Distress Oxide inks are one of the most loved products in modern cardmaking, and for good reason. They are forgiving, versatile and produce soft, blendable colour that beginners and experts both rely on. Here is what they are and how to use them.
- Distress Oxides are a hybrid of dye and pigment ink.
- They react with water, giving watercolour-style effects.
- They blend beautifully for soft backgrounds.
- A little ink goes a long way, so start light.
What Distress Oxide inks are
Distress Oxides combine a water-reactive dye with a pigment. That pigment element gives them a slightly chalky, opaque finish that sits differently from ordinary dye inks. The result is colour that blends smoothly and lifts with water for lovely effects.
How to blend a background
Blending is where Oxides shine. Using a blending tool or brush, pick up a small amount of ink and work it onto your cardstock in light circular motions, building colour gradually. Smooth cardstock gives the cleanest blend.
Using water for effects
Because Oxides react with water, you can flick, spritz or paint water over your inked panel to create reactive spots and watercolour washes. Let it dry, or dab with a cloth to control the effect.
Getting started
You do not need the whole range to begin. Three or four colours that blend well together will take you a long way. Pair them with a stamped image and you have the basis of countless cards, as in our first card guide. Browse more in stamping and ink.
