
When it comes to stamping and colouring with alcohol markers, the type of ink used is crucial. The right ink will ensure that the image lines stay sharp without bleeding into each other. Conversely, using the wrong ink can lead to smudging and smearing, causing frustration and an undesirable outcome. To prevent this, it is essential to choose an alcohol-safe or alcohol-resistant ink specifically designed for use with alcohol markers.
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What You'll Learn

The importance of using the right ink
When creating art with alcohol markers, it is crucial to use the right ink to stamp your images. The importance of selecting a suitable ink cannot be overstated, as it ensures that the image lines remain sharp and distinct, without bleeding into one another. This is because alcohol markers contain alcohol-based ink, which has unique properties that set them apart from other types of markers.
Alcohol markers have gained popularity among artists and hobbyists due to their vibrant, permanent, and non-water-soluble colours. The alcohol base gives them a distinct vibrancy and blending capability, allowing artists to achieve smooth transitions between colours and create gradients. However, the intense colours of alcohol markers can sometimes bleed through papers, requiring the use of thicker paper or lining paper to protect underlying surfaces.
When choosing the right ink for stamping with alcohol markers, it is essential to select an alcohol-safe ink. Inks that are not alcohol-safe will activate when exposed to the alcohol in the markers, causing the ink to smear or bleed. Recommended alcohol-safe inks include Tsukineko's Memento Inks, which are widely favoured for their quick-drying properties and resistance to smearing or bleeding. My Favorite Things Hybrid Ink is another option that has gained popularity, although reviews are mixed.
In addition to Memento Inks, other suitable options include Ranger's Adirondack Ink, Amuse Studio Inks, and Lawn Fawn's Jet Black ink. It is worth noting that certain inks, such as solvent inks like Stampin' Up and StazOn, should be avoided when using alcohol markers as they will react with the alcohol ink. Allowing sufficient drying time or using a heat tool to speed up the drying process can also help prevent bleeding.
The pressure applied when using alcohol markers also plays a crucial role in the final outcome of your artwork. Using a heavy hand and heavy pressure will result in darker, more intense images, while a lighter touch will produce softer marks. The nib of the marker, which comes in various sizes and shapes, also influences the result. Brush nibs, ideal for large areas, chisel nibs, and fine nibs each serve different purposes and create distinct effects.
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Alcohol-safe vs alcohol-reactive inks
When it comes to stamping and alcohol markers, the type of ink you use is crucial. Alcohol-based markers contain a solvent that can react with other inks, causing the ink to bleed or smudge. This is why it is important to use alcohol-safe inks for stamping when colouring with alcohol markers.
Alcohol-safe inks are designed to be resistant to the solvent in alcohol markers, preventing any bleeding or smudging. One of the most popular alcohol-safe inks is Tsukineko's Memento Ink, which is widely used by stampers who colour with alcohol markers. Memento ink dries quickly and does not smear or bleed when used with alcohol markers. Other recommended alcohol-safe inks include Lawn Fawn's Jet Black, Hero Arts Intense Black, Gina K Amalgam, and Honey Bee Stamps Intense Black.
On the other hand, alcohol-reactive inks are designed to be used with alcohol markers to create unique effects. These inks react with the alcohol in the markers, allowing for blending and movement of the ink. Alcohol inks are transparent, highly pigmented dyes that can be used on non-porous surfaces. They can be reactivated with isopropyl alcohol, allowing for layered and dynamic pieces. Some popular alcohol ink brands include Copic, Tim Holtz, T-REX, and Jacquard Piñata Color.
It is important to note that while alcohol-reactive inks can create interesting effects, they may not be suitable for all projects. If you are looking for crisp, sharp lines in your stamping, it is best to use alcohol-safe inks. Additionally, when using alcohol-safe inks, it is recommended to let the ink dry completely before colouring, as this can also help prevent bleeding.
In conclusion, when choosing the best stamping ink for alcohol markers, it is important to consider whether you want an alcohol-safe ink or an alcohol-reactive ink. Alcohol-safe inks are designed to prevent bleeding and smudging, while alcohol-reactive inks are meant to create dynamic and layered effects. By choosing the right type of ink for your project, you can ensure that your stamped images turn out exactly as you want them to.
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Recommended inks: Memento Tuxedo Black
When it comes to stamping ink for alcohol markers, one of the most important considerations is choosing an alcohol-safe ink to ensure that the image lines stay sharp without bleeding into each other. A popular choice for this purpose is the Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad, which is also suitable for use with Copic markers.
