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

Self-Inking Stamps vs Pre-Inked Stamps

There are a variety of styles of hand-held stamps available. These include Self-Inking Stamps, Pre-Inked Stamps, and Traditional Wood Handled Rubber Stamps that require a separate ink pad. Both pre-inked and self-inking are cleaner and make faster, more consistent impressions than traditional rubber stamps, which is why they have become the more popular modern choice when purchasing a custom stamp for addresses, signature stamps, and logo stamps while traditional stamps are still preferred for crafting and artistic use.

What Are the Differences Between Self-Inking & Pre-Inked Stamps?

A Custom Self-Inking Stamp typically has a rotating mechanism that presses the rubber stamp dye into a built-in water-based ink pad that re-inks the dye every time an impression is made. The rubber dye is stored in a retracted position in between impressions.

A Custom Pre-Inked Stamp is a type of stamp that has a reservoir of oil-based ink built directly into the rubber dye, which means that it does not require a separate ink pad like a self-inking stamp. This ink reservoir is filled with ink that is specially formulated to be absorbed by the rubber die to create crisp, clear impressions.

Everything from the way the stamp is made to the impression it leaves is truly unique. Let's take a look at what these stamps are and how they work.

What Is A Self-Inking Stamp?

A self-inking stamp makes the traditional rubber stamp automatic by using a tiny built-in ink pad to re-ink itself for each quality impression. Your personalized die is made with real rubber and mounted on the ink stamps of your choosing. When making an impression, your die will retract back and forth against the internal ink pad within the stamp.

Initial ink pad comes in the stamp, but you can purchase additional ink for instances where impressions are becoming worn or when you would like to change your ink color. Just be sure to look for ink that is compatible with self-inking mounts.

• A self-inking stamp is best for stamping repeatedly and quickly
• Works quickly with a simple press
• Can handle rough and heavy use
• Can use a variety of inks which is useful for periodic re-inking
• Self-inking stamps make about 10,000 impressions before needing ink
• Easy to re-fill ink on your own
• Affordable good quality impression

What Is a Pre-Inked Stamp

A pre-inked Stamp does not use a rubber die. These models flash your personalized information into an ink filled vessel within the stamp. This method allows for ink droplets to seep through the impression area only from the ink reservoir behind the stamp.

Pre-inked stamps must be re-inked with liquid oil-based ink only. They require the use of the same color as the initial ink stamps you've used. You must use ink specific to the manufacturer of the stamp mount that you've chosen.

• A pre-inked stamp creates sharp, crisp, top quality impressions
• Longest lasting ink stamps with up to 50,000 impressions
• Compact mounts that are clean and easy to work with
• Mounts have a bottom cover for storage
• Easy to re-fill with ink, but must always use the same type
• Recommended for stamps with logos

Is a Self-Inking or Pre-Inked Stamp Better?

Self-inking stamps are the most popular stamp type on the market and designed to make stamping easy, efficient, and affordable. Since there is no need to re-ink the stamp in between sessions, self-inking stamps can make thousands of impressions in a row, saving you time and money. They are a reliable choice for both professional and personal needs and we recommend them when speed is of the essence. Because self-inking stamps use water-based ink and may smudge on non-porous surfaces, they are not appropriate for shiny or glossy surfaces.

Pre-inked stamps provide the best quality impression and can achieve the highest level of detail. If you want an uncompromised impression and cost is no object, pre-inked stamps are the top-of-the-line stamp. It may even appear like the impressions are machine printed instead of stamped. When stamping on shiny or glossy surfaces we always recommend pre-inked stamps using oil-based ink. Pre-inked stamps are suggested for projects or any design that requires precision over speed.

Our collection of clothing stamps are perfect for organization, labeling and keeping track of every item in your closet.

This Bold Clothing Stamp:

• Is a self-inking stamp model, specifically designed to create easy-to-read impressions on clothing and textiles
• Includes a special black fabric ink for long-lasting name impressions
• Creates .56” x 1.5” impressions
• Is customizable with your name or personalized text

Ready to start stamping? Here’s our complete how-to guide on all things clothing stamps with tips and ideas to help you get started:

About Custom Clothing Stamps

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you prep and plan before you start stamping your clothes:

• Is clothing stamp ink permanent? Clothing stamps create long-lasting impressions that are not permanent. Our clothing stamps feature a special textile ink that will last for up to 40 washes!
• Is clothing stamp ink safe for skin contact? Yes. Our specially formatted textile and fabric ink is non-toxic and safe for children’s clothing.
• How do I wash stamped clothing? Stamped clothes are machine-washable in water up to 90 degrees Celsius.
• How do I make my clothing stamp impression last longer? For longer-lasting results, wait to wash your clothing for at least 24 hours after stamping!
• Can I add my phone number to my clothing stamp? Simply Stamps has a large collection of clothing stamp designs, including options with multiple lines to include your phone number and contact information! Click here to view all of our clothing stamp styles and designs.

For more details and FAQs about custom clothing stamps, check out our informational guide here!

