Organize Your Ink Pads

This unit from Stamp And Storage comes in different configurations

Today we are looking unto how we store our ink pads. Taking care of your ink pads will help you take those craft dollars that you spend on ink pads and stretch them much farther. You take care if your stamp pads and they will take care of you !

We are putting in a few rules that some of the manufacturers have talked about regarding how to store your ink pads. Having said that, I would also say that there are several schools of thought on this subject. Some folks will tell you that there are definite ways to store them. Others say that it does not matter. In the end, I suspect that it is a personal decision.

Step One

The first decision for you to make is how would you like to organize your ink pads. There are three options, so select ones that fit your needs and use.

You can store them by color-that way when you want a green-all the greens are there for you
You can store them by the kind of pads they are. Pigment, permanent, dye, hybrid, distress, ect
You can store them by company-whatever companies you have in your stash

So you can see that you have a few options to consider

Step Two

Take all your stamp pads and divide them by the system you have selected.

Step Three

Make color pages or an inventory of the pads that you have. We have a list of color pages at the bottom of the page. We have also included some resources for you to get the job done.

Step Four

Check each pad to make sure that they have enough ink. If a pad is dry or does not stamp correctly, it is time to refresh the ink on the pad. Use your reinkers. If you do not have a reinker for your pads, make a shopping list of inks that you need. Always remember to close your ink pads when not in use. Even leaving them open for a few minutes causes drying. So get into the habit of closing your ink pad as soon as you are done with the color !

Steps To Reink A Pad

Protect your workspace with a craft mat or some paper
Open the pad and the reinker
Gently spread some ink in a zigzag pattern across the pad
Set aside for a few minutes. If the ink has not saturated the pad, repeat the process.

When you are reinking an ink pad, make sure that you go edge to edge, That will get you the best coverage for your stamping and projects.

Make sure to let the ink absorb about 10-15 minutes before you use it.

If the ink seems to stay on the top of the pad and dies not get absorbed, take an old gift card or credit card and gently spread the ink across the pad.

Cleaning Your Ink Pad

It is also the time to clean any ink pad that may have other colors on them. It happens to the best of us.

Tap the ink pad with a paper towel
If the bad ink does not come off, spritz lightly with an ammonia free window cleaner.
Let sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off

Last step

Since you will be storing your ink pad upside down, (except for pigment inks), make sure that the manufacturer has labeled the name or color of the ink pad on the label. If they have not, then either write or make a label for the pad.

Another option that you have is to label the ends of the ink pad on the ends. Some companies have labels that you can print out.

Great idea to store mini pads-Check out this idea and more

Step Five

Now it's time to store your ink pads. Here is another place that you need to make a decision.

One thing to remember about storing your ink pads is that the should be stored upside down. That will keep the ink pad ready to use at a moment. The only exception would be pigment inks. They have more ink in them and storing them that way would cause a mess. I also recently read that Stampin Up recommends that you store their pads right side up.

Generally speaking, you should store an ink pad flat rather than on their side. If you store them on their side, the ink may nit be spread evenly. It is likely that the ink will pool on the side it is stored on.

One of the things that I like about the Stampin Up ink pads is that when you close the pad, the pad automatically goes face down, so you never have to worry. It can always be face up.

There are many options when it comes to stamp pad storage. The right one for you is the one that fits your needs for space.

Some storage units have a small hole by each ink pad storage space to hold the matching reinkers for that color. Another version has the stamp pad, reinker and coordinating pen holder.

Start by thinking about the number of ink pads that you have and where you will be able to out them. If desk or bookcase storage is not an option, think vertical. There are many types of storage units can be mounted on a wall. Another option might be a drawer.

More Ideas For Ink Pad Storage