Whether you’re brand-new to ink or you’ve been blending for years, this guide breaks down every Lisa Horton ink type—what it is, how it behaves, which tools to pair with it, and the techniques it loves. You’ll also find product overviews so you can pick the perfect pad for your next project.
Matte Blending Inks (Cloud 9)
What they are
Premium dye-based inks in many colors, including Falling Snow and this Red Grapefruit, come on a felt pad with an edge-to-edge inking surface for smooth, streak-free blends and a matte, chalky finish.
Why crafters love them
- Effortless blending and color mixing (yellow+red=orange; blue+yellow=green).
- Quick dry but still moveable for smooth gradients.
- Beautiful for stencils, backgrounds, water-reactive tricks like smooshing and color lifting.
- Stamp well
Best Pairings
- Tools to Use: Blending brushes, foam domes/daubers, low-tack stencil tape, water mister, craft mat.
- Techniques: Ombre panels, ink-lift through stencils, faux bleaching, watercolor washes, layered color wheels.
Tips
- Build light layers; matte finish shines with glazing.
- For lifted highlights, tap with a damp brush or paper towel through a stencil.
Color Shift (Matte Blending Colour Shift)
What they are
The Cloud 9 Matte Blending Color Shift Ink Pads are a hybrid of matte blending and interference—matte base with a soft, luminous shimmer that shifts in the light. Foam pad for creamy application.
Why crafters love Them
- More blendable than classic interference.
- Adds a subtle “wow” without overwhelming your design.
- Still water-reactive for all your favorite techniques.
Best pairings
- Tools: Blending brushes/foams for smooth gradients; detail brushes for edges.
- Techniques: Dreamy skies, floral auras, soft glow backgrounds, stencil layers over matte bases.
Tips
- Use as a final “veil” over a matte blend to add gentle movement.
- Gorgeous on both light and mid-tone cardstocks.
Interference (Metallic Interference)
What They Are
The Interference Ink Pads, like the Charcoal Gold, provide two-in-one magic. High-shine mica creates dramatic color shifts that change based on cardstock color (e.g., bright pink on white → golden on black). Foam pad.
Why Crafters Love Them
- Maximum shift and shine for eye-catching backgrounds.
- Water-reactive for splashy, mixed-media effects.
Best Pairings
- Tools: Stencils for statement patterns; brayers for smooth swipes; blending brushes for soft halos.
- Techniques: Swipe panels (then tilt in light!), bold stenciled motifs, layered accents over matte blends.
Tips
Shows different personalities on white vs black cardstock—test swatches! A little less blendable than Color Shift; think feature layers and backgrounds.
Metallics
What They Are
The Cloud 9 - Metallic Pigment Ink Pads contain ultra-bright metallic pigment that can look nearly mirror-reflective (silver can read almost white when it catches the light). Foam pad.
Why Crafters Love It
- Show-stopping shine on both white and black cardstock.
- Buildable; reveals full depth as it dries.
- Plays nicely with Interference and Matte Blending.
Best Pairings
- Tools: Foam blending tools for saturated shine, brushes for softer metallic haze, brayers for panels.
- Techniques: Metallic smooshing, stenciled foil-like patterns, layered metallic sentiments, edge-gilding.
Tips
Let layers dry to see full brilliance. Stunning over dark, colored, or ink-blended bases.
Swift Dry (Hybrid)
What They Are
The Swift Dry Hybrid Ink Pads, including the Liquorice Ink Pad and other neutrals, provide rich, ultra-crisp coverage and fast-drying properties. Felt pad, crisp impressions, hybrid formula.
Why Crafters Love It
- Great for everyday stamping, BetterPress, and coloring with watercolors or alcohol markers—just heat set first.
- Excels on solid images, bold sentiments, and fine detail.
Tools & Tips
- Use a stamp platform for exact placement or repeat impressions.
- For alcohol markers or heavy watercolor: heat set to lock in lines before coloring.
Product Spotlights
Picked by Paula — Cloud 9 Matte Blending Ink Pad Bundle (10 colors)
The Picked By Paula — Cloud 9 Matte Blending Ink Pad Bundle includes soft, blendable, water-reactive inks with a smooth matte finish—perfect for layered backgrounds, stenciling, and watercolor-style effects.
Features: Water-reactive, dye & pigment fusion, blendable, highly pigmented, matte finish
Craft Types: Card making, scrapbooking, journaling, mixed media, tags, water techniques
Great with: Blending brushes/foams, stencils, water mister, BetterPress
Sunset Pink Metallic Interference Ink Pad (Only Available Here!)
The Sunset Pink Metallic Interference Ink Pad is only available at Scrapbook.com and showcases a vibrant bright pink that transforms into a rich golden shimmer on dark cardstock—bold, color-shifting shine for stamping, stenciling, or blending.
Features: Dye & pigment fusion, metallic interference shimmer, foam pad, acid-free, non-toxic, water-based
Craft Types: Card making, scrapbooking, journaling, mixed media, faux bleaching, stenciling, blending, stamping
Pro tip: Swipe a strip on white and black side-by-side to showcase the shift in one panel.
Tools for Ink Success
Precision Work Tools
For perfect placement, even pressure, and no-slip control when stamping, stenciling, or blending.
MISTI Stamping Tool: Crisp, repeatable stamping and alignment
Ulti-Mate2 Plus: Multi-use tool for stenciling, blending, scoring, and layer alignment with any Lisa Horton ink pad.
GripMate: Holds cardstock in place during blending or stamping so you can work hands-free.
Blending & Detailing Tools
For controlled, customizable color application—from large background blends to fine stencil details. These tools help you control opacity, texture, and movement of color — essential for Matte Blending, Color Shift, and Metallic inks.
Ink Blending Brushes: For soft, even color transitions
Foam Domes: Saturated color and circular motion blending
Ulti-Mate Chunky Stencil Brushes: Bold, smooth coverage through stencils
Pro Blend Flat Head Brushes: Wide coverage for backgrounds
Stencil Brushes: Perfect for detailed areas
Daubers: Fingertip control for edges and small details
Prep, Finishing & Clean-Up Tools
For setup, creative effects, and maintaining your tools.
Water Mister: Add water-reactive effects like “smooshing” or lifting
Silicone Craft Mat: Non-slip, heat-resistant surface for blending and easy cleanup
Heat Tool: Sets Swift Dry ink for coloring and speeds drying for Metallics or Interference
Stamp Shammy: Reusable cleaner for stamps and blending tools
Last Few Tips
Swatch it: Especially with Interference & Color Shift—test on light, mid, and dark papers.
Layer, don’t press hard: Let pigment build for smoother blends and shinier metallics.
Dry time matters: Metallics and Interference reveal full brilliance as they dry.
Heat set for coloring: When using watercolors or alcohol markers over stamped lines (Swift Dry/Solid Black).
Mix & match: Matte base → Color Shift glaze → Metallic accents is a foolproof trio.
Want to keep learning? Check out these articles:
Simon Hurley vs. Stellar Ink: Which Simon Hurley Ink Pad Should You Choose?
5 Mixed Media Products To Try Today
How To Make An Easy Card Background With Ink
Top Craft Inks And Their Properties
