Rubber Stamp FAQ's

It is important to avoid over-inking your stamp. Small Flash Stamps will require only a few drops of ink; extra-large stamps may require as much as 14 drops. We recommend starting with less ink and adding more if needed.

  • Use only Ink that is designed for Pre-inked Stamps.
  • Carefully remove the cover from the top (the handle end) of the stamp. This will expose the inkwells (see image below).
  • Select the proper color of ink. Hold the ink tube over the inkwell on the stamp and gently squeeze the tube. Some stamp models have more than one inkwell; be sure to distribute ink evenly between them.
  • Let the ink soak in overnight (minimum of 8 hours), leaving the stamp in the upright position. If ink is light, repeat the process.
  • Please click here for an instructional image.
    For Trodat Self Inkers see below:
  1. Unlock your stamp.
  2. On the back of the stamp, you will see a tray pushed into the stamp body with two serrated tabs on either side. This is your stamp pad. 
  3. To remove the stamp pad, you will want to compress the stamp down just a 1/4 - 1/2 of an inch to relieve the pressure. 
  4. Pull the pad out by holding on to the serrated tabs on the side. 
  5. Once removed, place on the counter, inked side up.
  6. Use ink designed for your specific stamp, place a few drops on the pad. Please note that it is better to use less ink and re-ink often than to over-ink the pad. Over-inking may cause a messy ink overflow.
  7. After placing a few drops of ink on the pad, place it back into the stamp mount. Make sure the inked surface is facing down. The pad will click when pushed back into the correct position.
  8. Once the pad is in position, place the stamp on a piece of scrap paper to test it. Please note it may take a few sample impressions to get the ink evenly distributed on the pad.
    For Maxstamp Self Inkers see below:
  1. On the left and right sides of the stamp you will find red buttons. Using your thumb and middle finger, apply a slight pressure on the red buttons.
  2. With your other hand place your thumb and middle finger on the bottom and top of the stamp.
  3. Slowly press the top and bottom of the stamp until the stamp clicks partway open. If you have difficulty pressing the stamp you are applying too much pressure on the red buttons.
  4. Looking at the front of the stamp, locate the pad. It is a thin black rectangle.
  5. Using a pen or pencil, push the pad out the backside of the stamp. Be sure to use only enough pressure to push the pad far enough to allow you to grasp it with your fingers. Too much pressure will cause the pad to come completely out.
  6. Grasp the pad on each end. Be careful not to touch the inked surface. Pull the pad out of the stamp mount and place on the counter with the inked side up.
  7. Use ink designed for your specific stamp, place a few drops on the pad. Please note that it is better to use less ink and re-ink often than to over-ink the pad. Over-inking may cause a messy ink overflow.
  8. After placing a few drops of ink on the pad, place it back into the stamp mount. Make sure the inked surface is facing down. The pad will click when pushed back into the correct position.
  9. Once the pad is in position, place the stamp on a piece of scrap paper and press it down to unlock the red buttons. Please note it may take a few sample impressions to get the ink evenly distributed on the pad.

Embossers or seals raise the surface of the paper to make an impression. They crimp the paper but do not use ink. An embossed impression is not photographically reproducible. Seal stamps make a stamped ink impression on the paper.

Regular Rubber Stamps (Traditional Wood) - They are our most economical choice and the best when using indexing or industrial ink. They do require the use of a separate ink pad. Self-Inking stamps flip up, hit an ink pad and flip back down. They are good for 7,000+ impressions and can be re-inked.

Flash or Pre-Inked Stamps have the ink molded right into the wording. offer up to 50,000 crisp, high-quality impressions before re-inking is needed. Available in a variety of sizes from small to extra large, they feature a premium re-inking system that is simple to use and mess-free.