---
title: "Tim Holtz Distress Oxide: Pad Sizes & Water Effect"
canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/"
description: "Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad explained: dye and pigment hybrid, water effect, 3 x 3 in case and mini sizes, re-inkers, vs Distress Ink, made in USA."
category: "Stamps"
published: 2026-10-20
updated: 2026-10-20
author: "Ellis Penhale"
publisher: "Stationery Times"
sources: 19
products:
  - name: "Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pad (3 × 3 in case; mini 1 × 1 in)"
    brand: "Tim Holtz Distress"
    brand_origin: "United States"
    made_in: "United States"
    released: "2017"
    price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per stamp or ink pad, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey (maker of the Tim Holtz Distress line)"
    url: "https://rangerink.com/collections/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pads"
---

# Tim Holtz Distress Oxide: Pad Sizes & Water Effect

> Tim Holtz Distress Oxide is a Ranger ink that combines dye and pigment in one pad. Ranger says misting it with water gives a chalky, oxidized look, and it is more opaque than original Distress Ink. Full-size pads have a 3 in square case and 1 15/16 in felt, minis a 1 in felt; 0.5 oz re-inkers refill both.

- URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/
- Category: Stamps
- Author: Ellis Penhale
- Published: 2026-10-20
- Updated: 2026-10-20

![Full-size Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad with the lid lifted, its case drawn to scale at 3 by 3 in (76 mm), beside a stamped hedgehog with a chalky edge and a water bloom](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-16x9.png)

*Ranger says a mist of water gives Distress Oxide a chalky, oxidized look.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

## Product facts

| Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pad (3 × 3 in case; mini 1 × 1 in) | Tim Holtz Distress (by Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey (maker of the Tim Holtz Distress line)) | United States | United States | – | 2017 | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad |

- Made in (Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pad (3 × 3 in case; mini 1 × 1 in)): United States. Ranger's About page says it keeps all its inks manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey; its Faire brand profile and a UK retailer say the same. Individual pad pages on rangerink.com don't state a country, and US resale listings give the United States. Source: https://rangerink.com/pages/about

## Key takeaways

- Ranger lists the full-size pad's case at 3 × 3 in (76 mm) and its felt at 1 15/16 in (49 mm) square; the stackable mini has a 1 × 1 in felt in a 1 3/8 in case.
- Matching Distress Oxide re-inkers come in 0.5 oz bottles, one per color, for refilling both pad sizes.
- The line launched with 12 colors in early 2017 and had reached 24 by July 2017; Ranger keeps adding colors in periodic releases.
- Mini Oxide pads are sold in kits of 4; Ranger's full mini bundle runs from Kit 1 to Kit 18.
- Ranger says it makes all its inks in the USA at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.

## What is a Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad?

**It is a stamping and blending ink pad from Ranger Industries that combines dye ink and pigment ink in one formula.** Ranger designs and sells it under the name of mixed-media artist Tim Holtz, alongside his original Distress Ink.

Ranger calls Distress Oxide a "water-reactive dye & pigment ink fusion". The name describes the result: Ranger says spraying the ink with water creates an oxidized effect, with a soft, chalky finish that builds in layers.

## Distress Oxide specs

| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Maker | Ranger Industries (Tinton Falls, New Jersey) |
| Ink type | Dye and pigment hybrid, water-reactive (per Ranger) |
| Full-size pad | Case 3 × 3 in (76 mm); felt 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in (about 49 mm) |
| Mini pad | Felt 1 × 1 in (25 mm) in a 1 3/8 in (35 mm) case; stackable, kits of 4 |
| Re-inker | 0.5 oz (about 15 ml) bottle per color |
| Item codes | TDO + number for pads (e.g. TDO55815 Black Soot); TDR for re-inkers (TDR56911); TDIK for mini kits |
| Launched | Early 2017, with 12 colors |
| Made in | USA (per Ranger) |

Sizes, item codes and the ink description come from Ranger's product pages, and the launch details from a July 2017 retailer article. Ranger's 1 15/16 in felt explains why Root & Co lists the pad as 2 × 2 in: that is the inking surface, while 3 × 3 in is the case.

![To-scale drawing of the full-size Distress Oxide pad's 3 by 3 inch case beside a 1 by 1 inch square for the mini pad's felt](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-sizes.svg)

*The 3 × 3 in full-size case beside the 1 × 1 in mini felt. The full-size felt is 1 15/16 in and the mini case 1 3/8 in, per Ranger.*

## How does Distress Oxide react with water?

**Ranger says a mist of water makes Distress Oxide look oxidized and chalky instead of simply running like a dye.** The dye part moves with the water, while the pigment part dries to a more matte, opaque finish.

Vaessen Creative notes that the ink tends to sit on the surface of the card rather than soaking in. That is why the ink stays workable and can be moved with water after it is applied.

## How is Distress Oxide different from original Distress Ink?

**Original Distress Ink is a transparent water-based dye; Distress Oxide adds pigment, so it covers more and blends more smoothly.** Both react with water, and both come in the same 3 × 3 in case with a 1 15/16 in felt, with matching re-inkers.

| | Distress Ink (original) | Distress Oxide | Typical pigment ink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink type | Water-based dye (Ranger) | Dye and pigment hybrid (Ranger) | Pigment |
| Coverage | Transparent: paper shows through | More opaque; shows on dark and kraft card | Opaque |
| With water | Reactivates and moves | Moves, then dries chalky and "oxidized" | Little reaction once dry |
| Blending | Harder to blend smoothly (Sizzix) | Blends easily (Sizzix) | Varies |
| Drying | Faster than Oxide | Slower, stays wet longer (Sizzix) | Slow; often heat-set |
| Full-size pad | 3 × 3 in case, 1 15/16 in raised felt | 3 × 3 in case, 1 15/16 in felt | Varies by brand |

Comparison points for the two Distress lines come from Ranger and Sizzix, a Tim Holtz partner. The pigment column describes the category in general, not one product.

## Which size should you choose?

**Choose full-size pads for the colors you use most and mini kits to try many colors cheaply and in less space.**

- **Full size (3 × 3 in case, 1 15/16 in felt):** the larger inking surface suits blending tools and larger stamps.
- **Mini (1 × 1 in felt):** four colors per kit, stackable, and better suited to small stamps and tags. Ranger's full mini bundle runs from Kit 1 to Kit 18.

## How do you re-ink a Distress Oxide pad?

**Use the matching Distress Oxide re-inker, which Ranger sells in a 0.5 oz bottle for each color.** Ranger describes the re-inkers as acid-free, non-toxic and fade-resistant, and says they are for re-inking Distress Oxide pads. The original Distress line has its own re-inkers, so match the line as well as the color.

## How many Distress Oxide colors are there?

**There is no fixed number, because Ranger adds colors in periodic releases.** The line launched with 12 colors in early 2017 and grew to 24 by July 2017. An older Ranger blog post gave 48. Check Ranger's site for the current list.

## Which paper works best with Distress Oxide?

**Use smooth, heavy paper that handles water.** Ranger sells a Distress Mixed Media Heavystock (110 lb), and in an April 2017 blog test Heather Telford found that Oxides blended well on bristol and hot-pressed watercolor paper but less well on a smooth white cardstock. A mixed-media pad such as the [Canson XL Mix Media](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) is a sensible budget choice to try.

For permanent stamping on glass, metal or plastic, use a solvent ink such as [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/) instead. For return addresses and office marks, a self-inking stamp such as the [Trodat Printy 4912](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/trodat-printy-4912/) is the better tool.


## Where are Distress Oxide ink pads made?

**Ranger says all its inks are made in the USA at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.** Its About page states this, as do its brand profile on Faire and a UK retailer. US resale listings for individual Oxide pads and re-inkers also give the United States as the country of manufacture. Ranger's individual pad pages don't state it, so check the packaging if origin matters to you.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does "oxide" mean in Distress Oxide?

It refers to the look, not a chemical. Ranger describes Distress Oxide as a dye and pigment ink in one that gives an oxidized, chalky effect when you spray it with water.

### Is Distress Oxide a dye ink or a pigment ink?

Both. Ranger calls it a water-reactive dye and pigment ink fusion, so it reacts with water like a dye ink but covers more like a pigment ink.

### What is the difference between Distress Ink and Distress Oxide?

Original Distress Ink is a transparent, water-based dye ink; Distress Oxide adds pigment, so it is more opaque and shows up on darker or kraft card. Retailers also note Oxide blends more easily and stays wet longer.

### How big is a Distress Oxide ink pad?

Ranger lists the full-size case at 3 × 3 in (76 mm) and the felt inking surface at 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in (about 49 mm). The minis have a 1 × 1 in felt in a 1 3/8 in case, are sold four to a kit, and stack.

### How do you refill a Distress Oxide ink pad?

Use the matching Distress Oxide re-inker, a 0.5 oz bottle sold for each color. Ranger says the re-inkers are for re-inking Distress Oxide pads, which are sold separately.

### How many Distress Oxide colors are there?

The count keeps changing because Ranger releases new colors periodically. The line started with 12 colors in early 2017 and reached 24 that July; check Ranger's site for the current list.

### Where are Distress Oxide ink pads made?

Ranger's About page says all its inks are manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Resale listings for the pads also give the United States as the country of manufacture.

### What paper works best with Distress Oxide?

Smooth, heavy, wet-media paper. Ranger sells a Distress Mixed Media Heavystock, and a 2017 blog test found Oxides blended well on bristol and hot-pressed watercolor paper but less well on a smooth white cardstock.

## Sources

- [Ranger Ink: About (all inks manufactured in the USA in Tinton Falls, New Jersey)](https://rangerink.com/pages/about)
- [Ranger Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pads collection](https://rangerink.com/collections/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pads)
- [Ranger Ink: Distress Oxide Ink Pad, Black Soot, TDO55815 (case 3 × 3 in, pad 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in; online since July 11, 2017)](https://rangerink.com/products/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-black-soot)
- [Ranger Ink: Distress Oxide Re-Inker, Black Soot, 0.5 oz, TDR56911 (acid free, non-toxic, fade resistant)](https://rangerink.com/products/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-re-inkers-black-soot)
- [Ranger Ink: Distress Oxide Re-Inkers collection](https://rangerink.com/collections/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-re-inkers/)
- [Ranger Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads (water-based dye; case 3 × 3 in, pad 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in)](https://rangerink.com/collections/tim-holtz-distress-ink-pads)
- [Ranger Ink: Distress Full Mini Oxide Ink Pads Bundle (Kits 1–18; case 1 3/8 in, felt 1 × 1 in)](https://rangerink.com/products/tim-holtz-distress-full-mini-oxide-ink-pads-bundle)
- [Ranger Ink blog: New Tim Holtz Distress Oxides from Ranger](https://rangerink.com/blogs/blog/new-tim-holtz-distress-oxides-from-ranger)
- [Faire: Ranger Ink brand profile (inks made in the USA, Tinton Falls, NJ)](https://faire.com/brand/b_uj5jqbw7qu)
- [Loobi Crafts: Ranger Ink (Ranger's made-in-USA statement)](https://www.loobicrafts.co.uk/ranger-ink-271-c.asp)
- [eBay: Distress Oxide pad listings (country of manufacture United States; about 3 × 2.9 in)](https://www.ebay.com/p/13004809985)
- [Vaessen Creative: Distress Mini Oxide Ink Pads Kit 5, TDIK91516 (four 1 × 1 in pads)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/p/ranger-tim-holtz-distress-mini-oxide-ink-pads-kit-5-tdik91516)
- [Nally Studios: Difference between original Distress Ink and Distress Oxide (July 12, 2017)](https://nallystudios.com/blog/2017/07/12/what-is-the-difference-between-original-distress-ink-and-distress-oxide)
- [Sizzix: How to use Tim Holtz Distress Inks vs Distress Oxide Inks](https://www.sizzix.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-use-tim-holtz-distress-inks-vs-tim-holtz-distress-oxide-inks)
- [Vaessen Creative: Distress Oxide ink pad, Kitsch Flamingo TDO72614 (ink sits on the surface)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/p/ranger-tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-kitsch-flamingo-tdo72614)
- [Heather Telford: The Distress Oxide trials (April 28, 2017, paper comparison)](https://cards.heathertelford.com/2017/04/28/the-distress-oxide-trials/)
- [Simon Says Stamp: Distress Mixed Media Heavystock 8.5 × 11 in, TDA75172](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/tim-holtz-8-5-x-11-distress-mixed-media-heavystock-ranger-tda75172-1?c=975)
- [Walmart: Tim Holtz Distress Oxides Ink Pad, Black Soot (3 × 3 in)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/214938439)
- [Root & Co: Distress Oxide Ink Pad, Wilted Violet](https://www.rootandco.com/products/ranger-ink-tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-wilted-violet)