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I was wondering if anybody has tips on purchasing good markers to use to color stamps selective (i.e., color the flower portion of a stamp pink, the stem green, etc.)
I just purchased Le Plume II markers from Michaels. Thank goodness I used a 50% coupon because they are NOT that good for selectively coloring stamps... at least not clear stamps. I nearly stained two stamps... I'm glad I had Staz-On cleaner on hand!
Are there markers out there better for coloring stamps than others? Or is it that because I used clear stamps (instead of rubber stamps)...is why I had the problem?
Thanks much.
__________________ "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint on his knees."
Most clear stamps do not take markers well. And they will stain from markers or ink but I find this OK as it makes it easier to see the image. I use either Le Plume or Stampin' Up markers. But wood and cling stamps do better with this type of inking than the clear stamps. I find clear stamps give better impressions when using ink.
memento has a whole line of markers I believe, specifically for stamping. As to whether they stain I don't know. My stamps are all stained up anyway! LOL
Hey, Ted! I have Marvy, Tombow and Memento markers. All of them will selectively color a stamp, but in my experience, the results are FAR better on rubber than on clear stamps. The markers tend to bead up for me on clear stamps, no matter what stamp brand I use, and they do stain a bit more than an ink pad.
Edit: Oh, and you need to huff on the stamp after you finish coloring before stamping to add back a little moisture that may have dried while you were coloring.
Ted, IMO the best water-based markers are Tombow; I've owned the Marvy LePlumes and gave them away. The Marvy brush markers are not much better (they're just a larger version of the LePlumes).
I just tried the darkest red Tombow marker (#847) on the largest flower from PTI's Rosie Posie; it worked really well for using a marker on a clear stamp, especially a large stamp. But it really stained the stamp. I used Stazon cleaner to remove the ink (which I don't like to use on my clear stamps); the stamp is still stained light pink.
So if you don't like stains on your clear stamps, I don't think I would recommend using markers on them.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
Ted what you have to do, is once you have coloured the stamp, but before you actually put rubber to paper, you need to activate the ink, which is to blow on it, as though you are blowing on your hands in winter to warm them. Puff a few times, then put it down, firmly. I will even use embossing powder after doing this, just to sharpen the colour a bit and to give a limit to where the colour inside will go...
I'm inclined to agree with DianeinSparks that clear stamps just don't take marker well - just as they can be problematic with some inks. I've had Le Plumes for about 9 years now, and they're fine for selectively colouring rubber stamps.
Having said that, I sometimes like to use markers on my clear sentiments. The best I have found are Fiskars, but I imagine they only make a very narrow colour range - if they even still make them at all.
I would be curious to know if the TH markers will stain clear stamps. They are water based, right?
They are water-based, yes - but so are markers like Le Plume and Tombow, and some of those will stain clear stamps. I think it depends more on what pigments are used to create the colours. Some pigments stain more than others.
Okay, I have not had problems with clear stamps, but I don't use that brand - and to be honest, I guess I made the assumption that most of them are much the same, since they are used the same for colouring. My bad...although the huffing style can make a difference ...lol.
So okay, you can versamark before putting the pen colours on; but you need to be patient to do this, and again I am assuming that they are able to do this as the ones I use do. My pens are pretty old, called Whispers, but I understand they are still made by a company called Marvy...
I have Copics, Prismamarkers, and Bic Mark-its and Crayola brand markers. For blending on stamps, clear and rubber, I found the Crayola markers work very well. I know, I was amazed myself! I was impressed with the clear distinct colors and how well the image shows when using Crayola markers!
I will say most of these markers mentioned work much better with rubber stamps than with the clear stamps. Its the make up of the rubber that will adhere the ink from a marker better.
I love Distress Inks with clear stamps--I find Distress Inks work the best so far with clear stamps--so that does make me wonder if the Ranger Distress Markers would work for clear stamps better too like the rest of you?
I don't mind when my clear stamps stain, because if I clean them right after using they still work fine even though they may be stained. The stain never seems to bleed onto a new image since I clean them after each use.
