Memento Ink vs StazOn ink… What’s the difference? Can I use them interchangeably? The answer is yes, and no. I like to think of them as opposites attract.
In this case, I’m talking about the Memento Tuxedo Black Pad and the Jet Black StazOn Pad. If you just want to stamp something in black, then yes, you can use either one.
If you’re going to color in an image, it’s very important to pick the right type of ink depending on what you are going to use to color with.
Opposites Attract.
Using water? You want to use the Jet Black StazOn pad. If you will be watercoloring with a watercolor brush, AquaPainter or blender pen then you are using water. The Memento pad is water-based. That means that if you wipe water across it, it will smear. The StazOn pad is alcohol-based. That means it won’t smear when you watercolor.
Using Stampin’ Blends or another type of alcohol-based marker? You want to use the Memento Pad. If you use alcohol-based markers on an image stamped with an alcohol-based ink pad like StazOn, your image will smear. Stamp with Memento ink, color with Blendabilities markers.
Opposites Attract.
Water-based coloring method – Use Alcohol-based Ink (StazOn)
Alcohol-based coloring method – Use Water-based Ink (Memento)
I hope that helps you know and remember when to use each black stamp pad.
Happy Stamping!
Jessica
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It’s good to get a refresher !
A very easy explanation for my students! Thanks.
Thanks for that info. What about pigment ink and dye-based ink? What type of ink are the SU pads?
Thanks again.
Susu B.
I use dye-based ink for most of my card making – that’s what Stampin’ Up!’s Classic Pads are. Pigment ink stays wet longer and is perfect for adding emboss powder to heat emboss.
I need help. I am doing a project and must use Stazon Ink. I need a permanent ink to color in. I am stamping on stone. Would Sharpie be the best choice? I know I can’t blend Sharpie but it’s the only permanent one I know.
I hope you see my comment and are able to answer it.
Hi Donna,
I know I replied to you via email but thought I would put the answer here for anyone else that has the same question. Yes, I believe Sharpies would be the best choice & they come in so many pretty colors now!
I’m confused. In your article you said don’t use alcohol-based markers with staz on but in this reply you mention Sharpies would be best when she used staz on on the rocks. Sharpies are alcohol-based correct?
Hi Delana,
After a quick Google search, yes, Sharpies are alcohol-based. Honestly, I’ve never stamped or colored on rocks but I still think you’d want to use the StazOn/Sharpie combo because it would give you the boldest, brightest, most permanent colors. I would be careful when coloring and try to stay in the lines as much as possible because coloring across the lines is what will make them smear. The only way to really know is to try it, so if you do please come back and let us know your results!
Jessica,
Today I did some stamping for my cards. I used Stazon (did not smear) Memento (did not dry, smeared all over the place) all my stamping with it was a mess. I also tried Colorbox, that smeared, and Ink it up, I’m not sure about that one, the ink pad was running out I think.
What is the best ink to use for stamping. According to the information above it sounds like I should use Stazon and color in things with Sharpies. Is that correct. I’m new to this and totally confused now.
I just bought a Misti (small size) and I thought it said not to use Stazon on it. Was that correct? Thank you for your help. Donna
Hi Donna,
The best ink really depends on what you are stamping on. Different card stocks have different textures and sheens. When I stamp in black ink I like to use the Jet Black StazOn pad and for colors I like to use Stampin’ Up!’s Classic Ink Pads. I usually use the Whisper White card stock from Stampin’ Up! It’s very smooth so it takes the ink well. I’m not sure about using StazOn with the Misti.
As far as coloring in there are a lot of different options: watercolor pencils, many types of markers, blender pens and inks… you really just need to play around and see which way you like the best.
Thanks so much! That’s all I needed to know!! In a nutshell!!
Hello. I’m still a little confused over the inks. Is Ink it up water based or solvent based (I know it’s a dye based ink).
Which is Versafine, dye or solvent?
Thanks
Ink It Up ink is permanent and itdries quickly but, not waterproof. So, you can’t color what you stamp with paint, pens or other water-based implements because it will smear/run together.
Thank you so very much Jessica Taylor for explaining to me what the difference is between Memento Black Ink and Stazon Jet Black Ink and the appropriate time to be using the either one when I am crafting. Most appreciated.
I’ve been told that you are not supposed to use stazon ink with photo polymer stamps because it can damage stamps..do you use memento ink in the case? What are your thoughts or suggestions?
Hi Melissa, I use Stazon ink with my photopolymer stamps and haven’t had any problems with them. They do stain, but that hasn’t changed how they stamp. I make sure that I clean my stamp right away with StazOn Cleaner and then with water. I only use the photopolymer stamps from Stampin’ Up! though, so I can’t speak to what will happen to other brands. Thanks for asking!
Could you recommend an ink to stamp on wood? Thankyou😊
Sue, you could try the StazOn ink because it’s permanent. I’m not sure how well it will soak into a pourous wood or if you’d have to seal it but it’s worth a try.
Thank you for the very simple explanation. I am a just starting to use watercolor pencils and was wondering which ink is best.
You’re welcome, happy to help!
Jessica my memento pad is very old and seems to dry out real quick I keep reinking but I don’t think that it gives me a sharp image. I guess it is time for a new one?
It sounds like either a new one or you’re going to have to add a lot of ink to keep it from continually drying out so quickly.