INK STAMPS
How to stamp your rubber stamp?
How to clean your stamp?
How to stamp on a paper cup?
How to stamp using multiple colors?
How to stamp on fabric using VersaCraft ink pads?
How to use an ink roller for stamping?
STAMPS FOR CLAY AND SOAP
Stamping on soap
Stamping on clay
How to clean soap and ceramic stamps
Important info
INK PADS
How to refill an ink pad
VersaCraft Inks
Speedball Inks
Coloris Inks
SELF-INKING STAMPS
How to use a self-inking stamp
Stamp impression durability
Ink lifespan
BRASS SEALS FOR WAX AND CHOCOLATE
How to use a wax seal stamp
How to use a chocolate stamp
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Ink stamps
HOW TO STAMP YOUR RUBBER STAMP? A few handy tips :)
1. Ink your stamp gently and gradually. If your ink pad sits above its base (like VersaCraft, VersaMagic…), don’t press the whole stamp into it—just tap the surface of the stamp lightly. The ink should stay only on the raised parts of the design. Pressing too hard will push ink into the engraved areas and your impression might smudge or lose detail.
Tip: It’s easy to go overboard with ink. We recommend starting with light taps until you find the sweet spot. The amount of ink also depends on your surface: more porous or textured surfaces usually need more ink.
2. If your stamp is bigger than your ink pad, flip the stamp over and tap the pad onto the stamp instead, working bit by bit until the full design is inked.
3. Stamp on a flat, stable surface. Your first few impressions might not look perfect—don’t worry, that’s totally normal with a new stamp. Just test it a few times until it looks great. Practice makes perfect!
* About oil-based inks: We don’t recommend using them regularly with our stamps, as they can wear down the material over time. If you do use one, clean your stamp well afterwards—press it on paper until it stops transferring ink, and wipe the edges with a cloth or wipe. Don’t use water! It reacts with the oil in the stamp and makes it sticky (yep, we learned this the hard way through lots of trial and error).
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR STAMP?
If you're always using the same ink and didn’t overload the stamp, you can simply press it on paper a few times to remove the extra ink before storing it. Move it around a little to clean the edges too. Once there’s no more ink transferring, store it in a dry place away from sunlight and humidity. Don’t scrub harshly or use anything too abrasive.
Cleaning your stamp when switching ink colors or doing a deeper clean
Over time, some dried ink can build up on your stamp. Here’s how to clean it properly:
You’ll need:
- Soapy water
- A firm sponge (like the soft side of a dish sponge)
- A lint-free cloth or scrap of fabric
Steps:
1. Wet the sponge or cloth with mild soapy water. You can use a spray bottle to make this easier. If using a sponge, wring it out well.
2. Gently rub the stamp to lift off ink. The sponge works well to get into small grooves.
3. Dry it by lightly tapping on the cloth. And that’s it! Ready for a new ink color or to be safely stored.
4. Always keep your stamp out of direct sunlight.
* You can reuse the sponge and cloth as long as you clean them regularly with soap and water.
Went a little heavy with the ink? Here's how to do a deep clean
- Start with the cloth to remove the extra ink. If that’s not enough, move to the sponge.
- Dry it off and check the result.
- For tricky spots (like tiny details), use a soft brush, but be careful not to damage the stamp.
- Finish by wiping with the sponge again and drying the stamp. Good as new!
HOW TO STAMP ON A PAPER CUP?
Since cups aren’t flat, you just need to stamp while rolling the stamp along the curve of the cup. Super easy!
We usually stack a few cups together to make them sturdier, which helps avoid pushing your hand inside.
If your paper cup is glossy, you’ll need ink suitable for non-porous surfaces. If it’s matte, any regular paper ink will do.
You can also use the stamp on boxes, bags, and other packaging!
HOW TO STAMP USING MULTIPLE COLORS?
1. Pick your favorite color combo! Our mini ink pads are perfect for this.
2. Flip the stamp over and ink it section by section.
3. Stamp on a piece of cardstock to create a pattern.
4. Re-ink and repeat!* In the video, we use VersaCraft ink, which works on paper, wood, and fabric—great for printing on a tote bag, for example.
HOW TO STAMP ON FABRIC WITH VERSACRAFT INKS
1. Ink the stamp as usual.
2. Test it on paper first to check the impression. Once you’re happy, re-ink and stamp on fabric. If the fabric is thin, place some cardstock underneath to prevent bleed-through. Let it dry.
3. Iron the fabric from the back to help set the ink—this makes the print last longer.
4. Wash the item gently. If the print fades over time, print again! :)
*IMPORTANT*
* These tips are for VersaCraft inks. If you're using other textile inks, check the manufacturer's instructions.
* VersaCraft is not fully permanent—how long the print lasts depends on the fabric type and how it's washed (natural fibers and cold water work best).
* VersaCraft inks are suitable for fabric, wood, paper, and cardboard.
HOW TO STAMP USING AN INK ROLLER?
You'll need a smooth surface like glass, acrylic, or acetate to roll out the ink.
1. Put a small amount of ink on the surface and use a rubber roller to spread it evenly. Move the roller in different directions until you get a smooth, even layer. With Speedball ink, you’ll hear a sticky sound and see little peaks—this means the ink is ready.
