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 several 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: Feature a firm felt pad surface that delivers detailed stamped images and controlled ink application. The water-based dye formula provides bold color while remaining blendable for background techniques.

Simon Hurley create. Stellar Ink Pads feature an ultra-smooth foam pad designed for effortless ink transfer and smooth blending. The foam surface allows for even coverage with a light tap, making them ideal for both stamping and blending techniques.

Stellar Ink Pads use the same vibrant water-based dye ink formula as the original Simon Hurley create. ink pads. The pads simply provide a different stamping experience depending on the artist’s preference.

49 and Market Dye Ink Pads are water-based dye inks that are highly saturated with color and designed for crisp stamping and seamless blending. The colors coordinate with 49 and Market papers and embellishments, making them ideal for scrapbooking, card making, journaling, and mixed media projects.

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.
   
 

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.