I am reading and watching and waiting for reviews on the Ranger Distress Markers before I rush in and buy. If I find they color the clear stamps well, then I may just have to take out the wallet and get some!
So okay, you can versamark before putting the pen colours on; but you need to be patient to do this, and again I am assuming that they are able to do this as the ones I use do. My pens are pretty old, called Whispers, but I understand they are still made by a company called Marvy...
I'm not sure that Whispers are made by Marvy, or if they are, they're very different in feel to the LePlume. I say this as somebody gave me a set of about 48 Whispers, and there's a noticeable difference between them and the LePlumes. I prefer the LePlume .
Cook22, I was going on what someone told me when I made a general enquiry on SCS. I do not do a lot of stamping with my pens, but that is the reason I got them, and I have not had any trouble with them. So I am not going to go out and buy more until they are all dry and useless and after about 4 years they seem like they are still going strong.
I also assumed Ted did not want to buy new pens since he had only just bought his. It is very disappointing to buy something and it doesn't work as you expect it to.
I have looked around the internet and there were some helpful videos on Youtube; but that was a few years ago now but there is always something. Many of the companies put instructional videos out there and maybe if Ted Googles it he could find more information....
Whispers ink pads are the same as the Marvy ink pads but not the markers if they are the same that I have. I have a set of Whispers markers that look like Le Plumes but they are permanent markers. I use them to color stickers like you would use a Sharpie.
I love Marvy brush markers for coloring direct to rubber. They have great blending abilities when you layer from light to dark and spritz with water. The affect is amazing if when not spritzing. Take a look at Art Impressions water color methiod to see how great they are. I don't use them on clear stamps as they bead up and do most inks. I prefer pigment/craft/chalk ink on clear stamps.
My Whispers, and evidently Karen's are watercolour markers, though. Mine are dual-tipped, just like the Le Plumes.
I agree, Karen - no need to go out and buy more if they do the job . My Le Plume's are over eight years old, and only 2 have died so far. Mind you, a few of them, notably the red/orange colours, are oozing a bit of gunge on the tips nowadays, but I just wipe it off and they work fine. My Whispers aren't as old, but I've got to say I haven't noticed that problem with any of them.
My preferred inking method for stamps are markers. I use a variety. My favorites are LePlume's, Stampin Up, Crayola, & Cra-z-Art. Yes, Cra-z-Art the cheapie markers, lol. All the markers give different results. I think SU it looks like true watercolors. LePlume gives a beautiful stamped image look. Crayola & Cra-z-Art it's kind of hard to explain the image result. It's one of those you have to try it and see if you like it kind of things.
I always get staining on my clear markers or beading. I hate the beading.
I think Marvy released a set of markers for clear stamps. I can't remember the name of them.
If you want to use markers on clear stamps you can try the Ranger dry nibs or other empty markers sold in your stamp ink aisle. This way you can use the inks formulated for clear stamps such as chalk ink.
I always huff on my stamps too when working with dye base inks. Even if I use a stamp pad.
PTi had a video or blog post about clear stamps and caring for them. It is normal for them to stain. All of the designers work with stained stamps in their videos. You should NOT clean clear stamps with Staz-On cleaner. It will degrade them over time. If you use it rarely it isn't so bad but don't use it regularly. Staining will not affect the performance of the stamps.
I find that if any marker will work on a stamp, it will be Stampin' Up! Markers. But many stamp manufacturers recommend pigment or craft ink for clear stamps. Dye based ink whether in pad or marker form just doesn't work well. The better quality the stamp, the better it takes dye ink which is most noticeable when working with solid stamps. PTI and other better quality stamps work well even with dye ink.
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
I have bee dissapointed with all of the leplume markers I bought, the brush tip frays and the fine point dies out too quickly, they are a bummer of a product. I like tombow (they work great even after years of use, I even bought some at a yard sale that worked great!) and Stampin up (the fine plastic nib lasts and lasts) and the new memento markers work good too! You can get them in packs of 4 at Joann and use a coupon. You might want to wait and get the new Tim Holtz ones tho, they will be available next month, I saw a demo on paperclipping.com and they looked awesome and are about the same price as others. They have the journaling tip like the SU ones too. If I did not already have a ton of markers I'd buy them in a heartbeat!
