What Type of Ink Should I Use With My Stamp?Updated 4 hours ago

Not sure which ink to use with your stamp? The right ink depends primarily on the type of stamp you have and the surface you're stamping on. Using the correct ink will help you get clean, sharp impressions and can prevent damage to your stamp or ink pad.

Use the guide below to quickly identify the type of ink your stamp needs.

Quick Ink Guide

Start With Your Stamp Type

1. Do You Have a Self-Inking Stamp?

Use: Water-based dye ink for self-inking stamps.

Need a refill? Shop Self-inking Refill Dye Inks >

Self-inking stamps are designed for quick, repetitive stamping on common porous surfaces such as paper and cardstock. When the impression starts to look light or uneven, you can usually re-ink the existing pad instead of replacing the entire stamp.

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

2. Do You Have a Pre-Inked Stamp?

Use: Oil-based FLASH refill ink

Need a refill? Shop (FLASH) Pre-Ink Refills >

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 a specialized oil-based ink well suited for detailed designs, signatures, logos, and notary seals because it produces sharp, consistent impressions.

Important: Do not use standard water-based dye ink to refill a pre-inked stamp. Using the wrong ink can affect the impression and may damage the stamp.

3. Do You Have a Traditional Rubber Stamp or a Clear Stamp?

Traditional rubber stamps and clear stamps require a separate ink pad. The best ink depends on what you're stamping on and how the finished impression will be used.

1. I'm Stamping on Paper or Cardstock

• For Logos, Branding, and High-Use Applications

  • If you're using a logo stamp or branding stamp on items such as shipping materials, product packaging, or shopping bags, archival ink is a great choice. Its durable, waterproof, fast-drying, and fade-resistant properties help your impression stand up to frequent handling and exposure to moisture while keeping your branding looking sharp.

• For Everyday Paper Stamping

  • If your stamped impression won't be exposed to moisture, heavy handling, or the elements, a dye ink pad is an excellent everyday option. Dye ink dries quickly and absorbs into porous surfaces such as paper and cardstock, making it ideal for general stamping and projects where durability isn't the primary concern.

• For Card Making and Craft Projects

  • Choose pigment ink when you're working on creative projects such as card making, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts. Pigment ink stays wet longer than dye ink, giving you more time to heat emboss, blend colors, or combine the ink with other mixed-media techniques before it dries.

Quick Guide:

• Dye ink: Everyday paper and cardstock stamping
• Archival Ink: Fade-resistant, waterproof, and long-lasting
• Pigment ink: Vibrant impressions for crafting, blending, and embossing

2. I'm Stamping on Plastic, Glass, Metal, Ceramic, or Glossy Paper

For smooth, nonporous surfaces, choose a solvent-based ink specifically designed for the material you're stamping.

Solvent inks dry quickly and create permanent impressions on many nonporous surfaces. Because they are designed to be permanent, they generally cannot be removed with ordinary soap and water.

3. I'm Stamping on Fabric

If you're stamping on clothing, canvas, or other textiles, use fabric ink designed specifically for fabric.

When it comes to stamping clothing for children, look for products specifically labeled child-safe or kid-safe and follow all manufacturer safety instructions. RubberStamps.com's Clothing Name Stamp uses waterproof, skin-safe, non-toxic ink designed to withstand repeated washing.

Not Sure Which Ink You Need?

If you're still unsure, start by identifying the type of stamp you have and what you're stamping on. These two details will usually tell you which ink is appropriate.

If you are replacing or refilling an existing ink pad, the safest option is to use the same type of ink recommended for your stamp or ink pad. Avoid mixing different types of ink unless the manufacturer specifically says they are compatible.

If you need help identifying your stamp, check the product name, brand, or model number. You can also compare your stamp to the different stamp types available on our site to determine which refill or ink pad you need.