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I decided to try 2 of the Distress Oxide inks, since I've heard so many good things about them. I use my Distress Inks for blending backgrounds and inking through stencils. I used one last night with a regular Distress ink to ink up an embossed panel, and the Oxide ink was definitely more difficult to blend. It was very streaky and wouldn't move around the cardstock as easily as the regular Distress ink. I'm disappointed and hesitant to buy more. I know about most of their other properties, but I'm not planning to use them in those ways. Anyone else having trouble blending them? Thanks.
Also, I think that part of the problem is that the formulation of the ink isn't as geared towards 'dry' blending as the original Distress Inks were. The Oxides are designed more to layer on top of each other, I believe from watching You Tube videos. So I don't think it is as easy to do.
Also, I think that part of the problem is that the formulation of the ink isn't as geared towards 'dry' blending as the original Distress Inks were. The Oxides are designed more to layer on top of each other, I believe from watching You Tube videos. So I don't think it is as easy to do.
I admit this confuses me a bit, since it's usually the opposite: people are often happy with Oxides right off the bat because of how much easier they are to blend than regular Distress - whether one or more colors. The first time I used them, I felt like I was channeling Laura Bassen. Later, women in an in-person Oxide class who were new to them had similar reactions. And Jennifer McGuire and others talk about how if you have trouble blending regular Distress (ME!), Oxides are a game changer.
If paper isn't the issue, or it's not a bad batch of ink, and the ink has been stored flat (not on its side), and the blending tool is good, I might suggest applying in multiple thin layers, not one or two thick ones. This was emphasized in class. Some videos show technique better than others, though knowing how much pressure is being applied is tough. Maybe others have better ideas. I'd hate anyone to lose out if there's a quick solution.
I just got my Distress Oxide inks in January, two sets of twelve and I love them because they blend so easily. I use either the TH small circle blending tool or a little finger dauber.
I have used three papers to blend on Neenah Solar white, Bazzill Kraft and SU colored CS such as Night of Navy and Emerald Envy.
I have had no issues, again I do store flat in a drawer. Good luck.
Since I was using the same paper for both types of ink, and the regular DI worked just fine, I have to conclude that it's the OI that are the problem for me. I don't like products that are too "fussy" to use. Thanks for all your suggestions. I do appreciate them. These inks just aren't for me, and that's OK. I'm glad I only bought 2 of them. I might just use them as pigment inks for embossing and see if I like them better for that. If not, I'll probably either give them away or sell them Thanks again.
I wonder if it's the inks - that something happened to them before you got them. Oxides are the opposite of fussy - that's why they're easier to use than regular Distress for so many.
If one of these days you're near an LSS that has any open that they'd let you fool around with, that might be worth a quick try.
1. Check paper type.
2. Store flat.
3. Use the round blending tool.
4. Spritz with water and see if you like that effect!
5. Tape your paper down while you work. It leaves your hands free to work without getting them so inky.
6. Rosemary's right! They stamp very well!
I just picked up three new colors at my LSS and she's ordered me refills for them. I got the first full set and am now just adding colors I may be lacking. Beth (bjeans) got me hooked and I'm in love with the oxides!
I absolutely love the distress oxides. I could never blend with the original distress inks. but with distress oxides, I have not problem at all. I also love the fact that if you blend two colours such as blue and yellow you will get a green where they blend together. Regular distress ink does not do that for me.
And if you let the ink dry somewhat - doesn't have to be bone dry - you can put a complementary color on top that would normally mix with it to make mud, but it won't.
I have difficulty in blending the Distress Inks--my arm just gives out after awhile; I was tickled to death when it was said the Oxide Inks were easier to blend, so I jumped on them when they first came out & have been TOTALLY SOLD on them!!! I don't have any trouble in blending them at all! I have the first two sets that came out & plan on getting the latest set that has come out too. I SO ENJOY working with the Oxide Inks & would recommend them to anyone. They just cover more than the Distress Inks with fewer swipes. Maybe, that is where the problem is? It covers more quickly than you expect?
Oxide inks are great for stamping with compared to distress inks, so you could use them for that if you are not happy with how they blend.
Which paper do you recommend for stamping with Distress Oxides? I have tried a smooth white Coredinations paper that I have and the ink bleeds a little. Hoping to get some Neenah cardstock soon.
...and the ink has been stored flat (not on its side)
May I ask why you say to store the Oxides flat? I've been keeping mine on edge in a drawer because it's easy to quickly see the labels (I print them from the Ranger site) on the edges. When I first started stamping back in the Dark Ages, we were told to store ink pads upside down to keep the ink at the surface of the pad. Later, I've heard that's not necessary. But I never heard anything special about the Oxides, so I would like to know more about why we're supposed to store them flat (and is that right side up or upside down?). Thanks!
__________________ Diana B
-We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all. ~John Hughes
I think it also has to do with the mixing of two different types of ink. From Ranger:
"Hi Beth, Thank you for your email and interest in Ranger products.<o:p></o
Distress Oxide Ink Pads should be stored flat. Since the formula contains pigment, storing the pads on the sides may result in drawing the ink to the edge of the pad. <o:p></o
Original Distress Ink Pads can be stored flat or on the sides. If storing these pads on the side, just be sure there is no space for the lid to open.<o:p></o
There are currently no plans for a storage container for regular size Distress Ink Pads. Most crafters store them in a drawer, cabinet, on a shelf or in a plastic storage container. It really comes down to what works best for you.<o:p></o
I think the beauty in the Oxides is the purity of the layering when using dry. Using light on top of dark is no longer a problem, since it doesn't muddy.
My favorite way to use the Oxides is just smearing the pads randomly on my silicone sheet, spritzing with water or TH Distress Refresher, and then making awesome backgrounds by swirling papers through the inks. So pretty, and not at all muddied. They also work well for stamping just as they are. Be patient!
