it now, and Micheals carries Brilliance for sure, but I am not positive on the Memento...both are made by the same company: Tsukineko.
__________________ Cher No longer stamping...on to bigger things.
I use Brilliance Graphite Black Ink for everything....it's great to emboss with clear....great to watercolour....and I heat set it to colour with my Copics....Love it!
I love Palette Hybrid Noir. I mostly watercolour and have used copics with this ink. Works like a charm for me. It's the only black I've used for about 2 years now. (used to use Versafine before that)
I use all of the above, but my go to black is India Ink Black. True, dark black. Dries super fast & works with watercolors. I assume it works with Copics, but don't use them so don't know.
__________________ Keep what is worth keeping
and with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away.
I have about 8 different black inks and I'd have to say that my favorite is Versafine because:
1) it's a true black
2) crispest image (my other inks look crisp until I compare them to Versafine)
3) great for embossing, which makes it easy to watercolor with
In my experience, for alcohol markers, Memento is the best in terms of not bleeding, but the image doesn't come out as crisp as Versafine.
As others have stated, my preferred 'black' is Memento Tuxedo Black.
I use this with Copic Markers, as well as with Prisma Colors + Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits). This ink is a true black and requires no heat-setting for dry time.
I also use Staz-On Jet Black at times, particularly when planning to watercolor.
I like Ranger's Archival Jet Black ink. It's a permanent, dye based ink that, in my opinion, gives a very true black. It's waterproof, smearproof and fadeproof. I've used a variety of wet techniques with it and it never runs. I've been using this for over 5 years and I'd never use any other black ink.
I have about 8 different black inks and I'd have to say that my favorite is Versafine because:
1) it's a true black
2) crispest image (my other inks look crisp until I compare them to Versafine)
3) great for embossing, which makes it easy to watercolor with
In my experience, for alcohol markers, Memento is the best in terms of not bleeding, but the image doesn't come out as crisp as Versafine.
Ditto this completely. To me nothing compares to versafine for crisp true black images.
__________________ Carrie
"Exercise is a dirty word. Everytime I hear it I wash my mouth out with chocolate." -Charles M. Shultz
I have about 8 different black inks and I'd have to say that my favorite is Versafine because:
1) it's a true black
2) crispest image (my other inks look crisp until I compare them to Versafine)
3) great for embossing, which makes it easy to watercolor with
In my experience, for alcohol markers, Memento is the best in terms of not bleeding, but the image doesn't come out as crisp as Versafine.
Here's another vote for Versafine ink. It is the best with tiny writing (as in SU's Curvy Verses) and doesn't smudge when I color with SU markers (I'm not on the Copic bandwagon). You have to allow for the fact that Versafine dries more slowly than dye ink, but that's a small price to pay for a clear image. Speaking of small price, Versafine is available in black and brown at Michael's, and we all know they have coupons!
I have always loved momento, but have recently discovered Palette Noir and am really loving it for an all around ink. It stamps well with a true black and I haven't had any smearing issues when using my copics. When I am stamping a detailed image that I won't be coloring, I go for versafine black.
Ranger's Archival Jet Black ink works well with all the wet techniques and does not smear with the alcohol-based inks that I use. An extra advantage is that it comes in a jumbo size for large stamps!
memento or adirondak - copics
India Ink black - watercolor
solid - versafine
glossy - stazon
embossing - brilliance graphite
clear stamps that don't stamp well - chalk ink
generic - Archival Jet Black
This is the reason we end up with a gazillion stamp pads (LOL)
And who said buying a black ink pad wan't complicated. Love how you broke down the various options with the technique. I totally, 100% agree with your choices.
I am a huge Memento tuxedo black fan. I also will use versafine black--I can use that color with the copic marker as well, but when using versafine with copic marker, I must wait a LONG time after stamping it before using copic markers (here at least a day or so.)
I have been using Palette Noir and been pretty happy with it.
I ordered Memento Tuxedo Black recently from Joann.com (the Dew Drops were on sale for $1.10 and the full sized pads were on sale too, not sure they still are) because I have heard such wonderful things about itand heard it was great for coloring with Copic markers.
I like Memento Tuxedo black as well. I use stazon for when I use water colors but then I don't want a true black and the stazon is more of a soft black so it works well for that. Now that I am hearing about the versafine I think I'm going to have to try that out. I also have brilliance graphite but I'm to impatient to wait for it to dry or to have to set it and it tends to smear on me.
I don't use Copics, but Tuxedo Black Memento has been wonderful for my colored pencils/baby oil. I really love it and have been using it for just about everything. I bought the dew drop size, because I wasn't sure if it would be joining all the other black pads in my 'pad graveyard', but I love the ink and the size is nice too. Who knew such a small pad would be so easy to use?? ;) After Uncle Sam is done bleeding me dry, I'm going to try to buy more of the Memento dew drops.
I appreciate the breakdowns that several of you have provided as to what ink pads you use for the different mediums. Very handy info!
Blessings,
Kat
__________________ "Be Still and Know That I Am God" Ps. 46:10
I attached is an old article from Rubber Stamper magazine that lists inks pads and their uses. Because it's old, the list doesn't inlcude some of the newer stamp pads, but it's still a useful tool.
BTW - I still miss Rubber Stamper -no one does it as good as that magazine for giving great info on stamping and products.
What's the best black ink....