Also I wanted to add that if you scuff your clear stamps ith a fine sanding block the ink will stick much better rom the markers;) Why not try that with the markers you have first?
PPS I read you should not use stazon ink or cleaner or simple grean on the clear stamps. I love 1 part SG with 10 parts water for rubber stamp cleaning but to make a good clear stamp cleaner mix a tablespoon of baby shampoo, a teaspoon of glycern in a cup of water and put in a spray bottle, it cleans and condidtions beautifully and will not damage the stamp plus it is super cheap! And most of my clear stamps (esp thegood ones) are stained, as long as they are clean I do not mind the stain. SU black is the worst culprit of staining but it helps me see what the stamp is so I don't mind, the more stained it is the more I miust love that stamps!
I find Tombow markers to be the best for colouring on rubber and clear stamps. There are lots of colours to choose from and the colours blend well on the stamps. I am looking forward to the Tim Holtz distress markers though...I watched his video on them and was honestly blown away at the colour. but until I can afford them it will be my first choice of marker=the Tombow. I have tried LePlume and others including SU but still go back to Tombow for use on my stamps. About stazon cleaner on clear stamps. I do not recommend it as it will break down the polymers that the stamp is made from. Linsaymay's recipe sounds very good. I am going to give it a try as it is very natural ingredients.:cool:
What's wrong with stained stamps anyway? I do not try to keep mine pristine, because they are tools, not works of art in themselves. Get in there and get 'em good and dirty! And have fun!
Marvy makes a set of LePlume makers just for the clear stamps. I've used them and they work much better than the regular LePlume makers that I use on regular rubber stamps.
I have bee dissapointed with all of the leplume markers I bought, the brush tip frays and the fine point dies out too quickly, they are a bummer of a product. I like tombow (they work great even after years of use, I even bought some at a yard sale that worked great!) and Stampin up (the fine plastic nib lasts and lasts) and the new memento markers work good too! You can get them in packs of 4 at Joann and use a coupon. You might want to wait and get the new Tim Holtz ones tho, they will be available next month, I saw a demo on paperclipping.com and they looked awesome and are about the same price as others. They have the journaling tip like the SU ones too. If I did not already have a ton of markers I'd buy them in a heartbeat!
Lindsay your my go too girl for tool reviews. I always trust your opinion for art tools since I know you have an art background.
I keep hearing from other stampers that LePlume's fray. I wonder if I am missing something? My LePlume's are six years old now and no fraying. I don't color with my LePlume's on paper. I only use them for marker to stamp. I am wondering if they are fraying and I am not noticing what to look for. Granted these are my trash markers and my SU are my good markers. I don't really care how the Le Plume's look. Definitely the fine point does dry out quickly. I hate that. I was hoping to use these markers for zentangles and other fine sketching. Had to throw that idea away.
I want those Memento markers. I just don't think I am an inkpad girl. I like my markers. I do use the full size SU pads.
I can't wait for the TH Distress marker's to come out. I got to have a set right now. I love them. I think they will make great sketch markers too.
was being lazy and grabbed a crayola marker the other day for valentines greeting, when putting it on the paper it seemed to stick, did not think much of it until it stuck again on the second card as well. Normally use the stampin up or tombow and have loved them. Many of mine are over 10 years old and still seem to work great.
__________________ Kyloe
The lesson from Charlie Brown: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
I've use LePlume markers, but they do seem to dry up after a while. Tombow seemed to last longer. With clear stamps, I rub a clean white eraser over them before using them the first time, which seems to reduce ink beading without damaging the stamp. If your markers are "iffy" for some reason, try inking the stamp with embossing ink, then coloring the portion you want with marker. This won't work if you just want to emboss part of it, but will if you just want to stamp it.
Using markers to selectively color stamps
