Tsukineko’s VersaFine CLAIR ink is an ink made to stamp fine details, much like VersaFine, but available in more vibrant colours that complement the VersaFine range. I used VersaFine CLAIR Glamorous 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 other properties this ink has:
Research on the web and info on the label shows that this is a fast-drying, oil-based, pigment ink. It is also, according to the label, the longest lasting pigment inkpad available.
VersaFine CLAIR is available in 24 bright colours. It comes in an inkpad that is a little slimmer than a standard inkpad and it is also available as a re-inker. I used the inkpad for my tests.
Stamping with VersaFine CLAIR ink:
This ink gives a clear, solid and crisp stamped image. This is a matt ink, so the image is not shiny.
The dried stamped image was not affected by water, but it was affected slightly by alcohol being painted over it. This is an oil-based solvent ink and Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can dissolve oil. This also means that this ink can not be stamped and then coloured with alcohol-based markers, it will bleed. It can however be stamped and used with water-based markers or watercolours.
I was a bit surprised when I stamped on the dark background. I expected a pigment ink to show up clearly, but this didn’t happen at all. I honestly can’t explain this.
The ink stamps perfect and clear on glossy photo paper.
Other uses of Versafine CLAIR ink:
Oil-based inks does not blend with water. This means VersaFine CLAIR can not be used as a watercolour-type paint and it will not make splats.
The ink was not able to colour the gel medium properly, it left some pigment flakes. The gesso coloured perfectly.
VersaFine CLAIR can be “moved” on paper to some extent. I could blend, chalk and stencil with it. The stenciling turned out very well. The blending and chalking were not the best, but it worked.
VersaFine CLAIR dries fast, but I was still able to use it for heat embossing. All the fine detail did not emboss though, but I think a bolder image might heat emboss better.
My Conclusion about VersFine CLAIR ink:
This was a new ink that I used for the first time doing these tests. I am quite impressed by how well it stamps, it’s potential to heat emboss and stencil. I will be playing with this ink some more. I hope that you will also go and play with your inks and discover what they can do.
PLEASE NOTE: All the opinions are my own. None of the products have been sponsored.