Which paper do you recommend for stamping with Distress Oxides? I have tried a smooth white Coredinations paper that I have and the ink bleeds a little. Hoping to get some Neenah cardstock soon.
I live in Northern Ireland so I'm not sure if the card I use is available to you. I use Annamarie white stamping card or Create and Craft extra smooth stamping card.
Since I was using the same paper for both types of ink, and the regular DI worked just fine, I have to conclude that it's the OI that are the problem for me. I don't like products that are too "fussy" to use. Thanks for all your suggestions. I do appreciate them. These inks just aren't for me, and that's OK. I'm glad I only bought 2 of them. I might just use them as pigment inks for embossing and see if I like them better for that. If not, I'll probably either give them away or sell them Thanks again.
Different types of ink have different properties and some will work better or worse depending on the type of paper you are using. Just because your regular Distress Inks perform well on the paper you're using and the Distress Oxides do not does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the Oxide inks. There may be, but trying them with a different card stock may yield better results. In Tim Holtz's classes he uses a lot of manila tags with great results. (Just another suggestion.)
Which paper do you recommend for stamping with Distress Oxides? I have tried a smooth white Coredinations paper that I have and the ink bleeds a little. Hoping to get some Neenah cardstock soon.
I use Bristol Smooth Vellum for best results, both with Distress and Oxides. If you are mixing the two, use the oxides first, let them dry (naturally or with help) then use the regular distress on top. Layering is the bomb with oxides, imo, because wet, they mix into nice colors, dry they just layer on top of each other.
I find oxides "smoother" than regular distress inks, but I continue to use both. Just depends on the project I'm working on. And I love, LOVE, what happens with water on the oxide inks. And they make exquisite galaxy backgrounds, too - more easily than regular oxides, imo.
Ok, I really like them <G>.
__________________ The future is uncertain, because love changes everything!
Just to clarify - no need for fussing or extra work. Mostly I just blend dry on Neenah.
These inks are forgiving - if you don't like something, add another layer or layers when kinda-sorta dry. Because they're opaque they cover up uglies.
For anyone curious about them, there are many techniques - but that's a different ballgame than simple blending - like there are techniques using any inks.
For water techniques, I don't usually go for water dots. I smoosh ink onto a craft mat leaving a bit of space between colors, spray with water, dab CS into colors. Dab more or add more ink as desired.
Stenciling with them is fun. Blend many layers of ink or swoosh lots of color onto CS - again, more layers is good. Put a stencil down when the ink is fairly dry and remove color with a baby wipe. With a bunch of layers, you don't have to go down to bare CS - you can remove down to lower layers.
Last edited by bjeans; 03-01-2018 at 04:28 AM..
Reason: Added stenciling and stuff
I just posted a card that I added a diecut that I did with the oxides. I blended three colors and the stamped over them. I love the diecut, but not crazy about the finished card
I just posted a card that I added a diecut that I did with the oxides. I blended three colors and the stamped over them. I love the diecut, but not crazy about the finished card
Just to clarify - no need for fussing or extra work. Mostly I just blend dry on Neenah.
These inks are forgiving - if you don't like something, add another layer or layers when kinda-sorta dry. Because they're opaque they cover up uglies.
For anyone curious about them, there are many techniques - but that's a different ballgame than simple blending - like there are techniques using any inks.
For water techniques, I don't usually go for water dots. I smoosh ink onto a craft mat leaving a bit of space between colors, spray with water, dab CS into colors. Dab more or add more ink as desired.
Stenciling with them is fun. Blend many layers of ink or swoosh lots of color onto CS - again, more layers is good. Put a stencil down when the ink is fairly dry and remove color with a baby wipe. With a bunch of layers, you don't have to go down to bare CS - you can remove down to lower layers.
I get that. I don’t plan to buy glossy paper so I can use my Oxides the way they were demoed on Jennifer McGuire’s post today. I don’t really care much about those messy ink things but lots of people love them. I’m not good at ink smooshing either and don’t care if I get better. Sounds like you enjoy other parts of this hobby more.
I haven't tried and have no intention of trying the oxides. I have enough techniques that use the inks I already have and I'm not particularly impressed with the look of the oxides over the looks I can already get. I will save my money for stamps and cardstock and the inks I have that may need to be restocked.
I use the Neenah paper for all my stamping, alcohol marker coloring and ink blending. I find the oxides work great with this. I buy a ream of it and find it lasts about 18 months.
However, I can totally understand not wanting to buy more paper if you can do everything else with what you already have.
I was watching a video last night, from a lady called Vicky Papaioannou, and she was getting fantastic blending with Oxides on Watercolour paper. She was demoing an embossing plate, using the Oxides to add colour after.
I'm not big on the water splatter look, though there are some gorgeous exceptions, but there's so much more that's different with these inks.
If you don't like a color you can completely cover it with another color, since Oxides are opaque/paint-like. I used an embossing folder bookmark sized embossed piece, didn't like yellow with blue and soot, and covered the yellow by blending on top of it. Added some silver paint pen lines following the folder lines, silver glitter pen, just fun.
I decided to try 2 of the Distress Oxide inks, since I've heard so many good things about them. I use my Distress Inks for blending backgrounds and inking through stencils. I used one last night with a regular Distress ink to ink up an embossed panel, and the Oxide ink was definitely more difficult to blend. It was very streaky and wouldn't move around the cardstock as easily as the regular Distress ink. I'm disappointed and hesitant to buy more. I know about most of their other properties, but I'm not planning to use them in those ways. Anyone else having trouble blending them? Thanks.
Just one more thing, was your blending foam inked up well? My old foams blend like butter for all my inks
Distress Oxides: Problem Blending?
Why store Oxides flat
