Make Your Stamp and Ink Pads Last Longer
A simple method that will extend the life of your ink and stamp pads. The cause of ink drying out in stamp pads so quickly is the same process that makes the ink dry on your project - the evaporation of the solvent in the ink.
Steps
- Close the top of the stamp ink pad every time you use it.
- Put the ink pad into a plastic Ziploc® -style bag, making sure to force all the air out of the bag before sealing it. You can also use airtight plastic boxes, but they will not work as well, due to the air volume inside the box.
- When the ink pad begins to dry out, you can order solvent from the manufacturer of the pad. The solvent will dissolve the pigment in the pad and you will have ink again.
- Eventually you will have to re-ink to have the pigment, but by re-inking stamp pads, you are adding both solvent and pigment to the pad. Re-inking repeatedly without adding solvent will clog the pad and make it unusable.
Tips
- Wear gloves when re-inking to avoid staining your hands
Warnings
- When using solvents do so only in a well ventilated area. Solvent fumes can cause respiratory problems.
Things You'll Need
- Zip-sealed plastic bags or airtight storage boxes
