Meet IOD Pigment Ink: Rich Metallic Shimmer for Your Creative Projects
A little shimmer goes a long way, and IOD Pigment Ink is the way to do it! ✨
If you haven't seen them already, we just released two brand new metallic inks from IOD: Gold Shimmer and Silver Sparkle. These inks are rich, luminous, and designed to bring you crisp, opaque impressions with a beautiful metallic finish to paper crafts, mixed-media projects, journals, tags, handmade cards, and so much more.
If you've been wondering what makes IOD Pigment Ink different, how to use it, what surfaces it works on, and how to get the most out of it, this post has everything you need. Bookmark it, pin it, and come back to it whenever you need a refresher. 💕
What Makes IOD Pigment Ink Special?
IOD Pigment Ink is specially formulated to produce bold, detailed impressions with a rich metallic shimmer. It pairs beautifully with IOD Stamps and works wonderfully for paper crafts, mixed-media projects, and select wood surfaces.
Each ink pad comes pre-filled and completely ready to use right out of the box. You don't need to prep your ink pad, just open and start creating! When it needs refreshing, coordinating 0.7 fl oz refill bottles are available separately. 🙌
IOD Pigment Ink vs. IOD Decor Ink - What's the Difference? 🧐
Great question! And an important one.
Both inks can work beautifully with IOD Stamps, but they are designed for different applications. Here's a simple way to think about it:
IOD Pigment Ink is your go-to for:
✨ Cards, journals, tags, and paper crafts
✨ Mixed-media projects
✨ Cardstock
✨ Uncoated wood
✨ Unsealed chalk-painted surfaces
IOD Decor Ink is designed for:
✨ Furniture, walls, and larger decor surfaces
✨ Fabric applications that require a washable, heat-set finish
One key thing to note: unlike IOD Decor Ink, IOD Pigment Ink is not designed to be heat-set for washable fabric applications. For decorative fabric projects - yes, gorgeous. For clothing or items that need to be laundered, that's where IOD Decor Ink is your friend.
What Surfaces Can I Use It On?
IOD Pigment Ink performs best on paper, cardstock, uncoated wood, and unsealed chalk paint.
We’ve also seen beautiful results on chalk paint and painted wood with a top coat. However, top-coated surfaces may require additional drying time. Because paint and finish formulas vary, we always recommend testing the ink on a small, inconspicuous area before beginning your project. A little patience here saves a lot of heartbreak later. 😅
***Pigment Ink is not recommended for vinyl-coated or other non-porous surfaces.
How Long Does It Take to Dry?
On cardstock, allow approximately 10–15 minutes for the ink to air dry.
Drying time may vary depending on:
✨ The type of surface you're working on
✨ The amount of ink applied
✨ Temperature and humidity in your workspace
IOD Pigment Ink is designed to air dry naturally, although a gentle heat source may help speed up the process on certain surfaces if you're working against the clock. 🙌
Is IOD Pigment Ink Archival and Acid-Free?
Yes! 🎉
IOD Pigment Ink is both archival and acid-free, making it an excellent choice for journals, handmade cards, paper crafts, keepsakes, and any projects you're creating to be cherished for years to come.
Can I Use Pigment Ink on Wood?
Absolutely. 🙌
IOD Pigment Ink can be used on uncoated wood. Though keep in mind that drying time may vary since wood is naturally absorbent and every piece is a little different. It also looks completely gorgeous over unsealed chalk paint, with all that shimmer catching the light. 😍
How Do I Refill and Store My Ink Pad?
When your ink pad needs a little refreshing, simply reach for the coordinating 0.7 fl oz refill bottle, available separately at your IOD Stockist.
To help keep your ink fresh and your pad performing beautifully:
✨ Close the lid securely after every single use.
✨ Store the ink pad upside down.
✨ Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Simple habits can make your ink go so much further. 🙌
How Do I Clean My IOD Stamps?
Clean your IOD Stamps promptly after using Pigment Ink with warm, not hot, water and a mild soap. Pro Tip: For a quick cleanup between sessions, you can also use a baby wipe!
***Avoid using hot water, as it may damage your stamps.
Available Colors
IOD Pigment Ink is available in two luminous metallic shades:
🥇 Gold Shimmer — warm, rich, and completely stunning. Find your Gold Shimmer.
🥈 Silver Sparkle — cool, crisp, and so elegant. Find your Silver Sparkle.
Both come pre-filled and completely ready to use the moment they arrive at your craft table. ✨
Ready to Add a Little Shimmer to Your Next Project?
From handmade cards and journals to stamped wood and mixed-media creations, IOD Pigment Ink delivers beautiful metallic color and crisp detail. Pair it with your favorite IOD Stamps and discover how a touch of shimmer can transform the whole project.
As always, it's a good idea to test the ink on a small area first, especially when working with painted, finished, or unfamiliar surfaces.
Find your nearest IOD Stockist using the big red Where to Buy button on our website and get your hands on Gold Shimmer and Silver Sparkle today. 🙌
New to IOD? Our Product 101 pages are packed with beginner-friendly techniques to help you get the most out of every product. And for more how-tos, project inspo, and everything IOD, there is so much good stuff waiting for you in the rest of our blog. 💕