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I know I'm late to the game, but I just started experimenting with watercoloring using the Distress mini pads and I'm loving it! I decided to pick up a set of 5 (6?) Distress Markers and see how they compare. Well, of course I'm hooked and want MORE! I want to invest in more pads AND markers, but will be collecting slowly. I just can't decide which to focus on. Of course the pads are extremely versatile, but I also really like the control I can get with the markers.
If you had to choose between your pads and your markers for watercoloring, which would you keep and why?
Personally I'd choose the pads over the markers. Siince you have the mini ink pads, I'd suggest purchasing refills rather with the money you'll spend on markers. I've two reasons for my choice. You can use the ink from your mini ink pads for watercoloring, and you'll have the refills to replenish your pads when needed. You can purchase your favorite color markers later, and you'll have the reinker to replenish a dried out marker if you find you really use them a lot. I have markers, and don't even remember the last time I used them!
I'm with Anne. Pads are more versatile. Invest in the reinkers for every pad you buy. (Good advice in general - always buy a reinker with a pad.)
I know some people love the markers, but I'm not a big marker person, and I have the markers and barely use them. I have other markers I use way more. Like my Zigs.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I have almost all of the mini pads and a fairly good handful of the markers. As everyone has said, the pads are more versatile. You might want to build foundation of pads of your favorite colors that harmonize well plus a neutral or two, but also add a small number of markers that will supplement them - especially since you love them.
Just a tiny example: you might use a marker to mark the veins on a leaf stamp (not the paper), then stamp on top of the more solid leaf you've stamped. The firmness of the marker tip can be useful.
Mini pads and refills for me. I've had horrible luck with the markers. I bought the full set when they came out and I only have about 10 left as they all dried out. I decided that Im just fine with the pads.
If your budget doesn't run to pads & refills, go for refills. You can put a spot of ink then onto a plate/palette, and use a brush, or waterbrush of your choice to colour with.
Also, remember Tim brought out blank inkpads so people could make their own ombre pads. You could use ,say 4 different reinkers on each pad if you just want them for colouring with, rather than general blending and so on.
I could not choose between them; I love them equally. I also love the reinkers.
I wholeheartedly agree with Robin: I always buy the reinker for each inkpad I buy.
__________________ 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.
I had a few distress markers and I thought they dried out very quickly. So I stick with the pads or mini pads. I have a few reinkers. Just curious as to where people get there reinkers at a good price.
I have a bunch of the distress mini pads (bought them on sale without a plan on how to use them!) and now I need help! I don't even know where to begin getting them to behave any differently than regular ink pads. Can someone give me a clue? Thanks!
__________________ Jennifer
Live each day with kindness, happiness, and a smile.
I have almost all the Distress ink colors, mostly in the full-size pads, with a few minis that I won some time ago. I also had 2 markers, Black Soot & Picket Fence, which both dried out long before I really had a chance to use them much. My ink pads are, for the most part, still going strong. I think I've had to replace only 2 of the pads, and used the Distress refresher spray for a third. I do store my pads upside down, which I know is not supposed to make any difference, but it still makes me feel better. So, I would suggest going with the ink pads, if only for longevity's sake.
I'd choose the pads any day. They hold more ink and I don't like using the markers direct to paper anyway. Though I may try them again on Bristol paper. I hate that I can never seem to blend out the harsh line the marker made when I applied it. The markers also dry out randomly. I've got ones I never hardly used and yes, the caps were on tight, and they are dried up!
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
Off the topic but does anyone have a great way of keeping the lids on the distress pads? I've started using the nail polish holder below and I like it but the tops flop open on the older pads. Any ideas other than a rubber band would be helpful. TIA
I use Plasti-bands for my Distress minis and the few full size Distress pads I have when carting them around- like rubber bands but much skinnier. They stretch out (not when on a pad) but it doesn't bother me; I use as is or grab another. https://www.amazon.com/Baumgartens-8...s=Plasti-bands
I use Plasti-bands for my Distress minis and the few full size Distress pads I have when carting them around- like rubber bands but much skinnier. They stretch out (not when on a pad) but it doesn't bother me; I use as is or grab another. https://www.amazon.com/Baumgartens-8...s=Plasti-bands
I think it's unanimous for pads over markers. I have a set of 10 of the first new colors and the only time I use them is to scribble color to pick up with a brush. If I'm doing a lot of watercoloring, I also just squeeze out a bit of reinker and use that.
I've had more trouble with mine drying out than other markers. Even though I store them correctly. And I never use the "pen" end, so as far as I am concerned they could have just made them a brush marker instead of dual tip.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I use Plasti-bands for my Distress minis and the few full size Distress pads I have when carting them around- like rubber bands but much skinnier. They stretch out (not when on a pad) but it doesn't bother me; I use as is or grab another. https://www.amazon.com/Baumgartens-8...s=Plasti-bands
Big box office supply stores sell them.
Just wanted to come back and say thank you. The bands are working perfectly!!
Distress Markers or Pads for watercoloring?
So, I would suggest going with the ink pads, if only for longevity's sake. 
