Sprays and mists are still popular (and fun) in both papercrafting and mixed-media. Once upon a time a long time ago, I tried the original Walnut Stain by Tsukineko. Since then, they have come up with some lovely new, contemporary colors and are now called “Antiquing Solutions.” I wondered how they would work- want to see?
I was sent the very small samplers, so I didn’t get to play quite as much as I would have liked. But I think you’ll get a good idea of how they perform.
Product detail:
Here’s how they are described by an online retailer:
Antiquing and aging your projects has never been easier; pre-mixed and fast drying, walnut inks allow any crafter to point and spray to create a vintage look in paper crafting, wood crafting, unsealed canvas and many more applications. Easy, one-step application creates a vintage or antique look to many types of projects; paper crafts, unsealed canvas, wood, paper mache, leather and more. Differing amounts of pressure and spraying from different heights create multiple looks with one product. Available in 8 colors; also available in 8-ml spritzers and walnut ink crystals (in a jar)Contains 2-ounces.
In case you missed them here are those stills of the samples.
First, the color swatch!
Note: the paper will curl a bit when you spray the inks.
Because these are (non-shimmery) dye inks, there is no opacity to them. The color remains translucent. The only downside is that they show up poorly on dark surfaces like black paper. I rather liked the Java color on kraft cardstock, though.
By the way: I found no odor to these sprays. Just in case you have sensitivities, I think you’ll be in the clear with these.
Samples on felt (white snowflake ribbon), cotton doily, and cotton twill ribbon.
I found that wetting the surface lightly with water (via a mister) worked well for helping the Antiquing Solutions Sprays to really soak into the fibers and distribute evenly.
I couldn’t resist playing with some stencils, too. These are new from Balzar Designs. The image on the right is the original- inks sprayed through the stencil. Then I made a print on the left by flipping the stencil upside down and “printing” with the inky stencil. Lovely, right?
I also played with a resist technique that I’m going to share with you later in the week. But I did finish one card featuring the Cherry Blossom color of the Antiquing Solution:
Here’s the deal: the 2 ounce bottles run for about $6.50 USD and is right in line with comparable sprays. I’d recommend Antiquing Solutions highly if you are looking for:
- non-shimmery sprays
- quick-drying
- dye-based (NON REACTIVE WITH WATER ONCE DRY)
- no-odor
- muted color palette
I’d love to see some other colors come out- I’m always partial to yellows and oranges.
How do you feel about them? Have you used them? Let me know in the comments section!
Disclosure: Samples provided for review purposes. Opinions are honest and my own.
If you’d like to purchase this product, please support CTD by using the affiliate links below. Thank you!
- Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
Connie C. says
Awesome review. As I was watching it, a long-forgotten factoid emerged from the depths of my pea brain…I HAVE some of this stuff! It’s from ages ago, but I have 4 of the colors in the bigger bottles (all 4 came together). AND the terra cotta looks like it will be perfect for a L-O I’m working on now!
(Sometimes things happen for a reason, don’t they!?! Love it!)
Jenny says
HA! I love that, Connie! Sometimes shopping in our own closets is the best kind! : )
Rebecca Bodine says
Thumbs up! These sprays look really interesting; how do they compare to Dian Revley sprays and the spritses in the glass tubes?
Jenny says
Becca- they are VERY different that the Reavely sprays: those “re-activate” when water is added to the dried sprays- Antiquing Solutions are dyes in the true sense in that once you spray them down, they are not mixable and do not re-activate when water is added. The Smootch Spritzs are shimmer sprays. These are not shimmery at all. Hope this helps, Jenny
Jean Bullock says
Good review! I like the fact that once they are dry they do not reactivate which allows you to use other water-based techniques with them. Would do great for mixed media projects too. Looking forward to trying them.
Addie says
The name may be new, but the colors are exactly the same as before. I still have them from years ago and love them. I understand changing the name to make it more appealing than “Walnut Ink,” but if Tsukineko is saying the colors are new, they’re fibbing!
Jenny says
Addie- I simply meant that I used Walnut Ink waaaay a long time ago, before there were colors!
Carmen Lucero says
Hey, I shopped in my stash and found some I’d forgotten about too LOL! I love the fact that they are dye based and water proof. Thanks for the review and for reminding me that I have them. I will be using them for sure!
Carmen
Jessica says
Hi Jenny! Thanks so much for this tutorial and review. Much appreciated! I did have a question for you, what is the best way to use this on wood? Thanks in advance for your help!
Jenny says
Jessica- I’m guessing it you are using on wood you would NOT want to seal it first. You could apply it using a foam brush or put it in a spray bottle to spritz it on. Then seal it after it if you are going to decoupage, etc, to keep the stain from lifting out of the wood. Good luck!