What is a Self-Inking Stamp?

To put it simply, a self-inking stamp has a built-in stamp pad with a mechanism that allows it to stamp on paper and then return back up to the ink pad. That’s how the impression gets ink without you having to manually stamp on a separate ink pad.

It allows you to make more prints faster than the conventional stamp. When not in use, the rubber stamp with the design rests on the ink pad on top. Self-inking stamps usually use water-based ink, and it can provide up to around 10,000 impressions without refilling the ink.

After that, you would have to refill it. It is fair-priced and economical, and the quality of the image is good. They have a variety of uses. Though there are many types of stamps, self-inking stamps are recommended for fast and repetitive stamping where the quality of the impression doesn’t have to be very high and very crisp.

The design for self-inking stamps should not also have large areas of solid color. This is because the impression will not look as even when you stamp it on a paper or surface.

Some examples of practical uses for self-inking stamps would be in offices and warehouses, for clerical works and endorsement of documents.

Stamps with words like “Approved”, “Paid”, “Received” and “Return to Sender” are ideal to be put on a stamp because printing them would be more costly and time-consuming. Teachers can also use stamps to grade student papers, with wordings such as “Great Job”, “Excellent” and “Well Done.”

Choosing Self-Inking Stamps

The easiest way to know which brand of self-inking stamp to use is to ask your friends or people you know. They surely have a recommended stamp that they like to use. Quality self inking stamps are usually made of processed rubber or resin and are very durable.

Most of the time, cheaper stamps are made of low-quality plastic and can turn brittle in a short period of time. If a stamp is unbranded, it would also be difficult for you to find replacement ink and ink pads for it.

Re-inking and Replacement

The inside ink pad of a self-inking stamp will dry up with continued use, especially when you’re nearing the limit of the number of impressions. To refill it, you only need to access the ink pad or the ink well. Though different stamps models have slightly different ways to refill, here are the basic steps:

1. Press the stamp down until the lock or release button is visible

2. Slide or press the lock button to secure the stamp ink pad

3. Pull the ink pad or press the button that releases the ink pad

4. Once the ink pad is exposed, put a few drops of ink onto the pad or ink well. The number of drops will depend on the type of stamp pad. Read the manufacturer instructions for details.

5. Place the ink pad back in to place and then press the stamp to unlock it.

If you want to know more about how to re-ink different types of ink pads and different brands, read this article on how to refill rubber stamps.

Here are other precautions you should take when re-inking a stamp:

· Don’t use a different brand ink f

or your stamp to make sure they are compatible and to prevent stamping problems

· Don’t use quick dry ink (used for non-porous surface) as they may dry out quickly. Self inking stamp pads are often exposed to air

If you want to change the stamp design, it is recommended that you also change the ink pad. This is because the stamp is always in contact with the ink pad that there will be a dent in the pad. If you don’t replace it, the impression may appear uneven.

How Does it Differ from a Pre-Inked Stamp

Pre-inked stamps have the ink impregnated in the rubber itself, hence there’s no mechanism that moves it up and down. The ink is oil-based, and therefor the impressions are of higher quality and clearer than self-inking stamps. It is more expensive though but it can give as much as 50,000 impressions. It is also refillable and it is recommended for using in stamps with logos, signature and personal or company details.

Conclusion

I hope this article has answered your question “What is a Self Inking Stamp?” If you already have one, please share your tips and experience with us. What brand do you use? What do you use it for? It would be great to hear from you.