Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink is especially made to give an oxidized effect when sprayed with water. It is completely different than any of the other inks I tested. I used Mustard Seed for my tests.
(Please note that this ink was included in the original test documents from the Playing with Inks range, and the results documented in the downloadable table)
Let’s see what makes this ink so different:
Ranger describes it as water-reactive dye and pigment fusion that creates and oxidized effect when sprayed with water.
It is available in a square, 3-inch ink pad and a re-inker. The range consists of 72 colours. I used the Mustard Seed ink pad for these tests. The Distress Oxide ink pads are distinguishable from the Distress ink pads as they are grey, and the Distress ink pads are black. The ink pads are stackable for easy storage.
Stamping with Distress Oxide Ink:
Distress Oxide inks stamps beautifully! This is an opaque ink and not shiny. It gives a clear, solid image when stamped
The dried stamped image is affected by both water and alcohol. I suspect it is because of the dye and pigment fusion. One part is probably water-based (the dye?) and one part is solvent(oil?) based (the pigment?), but I can’t be sure. I love the unexpected effect of the alcohol on the stamped image. It is wonderful to accidentally discover new ways to use your products.
The pigment part of this ink shows up perfectly on a dark background.
This ink stamps well on glossy photo paper. If it forms a white oxidized layer, just wipe it with a soft cloth after it is dry.
Other uses for Distress Oxide Ink:
Being a water-reactive ink, it blends well with water and gives perfect splats. A truly perfect ink to use as a watercolour-type ink.
The Distress Oxide ink can easily colour the gel medium as well as the gesso.
A creamy opaque ink, Distress Oxide blends smoothly without making lines. Chalking and stenciling are also easily done with this ink as the ink “moves” well on paper.
The ink is slow drying and works perfectly as a base for heat embossing.
My Conclusion about Distress Oxide Ink:
I must admit this is my all time favourite ink to use on my scrapbook pages and craft projects. The colours are vibrant and the ink is perfect to use for all the techniques I often use on my projects, colouring various elements, stenciling, stamping, heat embossing and painting. I also love the oxidized effect.
Distress Oxide ink is not only good for giving and oxidized effect. It can be used in many different ways. Just like I discovered a new way of using it through these tests, play with your ink and see what you can discover!
PLEASE NOTE: All the opinions are my own. None of the products have been sponsored.
Have you been wondering why there is no white Distress Oxide ink? Find out more here.