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I've always assumed Craft was the way to go since I could emboss if I wanted to. What are the benefits of Classic over Craft? I've read many of you mostly use Classic and I'm wondering why. FWIW - I just started collecting the Craft spots, but now I'm thinking I should reconsider and go for Classic. Thanks!
I use classic more often because it dries instantly and because I have a set of the full-size pads (in craft, I have just spots). But craft is great for embossing, scrapbooking, and stamping on darker papers.
I don't really like the consistency of the craft ink, plus the wait time for it to dry. I also don't like the way it gunks up my stamp scrub. I love that classic dries instantly, and is easy to clean.
I prefer classic ink because I just don't have the patience to wait for the craft to dry -- I also don't like that I tend to get a less sharp image.
To emboss with classic, I stamp in versamark first and then in the classic pad- works like a charm if you work fast.
Craft ink takes too long to dry and is more likely to stain so I steer clear of it unless I have no other choice. I often stamp during lunch at work and I definitely don't have time to wait for ink to dry and can't easily take my heat tool to set things.
When I first started stamping I bought more craft for the ability to emboss and if not, I just heat set it to dry. Now, I use more classic for all the same reasons everyone mentions. If you don't have craft pads and want some, I recommend spots to save on cost and storage. But, the spots only come in sets so if you only want certain colors you can get empty spots and buy craft refills and make your own spots.
If you do color blending techniques, pigment (craft) inks work well because they dry slowly. For regular stamping, unless I'm embossing I use dye (classic). Now that I have the Transcendence embossing powder (sold by TAC), I can emboss with dye inks and markers.
I emboss with my Classic pads. I just stamp in Versamark then stamp in classic ink of my choice and then on the paper. Perfect for embossing and it does NOT harm your classic pads. This way I can emboss in every color I have in classic inks.
Ok, so I think Craft ink = pigment ink
Classic ink = dye ink
What about chalk ink? That would be craft? Could it be used for embossing?
I have a pallette of Petal Point chalk ink. I bought it when I first started stamping. At that point I was buying everything, - because I just didn't know the difference. What would chalk ink be good for?
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Just a tip about cleaning stamps after using craft ink...first, you can use a pretty light touch on a craft pad. I usually tap lightly, then look to see if the image is covered in ink. If you smoosh the stamp into the pad, you get way too much ink on the stamp and it's harder to get clean and the image isn't as crisp. Secondly, always "stamp off" on scrap paper first before you clean the stamp on your stampin' scrub (I do this even when I use classic ink). Hope this helps, because craft ink is really cool if you know when and how to use it!
I use only Classic as in the Uk and we have no choice!! Funny, as before SU I NEVER used dye inks (other than Tim Holtz) as emboss alot and so just have better colour range in pigment inks.
i've heard about using versamark with craft ink but not sure if the versamark will over time affect my craft ink as you ink the stamp with versamark then go to craft pad. If you do this alot surely the versamark will affect the craft pad?
Ok, so I think Craft ink = pigment ink
Classic ink = dye ink
What about chalk ink? That would be craft? Could it be used for embossing?
I have a pallette of Petal Point chalk ink. I bought it when I first started stamping. At that point I was buying everything, - because I just didn't know the difference. What would chalk ink be good for?
I don't emboss with chalk ink because it dries really fast and I don't like the pressure of the clock, LOL! Pigment inks give you plenty of time to get the powder on without feeling rushed. Dye inks dry nice and fast and are less likely to smear.
I love chalk ink with clear stamps---it gives great coverage and beautiful impressions with a matte finish.
Honestly, all inks have a place in stamping. When I first started, I did like you and bought tons without knowing what I was doing. I've been stamping for 8 years now and have used most everything I bought in those early days...but I also spend years NOT using some of it. It all comes back around, LOL.
I don't emboss with chalk ink because it dries really fast and I don't like the pressure of the clock, LOL! Pigment inks give you plenty of time to get the powder on without feeling rushed. Dye inks dry nice and fast and are less likely to smear.
I love chalk ink with clear stamps---it gives great coverage and beautiful impressions with a matte finish.
Honestly, all inks have a place in stamping. When I first started, I did like you and bought tons without knowing what I was doing. I've been stamping for 8 years now and have used most everything I bought in those early days...but I also spend years NOT using some of it. It all comes back around, LOL.
OH! There is hope for me and my giant stash!
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I use more classic pads because of the cost difference. I find that I don't emboss or do special techniques often enough to justify all craft pads. I have a few for those special occassions or use versamark. More cost effective for me.
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i've heard about using versamark with craft ink but not sure if the versamark will over time affect my craft ink as you ink the stamp with versamark then go to craft pad. If you do this alot surely the versamark will affect the craft pad?
Just to clarify, I think people use VersaMark with classic ink, not craft. If you're using craft ink, you can just put embossing powder on top of it. The idea with using VM and classic (dye) ink is you first put VM on your stamp, then the classic ink, then stamp on your paper. This, then, puts the classic ink directly on your paper and the VM is on top of that. The embossing powder sticks to the VM. I've always had the same concern you do about VM getting on my classic ink pads, so I haven't done much of this.
I hear that! I am totally impatient and find that I end up smearing, smudging and just plain ruining stuff I've stamped with craft ink. I only use it if I'm stamping on dark paper and then I heat it with the heat gun and usually end up burning myself or a hole in the paper. Too much nonsense for me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cjbapp
I can't wait for craft to dry. It smears if you bump it. It's cheaper.
The only time I ever use craft is the white and vanilla for embossing.
I rarely stamp anything other than paper, so classic ink is best for me!
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I purchased two familes of full size craft pads (RR/EE) and I have never opened them..I also have all the refills...what a waste. I will probably end up selling them on the bay.
Blessings.
I don't really like the consistency of the craft ink, plus the wait time for it to dry. I also don't like the way it gunks up my stamp scrub. I love that classic dries instantly, and is easy to clean.
exactly.
i have a craft pad in white. i can't stand it. i've used it maybe twice, and i hate how it gets gunky on my stamps and how it doesn't clean properly.
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For those who use Classic more than Craft - why?
