Tim Holtz Distress Archival ink from Ranger is an oil-based dye ink for creating crisp stamp impressions on a variety of surfaces. Archival ink works well on both matte and glossy paper, or on canvas and wood. Once dry, the ink is permanent. It may take a little longer for the ink to dry on smooth surfaces. It is possible to speed up this process using a heat tool. Distress Archival was launched as a second series alongside the other Archival inks from Ranger and shares the same colour palette as the Distress range. These are mini Distress Archival ink pads available in sets of 4 colours.

The advantage of this permanent ink is that it does not bleed when it comes into contact with water. This makes Archival ink highly suitable for working with stamping inks, paints and water-based markers such as Distress Ink and water colours. It can also be used to effortlessly stamp a visible impression over a background created with alcohol ink. This is why Archival is often used as a basic stamping ink. Ink residue can easily be removed with a stamp cleaner such as the Ranger Clean It All Purpose Stamp Cleaner or Ranger Archival Ink Cleaner.