Product Review: Derwent Inktense Blocks

Another magazine in my mailbox. The August/September 2012 issue of Quilting Arts Magazine showed up in my mailbox sometime last week, but I was having too much fun with wedding plans to even notice. Oops!

This article on page 68 and 69 was my review of Derwent Inktense Blocks. I was specifically interested in exploring how permanent they really were, and if there was a product that helped make them more permanent, especially after washing.

For the record, Inktense IS NOT permanent just by wetting, even if they are heat set. You must put something over the top to seal them. I found that a tin coating of Golden Fluid Matte Medium was the best way to retain their vivid color. It will make the fabric a little stiffer, however. There’s always a trade-off, isn’t there?

This was my last product review for Quilting Arts at this point since they did not renew the contract, but I expect I will still be blogging about different product reviews in the future. I do have one more article in the works for Quilting Arts. That one is on quilt photography and it might be in the next issue.


Comments

6 responses to “Product Review: Derwent Inktense Blocks”

  1. susan schaller Avatar
    susan schaller

    Great to see product reviews……….keep it up. Were u able to choose the product or does Q/A ?

    1. I was able to choose the product, but the one on the Derwent Inktense Blocks was the last one I had a contract for.

  2. Marti Meadows Avatar
    Marti Meadows

    You do a wonderful job on your reviews! Q/A would be wise to renew your contract. Keep up the good work.

  3. Dear Maria – THANK YOU for your research on stabilizing Inktense! I have the Inktense, but no experience with stabilizers. I like my colors to be permanent and was thrilled with your article! Now I know how to do it!

    Susan

  4. Your article was very interesting. I wondered if you had tried using Aloe Vera gel for blending the colors, if so do you know if it stabilizes the color?

    1. No. I guess I’ve always thought of aloe vera gel as a thickener.