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Why Choose Self-Inking Stamps Over Pre-Inked Stamps?

Different types of stamp bodies are best for different tasks, and knowing the differences between self-inking, pre-inked and wood handled stamps will go a long way in helping you choose the correct stamp body for your needs.

Check out this helpful video that helps explain the differences between self-inking stamps and pre-inked stamps, as well as the more commons uses for each stamp body type.


Self-Inking Questions Answered!


Have any questions about custom self-inking stamps? Check out our resource center for helpful tips on choosing the right stamp type for your needs and caring for your stamps to maintain the highest quality impressions.

Changing the ink pad on a self-inking stamp

How To Change The Ink Pad On Your Self-Inking Stamp

Having trouble changing the ink pad on your self-inking stamp? Follow our simple and straightforward process so you can make the most out of your stamp.

Comparing self-inking stamps to pre-inked stamps

What Are The Differences Between Self-Inking & Pre-Inking Stamps?

Learn the differences between our two most popular stamp types so you can choose the right stamp for your specific needs.

Get the best impression from your rubber stamp

How To Get The Best Impression From Your Rubber Stamp

Follow our helpful tips and tricks about getting the best quality impressions every time. Learn how to store your stamps properly and make them long-lasting.


Self-Inking FAQs


All About Self-Inking Stamps

Self-inking stamps are best used for tasks that require frequent, repeated impressions where the quality needs to look good and slight imperfections in the impression are ok. Return address stamps and signature stamps are some of our best selling self-inking stamps because they work well for constant, repeated use.
Each stamp type has its virtues, and how you plan to use your stamp can determine which stamp to buy. Self-inking stamps are the best for fast, repeated stamping. Pre-inked stamps will give a crisper impression than self-inking stamps but they're not ideal for repeat use as the customer must wait a few moments between impressions for the ink well to refill. Our wood handle and European Hand Stamps offer a more attractive price point than self-inking and pre-inked stamps but require the use of an external ink pad. In most cases, a self-inking stamp body will work best with this stamp impression.
Under ideal storage conditions, self-inking stamps are good for over 5000 impressions before the internal ink pad runs dry. However, that number can vary and we encourage customers to add a bottle of ink during checkout so they're never left out "too dry" when they need their stamp most.
You may! During our one-page checkout process, write "Send me a Proof" in the Comment box and our Customer Focus Team will send you a proof of your stamp impression for your signoff before it goes to print. Please be advised that asking for a proof may slow down the production process.
Pre-inked stamps are filled with oil-based ink and leave 50,000+ crisp, clear impressions before needing additional ink. Self-inking stamps include a built-in, water-soluble ink pad that leaves 7,000+ clear impressions before needing additional ink. Pre-inked and self-inking stamps are not recommended for glossy and other non-porous surfaces.
Watch our easy to do-it-yourself videos about how to change the ink pad on self-inking stamps.
Write your signature on white paper using a felt tip pen (ball point or gel pens not recommended). Easily upload your signature online, we will resize your signature to fit the stamp you order.

Why Choose Self-Inking Stamps


Self-inking stamps are designed to make stamping easier and more efficient. Because they are durable and long-lasting, self-inking stamps are ideal for frequent use. They are also refillable, which means you can use them for a long time without having to replace them. Whether you need a stamp for personal or professional use, a self-inking stamp is a reliable choice.

Best for:

  • Convenience – To make impressions all you do is press down on the self-inking stamp. No additional ink pad is required.
  • Speed – Because there is no need to re-ink the stamp in between sessions, self-inking stamps can make thousands of rapid and repeated impressions in a row.
  • Cost – Self-inking stamps are our least expensive option that still provides crisp and clear impressions every time.

Not recommended for:

  • Large-scale projects – For bigger designs that require precision and detail, our pre-inked stamps are a better option to ensure the highest possible quality.
  • Shiny or Glossy Surfaces – Our self-inking stamps are equipped with water-based ink that may smudge on non-porous surfaces. For better results, check out our super marking ink.

Custom Self-Inking Stamps

When shopping for a stamp, you cannot go wrong with a self-inking style. These premier stamps offers rapid stamping that always leaves a crisp impression. Equipped with an internal ink pad, the design is flipped onto the pad and back into your paper. Self-inking stamps are perfect for office use and lasts for thousands of impressions before needing additional ink.

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Custom Self-Inking Stamps

Self-inking stamps are built for efficiency. With a compact design, this type of stamp has the ink pad and rubber die built into the stamper for easy storage. As you release your self-inking stamp, the die retracts back up into the ink pad, re-coating the impression area immediately after use and making this stamp perfect for rapid and repeated stamping. Your rubber stamp will last for thousands of impressions, and it's easy to Re-Ink a Self-Inking Stamp by simply removing the ink pad, adding ink through drops or rollers, and re-inserting the pad back into the stamper.

Self-Inking Stamp Features:

  • Self-inking stamps are easy-to-use and include ink within the stamp body
  • Choose from a variety of ink colors
  • This stamp type is great for quick and rapid impressions
  • Self-inking stamps last for thousands of impressions before needing more ink!
  • Design your own self-inking stamps from scratch with our simple online design tool!

This type of stamp is perfect for workplaces that require repeated marking such as authorizing piles of documents with a Signature Stamp, marking countless envelopes with an Address Stamp, grading student papers with our line of Teacher Stamps, and many other uses! Simply Stamps' self-inking stamps make stamping easy. Choose from round and rectangular self-inking stamps with many custom sizes available.

For more information on all of our rubber stamps, visit our Types of Stamps page. Looking for other options? Explore our curated selection of rubber stamps to browse premium options for your stamping needs!