Rubber stamps are a popular tool for adding a personal touch to various types of documents and crafts. Whether you're stamping envelopes for your wedding invitations or adding your logo to your business cards, having a reliable stamp is essential. But what happens when your ink pad runs out of ink? Do you replace the whole thing, or do you refill the ink? In this blog, we'll explore both options: refill ink vs replacement ink pads for rubber stamps. We'll also cover some tips for maintaining your stamps and getting the most out of your ink, so you can keep stamping with confidence.
When it comes to adding more ink to your rubber stamp, you have two main options: refill ink or replacement ink pads. Each option has its own set of advantages, so let's take a closer look.
Refill Ink
- Cost effective
- Variety of colors
- Less waste
- Know the stamp mount (Ex: self-inking vs pre-inked)
- Must re-fill with same color and ink formula (Ex: water based ink vs flash ink formulas)
Refill ink is a great option for those who already have a self-inking stamp. It's an affordable and convenient way to add more ink to your stamp. Simply remove the ink pad from the stamp and add a few drops of ink, re-fill ink normally comes in a small tube, and the place the pad back into the stamp. Refill ink is also available in a variety of colors, making it easy to customize your stamps for different projects, however you will want to use the same color as was originally used in the ink pad.
Advantages of Re-fill Ink:
One of the main advantages of using refill ink is that it's cost-effective. Instead of buying a whole new ink pad, you can simply purchase a bottle of ink and use it to refill your existing pad. This can save you money in the long run, especially if you use your stamp frequently.
Another advantage of using refill ink is that it's better for the environment. Instead of throwing away your old ink pad and buying a new one, you can simply refill it with ink. This reduces waste and helps to protect the environment.
What You Need to Know About Re-fill Ink:
However, when looking to purchase refill ink, you will want to ensure you are selecting the right type of ink. Some stamps require a certain type of ink, and using the wrong type can result in poor quality impressions or damage to the stamp.
"NEVER add water-based ink refill to a flash stamp."
To ensure you order the correct ink, be sure to read the manufacturer details. Make sure the ink will pair with your type of stamp. Look for whether or not the ink is "water-based", "falsh" or an "industrial" formulated ink. A water-based formula is used in most self-inking stamps, flash ink is used in most pre-inked stamps and industrial ink is used in very specific stamp models. If you are not sure what type of ink is used in your stamp, contact your stamp manufacturer for assistence.
Note: Self-inking ExcelMark stamps require a water-based ink refill and all ExcelMark pre-inked stamps require flash ink refill.
Replacement Ink Pads
- Easy to replace
- No mess or fuss
- Can replace the original pad with a different ink color
- Stamp pads are only replaced in self-inking stamps, but you will need to know the specific brand and mount style of your stamp to replace with the correct ink pad.
If you're not comfortable using refill ink, or if your ink pad is damaged or worn out, you can opt to replace it altogether. Replacement ink pads are available for a variety of different stamps, and they come in a range of colors.
Important: You will need to know your stamp brand ie: ExcelMark, Trodat, Shiny, Ideal etc. You will also need to know your specific stamp mount model or style to ensure you order the correct replacement pad.
Advantages of Replacement Ink Pads:
One of the main advantages of using a replacement ink pad is that it's easy to use. Simply remove the old pad and replace it with a new one. There's no need to worry about refilling or spilling ink - it's a simple, straightforward process.
Ink Formulas: Water-based vs Flash Ink
When it comes to choosing an ink pad for your rubber stamp, you have two main options: water-based or flash ink. Water-based ink is great for everyday stamping tasks like office documents, greeting cards, invitations, and other paper crafts. It dries quickly and is more affordable than flash ink, making it an excellent choice if you're on a budget. However, it may not work well on certain surfaces, such as glossy or coated papers.
Important: Water based ink is incompatiable with flash or pre-inked stamps.
Flash ink, on the other hand, is perfect for stamping intricate detail. Flash ink for pre ink stamps is great for stamping signatures, legal documents, professional seals, notaries and other corporate materials the require log-lasting professionalism and detail. Flash ink is a oil-based ink, so it is resistent to water and therefore, does take longer to dry, so be sure to give each impression a handful of seconds to fully adhere to your paper or stamped material.
