With the upcoming release of new Stampin’ Up! magnetic felt ink pads, many paper crafters are wondering:
What’s the difference between felt and foam ink pads?
Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.
The Current Style: Firm Foam Ink Pads
The existing firm foam ink pads are loved for:
- Quick ink release
- Great coverage on bold images
- Vibrant impressions
Foam transfers ink quickly to your stamp, which makes it fantastic for large solid images.
However, quick ink release can sometimes mean:
- Over-inking
- Slight smudging
- More frequent cleaning
The New Style: Felt Ink Pads in Magnetic Cases
The new felt ink pads offer a slightly different stamping experience.
Felt releases ink in a more controlled way. That means:
- Cleaner impressions
- Better detail for intricate stamps
- Reduced risk of over-inking
- Less mess
If you love stamping sentiments, florals, or detailed line art images, felt can provide beautiful, crisp results.
What About Bold Images?
You absolutely can stamp bold images with felt pads. The difference is that you may need to tap (remember…tap, tap, tap) your stamp on the pad slightly more to achieve full coverage.
The upside?
You’ll likely refill less often overall because the pad holds more ink.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the good news:
You don’t have to choose right away.
Your current ink pads will continue to perform beautifully. The transition to the new magnetic felt ink pads is gradual, giving you time to:
- Try the new In Colors first
- Compare results in your own projects
- Transition at your comfort level
For many crafters, the improved storage, cleaner stamping, and longer-lasting ink will make the switch an easy decision.
In Part 3, we’ll talk about pricing, transition timelines, and what to expect over the next two years.
Did you miss Part 1, click Big News for Paper Crafters: Stampin’ Up! Is Introducing New Magnetic Ink Pads
Have questions, see Stampin’ Up! New Magnetic Ink Pads: Your 2026–2027 Customer FAQ