How Do I Re-Ink a Self Inking Stamp?

People who use self-inking stamps like them because of their convenience. Self-inking stamps are rubber stamps with a plastic ink reservoir above the stamp itself. Many people use these stamps to mark bills with a “paid” stamp or have several self-inking stamps to apply labels to documents.

When you use a self-inking stamp, ink from the reservoir soaks through the stamp itself and imprints on the paper. This means you don’t need an ink pad that may dry out or leak. But self-inking stamps eventually will run out of ink. Fortunately, many of these stamps are made to be refilled.

Things You Will Need

• Wax paper

• Self-inking stamp

• Small bottle stamp ink

• Ink pad

Spread out some wax paper over your work area. Stamp ink is meant to stain and dry quickly, and wax paper will protect your working surface. You may also want to wear an old shirt while you re-ink your stamps.

Examine your stamp. Ultimark stamps have a plastic cap that you can simply lift off, while Ideal stamps have a small ink well that is shaped like a drawer. Gently push down the top of your Ideal stamp until you hear a soft click. Pull out the ink well.

Drip two or three drops of stamp ink into the small, square reservoirs in either kind of stamp. Replace the cap or ink well. If using a Royal Mark pre-inked stamp, simply drip a few drops of ink onto the stamp surface and set it down with the inked surface facing up. Let it soak in for about 10 minutes before use.

Remove the spent ink pad from a Colop stamp. Gently push down the top of the stamp until you hear a soft click, then hold in the rectangular buttons on the side and tap on the ink pad until it slips out the back of the stamp. Slip in a new ink pad and release the top of the stamp. You can use this stamp right away.