Refill Ink Vs. Replacement Ink Pads: Which Should You Choose?Updated 2 hours ago
Is your stamp starting to leave light or faded impressions? It may be time to refresh your ink!
The good news is you don't necessarily need a new stamp. Depending on your stamp type, you can either refill your existing ink pad or replace it with a new one to keep making clean, crisp impressions.
Not sure which option is right for you? Here's what you need to know.
Option 1: Refill Ink
Best for: Saving money and extending the life of your existing ink pad or pre-inked stamp.
Benefits of Refill Ink:
Cost-Effective: Refresh your stamp without purchasing a new ink pad.
Convenient & Ready When You Need It: Keep refill ink on hand for quick, easy refills whenever your stamp needs a refresh, so you can maintain clear, consistent impressions.
Important Things to Know Before Refilling
Not all stamps use the same ink! Before purchasing refill ink, make sure you know your stamp type and the ink formula it requires.
Self-Inking Stamps: Use compatible self-inking refill ink.
Pre-Inked Stamps: Require specially formulated pre-inked (flash) ink. Standard self-inking stamp ink is not interchangeable.
Match Your Ink Color: Always refill with the same color originally used in your stamp to prevent unwanted color mixing.
Use the Correct Formula: Never mix water-based stamp ink with pre-inked flash ink or other incompatible formulations.
Helpful Tip: Avoid overfilling your stamp. Too much ink can cause blurry, blotchy, or smudged impressions. Always follow the refill instructions for your specific stamp model, including the recommended absorption time before use.
Option 2: Replacement Ink Pads
Best for when: Your ink pad is worn out, damaged, or you're looking for a mess-free option; replacing the entire pad may be your best choice.
Replacement ink pads are designed for specific self-inking stamp models and come pre-inked, making it easy to get back to stamping.
Benefits of Replacement Ink Pads:
Less Mess: No need to handle refill ink or worry about overfilling.
Fresh, Even Ink Coverage: A new pad helps restore clean, consistent impressions.
Ideal for Worn Pads: Replace ink pads that are damaged, dried out, or no longer producing clear impressions.
How to Find the Right Replacement Ink Pad
Replacement ink pads are not universal. Before ordering, you'll need to identify:
Your Stamp Brand: ExcelMark, Trodat, Shiny, Ideal, or another manufacturer.
Your Stamp Model: Look for the model number or style printed on the face of the stamp or sometimes etched onto the ink pad itself.
Helpful Tip: Switching to a different ink color may leave traces of the previous color on your rubber die. Clean the rubber die using the manufacturer's recommended method before installing a different color pad.