I was recently asked the difference between Stampin' Write Markers and Stampin' Blends. I thought you may have a similar question as well, so here is my explanation.
Stampin’ Write Markers are like regular magic markers, but with Stampin’ Up! colors and are water based like the ink pads. Good for coloring small images, fine detail or writing. You can color directly on the stamps with these markers and then stamp on paper (blow or huff on the stamp before pressing on paper to re-moisture the ink). This is a good technique
of getting multiple colors on one image. I have been able to re-ink some of my dry markers with the re-inkers (although this technique is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!). I did write a post about it - https://mailsomethingpretty.com/re-ink-the-stampin-write-markers-to-keep-them-alive-and-usable/
Stampin’ Blends are artist quality alcohol based markers and need to be used with Memento Black Ink or the old Archival Black Stampin’ Up! ink. Using an alcohol ink such as StazOn will make the colors bleed onto the stamped image/outline. These markers are comparable to the more expensive Copics Markers, but in Stampin’ Up! colors and less cost. Copics have
all sorts of numbers and letters associated with their colors, for blending sake. Stampin’ Up! Blends come in light and dark shades of each color for easier use. Blends are wonderful for coloring larger images and blending colors together. The markers will not be affected/damaged by coloring a light color on top of a dark. There are also no lines associated with coloring large areas like regular markers. Smooth coloring is one of their benefits. They
are not refillable (like the Copics). They have very tight and secure covers and shouldn’t dry out as long as the cap is on tight. You can not directly color on the stamps with Blends like the markers above.
I suggest trying out a few colors of the Blends and see what you think. I love them! I still like to use the Stampin’ Write markers for coloring on my stamps directly, but I use them less frequently than my Blends. Blending colors and/or shades together is quite addictive!
Here are two videos showing the differences:
