---
title: "VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad: Matte Ink for Dark Paper"
canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad/"
description: "Tsukineko VersaMagic chalk ink pad explained: opaque, matte pigment ink that shows on dark cardstock, full-size and Dew Drop sizes, surfaces, drying, origin."
category: "Stamps"
type: "Ink pad"
published: 2026-10-20
updated: 2026-10-20
author: "Ellis Penhale"
publisher: "Stationery Times"
sources: 12
products:
  - name: "VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad (full size; Dew Drop also sold)"
    brand: "VersaMagic"
    brand_origin: "Japan"
    made_in: "Japan"
    material: "Water-based pigment ink, inkpad, plastic case"
    price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per stamp or ink pad, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan); sold in the US under its Imagine name"
    model: "VG-000 (VersaMagic L, full size); GD-000 (Dew Drop)"
    gtin: "0712353320796"
    url: "https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/en/products/versa-magic-series/"
---

# VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad: Matte Ink for Dark Paper

> VersaMagic is Tsukineko's chalk-finish, water-based pigment ink: an opaque, matte ink that shows up on dark cardstock and doesn't bleed through thin paper. Tsukineko lists the full-size VersaMagic L at 99 × 68 × 19 mm in 41 colors and the teardrop Dew Drop at 33 × 50 mm; retailers list both as made in Japan.

- URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad/
- Category: Stamps
- Author: Ellis Penhale
- Published: 2026-10-20
- Updated: 2026-10-20

![Full-size VersaMagic chalk ink pad in Cloud White with the lid lifted, drawn to scale at 99 mm (3.9 in) wide, beside a white flower stamped on dark card with a soft, powdery edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad-16x9.png)

*VersaMagic's opaque chalk ink is sold for stamping light colors on dark cardstock.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/versamagic-chalk-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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad (full size; Dew Drop also sold) | VersaMagic (by Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan); sold in the US under its Imagine name) | Japan | Japan | Water-based pigment ink, inkpad, plastic case | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad |

- Made in (VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad (full size; Dew Drop also sold)): Japan. Paperwhisper's spec sheet for a Dew Drop 4-color set says made in Japan. Officeworks (Australia) lists full-size pads such as Cloud White (VG-92) with Japan as the country of manufacture; its pages didn't load for us on October 20, 2026, so that is from its search listing. Tsukineko's own pages don't state the country, and Walmart's listing says only that it is imported. Check the packaging of the pad you buy. Source: https://paperwhisper.com/products/tsukineko-versamagic-dewdrop-stamp-ink-pad-4-color-set

## Key takeaways

- Tsukineko lists the full-size VersaMagic L (VG-000) at 99 × 68 × 19 mm with a 76 × 47 mm (3 × 1.85 in) printing surface, in 41 colors.
- The teardrop Dew Drop (GD-000) measures 33 × 50 × 22 mm with a 24 × 39 mm printing surface, per Tsukineko, and lists at ¥430 (about US$2.70) before tax in Japan.
- Tsukineko gives a drying time of 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the surface, climate and ink color, and says the ink doesn't bleed through to the back of the page.
- A Walmart listing calls it acid-free, colorfast, lightfast and archival, conforming to ASTM D4236.
- Paperwhisper lists the Dew Drop as made in Japan, and Officeworks lists full-size pads such as Cloud White (VG-92) the same way.

## What is VersaMagic chalk ink?

**VersaMagic is Tsukineko's opaque, water-based pigment ink with a matte, chalk-like finish.** Because it is opaque, light colors sit on top of dark cardstock instead of sinking in, which most dye inks can't do.

Tsukineko says its main feature is that it doesn't bleed through, so it suits thin planner and notebook paper, and that it flows well enough to use like paint. In Japan, Tsukineko's site sells only the Dew Drop and refill inkers; the full-size VersaMagic L appears on its English site for export markets.

Card makers use it for white or pastel stamping on kraft and black card, soft matte backgrounds, and sponged edges. Tsukineko also makes [VersaFine](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/) for fine detail and [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/) for non-porous surfaces.

## VersaMagic full-size pad specs

| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Maker | Tsukineko (Japan), sold in the US under its Imagine name |
| Model | VersaMagic L, VG-000-*** (e.g. VG-000-092 Cloud White) |
| Ink | Opaque water-based pigment, chalk-like matte finish |
| Pad size (case) | 99 × 68 × 19 mm (3.9 × 2.68 × 0.75 in), per Tsukineko |
| Printing surface | 76 × 47 mm (3 × 1.85 in), per Tsukineko; Walmart lists 3 × 1-3/4 in |
| Colors | 41 (full size); refill inkers in 36 |
| Drying | 10 to 15 minutes, per Tsukineko |
| Claims | Acid-free (Tsukineko); colorfast, lightfast, archival, ASTM D4236 (Walmart listing) |
| Also sold as | Dew Drop teardrop pad, 33 × 50 × 22 mm |
| Made in | Japan (retailer listings) |

Sizes come from Tsukineko's English product page. Amazon product dimensions mirrored on a retailer page give a slightly thinner 99 × 68 × 17 mm, and Officeworks lists 100 × 70 × 20 mm.

## How does VersaMagic look on dark paper?

**On dark cardstock it prints as a soft, matte, slightly powdery color, which is why it's called chalk ink.** Retailers describe it as covering dark papers, with the finish of chalk rather than the sheen of a standard pigment.

Expect a gentler look than a white embossing powder or a bright white pigment. For the brightest white on black, heat emboss instead (see [Ranger clear embossing powder](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-clear-embossing-powder/) for how embossing works).


## What surfaces does VersaMagic work on?

**Tsukineko lists cardstock, glossy and coated paper, vellum, photos, vegetable-tanned leather, unfinished wood, polymer clay, shrink plastic and terracotta.** It also says the ink air-dries even on glossy and coated paper.

Tsukineko gives a drying time of 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the material, climate and ink color. Retailers sell it for embossing, but Tsukineko warns that on some papers it dries too fast to hold embossing powder, so test first.

## Full-size or Dew Drop: which should you buy?

**Buy the full-size pad for stamps wider than about 2 in and for card backgrounds; buy Dew Drops for small stamps, planners and trying several colors.**

![To-scale top views: full-size VersaMagic chalk pad, 99 by 68 mm case with a 76 by 44 mm (3 by 1-3/4 in) inkpad, beside a teardrop Dew Drop pad, 2 by 1-1/2 in](https://stationerytimes.com/images/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad-size.svg)

*The full-size pad and the teardrop Dew Drop, drawn to scale.*

| | Full size | Dew Drop |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangle | Teardrop |
| Case | 99 × 68 × 19 mm | 33 × 50 × 22 mm |
| Printing surface | 76 × 47 mm | 24 × 39 mm |
| Best for | Cards, backgrounds, larger stamps | Small stamps, planners, direct-to-paper color |
| Sold as | Single colors (41) | Single colors and 4- or 12-color sets; ¥430 (about US$2.70) before tax in Japan |

Hobonichi sells VersaMagic Dew Drops with its planners, which is one reason the small size is so familiar to journalers. Walmart lists the Dew Drop at 2 × 1-1/2 in, close to Tsukineko's 50 × 33 mm case.

## How does VersaMagic compare with other inks?

**Choose VersaMagic for an opaque matte look, especially on dark paper; choose a dye ink for crisp outlines you'll color.** For a black line under markers, [Memento Tuxedo Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/) is the usual pick.

| | VersaMagic | VersaFine Onyx Black | Memento Tuxedo Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink | Pigment, chalky matte | Pigment, fine detail | Dye |
| Sold for | Opaque color, dark paper | Crisp detail | Outlines to color with markers |
| Heat embossing | Sometimes; can dry too fast on plain paper | On glossy and coated surfaces | Not sold for it |

## Which VersaMagic color should you buy first?

**Start with Cloud White if you want the effect VersaMagic is known for: light stamping on dark card.** Officeworks numbers it 92 in the range, and Walmart's listing for the Multi Surface pad offers Cloud White and Midnight Black.

After that, pick colors that match your cardstock. Because the ink is opaque, a pastel stamped on kraft keeps its own color instead of sinking into the brown, as retailers describe for dark papers.

## How do you clean VersaMagic off stamps?

**A retailer listing says it cleans off with StazOn stamp cleaner.** Clean stamps soon after use, because dried pigment ink can be harder to remove from fine detail.

## Where is VersaMagic made?

**Retailers list VersaMagic as made in Japan.** Paperwhisper's spec sheet for a Dew Drop set says made in Japan, and Officeworks lists full-size pads such as Cloud White with Japan as the country of manufacture. Tsukineko's pages don't state it, and Walmart's US listing says only that the pad is imported, so check the packaging.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is VersaMagic chalk ink?

It is Tsukineko's opaque, water-based pigment ink with a soft, matte, chalk-like finish. Tsukineko recommends it for black and dark paper, and says it doesn't bleed through thin paper.

### Does VersaMagic show up on black cardstock?

Tsukineko says its high opacity makes it usable on black and dark papers, which is its main selling point. Light colors like Cloud White show best; dark colors lose contrast, as any ink does.

### Is VersaMagic the same as VersaFine?

No. Both are Tsukineko pigment inks, but VersaFine is sold for fine detail and crisp lines, while VersaMagic is sold for an opaque, chalky, matte finish.

### How long does VersaMagic take to dry?

Tsukineko gives 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the material, climate and ink color; its Japanese page gives that figure for drawing paper. It air-dries even on glossy and coated paper, so allow longer there.

### Can you heat emboss with VersaMagic?

Sometimes. Retailers sell it for embossing, but Tsukineko warns that on some papers, including plain paper, it dries too quickly to hold embossing powder well. Try it on your card first.

### What is a VersaMagic Dew Drop?

A small teardrop-shaped VersaMagic pad, 33 × 50 × 22 mm with a 24 × 39 mm printing surface per Tsukineko (Walmart lists 2 × 1-1/2 in). Its point lets you ink small stamps or apply color directly; Tsukineko sells it singly and in 4- and 12-color sets.

### How do you clean VersaMagic off stamps?

A retailer listing says it cleans off with StazOn stamp cleaner. Water-based stamp cleaners and a damp cloth also work on most pigment ink, so test on your own stamps.

### Where is VersaMagic made?

Paperwhisper lists the Dew Drop as made in Japan and Officeworks lists full-size pads the same way. Tsukineko doesn't say, and Walmart's US listing says only that it is imported.

## Sources

- [バーサマジック｜紙用水性顔料インク (Tsukineko Japan product page, read in full: water-based pigment, no bleed-through, 10–15 minutes, Dew Drop GD ¥430 + tax, 33 × 50 × 22 mm)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/products/versa-magic/)
- [Versa Magic | Water-Based Pigment Ink for Paper (Tsukineko, English edition, read in full: VersaMagic L VG-000 99 × 68 × 19 mm, 41 colors; Dew Drop GD-000; inker; UPCs; embossing caution)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/en/products/versa-magic-series/)
- [Paperwhisper: Tsukineko VersaMagic Dew Drop 4-color set (water-based pigment, 33 × 50 × 22 mm, made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/tsukineko-versamagic-dewdrop-stamp-ink-pad-4-color-set)
- [Walmart: VersaMagic Multi Surface Chalk Inkpad (3 × 1-3/4 in inkpad, acid-free, ASTM D4236, sold by Tsukineko/Imagine)](https://walmart.com/ip/VersaMagic-Multi-Surface-Chalk-Inkpad/24853261)
- [Bigamart (Amazon product details): Full-Size VersaMagic Chalk-Finish, Oasis Green (3.896 × 2.664 × 0.68 in, EAN 0712353320796)](https://bigamart.com/?p=11525174)
- [Bigamart: Full-Size VersaMagic Chalk-Finish, Thatched Straw (opaque on dark paper, cleans with StazOn cleaner)](https://bigamart.com/?p=11525159)
- [Officeworks: Tsukineko VersaMagic Ink Pad 92 Cloud White (country of manufacture Japan, per its search listing)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tsukineko-versamagic-ink-pad-92-cloud-white-tsj703992)
- [Walmart: VersaMagic Dew Drop Multi-Surface Chalk Ink, Jumbo Java (2 × 1-1/2 in)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/VersaMagic-Dew-Drop-Multi-Surface-Chalk-Ink-Jumbo-Java/25308732)
- [JetPens: Tsukineko VersaMagic Dew Drop Ink Pad 12 Color Set](https://www.jetpens.com/Tsukineko-VersaMagic-Dew-Drop-Ink-Pad-12-Color-Set/pd/25518)
- [Hobonichi: VersaMagic Dew Drop ink pads (made by Tsukineko; 50 × 33 × 22 mm)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2026/sp/detail_toolstoys/s_vmdewdropink/)
- [Alexandra Renke: VersaMagic Dew Drop Sea Breeze (surfaces, drying)](https://alexandra-renke.com/en/products/kreide-stempelkissen-dew-drop-sea-breeze)
- [Ecru Forest: VersaMagic Dew Drop ink (surfaces, embossing)](https://ecru-forest.com/en-fr/products/ink-versamagic-dewdop)