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Changing the rubber imprint die on a self inking stamp

If you have moved to a new address, changed your email or phone number, or require a new stamp for another reason, you can reduce costs and cut down on the amount of waste that goes into the landfill by purchasing a new rubber die and ink pad for your self inking stamp.

Steps:

  1. Remove the ink pad from the stamp. Details can be found on the page titled Self Inking Stamp Pad Replacement
  2. Make multiple impressions to remove the ink from the rubber imprint die
  3. Compress the stamp and set the locking pins
  4. Remove the old rubber die using a small screwdriver, knife, or similar tool. Make sure the plate is clean and free of any tape residue.
  5. Remove the paper backing from the new rubber die
  6. Hold the self inking stamp with the manufactures name facing you. Hold the rubber imprint die with the top up
  7. Place the sticky backed rubber die onto the stamp plate. Make sure it is centered and straight so you do not have a crooked stamp impression
  8. Squeeze the stamp to release the locking pins
  9. Replace the ink pad
  10. Make an impression on a new index card and place it on your stamp

We have created a short (1:36) video to describe the above steps.

How to make a great impression with your rubber stamp

Here are some tips for getting a clear impression from your rubber stamp.

Clean your stamp

The small areas on your stamp (such as the center of the o’s) will collect fiber from the paper it is stamped on. These fibers will build up over time making your stamp not as clear as it was when it was new.

Use an old soft toothbrush to clean your stamp. Do not wet the brush. A few gentle flicks with the brush will remove the dirt and your stamp will be as good as new.

Check your ink pad

Does your pad have a flat top? If you have been using a small stamp on your ink pad, then purchase a new larger stamp, you may find that the larger stamp doesn’t ink properly resulting in an uneven impression.

The illustration on the right shows why this happens – the stamp doesn’t touch the ink pad in the indentation made by the smaller stamp. We recommend using seperate ink pads for your different size stamps.

Another option is to move the stamp around as it is picking up ink from the pad (see the video below). If the indentation isn’t too large, you may be able to get an even coating of ink on your stamp by avoiding the idented area.

Is it time to add ink?

When the image starts to fade, resist the temptation to use force by slamming the stamp onto the pad in an attempt to get a darker impression.

Add a few drops of ink and let the pad sit for an hour or so to allow the ink to evenly distribute throughout the pad. It’s easier to add ink to your pad than it is to remove it, so don’t add too much ink when re-inking your pad.

Make an impression

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. – that’s the proper technique for inking your stamp. Multiple, gentle taps will ensure an even layer of ink on your stamp. Pressing too hard on the pad may cause the stamp to pick up too much ink, resulting in a fuzzy image or ink in unwanted areas.

This video shows the tap, tap, tap technique. Also take note that the stamp is moved around on the pad, and not repeatedly tapped onto the same spot.

Questions?

If you have any questions about stamps, please send us a message.

Self Inking Stamp Pad Replacement

Although the pad in your self inking stamp will last for thousands of impressions, over time you will notice that the stamped image is not as dark as it once was. Keep your stamp looking crisp and clear by replacing or reinking the ink pad. Pad replacement is quick and easy, and if done correctly, you should not end up with ink covered fingers.

1. Push the stamp down about 3mm (1/8″) – The rubber die rests against the stamp pad, so this action backs the stamp off the pad so it can be removed.
2. Poke the pad through the slot – The pad is pressure fit, so give it a poke with your finger and it will slide out the back. Keep your fingers away from the inky side of the pad.
3. Remove the old pad
4. Press stamp together – This is the same procedure as in step #1.
5. Insert your new ink pad.

The procedure is difficult to explain in words, so I have made a quick little video (30 seconds) to show you how to replace your self inking stamp pad. (youtube)

Let me know if you have suggestions for other stamp how-to videos.

…and yes, I have added “better video camera” to my shopping list. 🙂