the art of shrinkdinking

[MizPants]

I want to try stamping on the shrink plastic, but after I bake it, the color smear off.

Q:What kind of INK PAD should I use ? Or it's there such ink pad?

I know permenant pen (or oilbase color) works on shrink plastic.
But I don't want to color my friend's stamps with permenant pen.

Q: I know nail polish will smear color off, so what kind of 'surface protector' should I use?

if youre looking to stamp on shrink plastic you have to use a permanent ink (pigment ink)  i personally use a brand called "Fabrico" its also permanent on fabric when heat set. i also use stamp'n'up  brand pigment ink pads. they work the same. there are a ton of brands out there, just look for the ones that say they are permanent or heat settable.
as for a clear protective coat try a fixative. (i use krylon brand) its in a spray can like spray paint but it is a clear coating that comes in different finishes (matte, gloss etc.)

Hope that helps!

I tried pigment ink in a workshop, but the ink smear off, or I guess they have a wrong cover on the ink pad (someone mix it up by accident) I dunno.

I am not sure if I want to take risk of spend the money to by the 'suppose to work' ink pad. Coz they are not cheap. Or I will ask the sales in the store before I buy it.

I will have to see how much is the spray before I consider buying it.

I'm sooo late in finding this thread, but I have a suggestion.

If you're using rubber stamps, look for DYE inks or a brand of solvent ink called Staz On (which is what I use on shrinky dinks and it works great). Dye inks dry much quicker than pigment (Colorbox and Brilliance are pigment ink brands) and Staz On is permanent ink--you need a special solution to clean it off your rubber stamps (unlike pigment and dye which can be wiped off with baby wipes or other gentle washes or just soap and water).

[floatingmoon]

Yes, I read that StazOn ink pad works on shrink plastic. However they are kind of pricy, so now I am trying to figure it out what color I want, coz i only going to buy ONE.

And also, have anyone try using 'crayon' on shrink plastic?
(I mean 'crayon', not pencil crayon)
If you do, how does it turns out? does the color went off easily??

[xbostonvanillax]

dont even THINK about using a crayon on your shrinky dinks. first of all, you know that crayons are wax? wax melts...just, dont try it. i dont think the wax will shrink either...

[slb2724]

dont even THINK about using a crayon on your shrinky dinks. first of all, you know that crayons are wax? wax melts...just, dont try it. i dont think the wax will shrink either...

the crayons would just melt and fall off. its like diping your finger in candle wax and peeling it off. it wont shrink either...'cause its wax.

[giddygirlie]

I need to post some pictures of my recent batch, but I have the following advice to offer:

1) a fine point Sharpie is the best thing for outline (if you prefer to stamp, maybe trace with a Sharpie after?). If you trace on the "rough" side, it will still bleed a bit. If you trace on the "smooth" side, it seems to come off a bit easier, but easier to see.
2) trace the outline on the "smooth" side but color on the "rough" side -- gives it a cool effect
3) Prismacolor markers work the best (I have found)
4) Remember that colors shrink, and therefore intensify when baked
5) When baking, place the paper smooth side DOWN. Bake in small batches.
6) When the time is up (mine calls for 3 minutes), take the pan out and press the shrinkies flat -- some of them curl up slightly, but are malleable for a few minutes after baking

I like making tiny charms, so I start with designs that are under 3 inches to begin with. I have found that larger than that, and the shrinky paper sometimes curls sideways and there isn't anything you can do about it -- it's the plastic fibers that pull it sideways.

I'll post pictures of my latest work tonight. www.flickr.com/photos/giddygirlie

[jordyca]

HI, doen anyone know where if I can find it, shrink plastic,  somewhere in san diego? I live in mexico and I'm dying to have some of this plastic but can't find it here, soI ask a friend of mine that is going to san diego to bring me some.

[odd_artist]

You can use lids off of take-out containers too. I also read somewhere that any #6 plastic will work.
But don't try the transparency sheets that you run through the printer for over-head projectors - I tried last night, and all they do is puff and melt.
I am  trying some other office supplies tonight, and I'll let you know if I find anything that works.