For today’s post, I’m sharing a video where I walk you through everything I know about the new Stampin’ Up! ink pads, including the new case design and the new Hybrid Basic Black Ink Pad.

Before we get started, please know that what I’m sharing is my personal experience. I’m also mentioning a few things I’ve heard from fellow demonstrators, but most of what you’ll see is based on my own testing.

I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where the climate is very dry. If you live in a more humid area, your results may vary. In the video, I test different surfaces including vellum, watercolor paper, and cardstock, and I also show results using Stampin’ Blends, watercoloring, and more.

So let’s dive in!

The New In-Color Ink Pads

Right now, the 2026–2028 In Colors are the only ink pads available in the new format.

The new ink pads come in a magnetic case, which is very easy to open and close. The size is very similar to the previous version.

Measurements:

• 3 3/8″ x 4 7/8″
• About 1/2″ thick

I store my ink pads in my Stamp-n-Storage system, and they fit well. They do stick out just a little, but it’s not a problem. They stay in place and are easy to grab.

Some demonstrators have mentioned that they also fit in the Stampin’ Up! ink pad storage, although I don’t personally own that storage system.

How the Case Works

When you open the ink pad, it opens like a door. Because of the magnet, the case stays together and you can flip the lid underneath while you use it.

When storing the ink pads, make sure the label side is facing up. That keeps the pad positioned correctly inside the case and keeps the ink on the surface.

In the video, I also show:

• How to re-ink the pad
• Where not to apply the ink (avoid the edges)
• You can heat emboss with this ink
• Where to place the labels
• How to squeeze the pad to create a palette for watercoloring.

Inking Your Stamps

When inking your stamp, especially with photopolymer stamps, avoid pressing hard into the pad.

Instead, tap, tap, tap.

I like to say “walk” your stamp across the pad. This helps distribute the ink evenly and gives you a much cleaner stamped image.

Also, I strongly recommend placing a piercing mat or foam mat under your cardstock when using photopolymer stamps. Photopolymer has no cushion, so the foam underneath helps create a beautiful crisp impression.

This is not new advice—it worked with the old pads too—but it really makes a difference.

Future Ink Pad Changes

Right now, only the 2026-2028 In Colors are available in this new ink pad format.

According to Stampin’ Up!, there will be a color refresh in 2027. Some colors will retire and some will stay, but we won’t know which ones until then.

At that time, the entire ink pad line will transition to the new design.

Hybrid Basic Black Ink Pad

Now let’s talk about the Hybrid Basic Black Ink Pad.

There has been a lot of discussion about this one! Again, what I’m sharing is based on my testing in a dry climate.

The Hybrid ink is designed to replace both:

• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad
• StazOn Jet Black Ink Pad

It works with Stampin’ Blends and watercoloring, which makes it very versatile.

My Experience

On Basic White cardstock, it was a no-go for me.

• The image was not as crisp
• It tended to smear
• When I used Stampin’ Blends, even the darker colors, it smeared. (not a result that I want)

My best results were on Thick Basic White cardstock.

Some people recommend letting the ink dry for 2–4 minutes or heat setting it. Personally, I tested both ways and didn’t notice a huge difference.

I’m more of a grab-and-go stamper, so waiting several minutes isn’t really my style.

Light vs Dark Blends
Something important to note:
Dark colors – very little smearing
Light colors – you may see a little black transfer
For example, with light shades like Lemon Lolly or pale pinks, you might notice a bit of smearing, but here in Cheyenne it was very minimal.
Some demonstrators tested on White Willow, another with cardstock Stampin’Up! carry but only come in 12 x 12, and they reported the result was better on the willow. I don’t have the willow due to the size. I prefer the 8 ½” x 11 for card making.

Other Surfaces
Here were my results on different papers:
Watercolor Paper
Works wonderfully. I did not heat set it and it still performed well, no bleeding or smears.
Vellum
Because vellum is non-porous, I heat-set the ink, and it worked great.
I also colored on the back of the vellum with blends, which is a technique I’ve used for years—even when using StazOn.

My Recommendation
If you already love your Memento or StazOn, there’s no reason you must switch. Keep stamping with what you have.
But if you don’t already own a black ink pad, the Hybrid Basic Black could be an all-in-one option.
My personal preference: Hybrid Basic Black Ink with Thick Basic White cardstock. (NOT regular basic white)

Release Date
Both the new In-Color 26-28 ink pads and the Hybrid Basic Black Ink will be released May 5th.
I wanted to share my experience now so you can see how they work before deciding if they’re right for you.
Be sure to watch the video below to see all the tests and tips in action.

Ink Pad In Action Video

Until next time…
Happy stamping!

Customer Appreciation Gift From Me To You!

For April, I’m offering a little Customer Appreciation gift.

When you place an order of $30 or more (before tax, shipping, or coupon) on my website, I will send you a cardstock sample of all five new In Colors so you can see the colors in real life.

Each sample will:

• Be labeled with the color name
• Be printed directly on the cardstock
• Give you a true color reference for your crafting

Promotion Details

• 📅 April 1 – April 30
• 📦 One sample set per address
• ✉️ First mailing: mid-April
• ✉️ Second mailing: early May (for orders placed the last two weeks of April)

✨ Mark your calendar: The new catalog begins May 5th!

Meanwhile, the greatest compliment you can give me is a referral to a friend—many thanks for considering my plea.