How to Ink Rubber Stamps

Believe it or not, there is a bit of a learning process with stamping rubber stamps, particularly if you are using them for a business purpose where consistency is key.

Before we talk about the how-to, let’s clear up what a rubber stamp can do. It can make impressions on flat surfaces best; think paper, glass, plastics. You can carefully use your rubber stamps to stamp on curved surfaces by rolling it from end to end (once) on similar flat surfaces. The more area on your art or copy the more the impression will come out with a distressed look (as seen in the image above), as the ink doesn’t get full coverage like a printer. Common text typically gets good full coverage.

It is hit or miss with alternative surfaces. Depending upon your needs, you may be able to use your stamp on wood, fabric, foam, etc.. However, keep in mind, the more porous a surface, the more the ink is like to spread, and any unevenness will shop on the impression.

Now, inking your wooden rubber stamps: the first step is pressing the stamp into the ink pad. To avoid any extra ink from getting onto unintended surfaces of the stamp, gently “kiss” the stamp to the ink pad a few times to ensure even coverage. Second, press, don’t smash, your stamp onto your flat surface (you may want to try different surfaces – often what we think is flat really isn’t). Do not rock it; just give it even, firm pressure.

We suggest practicing with each new stamp to get an idea of how much ink you need to pick up and how firmly you may need to stamp to get the desired effect.

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Types of Rubber Stamp Inks

Simon’s Stamps offers quite a range of ink pads – for different uses, for every color of the rainbow, many sizes up to 9×12″!
Check out our latest post below to help you figure out which option is best for your use:

ColorBox Dye Ink

Size: 4″ x 2.5″

Dye inks look, feel and behave like water. Clear brillinat colors soak right into project surfaces and dry in a heartbeat. It’s the everyday workhorse of the ink world.
Colors

ColorBox Pigment Ink

Size: 4″ x 2.5″

Pigment ink is the consistency of mayonaise. While drying time depends on the type of paper you’re using, thick, rich pigment inks are generally slow to dry, providing plenty of time to emboss and blend.
Colors

ColorBox Pigment Metalics

Size: 4″ x 2.5″

Archival quality pigment ink pad with a raised inking surface for use with any size stamp. Rich, thick pigment inks are acid-free and resist fading. Excellent for stamping on absorbent paper. Ideal for embossing, the ink dries slowly to offer more working time for embossing powders to adhere to the stamped image. Safe, water based formula. Clear cover prevents drying out.
Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze

 

My First ColorBox Dye Ink

Size: 3.25″ x 2.25″

Child-safe inks for stamping fun! The kid-friendly inkpad that’s washable, stackable, spill resistant case.
Colors

 

StazOn Pads

Size: 3″ x 2″

Solvent-Based Ink designed for decorating Non-Porous Surfaces including Glass, Metal, Shrink Plastic, Cellophane, Aluminum Foil, Leather and Acrylic. Does not require re-inking between uses. Low Odor! Archival and Acid Free. Several colors to choose from!
Colors

 

Memories Temporary Tattoo Body Inkpad

Size: 2.25″ x 3.5″

Temporary tattoo stamping is easier and faster than body paints and they look very realistic.
They create penetrating skin colors that wash off easily with soap and water.
The ink dries in seconds, but the image can last for days!
Hours of fun for kids, teens and playful adults. They are perfect for events where hand stamps are required!
Colors

Trodat Office Stamp Pads

Trodat hand stamp pads are optimally adjusted to the user’s needs — they dispense exactly the required amount of ink and guarantee perfect imprints. Stamp pads are available in black, blue, red, green and violet. All Trodat standard stamp inks guarantee impressions which will last for decades. Non-toxic dye based ink is free of heavy metals. Dries quickly. Great for office use on regular uncoated paper.

Sizes:
9051 – 3.5 x 2″ (90 x 50 mm)
9052 – 4.3 x 2.75″ (110 x 70 mm)
9053 – 6.3 x 3.5″ (160 x 90 mm)
Colors & 7011 – 28 ml refill bottle

Archival Ink #3 Pads

Size: 4.25″ x 6.25″

Archival Inks™ provide long-lasting stamping results that are permanent on many surfaces. Available in 6 popular shades. Oversized ink pad for brayering and easy inking of large stamps.
Colors

Shiny #3 Ink Pads

Size: 5″ x 7″

Lockable molded casing and quality felt pad combined with a generous 5″ x 7″ pad size. High quality water based ink ensures crisp impressions.
Colors

 

Classic #3 Pad

Size: 4.25 x 7.38″

Felt pad for water based stamp inks. Felt pad lasts for thousands of clean, sharp impressions. Durable plastic cases individually wrapped for freshness.  inking area. Available in black, blue, green, red, & violet.
Colors

 

Industrial Pad

Size: 9 x 12
A huge 9 x 12 cloth ink pad in plastic protective case. Pad comes UNINKED and includes a complimentary 2oz bottle of water-based office ink.
Colors