What Are The Different Types of Stamping Inks?Updated 12 days ago
Choosing the right stamping ink depends on what you're stamping, the type of surface you're using, and the finish you want to achieve. Different inks are formulated for different materials and applications, from everyday paper stamping to embossing, fabric projects, and stamping on nonporous surfaces.
Below is an overview of the most common types of stamping inks and when to use them.
Quick Ink Guide
| If you have... | Recommended ink |
|---|---|
| Self-inking stamp | Water-based dye ink |
| Pre-inked stamp | Compatible oil-based refill ink |
| Traditional rubber stamp + paper | Dye, pigment ink, archival ink |
| Clear stamp + paper | Dye, pigment ink, archival ink |
| Stamp + nonporous surface | Solvent ink |
| Stamp + fabric | Fabric ink |
| Stamp + skin | Skin-safe ink |
Dye Ink: Commonly Used in Self-inking Stamps
Dye ink is a fast-drying ink with a water-like consistency. This thinner ink is ideal for stamping on regular paper surfaces where it will absorb quickly. It's also the ink used in most self-inking stamps. Self-inking stamps have a rubber die that automatically rotates onto the internal ink pad before returning to the stamping position, making the stamp ideal for frequent, repetitive stamping.
Need a refill? Shop Self-inking Stamp Refills >
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Pre-Ink (Flash) Ink
Flash ink is a specialized oil-based ink used in pre-inked stamps. Pre-inked stamps contain an internal ink reservoir built directly into the stamp. The ink flows through the image plate when you press the stamp onto a surface, creating a clean, detailed impression.
Flash ink is especially well suited for fine details, small text, signatures, logos, and notary seals because it produces sharp, consistent impressions. When the stamp begins to produce lighter impressions, it can typically be refreshed with a compatible flash ink refill.
Need a refill? Shop Pre-Ink (Flash) Refills >
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Archival Ink
Archival ink is a long-lasting, fade-resistant stamping ink designed to help stamped impressions stay clear and legible over time. It is formulated to resist fading, moisture, and deterioration, making it a great choice when your stamped image needs to withstand storage, frequent handling, or everyday wear.
Archival ink can be used with both traditional rubber stamps and clear stamps. It is commonly used for documents, photographs, artwork, scrapbooking, journaling, and other keepsake projects.
It is also an excellent choice for logos and branding stamps used on packaging, shipping materials, and shopping bags, where impressions may be exposed to frequent handling or moisture. If you want your branding to remain sharp and recognizable long after stamping, archival ink provides added durability compared with standard everyday stamping inks.
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Pigment Ink
Pigment ink is a viscous, water-based ink that typically comes on a spongy foam pad, creates vibrant colors, and is fade-resistant. Its thicker, slow-drying nature makes it ideal for embossing, and it may be heat-set for fabrics, wood, clay, and more. It can be used with traditional rubber stamps or clear stamps. Pigment ink may also be used with alcohol-based coloring mediums.
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Solvent Ink
Solvent ink is a quick-drying, permanent ink made for semi-porous to nonporous surfaces, including plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, laminated paper, coated paper, and leather (but not recommended for fabric). It can be used with traditional rubber stamps or clear stamps. Solvent ink does not clean off with soap and water, so you'll need a solvent-based cleaner to remove it. This ink evaporates very quickly, so most pads will need — or even come with — a re-inker. Solvent ink can be used with any water-based coloring mediums.
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Fabric Ink
Fabric ink is a specialized ink designed to create long-lasting impressions on clothing and other textiles. Unlike standard stamp inks, fabric ink is formulated to adhere to fabric fibers and withstand regular handling and washing.
Fabric ink is ideal for personalizing clothing, backpacks, blankets, tote bags, and other fabric items. RubberStamps.com's Clothing Name Stamp uses waterproof, skin-safe, non-toxic ink designed to withstand repeated washing.
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Inkless Thumbprint Pad
An inkless thumbprint pad is a type of ink pad that contains a special inking solution. Instead of leaving ink on your finger, the pad uses a specialized solution that captures a clear fingerprint impression while allowing your finger to wipe clean with little to no mess. Inkless thumbprint pads are ideal for applications where fingerprints are needed without the mess of traditional ink. They can be used for identification, security, documents, events, and other situations where a fingerprint impression is required.