Tsukineko’s VersaFine ink is especially developed to capture fine details when stamping. For these tests I used VersaFine Vintage Sepia.
(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 else the properties of VersaFine ink show us:
VersaFine is a fade-resistant, fast-drying, oil-based, opaque, pigment ink that resists water. A lot of information on this label! Tsukineko ads that it is for application on uncoated paper on their website.
It is available in various colours and comes in a standard ink pad, a mini ink pad and a re-inker. I used a standard ink pad for my tests.
Stamping with VersaFine Ink:
As this is what it is made for, VersaFine gives a perfectly stamped image. Clear and solid with astonishing detail. It is an opaque ink, so definitely not shiny.
The dried stamped image was not affected by water or alcohol because it is oil-based. It can thus be used with water- and alcohol-based markers without a problem.
This is a pigment ink and as expected, it shows up well on a dark background.
The ink gives a perfect, clear image on glossy photo paper.
Other uses for VersaFine ink:
Oil-based inks cannot blend with water and no splats or watercolour-type painting was possible.
For the same reason the ink was not able to colour the gel medium, it left some pigment flakes in the medium. It worked fine for the gesso though.
VersaFine can be “moved” on paper to some extent and chalking and stenciling was successful. I could use it for blending, but it was not so easy and very streaky. I will not recommend it for blending.
It dries way too fast to make it useful for heat embossing.
My Conclusion about VersaFine Ink:
I mainly use this ink to stamp with, as, in my opinion, no other ink stamps as well! I did however not realise that it will give such a perfect image on a dark background and I will be making use of this property in future.
I challenge you to go and play with your ink and see what you discover!
PLEASE NOTE: All the opinions are my own. None of the products have been sponsored.