Stampin' Up! New Ink Pads - the ultimate guide!

Hello,  I have had lots of questions about the new ink pads that Stampin' Up! are introducing at the beging of June so, here is the ultimate guide!

Why did they change the cases?
The mould used for manufacturing the cases was about to expire.  The mould can only be used for a limited amount of time before it needs to be replaced so a decision had to be made; to order more of the same moulds or improve the design.  SU chose to improve it!

What is better about the case?
After extensive research and many focus groups, SU decided that they could make several changes to improve the design of the Classic Stampin' Pad case.

Opening the new ink pads is now easier and more intuitive.  All you have to do is insert your thumb in the lip at the front and lift to open.

Cases have a tighter fit between the lid and the base.  The new lid won't be accidentally 'disconnected' - this happened to me a few times!  With use, the lid will become easier to slide open and close.

Be stackable.  This makes the ink pads easier to store and transport (love it). 

Above you can see the difference between the old and the new!

Improved labels and stickers - here are a few ways we have done that.
The top label now has a clearer, bold design and a larger colour swatch making easier to see the colour of the ink.

The stickers include a new In Colour icon (top right).

We've continued to provide colour stickers that can be placed on the end of each case to easily identify the colour at a glance.

We're introducing a new colour sticker you can place on the inside of the case, so you can easily distinguish the colour of the ink when the case is open.

For lots more hints and tips on how to use the new ink pads, check out this video from Stampin' Up! Product Development Team.

 

How is the ink different?
We've improved our ink formula becasue we noticed that our old ink would sometimes bubble, especially on new pads and with lighter colours.  When this happened, the ink wasn't as smooth and even as we'd like to see it.

The improved ink formula will reduce ink bubbles.  

Help you get a smooth coating of ink on the stamp.

Help lay down the ink better.

How do I know if my ink refill has the new and improved ink?
Beginning with the 2018 - 2019 Annual Catalogue, all ink refills will have the improved ink formula.  So, if you received a new ink reill and it has the new branding label, it contains the new ink formula.

Can I use and old ink refill on a new ink pad or a new refill on an old ink pad?
Yes!  You absolutely can with the exception of Basic Gray Archival and Basic Gray Classic Stampin' inks.  Archival and Classic inks should not be mixed.  All other Classic Stampin' inks will be fine.

Where is the Archival ink?
Archival ink will no longer be part of our offering.  Basic Gray will now be part of the Classic Stampin' ink family.  Please note that you cannot use the archival ink refil on the new Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad, as this will ruin the new ink pad.  Only use Classic Stampin' refills on Classic Stampin' pads.  

Your best options for black ink pads are the Tuxedo Black Memento pad, to use with the Blends and for general stamping needs, and the Jet Black Stazon for water colour and non porous surface stamping.

Will the updated Classic Stampin' Pad fit into the Colour Caddy?
Yes it will fit into the colour caddy - just not as tightly as the previous style ink pad.  If you are storing your inks in the caddy, you'll want to be careful when rotating the caddy and not spin it too fast.

Stampin' Up! are working on a new storage solution for the updated Classic Stampin' Pad - as soon as I hear anything I will let you know!

In case you missed my earlier post with details of the 2018 Colour Revamp, you can find all the details in my post here.

Phew, I hope that answers any question you might have had?  If not, let me know and I will do my best to find an answer for you.

Make sure you keep an eye on my Craftyducky facebook page here I will be sharing details of a fun giveaway of a new ink pad on Bank Holiday Monday!!

If you are in the UK, have a great Bank Holiday!

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator I would love to be yours!  If you don't have a copy of any of the current catalogues and you would like one, please let me know and I will send one to you straight away.

I have lots of copies of the new Annual Catalogue, if you have placed an order with me in the last 6 months I have one ready and waiting for you!

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code: M3VM3KQC I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you, (please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you). 

This month you will receive a bottle of crafter's dream glue aka Tombow!