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Fixing Problems with Ink Transfer

Water based inks are contained in most inkpads, which causes the ink to merely sit on top of the paper, rather than absorb into the paper.

Right after you ink the pad, then put it back into the self inking stamp, the image will sometimes be too dark in some spots, too light in others and completely missing in others. This is a result of the little highs and lows that form on the surface due to the information on the die plate. When you take the pad out of the stamp, then you put it back in, it will not always line up correctly. In that case, all you need to do is to take the pad out, turn it at a 180 degree angle and put it back in. If you never did line it up, the pad would eventually conform to the shape of the die plate in its new position. However, this may take quite a bit of time, so it's best to take it out and turn it around.

When you have items such as catalogues or brochures that you want to stamp with your company name, the stamp may not work well, or it may smear. The reason for this is that most catalogues and some brochures are composed of glossy paper which has a coating on it so it's almost like having to write or stamp on a piece of glass. Water based inks are contained in most inkpads, which causes the ink to merely sit on top of the paper, rather than absorb into the paper. Thus, you need a quick drying ink, rather than a water-based ink in order for the image to dry. Begin with a dry ink pad and do not add quick drying ink to a regular ink pad as you will still have drying problems.

The quick drying ink contains a form of alcohol which evaporates rapidly and leaves pigments from the ink which form the image. As the pigments become hard on the surface, it will dry without leaving any liquid residue. The only significant drawback with a quick drying ink is that you may need to re-ink quite often or use a liquid thinner on the pad. It is also best to use an airtight bag that can be resealed in which to store the ink pad. Since it is quick drying ink, it will also dry quickly if the pad (or stamp) is left out and not sealed. It may eventually dry rock hard because all of the alcohol will evaporate.

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