How to Stamp Clothing & Fabrics

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to use your new clothing stamp:

1. Make sure that the clothing you want to stamp is washed and completely dry.
2. Place your clothing on a flat, smooth surface and ensure there are no wrinkles or folds where you will be stamping.
3. Place your stamp on your clothing and firmly press down on the top of your self-inking stamp body to create an impression.
4. Allow your stamp impression ample time to dry before washing or folding your clothes.

Clothing Stamp Uses

Clothing stamps are a popular, easy-to-use alternative to writing or sewing your name and information into fabric! Here are just some of the ways that clothing stamps can help you make your mark:

• Keeping track of children’s clothes: Stamp your child’s clothes to prevent lost and misplaced items.
• Simplified laundry sorting: Customize every family member’s clothing with a stamp for easy sorting, and easy identification at laundromats.
• Labeled clothing for travel: Keep track of every item of clothing when you or your kids are away from home traveling, at sleepovers or at camp!
• Personalized school & work uniforms: Add a clothing name stamp to every uniform for school, gym and work!

Similar Stamps:

Check out some of our similar clothing stamps to find one that matches your style:

Fun Script Clothing Stamp

Cute Handwritten Clothing Stamp

Curly Font Clothing Stamp

Stamps on Social:

Looking for some DIY stamping inspo? Check out how some of our customers are using rubber stamps to make their mark:

DIY possibilities are endless with rubber stamps! From stamping snail mail to labeling your clothes, our custom rubber stamps are the perfect all-in-one tool for all of your personalized projects.

Check out our complete clothing stamp collection for more custom fabric stamp designs and options:

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When choosing your stamp, you need to consider the type of surface you will be working with. Regular stamp ink won't be nearly as effective or simply won't work at all on glass or glossy surfaces, and higher quality, quick drying inks are overkill if used on standard paper or stationery. Most surfaces can be divided into two categories; porous or non-porous. Knowing the differences between these types of surfaces helps in making an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right stamp and ink.

Whether you’re looking for a colorful stamping solution or you’re looking to add the perfect finishing touch to your DIY project, we’ve put together this craft ink pad guide to help you make an informed decision before you buy!

What kind of stamps can I use with craft ink?

While self-inking stamps and pre-inked stamps already include ink in the stamp body, traditional stamp models require an additional ink pad. At Simply Stamps, our traditional wood handle, European wood handle, and wood block craft stamp models require a separate ink pad to make impressions.

Wood Block Craft Stamps

European Wood Hand Stamps

Traditional Wood Handle Stamps

What are the different types of craft ink?

Ink pads are sometimes available in a variety of types. To know which type of ink you should use, it’s important to consider the differences between each variety.

Archival Dye Ink:

• Dye ink is said to look, feel and behave like water
• The ink is typically vibrant and clear, it soaks directly into paper surfaces and dries very quickly
• This type of ink is best used for paper, and comes with a foam ink pad
• When heat embossed, dye ink becomes permanent and waterproof
• This type of ink is ideal for every day stamping with wood block and wood handle stamp projects

Pigment Ink:

• Pigment ink is thicker than dye ink and has the consistency of mayonnaise
• To achieve the best stamp impression, don’t press down on your stamp for long, as this ink has a tendency to “slide”. Simply press down quickly and you’ll get a strong impression
• This ink has a foam pad and is best for absorbent papers and surfaces
• It becomes permanent and waterproof when embossed with a heat tool
• When stamping with pigment ink, you can expect a longer drying time with rich and vibrant quality
• With pigment ink, there is plenty of time to emboss and blend colors and this ink is safe for scrapbooking and archival projects
• Ideal for the experienced crafter or stamper

Metallic Ink:

• Metallic ink has a luster and sheen to it, these colors add an instant richness to any project or envelope
• Metallic ink is a thick pigment ink
• Allow for ample drying time wen stamping and consider hear embossing to create permanent and waterproof results

All of our craft inks at Simply Stamps are available in a selection of curated acid-free colors.

Will craft ink fade or bleed?

Our craft ink pad selection at Simply Stamps is ideal for leaving clear, colorful impressions. Once it has been given ample time to dry, our craft ink is fade and bleed resistant, making it ideal for maintaining shape and color.

Will craft ink dry on glossy surfaces?

Craft ink can stamp well on paper, as well as glossy, coated and non-porous surfaces. For best results on coated and glossy surfaces, heat set or emboss to avoid smudging.

Stamp Wash & Care Instructions

The key to prolonging your stamp’s lifespan is following proper care instructions after each project. Here are our steps to cleaning your stamp after using craft ink:

• Wash your stamp thoroughly in warm, soapy water
• *Do not use alcohol or cleaners
• Please note that some ink residue may remain on your stamp and it may not become completely clean or free of ink residue
• Ink buildup is normal and does not interfere with future stamping
• Allow your stamp to completely dry before reuse

Have any more questions? Feel free to contact the stamp experts on our customer focus team here.

Share all of your one-of-a-kind craft stamp and colorful ink impressions with us @SimplyStamps, and follow us to stay up to date on all things rubber stamps!