A Guide to Choosing the Right Stamp Ink for Your Application

Whether you're stamping documents, crafts, or other materials, selecting the right ink is crucial to achieving clear, durable, and professional results. In this short guide, I'll help you navigate the world of stamp inks and choose the perfect one for your application.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Stamp Ink

The right ink ensures that your stamped impressions are clear and easy to read. Depending on the surface and purpose, your stamped impression may need to withstand handling, moisture, or UV exposure. The right ink can make a significant difference in the ink's longevity and quality. The wrong ink can result in poor adhesion and can be more susceptible to smudging or fading.

Types of Stamp Inks

Let's explore the different types of stamp inks and their suitable applications:

Self-Inking Replacement Pads

My personal favorite, self-inking replacement pads are designed so you can easily re-ink any of your self-inking stamps when the time comes. To replace a self-inking stamp ink pad, simply open the stamp unit, remove the old ink pad, and insert a new one in its place.

These ink pads come in a variety of different colors and sizes so that you can choose the one that fits your self-inking stamp model. They are water-based, quick-drying, non-toxic, and easy to wash off. This ink is best used on paper, cardstock, and other porous materials.

Hand Stamp Ink Pads

Hand stamp ink pads are designed to be used with wooden hand stamps only. They are water-based, quick-drying, non-toxic, and easy to wash off. This ink is best used on paper, cardstock, and other porous materials.

Each of these ink pads includes a lid to ensure that the ink does not dry out. Multiple colors and sizes are available so you can choose the right fit for your project.

To use an ink pad with a hand stamp, press the stamp onto the ink pad to coat the stamp's surface evenly, then firmly and evenly press the inked stamp onto the desired surface to create an impression.

Ultimark Re-Inking Fluid

Ultimark ink bottles are designed to be used with pre-inked stamps only. These ink bottles come in a variety of colors and are oil-based to achieve the highest quality impressions. This ink is best used for security documents, cardboard, and other porous surfaces where drying can occur by absorption.

To refill a pre-inked stamp ink pad using an ink bottle, remove the pad from the stamp, apply a few drops of ink directly onto the pad's surface, let it absorb, and then reassemble the stamp for clear and crisp impressions.

Ideal Ink Refill Bottle

Ideal ink bottles are meant for adding ink to self-inking stamp pads that are drying or running out. They are water-based, quick-drying, non-toxic, and easy to wash off. Several colors are available so you can choose the best option for your specific needs. This ink is best used on paper, cardstock, and other porous materials.

To refill a self-inking ink pad using an ink bottle, carefully open the ink pad, apply a few drops of ink evenly onto the pad's surface, and allow it to absorb before closing the pad and testing for clear impressions.

Clothing Ink Bottles

Clothing ink bottles are made of permanent dye to keep your impressions from fading over time. They are only available in black and white ink. They can be used on both porous and non-porous fabrics and they will not wash out of any clothing. This ink is water-proof, alcohol-proof, and quick-drying. It is not safe on skin. Use our clothing ink bottles with a dry ink pad or a self-inking pad for the best results.

Ultra Violet Invisible Ink Bottles

Invisible ink bottles are not visible to the naked eye. Impressions with this ink can only be seen under UV lighting, making them ideal for security and authentication. To use this ink bottle, apply a few drops to a dry ink pad. Invisible ink is best used with our wooden hand stamps, as self-inking stamps cannot distribute ultra violet ink as evenly.

Super Marking Ink Bottles

Super Marking ink is permanent and water resistant ink that works on both porous and non-porous surfaces. These ink bottles are fast-drying, smudge-resistant, and available in a variety of colors. This ink is best used on glossy, non-porous surfaces like catalogs and postcards. To use this ink bottle, apply a few drops to a dry ink pad and use a wooden hand stamp to create an impression.

Pigment Ink Pads

Pigment ink pads are designed for wooden hand stamps only. They are water-based, nontoxic, no odor, and washable. They are best used for crafting because of their vibrant and colorful nature and resistance to fading. Because this ink is a bit thicker, it can take a bit longer to dry. This ink can be used on fabric, wood, paper, posters, notepads, journals, and more!

Seal Impression Inker

Seal impression inker is a Trodat Max-535S pre-inked stamp body. The purpose of this inker is to add color to your raised embosser impressions. This ink is designed to produce the highest quality impressions that will not smudge or fade over time. The inker is available in black only and includes a self-storing cap included so ink does not dry out.

To use a seal inker on an embosser impression, simply apply the ink pad to the raised embossed design, ensuring even coverage, then press the inked embosser onto paper or the desired surface to crea