Classic Pads v. Craft Pads

[ReindeerTrout]

Do you ladies have any opinions regarding Classic v. Craft Pads? Do Craft Pads work the same as Classic Pads for cardmaking and scrapbooking? Thanks for your input.

[wljr]

Check out this...

Forums at Splitcoaststampers
You might also try searching, there are probably other threads on this topic!

Hope it helps!
-Whitney

[ReindeerTrout]

Thanks, Whitney. I have both sets and rarely use my Craft pads. However, I am thinking about selling my Classic pads to my neighbor, who is really becoming a good customer and then using the Craft pads exclusively. Apart from longer drying times, it doesn't seem there are any "disadvantages" to the Craft pads. I will keep the reinkers for the Classics, as I use them for polished stone effects.

Am I going to regret this move? It doesn't seem so....

[wljr]

I like the craft pads better too, but it just depends. Sometimes I go through stages of which I like better. I also have all the spots so that solves the problem of having the classic ones. If you use the craft more don't stress, sell them. If you think you might regret it, wait a bit longer and see how you feel.
-Whitney

[luvtostampstampstamp]

Well, I just sold all my Craft pads. I got so disgusted with my work smearing. I used to love them because I did a lot of embossing but I guess my styles have changed! I'm all Classic now. I like being able to stamp and layer, etc w/o worrying about something smearing! Just my humble 2 cents!

[Delene]

Hi, here is a email from SU!!


"Thank you for your inquiry regarding our Classic ink pads. Our
Classic inks are dye inks. Dye inks are unstable in colour and will
fade over time (when you stamp with them, they form a chemical
reaction with the paper, which starts the fading process). How long
they will take to fade depends on a lot of factors. Light colours
(such as our Soft Subtles) will fade very quickly and should not be
used in scrapbooks at all. But temperature, humidity and exposure to
light will also have an effect on fade time. If
you keep your scrapbooks in a cool, dry place and don't look at them a
lot, the inks will last longer than if you store them in a hot place
that is humid and look at them every day--but they still will
eventually fade, even if they are not in direct sunlight.
There are scrapbookers who use dye inks because they like the colours
better (they tend to be a bit more vibrant) and say that the colours
will last as long as the colours in the photos (not necessarily true),
so they aren't concerned about the fading. It is true that your
colored photos will also fade over time, but newer processing
technology is increasing the longevity of colored photos.

Pigment inks, on the other hand, are virtually fade-proof (our Craft
inks are pigment inks). They sit on top of the paper, do not form that
chemical reaction, so remain true (pigments are what artists use -
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling would have faded away long
before now had he used dyes instead of pigments in his paints). They
do take longer to dry. However, you just need to let your pages dry
overnight before placing them in sheet protectors. And you can use the
light colours without worrying that they will have faded in a few
months. If you use any of the metallic pigment inks, such as the
Encore inks we offer, they will need to be embossed in order to dry
sufficiently for your scrapbooks. All of the inks discussed above are
acid free.

We hope this information is helpful."

Sharee Hughes
Electronic Demonstrator Support
Stampin' Up!(r)

[ReindeerTrout]

Thanks, Delene... that's very helpful.

[Nichol33]

IMHO, I like classic pads better. I absolutely abhor having to clean up after stamping, and with craft pads it seems I am always scrubbing to get the stamps clean. The stamps that I've used craft ink with just look awful.
I do have some craft ink that I use for fabric, tile, etc stamping.

How about getting the stampin' spots as a back up?

[CreativeDiva]

I think it's a matter of habbit. I use the craft pads because I also like to scrapbook, and just couldn't justify having 2 of every color. I have no problems with them at all! If you're in a hurry you can always use the embossing heat tool to dry the inks faster (or between layers if double stamping).
My 2 cents worth

[ReindeerTrout]

I sold the Classic Pads to my neighbor. I figure I can use the Craft Pads on everthing... even if they take a bit longer to dry or need a bit more clean up. I have only had one thing fade (a candle screen with a Ballet Blue fleur-de-lis stamped on white mulberry paper) but I now realize that if I had stamped it with the Craft Pad, it would not have faded. Good enough for me!

Thanks to everyone for your input. I really appreciate all the tips and advice on this website. Although I've been stamping for about 3 years, I never feel like I know enough. You ladies have taught me so much in the few weeks I've been a member here. THANK YOU! I wish I could send a RAK to each of you!