Yes, my StazOn pad looks pretty well-used. Because it is!
My StazOn solvent-based stamp pad by Tsukineko is one of my absolute essentials in my craft box, and I can’t believe that I haven’t reviewed it for you sooner. If this is a new product for you, get your keys ready. You’re going to want to head out and get some of these amazing stamp pads when you’re done reading!
So, what is a StazOn pad? Well, it’s a linen-fabric covered ink pad that holds a solvent-based ink that works on non-porous surfaces. Unlike a pigment-based ink, which only works on porous surfaces such as paper, chipboard, and wood, the StazOn ink will work on plastic, aluminum, shrink plastic, glass, vellum and more.
For example, I used a StazOn pad to stamp images on dominoes. Pigment or dye-based ink needs to soak into a surface for it to “dry.” Because StazOn dries via evaporation, you can stamp on plastic and it will dry without heat-setting.
Black images are stamped with StazOn.
StazOn is also super handy when you want to layer wet media. For example, if you want to stamp an image and then watercolor it, StazOn is great.
Crocus image was stamped in StazOn, then watercolors applied over top on cardstock.
I’ve also used StazOn when stamping on heat-fix fibers. In this next example, I laid the butterfly stamp on the table and dabbed it with StazOn, then layered Angelina Fibers on top. After covering it with a piece of parchement paper I pressed it with a dry iron. The result is a nice, crisp outline.
Use StazOn to stamp on Angelina Fibers.
StazOn is the best ink to use with Shrink Film, because it won’t scratch off! I also use it on transparencies or shrink film in some of my altered arts projects.
So, need something other than black? StazOn come in a variety of colors! (And opaque ones, too, but we’ll get to those in another review.) See the color chart here!
Here are a couple of pointers when using StazOn:
- Make sure you keep the lid on when not in use. Solvents dry quickly.
- Buy the re-inker. For the above reason, it’ll get dry quickly but re-inking restores your pad.
- Don’t expect it to be super juicy. Solvents just aren’t.
- Not the best pad for rough surfaces, because it isn’t super-juicy!
- Be careful when stamping on glossy surfaces. Too much pressure and your stamp will slide.
- Use a shot of a heat gun to make sure your ink is set on plastics or glass.
- StazOn will scratch off of some surfaces, so seal with Diamond Glaze.
- I recommend using the StazOn Cleaner for cleaning your stamps and work surface.
- Visit Tsukineko’s FAQ sheet for more info!
Every crafter needs to have a StazOn stamp pad in their craft closet!
Disclosure
If you’d like to purchase StazOn, please use our affiliate links below and support CTD with your purchase!
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And if you make a mistake on a non porous surface the StazOn Cleaner acts like an eraser so that you can start over again (depending on what else might be around the stamped image). Just dab a little StazOn Cleaner on the area and wipe the ink right off! 🙂
Hello! I just found your website! I actually have a question about this ink. I want to personalize a glass cutting board for my father-in-law for Christmas. Could I stamp the image on and he would still be able to clean it with soap and water. I know glass paint would probably work as well, but what do you think about the ink? Would I need to seal it with something too? you can email me. Thanks!!
So, Ashely, yes, you could use this to stamp on glass. But if he’s really using it as a cutting board, it will scratch off (and that goes for enamel paints, too.) I’d suggest using glass etching on the UNDER side of the board (which means you’d need to print out or use the letters in reverse) but it would last and last, and not mar the cutting surface. Just a thought!
Thanks for your comment….
I have some dried out pads. Looks like I need to buy solvent. DO have a source?
Morna- I just updated the post with a widget in which you can purchase StazOn solvent and re-inkers. Thanks for the idea! Best, Jenny
Hello! So I am trying to make ceramic tile coasters, and I’m having an issue with the ink staying on. It doesn’t run, but if I scratch it the ink definitely comes off. I’ve tried putting a water-proof sealer, but it wipes of the ink if I rub it on too hard. I’m thinking about getting an acrylic sealer and then applying the water-proof sealer on top of that. What is diamond glaze and where could I get it?
I’m not sure Diamond Glaze- a water-based glossing product- is going to be durable enough. If you really want to use them as coasters, I’d suggest a coat of 2-part epoxy resin OR UV curing resin. That will keep the inks from scratching off.