StazOn ink is one of Tsukineko’s speciality inks mainly made for use on non-porous surfaces. I used StazOn Jet Black while doing 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)
The properties of StazOn ink:
The label states that this is a fast-drying, solvent ink (so probably oil-based). Designed especially for use on plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, laminated paper, coated paper and leather. Not recommend for fabric.
Also important is the SAFETY WARNING: Use in well ventilated area. Do not inhale or ingest. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Keep away from flames and store at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
According to Tsukineko’s website, this is a dye ink. You also get the StazOn Opaque and StazOn Metallic inks which are also a fast-drying solvent inks, but pigment instead of dye ink.
It is available in a standard pad, a midi-pad and a re-inker. I used a standard pad.
Remember to keep the pad covered when not in use, as this ink evaporates quickly.
Stamping with StazOn Ink:
StazOn stamped perfectly even on uncoated paper. A clear, detailed image was obtained. This ink has a matt finish, not glossy.
Remember to clean your stamps immediately after use with a special solvent stamp cleaner, else your stamps will be stained permanently.
The dried stamped image was not affected by water at all, but it was moved by the alcohol being painted over it as expected from a solvent ink. (Isopropyl alchol or rubbing alcohol can dissolve oils)
When you hold the dark cardstock that I stamped with the StazOn in the light, you can see an image. It does not stand out very well though as it is black on black. I was surprised by this result!
Made for glossy surfaces, StazOn worked well on glossy photo paper.
Other uses for StazOn Ink:
As this is a oil-based solvent ink, it does not mix with water in any way. This means this ink cannot be used as a watercolour-type paint and no splats can be created.
I was not able to colour gel or gesso with this ink. I think it is because the gel and the gesso are probably water-based.
StazOn also dries extremely quickly and this makes it virtually impossible to “move” this ink on paper. Therefore, I was not able to blend, chalk or stencil with this ink.
It dries too fast to be used in heat embossing.
My Conclusion about StazOn Ink:
I use StazOn mainly when stamping on transparencies that I use for overlays or on shrink plastic. I know that some people use it specifically for Bible journaling, as it does not bleed through the thin paper. I do not use it a lot as I am very sensitive to the strong smell of this volatile ink. It is also toxic when you breathe in too much of the fumes.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area.
Don’t let this stop you from finding new and exciting ways to use this ink!
PLEASE NOTE: All the opinions are my own. None of the products have been sponsored.