🧠 How to Choose the Right Uninked Ink Pad

Choosing the correct uninked ink pad depends on the type of ink you use.
The surface material of the pad directly affects ink behavior and stamping results.

Uninked ink pads fall into two main categories, based on their surface.

🎨 Felt Ink Pad

Felt ink pads are designed for dye inks, which are thinner and water-based.
The felt surface absorbs the ink into its fibers and releases it evenly.

✔ Suitable for:

• Dye inks
• Dye re-inkers
• Ink blending & gradients

✨ Ideal when you want:
Smooth color transitions and custom dye ink pads.

This category includes the Simon Hurley create. DIY Dye Ink Felt Pad.

🖋 Foam Ink Pad

Foam ink pads are designed for inks that must stay on the surface rather than be absorbed.
The dense foam surface provides controlled ink transfer and consistent stamping.

✔ Suitable for:

• Archival inks
• Pigment inks
• Solvent-based inks

✨ Ideal when you want:
Precision, consistency, and long-lasting results.

This category includes:

• the Ranger DIY Ink Pad
• the Tsukineko Uninked Foam Pad

⚠️ Important to Know

• ❌ Felt ink pads are not suitable for archival, pigment, or solvent-based inks
• ❌ Foam ink pads are not intended for dye inks or blending techniques

Using the wrong type of pad may lead to poor results or damage to the pad.

✅ Quick Help – Which Uninked Ink Pad Should I Choose?

🔸 Using dye inks or blending techniques?
→ Choose a Felt Ink Pad

🔸 Using archival, pigment, or solvent-based inks?
→ Choose a Foam Ink Pad

🎯 Choosing the correct pad ensures proper ink performance and clean, consistent results.

🖋️ Ranger Archival Ink Pads

Permanent Waterproof Stamping Inks for Crisp, Reliable Results

Ranger Archival Ink Pads are oil-based dye stamping inks designed to deliver sharp impressions, fine detail and long-lasting results.
Once dry, they become permanent and waterproof, allowing you to build layers confidently without disturbing your stamped image.

If you want clean stamping that stays exactly where you put it, this is your foundation.

🧪 The Formula

✔️ Oil-based dye ink
✔️ Permanent & waterproof when dry
✔️ Acid free – safe for scrapbooking and archival projects
✔️ Rich pigment with crisp, defined impressions

The formula is created for clarity and control, especially with detailed stamps and intricate line work.

🎯 Where It Performs Best

Archival Ink Pads work beautifully on:

• Paper & cardstock
• Chipboard
• Canvas
• Wood
• Shrink plastic
• Polymer clay
• Many non-porous surfaces (with proper drying time)

On porous surfaces, drying is quick. On smoother or coated surfaces, allow additional drying time or heat set for full permanence.

🎨 Why Crafters Choose Archival

✨ Clean outlines for watercolor coloring
✨ Sharp, readable sentiments
✨ Strong performance in layered mixed media
✨ Long-lasting results for keepsake projects

The strength of Archival ink is its stable, precise stamped line.

💧 Confident Layering

After the ink has fully dried, you can layer over it with:

• Watercolor
• Water-based markers
• Liquid inks
• Acrylic paint

The stamped image remains crisp and intact.

🔁 Re-inkers & Maintenance

Each Archival Ink Pad has a matching re-inker, allowing you to refresh and extend the life of your pad. A few drops restore intensity and performance.

Clean your stamps promptly after use with a suitable stamp cleaner to maintain clarity and longevity.

🎨 Designer Series by Wendy Vecchi

The Designer Series by Wendy Vecchi uses the same trusted Archival formula, curated into a cohesive color palette designed to work harmoniously together.

These tones lean toward botanical, earthy and balanced hues, making layering and color coordination effortless.
If you enjoy working within thoughtfully designed palettes, this series offers built-in color harmony without sacrificing performance.

✨ Practical Tips

• Ink your stamp with a light tapping motion for even coverage.
• Apply steady, even pressure for the cleanest impression.
• Allow the image to dry fully before layering.
• On kraft cardstock, vibrant shades gain additional depth and richness.

🧵 What You Gain

Ranger Archival Ink Pads give you:

✔️ Crisp stamping
✔️ Fine line precision
✔️ Stable layering
✔️ Durable, long-lasting results

They’re a dependable tool when clarity, control and permanence matter in your creative process.