Reink An Ink Pad-Tips And Ideas

It is going to happen sooner or later, no matter how hard you try, your ink pad will start to dry.

Re-inkers are the toll you can use to keep your ink pads rather than tossing them away every time they dry. They are little bottles of ink that match the ink in your ink pad. Most ink pad manufacturers also sell the re ink bottles. I always purchase the reinkers when I buy a new pad. That way, I always have the colors I love. And in the event that the company discontinues a color, I can continue to use that pad for a good amount of time.

If you have been stamping for a while, then you know what a well stamped image looks like. It should be crisp, clear, and full of color. So, if you are seeing a weakly colored image or you find you are doing multiple impressions with your Misti or stamping platform, it may be time to refill your ink pad.

Most pads are made from felt or foam where the ink is absorbed and held. If you look at the ink pad closely, and it looks dry on the edges, it's time to grab that re inker.

First things first. You will want to cover your surface so that any ink droplets do not stain your table or other area where you may be getting the job done. A craft map is perfect, but you could also use some newspaper, parchment paper or some wax paper.

You will also need a rag to wipe things up and some wipes to clean the area and your fingers.

Make sure as you are adding ink to your pads, that you go edge to edge in a zig zag pattern. That will assure that you get even and complete covering. You only need a gentle pressure to make sure that you get an even flow of ink. Add it little by little so that you don't over fill the pad. You can wait 10 minutes and then see if you need more ink. That way you will have the exact amount of ink you need.

You should see the ink being absorbed as you apply it. If you see that the ink is sitting on top of the pad or seems to be uneven, take an old credit or gift card and even the ink across the pad.

Another alternative to clearing excessive ink off the pad is to use a cosmetic wedge. If I am in a position where I have used a wedge, I like to use it on an art journal page or on an altered book page as a background. You can also use a plastic card to scrap off the excess ink.

Once you have an ink pad successfully re inked, set it aside for 10-15 minutes before you use the pad for any projects.

Remember to put the lid on your ink pads whenever you are not using them to extend the life of your ink pads. It does not take long for ink to start drying out.