If you are passionate about making your own greeting cards, then you would certainly want to stock the best ink pads available. It doesn’t really matter what kind of project you are working on. It is essential to be equipped with the right tools for the purpose.
If you love stamping, then having the best inks is crucial. If you love creating unique designs whether on clay paper, or anywhere else, you need to have the right ink pads. After all, it is going to impact the final outcome of your project.
What are the best ink pads for rubber stamping? The best ink pads for rubber stamping are high-quality, but the type varies by need. Dye inks are best for lighter, quick-drying looks on cardstock; they layer and create color effects well. Pigment inks are best for richly-colored, bold stamping and embossing. Other inks work for other crafts.
If you want to learn more about the best ink pads available in the market, then here are some of the best options reviewed by us. You can weigh the pros and cons to pick the best ink pad for your project.
Ink Pads For Rubber Stamping – What’s What?
When it comes to rubber stamping, you have some choices. The most common ones you’ll run into are dye inks and pigment inks.
Dye inks are often waterproof and permanent. They are on the thinner and somewhat transparent side and even tend to dry quickly. Dye inks can be used for a variety of projects, but they seem to be especially beloved among card-makers.
Pigment inks, on the other hand, are thicker and tend to give off a bolder, richer color. They are also much slower to dry. Scrapbookers often choose pigment inks.
Their names are the clue here. Dye inks are absorbed into the paper – they dye the page in the given design. Pigment inks work a little like paint and mostly “sit” on the page, which is why they tend to look bolder.
In terms of use, dye inks are great for things like card-making since they work generally quite well on cardstock. Where you’ll run into trouble is on textured paper, as they will bleed a little; you won’t get crisp results. Dye inks are also great for layering inks and getting watercolor-like effects.
Pigment inks are better for embossing (although you can use some dye inks, too), and because of their bolder, darker colors, they are easier to use on darker colored surfaces than dye inks. Pigment inks work well for all kinds of crafts like scrapbooking, too.
These are far from the only ink options, but as we said, they are more common. With rubber stamping your ink choice is more about preference and intended use, rather than an issue of what to avoid.
Best Ink Pads for Rubber Stamping
Here are the best inks for rubber stamping:
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ranger Archival Ink Pad | Acid-free, waterproof, dye ink |
| 2. | VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad | Acid-free, clear pigment ink |
| 3. | Avery Carter's Foam Stamp Pad | Bold color, re-inkable |
| 4. | Lsushine Craft Ink Pad | Multi-surface compatible, 15 colors |
| 5. | Melissa & Doug Rainbow Stamp Pad | Kid-friendly, washable, multicolor |
As you can see, there are a range of options here. In addition to high-quality, serious dye and pigment inks for more serious or even professional crafting, we’ve included some options for the hobbyist and even kids! No matter what your needs are, we’re sure you’ll find something that appeals here.
Read on for more about each ink and happy stamping!
1. Ranger Archival Ink Pad
The archival ink pad is one of the must-have ink pads if you love stamping. This standard size pad is just perfect for your DIY projects. This permanent waterproof ink is ideal for stamping and works well with clear stamps.
This ink is waterproof and works well with watercolor paper. The best thing with this ink pad is that the watercolor paint on the top of the stamped image doesn’t bleed.
This archival quality ink pad is a great choice for most DIY stamp crafters. It’s high-quality and versatile. The fact that it is acid-free also bodes well for your work long-term.
The quality of ink is good and it stamps well. This isn’t the cheapest pigment stamp pad that you will find in the market. However, it promises additional quality to the users. Moreover, a refill bottle is also available which will ensure that you can use this for a long time without any hassles.
Key Features:
- Acid-free permanent ink
- Waterproof stamping ink
- Works well with clean stamps
- Works well on cardstock and watercolor paper
Pros:
- The stamped image doesn’t bleed.
- Quality of ink is high/archival.
- Stamps really well.
- Promises superior quality to the users.
Cons:
- The ink pad’s dimensions of 3 x 2” is common, but if you have larger stamps you may still need an extra, larger ink pad.
2. Tsukineko VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad
If you have tried various ink pads for embossing and have found them ineffective, then you wouldn’t be disappointed with the Tsukineko VersaMark ink pad. Although it is on the pricier side, it offers complete coverage and lets you create subdued tone stamped impressions on your cards.
