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One of the things I have always tried to do is be a conservative crafter when it comes to my supplies. I always try to use things more than once. And that is very true when it comes to stamp pads. So when I consider a new company to purchase my stamp pads, I always verify that they have reinkers for the pad.
The smartest thing is to purchase the reinker when you buy the ink pad. That means that you will always have the color you need. You are guaranteed to extend the life of your pad in case they discontinue the color, which often happens.
Make sure and double check the reinker at your purchase. Many companies carry the same color in dye and pigment ink. So be sure to read the bottle and the description before you click that purchase button.
Store you reinkers in a cool dark place. Sunlight may dry up the ink, especially any ink with alcohol. After you have used the bottle, make sure that the cap is on tight.
How To Know When Your Ink Pad Needs Ink
There are several signs that tell you it is time to grab a reinker and add more ink to your pad.
- If you are not getting a good solid coverage on your stamp, it may be time to reink your ink pad.
- If you have a faded image or you find yourself having to make the same impression multiple times, it is time to add more ink to your ink pad.
- If the ink pad looks dry, then it is time to add more ink, for sure.
Preparing To Load An Ink Pad
There are just a few things that you will need to get your ink pads juicy again. It is best to start off with just a little ink and build up layers as you go.
Before you get started, you will want to cover your workspace. Inking an ink pad can get messy. Make sure to cover your workspace with something disposable. You could use parchment paper or waxed paper. No matter what you opt to use make sure that it is securely fastened on to your craft area with some low tack tape like a painter's tape.
You should also have a rag or some paper towels to mop up any ink spills right away.
You also might want to consider having baby wipes available to clean the outsides of your ink pad.
Before You Get Started
Check the ink pad to make sure it is clean and free of dirt or a contaminating color. If you need to clean it, just tap it with a clean paper towel. If you still see contamination, spray the ink pad with an ammonia free window cleaner. Blot it with a paper towel.
Another thing to consider is the material used in your ink pad where the ink is on. A great many of the ink pads are foam. But there are exceptions to that. Memento, StazOn, and Stampin’ Spots are linen pad.
How To Reink Your Ink Pad
Here are the steps to get a fully loaded ink with your reinkers. It is just a few steps that will yields successful results in minimal time.
Supplies You Will Need
- Reinker bottle
- Ink pad
- Paper towels
- Paper or parchment to cover your work area.
- Rubbe gloves to keep your hands neat.
- An old credit or gift card or a brayer
- Cover your workspace with parchment or newspaper.
- Open both the ink pad and the reinker bottle
- Place the ink pad on an even solid surface.
- Gently squeeze the liquid ink onto your pad in a zig-zag pattern to cover the whole surface area. Make sure to use only a light touch when applying the ink. It is easier to add more ink rather than correcting a saturated pad.
- Use an old bone folder, gift card or brayer to gently spread the ink across the pad.
- Set the ink pad aside to let the ink pad absorb the ink. Give it a good 10-15 minutes with the lid on
- You can apply a second coat of ink if needed, following the same steps.
- Use a stamp to test the pad. Stamp and image to see if there is enough ink on the pad.
- Make sure to clean any ink from outside the pad.
- Recap the reinker and cover the ink pad with the lid.
- Use the paper towel or a baby wipe to clean the ink off of the tools before you start on another color ink.
- Make sure before you reink your pad that you have the right color for the pad that you are working on.
- Store dye-based inkpads upside down so the ink falls the top of the pad. Pigment ink is sticky enough that you don’t need to store pigment inkpads upside down.
- Hybrid inks tend to dry faster.
- Don't use a freshly-reinked ink pad right away! Put the lid on and set it aside for 10 to 15 minutes for the new ink to absorb into the pad before you get stamping!
- If you try to stamp with an over-inked ink pad, your stamp impressions will not come out crisp and clean. The extra ink saturation will flood the grooves of your stamp and may leave a drippy image.
- If your ink pad is oversaturated, you can scrape off some of the ink with a credit or gift card.
- When you are not using a specific ink pad, make sure to cover the pad with the lid tightly. Exposure to air will cause your ink pad to dry faster. Always put the lid on the ink pad if you are taking a short break.
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Here are some additional resources selected for you on this topic.
Until next time, Happy Craftng!
Linda
