Review of Perfect Pearls by Ranger Inks

Perfect Pearls by Ranger Inks are pigment powders that give a pearlescent finish on paper, cardstock or other surfaces such as fabrics. The powders can be used in a variety of ways, however Perfect Medium has been designed to work with Perfect Pearls. Pigment powders are simple to use and yet produce excellent results. In this review we take a detailed look at Perfect Pearls powders and Perfect Medium, using the two techniques mentioned on the pack.

The product reviewed - Perfect Pearls 'The Complete Pigment Kit' in Naturals, from Ranger Inks. The colors of powders in the kit are plum, kiwi, blue smoke and rust. Take a look at this profile of Perfect Pearls for more information and background of the product.

The color of the background will affect any type of coloring medium and this is the case when using Perfect Pearls. The colors will look very different on dark backgrounds than they do on light backgrounds. The finished effect will be dramatic against a dark background and more subtle against a light background and for this review I have worked on a sheet of black paper and a sheet of white paper to compare the differences. A whole range of other effects can be achieved by working on backgrounds of other colors.

The kit contains four pots of Perfect Pearls with the combined weight of 10 grams. While this might not sound much, the powders are very lightweight and each of the clear plastic, small screw top jars was well filled. The powders go a long way and there is plenty in the kit for many different projects.

In addition to the pots of Perfect Pearls powder the kit contains 2 brushes and a Perfect Medium stamp pad. Instructions for using Perfect Pearls is given on the back of the pack. Unlike embossing powders or other embellishments, a heat gun or other special equipment is not required as all that is required to 'set' them is water.

To use Perfect Pearls dry they need to be used with Perfect Medium. The Perfect Medium stamp pad is similar to an embossing ink pad. The pad simply needs to be dabbed onto the stamp to ensure an even coating, and the stamp evenly placed onto a sheet of paper. The clear stamped image is left on the page. To review the product I stamped the same image onto black and white paper and then using the smaller brush I brushed powders over the stamped images in the different colored powders. Almost immediately there is a 'WOW' moment as the previously invisible images take on a shimmering appearance. When the images have been fully covered with powders I used the large brush to brush off any extra. The brushes are very soft to use and quickly removed any surplus powders without smudging the images. To set the images it was simply a case of spritzing the images with water.

The effect achieved was very different on the black paper to the white - however I felt that both looked good. The colors and effect is very dramatic on the dark paper and more classic and elegant on the white paper. This can be seen in the photograph.

Tip: - The Perfect Medium is invisible on many surfaces, therefore keep a note of where you've stamped otherwise it is easy to loose the stamped image! If you can't remember where you have stamped, simply hold the paper up to a light.

Another way of using Perfect Pearls is to use them as a paint or a glaze. When mixed with water the powders can be painted onto the paper. I tried making a thick mixture with just a little water and this gave a dense color on both the white and black paper. I used more water to create a glaze or wash and this too looked great on both papers and would make a wonderful background. The colors blend and it is possible to mix different colored powders to create different colors. I mixed the powders together on an old saucer and it was easy to clean. The powders have been applied wet and therefore did not need 'setting' with water.

Conclusion

These are very easy powders to use and the results are excellent. I found the powders and medium of high quality and well presented. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the brushes - and while this might seem like a strange thing to comment on, the very soft bristles made brushing the unused powders away a breeze without smudging the image.

These are ideal for both beginner and experienced stampers, however beginner stampers in particular will be impressed by the way that they can produce stunning results so quickly. More experienced stampers will enjoy the challenge of using Perfect Pearls in new and different ways.

I know that many stampers rave about the effect of using these powders on dark backgrounds - however I really enjoyed the elegant effect on pale papers so I would urge anyone trying this product to experiment on different colored backgrounds.

For more ideas and projects take a look at the Ranger Ink website.