Ever wonder what the difference is between dye vs. pigment ink pads? Do you ask yourself what is a hybrid ink pad? Are you overwhelmed trying to figure out what ink pad to use and when? No need to worry. We have all the answers for you right here.
 
What are Dye Ink Pads?
In general, dye inks are usually water-based and translucent. They dry quickly on matte papers and porous surfaces. The ink gets absorbed into the surface and will lighten as the stamped image dries.

Ranger currently has two types of dye ink pads:
 
 
Tim Holtz Distress® Ink Pads: These are water-reactive ink pads specially formulated to stay wet longer to allow you to blend, shade, and create a vintage, stained, aged effect. Since the ink stays wet longer, you can use it for heat embossing. 
 

Simon Hurley create. Dye Ink Pads: These are easy-to-blend inks used for stamping, creating blended backgrounds, and stenciling.
 

What are Hybrid Ink Pads? 
Hybrid Ink Pads usually have unique formulations and combinations of multiple types of inks, all in one pad. 
 

Our version of hybrid ink is Tim Holtz Distress® Oxide® Ink Pads. They are a water-reactive dye and pigment ink fusion that creates an oxidized effect when sprayed with water. Use with stamps, stencils, and direct to surface. Oxide Ink Pads can be used on matte paper, chipboard, and unfinished wood.  When using on wood you need to seal it with an oil/solvent-based spray if the piece was going to be handled a lot, but it doesn’t need to be sealed when using it for decorative purposes. 

  
What kind of Ink Pads are Permanent? 

Archival Ink™ Pads are permanent ink pads. They are oil-based dye ink pads, making them permanent and waterproof. It’s an excellent choice for stamping to provide lasting permanent results on many surfaces: matte and gloss papers, chipboard, shrink plastic, wood, glass, plastic, cotton and synthetic cloth, acrylic paint, polymer clay, and metal. Get a crisp image that doesn’t bleed over water-based inks, alcohol ink, markers, acrylic paint, watercolors, and more. 
 

Pigment Ink Pads have a rich ink that provides opaque coverage when applied to your surface. These ink pads are water-based, permanent, and waterproof. The ink stays wet longer, so it is perfect for heat embossing. Use pigment ink on matte and gloss papers, chipboard, shrink plastic, wood, glass, plastic, cotton and synthetic cloth, acrylic paint, polymer clay, and metal.
 

What are Embossing Ink Pads?

Embossing inks pads are designed for use with embossing powders and a heat tool.  Embossing ink pads contain colorless inks that stay wet longer for the purpose of applying embossing powders and will not change the color of the embossing powder once melted. 

In addition, there are tinted embossing ink pads, specifically made so you can easily see stamped images on light-colored papers. When opaque embossing powder is applied to the ink and melted, the inks are designed so the color of the embossing powders will not change.  Something to keep in mind when using tinted embossing ink with translucent powders is the color of the tinted embossing ink may show through, so it is best to use clear embossing ink in that case. Recommended surfaces are matte and gloss paper and chipboard.
 

What are DIY Ink Pads?

DIY Ink Pads are empty blank ink pads that you can colorize using re-inkers of your choice to make a custom-blended ink pad. Use your favorite re-inker colors to create rainbow and ombre pads. The DIY Ink Pad can be easily indexed by inking the top label with a brayer or Ink Blending Tool.
  

What is a Watermark Resist Ink Pad?

Ranger Watermark Resist Ink is a versatile multi-purpose ink pad. It contains an all-natural resin, pure and unbleached with a slight tint, which will not affect your artwork. Use on colored paper to mimic the look of a water mark or create a tone-on-tone affect, the stamped images will appear one shade darker than the surface.  Can also be used on glossy paper to create a bright resist for water-based dye inks. Since it stays wet longer, the Watermark Resist Pad can be used as an embossing ink. Recommended surfaces are matte and gloss paper and chipboard.
 

How do you re-ink an ink pad?
All of Ranger’s ink pads have coordinating re-inkers available so you can refill your ink pads. You can learn how to reink an ink pad by watching the video above.