The Best Inks for Stamping: Types, Applications, Inking Tips
At-home crafters, schools, and businesses alike are turning to stamps for a wide range of uses. From scrapbooks and t-shirts to print marketing, stamps can spruce up your creative projects and business efforts. With so many types of stamps available, knowing what kind of stamp ink to use can be confusing.
The best inks for stamping depends on your application. Understanding the types of stamp ink available can help you to create crisp, lasting impressions without smudging, fading, or damaging the material. Below, we will cover several popular ink options and provide tips for choosing the right ink.
Quick Dry Ink
If you’re stamping non-porous surfaces—such as metal, plastic, coated paper, photographs or glossy paper, quick-dry ink is ideal. Standard ink can easily cause streaks, and the impression may be removed completely. Quick-drying ink decreases the likelihood of these types of blemishes.
Quick dry ink dries in 20 seconds to two minutes, with options meant to have resistance to cleaners, mild solvents, and severe rubbing available.
Quick dry ink is available in multiple colors and can be used with pre-inked stamps, wood handle stamps, and compatible stamp pads. If your stamp pad becomes dry, there are reactivators and ink re-fills to restore it.
Hand & Invisible Ink
Invisible, or ultraviolet (UV) ink creates impressions that are difficult or impossible to see under ordinary lighting but become visible under a UV or black light. Hand ink is formulated specifically for skin. These non-toxic options can create temporary impressions without harm.
This ink can be used for official purposes, such as to mark property or a precious item. More common uses of invisible ink include stamping entrants’ hands at events, bars, or amusement parks. This enables guests to avoid having an unsightly mark on their skin, while bouncers and event staff can make sure all entrants are accounted for.
Fabric Ink
Fabric ink is designed to create durable, fade-resistant impressions on textiles. It can be used on materials such as cotton, linen, muslin, and canvas, making it a popular choice for clothing, tote bags, uniforms, and craft projects.
Use fabric ink to personalize shirts and bags, add names to clothing, or create branded designs for your business. Textile-specific stamp pads and inks are available separately or as complete kits.
Best Stamp Ink By Application
So, what is the best stamp ink by application? Start with the surface:
- Glossy or non-porous surfaces: Choose quick dry ink to reduce smearing and improve adhesion.
- Fabric and textiles: Use fabric or textile ink designed to penetrate and remain in the fibers.
- Skin: Select ink specifically labeled as safe for use on skin.
- Invisible marking: Use UV or invisible ink when you want an impression revealed under a black light (ensure it is skin safe as well if being used for hand marking).
Tips for Better Stamp Impressions
Keep stamp pads level and stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. When re-inking a pad, use a compatible ink to avoid unwanted reactions or color changes. Clean your stamp before switching colors, and always stamp on a firm, even surface for a complete impression.
For non-porous materials, clean the surface thoroughly before stamping. Allow the impression to dry completely before touching it or placing other materials against it.
Ultimately, the right ink depends on your surface, desired appearance, and intended use. By choosing the appropriate ink for the job, you can create clean, attractive impressions that last.