Memento Tuxedo Black is a dye ink that is widely recognised and favoured by stampers who colour with Copics. This ink pad produces clean, crisp lines and a beautiful black colour. The ink dries instantly upon stamping, eliminating the need for heat setting and allowing for immediate colouring. The brilliancy of the ink is more obvious than that of regular dye ink resists for water and light.
Memento Tuxedo Black is available in a full-size ink pad, as well as the Dew Drop size, which is ideal for colouring border lines and fine detail artwork. The larger size comes with a sticker on the side of the cover for easy identification. This ink can be used with an ink blender for shading and spray effects and is suitable for use on various papers, including coated, uncoated, vellum, and printer paper.
The Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad has received positive reviews from customers, who commend its quality, particularly for card making. Some users have noted that the ink pad may require re-inking upon arrival, but overall, it is considered a great value product.
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Inks to avoid: VersaFine Clair Nocturne
When it comes to stamping and alcohol markers, the ink you use is very important. The wrong ink will cause the marker to bleed into the stamped image. For this reason, it is best to avoid using pigment inks like VersaFine Clair Nocturne.
VersaFine Clair Nocturne is a quick-drying, waterproof, smear-proof, lightfast, and fade-resistant pigment ink. It is ideal for stamping detailed images and heat embossing with clear embossing powder. The ink is also water-resistant and archival and acid-free. However, despite its many benefits, VersaFine Clair Nocturne should not be used with alcohol markers. This is because pigment ink reacts with alcohol ink, causing the stamped image to bleed.
To avoid bleeding, it is important to use an alcohol-safe or Copic-safe ink. Some popular options include Memento Tuxedo Black, Honey Bee Stamps Intense Black, and Lawn Fawn's Jet Black. It is also important to let the ink dry completely before colouring, either by waiting or using a heat tool.
In addition to choosing the right ink, the paper used can also make a difference. For example, one cardmaker reported never having issues when using Memento ink with Hammermill 122549 paper. They also shared a technique where they first stamp with VersaMark, apply black embossing powder, and then colour with alcohol markers.
By choosing the right ink and paper and allowing adequate drying time, cardmakers can create crisp and clear stamped images that are compatible with alcohol markers.
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Testing inks
When choosing the best stamping ink for alcohol markers, it is important to test the inks you have to see if they will work with alcohol markers. Firstly, ensure you have scrap paper covering your work surface as the alcohol marker will likely bleed through your paper. Cut several 2" x 2" swatches of your chosen paper and grab all of your favourite stamping ink brands. Stamp an image using each brand of ink onto a separate paper swatch, labelling each swatch with the name of the ink. Allow the swatches to dry for at least 15 minutes, or heat set them.
Once the swatches are dry, take a light-coloured alcohol marker and colour over a portion of the stamped image on one swatch. If the ink smears, this is not an ink you want to use. If the ink gets on your marker, it will not damage it, but you can clean it off on a scrap piece of paper. If the ink does not come off, it will not affect your marker; it will just have a "cosmetic blemish".
To create a "dot" of colour, press your marker down onto the paper next to the edge of the stamped image. The marker nib will bend slightly as you press down, but this will not damage the marker. Press down on the nib to allow the colour to come out and oversaturate the paper. Watch to see if the stamp ink bleeds out of the lines, and if it does, this is not an ink you want to use. Repeat these steps with each swatch of ink you are testing.
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Frequently asked questions
The best stamping ink for alcohol markers is an alcohol-safe ink. If you use an ink that is not alcohol-safe, the alcohol in the marker will react with the ink and cause it to bleed.
Some examples of alcohol-safe inks include Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Lawn Fawn's Jet Black, and Tim Holtz Distress Inks.
Some inks that are not alcohol-safe include VersaFine Clair Nocturne, Stampin' Up, and StazOn.
To test if an ink is alcohol-safe, you can create a test swatch by stamping an image and letting it dry for at least 15 minutes. Then, use a light-coloured alcohol marker to colour over a portion of the stamped image. If the ink smears or bleeds, it is not alcohol-safe.
Yes, it is important to ensure that the ink is completely dry before colouring. You can speed up the drying process by using a heat tool. Additionally, using the right type of paper is also important, as the alcohol markers may bleed through the paper.











