This clear ink pad measures 3 x 2” in dimension. If you want the best results from your DIY card making project, then make sure to use the ink on an uncoated colored paper. This is great for use with embossing powder and chalks. Your images will certainly appear darker and deeper once the ink dries.
The best thing about the VersaMark ink pad is that it is acid-free. It remains moist and won’t dry out too quickly, unlike cheaper ink pads.
Key Features:
- Measures 3 x 2” in dimension
- Acid-free material
- Perfect for use with embossing powder and chalks
- Create stylish paper crafts with this ink pad
- Captures crisp details while stamping
Pros:
- Creates tone-on-tone effects while stamping.
- Exceptional quality ink pad for embossing.
- Clear pigment ink.
- Easy to clean up with any all-purpose stamp cleaner.
- Also available in a smaller size.
Cons:
- Stamps may remain a little sticky even after cleaning.
3. Avery Carter’s Foam Stamp Pad
This inkpad delivers bright and bold colors. The soft foam can deliver 5000 impressions approximately before re-inking for extending the use. This product has received ACMI certification and is ideal for your DIY card making project.
This inkpad knows how to make an impression. Its soft foam is not only economical but also versatile. It is an ideal option for crafting, sign creation, decorating, and more. This ink pad works flawlessly and will last for a long time. The pad coats evenly and leaves a rich imprint on the surface you are using it on.
Key Features:
- Delivers bold and bright colors
- ACMI certification
- Designed for everyday use
- Soft foam delivers 5000 impressions approximately
Pros:
- Can be re-inked to extend use.
- Soft foam of the pad is versatile.
- Delivers rich impressions.
- Works flawlessly.
- Pad coats the stamp evenly.
Cons:
- The pad is enclosed in a plastic case that prevents it from using a stamp bigger than the dimension of the ink pad.
4. Lsushine Craft Ink Pad
These ink pads can be used for a plethora of applications. You can use it for stamping on fabric, paper, wood, journals, notepads, card making, scrapbooking, and for more. This ink pad is ideal for different kinds of projects.
The color from the ink pad stays pretty. It has deep saturation and highlights the pattern well. It is good for children as well. The best thing about this ink pad is that if it seems dry, then you can pour 4-5 drops of water in the pad to revive it.
This ink pad is available in 15 vibrant colors. They are perfect for the hobbyist looking to invest in a simple, decent-quality set for scrapbooking and other casual paper crafts.
Key Features:
- Can be used in a variety of applications
- The colors are pretty
- Ink is waterproof once it dries
- Available in numerous colors
- High-quality product
Pros:
- Most inks work well with rubber stamps.
- Leaves crisp print on the surface after stamping.
- Can be used even if it has dried.
- The little containers can be stacked.
Cons:
- Few colors do not offer crisp print on the surface.
5. Melissa & Doug Rainbow Stamp Pad
This inkpad consists of washable ink which makes it easier to clean up accidental spills. The entire process is efficient and simple when you rely on Melissa & Doug stamp pad. The company is dedicated to adhering to the highest quality standards.
It comes with six bright ink colors in primary and secondary hues. This ink pad set helps kids develop their creative and fine-motor skills alike.
This inkpad is not just meant for kids to explore their creativity. It is ideal for use in DIY craft projects as well. The set features primary and secondary washable ink for art and craft needs. The bright colors help your child (or yourself!) stamp in style.
Key Features:
- Multicolored stamp ink pad
- Includes six bright ink colors in primary and secondary hues
- Stamp pad color ink set is washable
Pros:
- Cleanup is efficient and simple.
- Encourages skill development.
- High-quality art supply encourages creativity.
- Picks color easily.
Cons:
- Some colors are not as bright as the inkpad appears.
- Possibility of cross-contamination if you are not careful.
Related Questions
Can You Use Stamp Inks On Surfaces Other Than Paper?
While many inks can be used on surfaces like fabric or wood, there’s no guarantee your particular ink well. You will need to check the manufacturer’s label to determine its suitability for other surfaces.
How Do You Clean the Stamp?
Most of the ink cleans off easily. You just need to use a dampened sponge to wipe the stamp surface. If the stain is stubborn, then you can make use of a cleaning solution for the purpose.
Is it Safe to Use Stamps on Skin?
Water-based inks will probably not irritate or harm or your skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, then it is better not to experiment with these products on your skin. Moreover, as the chemicals used in the ink are not clearly specified, it is generally a good idea not to even try to use it on skin.
Up Next: The Best Ink For Clear Stamps