2. Ink the roller, flip your stamp over, and roll the ink over the stamp in horizontal and vertical passes. Do 2–3 layers for even coverage, but don’t overload it.
3. Test your print on paper.
4. Once it looks good, ink the stamp again and press it onto the fabric. Apply pressure over the whole block. Make sure the fabric is stretched tight, and if it’s thin, place cardboard underneath. Each time you stamp, re-ink it with 2–3 passes. With experience, you’ll find what works best.
5. When the ink on your surface dries out, just add a little more.
Stamps for clay and soap
STAMPING ON SOAP
Our stamps are suitable for cold process soaps while they’re still soft and in the curing stage.
* The perfect time to stamp is usually when the soap is ready to cut, but it depends on your soap’s composition, ambient temperature, and more. Cut the soap into bars and check the texture. If it feels too soft or oily, it’s not time yet. Let it dry a bit longer until it’s firm to the touch—but don’t wait too long or it might get too hard.
* Test different levels of pressure to find what works best depending on your soap’s hardness and ingredients.
* If the soap sticks to the stamp, try spraying a little alcohol onto the soap’s surface. You can also spray the stamp, but we find spraying the soap is easier and works well.
* Soaps with exfoliating particles or a textured surface may be harder to stamp evenly, and the impression might not be perfectly uniform.
¿CÓMO ESTAMPAR EN ARCILLA, BARRO O CERÁMICA?
* Super easy! Your clay piece is ready to stamp when it’s still moldable. The clay should be soft or in a leather-hard state so the stamp can press into it. Through a bit of trial and error, you’ll find the right timing for your pieces—it depends on the type of clay, ambient humidity, and more.
* Using the stamp on a surface that’s harder than recommended could cause it to break.
* Try different levels of pressure until you find what works best with your clay’s texture and hardness. Since the stamp is transparent, you can look at it from the side to see how deep it’s going.
* Larger stamps require more pressure, so you might need to support your piece from the inside using a metal base, your hand, your fingers, or anything that helps stabilize it. Big stamps are great for flat objects like plates, coasters, trays, or ceramic pieces with thick edges. If you want to stamp delicate items, we recommend choosing smaller stamp sizes—they need less pressure and are easier to handle.
* If the stamp sticks to the clay, dusting a bit of cornstarch on the surface can help prevent sticking :)
¿CÓMO LIMPIAR TUS SELLOS PARA CERÁMICA Y JABÓN?
After lots of use, your ceramic stamp might start showing some clay build-up and the impression may not look as crisp as it did on day one. Time for a little clean-up :) Don’t worry—it’s super easy! Here’s how to clean your stamp properly:
What you’ll need
- A container with warm water
- A soft brush
- A thin wooden stick or toothpick
- A dry cloth
How to clean your ceramic stamp
1. The best time to clean your stamp is right after using it, before the clay has time to dry. That’ll make things easier. If the clay has dried, place the stamp in a cup with a little warm water. Use just enough water to cover the design—avoid getting the wood part wet.
2. Dip a soft brush into the warm water and gently scrub the stamp. Brush in all directions using soft, circular motions to avoid damaging the details.
3. If any residue remains in tight areas, a thin wooden stick or toothpick will help remove it. Take your time and be gentle.
4. Dry the stamp thoroughly—and you’re all set to stamp again like it’s brand new!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
* You don’t need to press the stamp in too deeply—just enough so that the raised design makes contact, but stop well before reaching the wooden base.
* After using the stamp, clean it with a small soft brush. If any small bits remain, you can remove them with a wooden stick—just be gentle. Don’t scrub too hard, especially if your design has fine lines or small text.
* Store your stamp in a dry place.
* Our ceramic and soap stamps are not suitable for use with ink.
Inks
HOW TO REFILL AN INK PAD
WHAT DO I NEED?
1. The ink pad you want to refill (VersaCraft or similar, like Memento, VersaMagic…)
2. A refill bottle of the same color
3. A piece of cardboard, a small spatula, or an old card to help distribute the ink evenly
PREP YOUR INK PAD
Before applying the ink, make sure the surface is clean—free of dust or lint. You can use a soft cloth or a bit of masking tape to remove any debris. This helps the ink absorb better and keeps your stamped images crisp and clean.
APPLY THE INK REFILL
1. Shake the ink bottle (if it's already open, make sure the cap is secure first).
2. There are several ways to apply the ink:
- Dot method: Apply small drops of ink across the pad in sections to avoid overloading it.
- Zigzag pattern: Distribute the ink in a zigzag across the surface, then rotate the pad 90° and repeat.
- Straight lines: You can also apply ink in horizontal and vertical lines for more even coverage.
* These methods are great if you're wondering how to refill an ink pad without making a mess. Use your tool (spatula, cardboard, or card) to help spread the ink evenly across the pad.
LET THE INK ABSORB
Once the ink is applied, let the pad sit for 12 to 24 hours before using it again. This helps the ink soak in properly and ensures your pad is ready to stamp like new.
DO A TEST STAMP
Grab a piece of paper and one of your favorite stamps. Try a test stamp to see how the ink flows. If the impression looks too light, don’t worry—you can always add more ink.
ADJUST IF NEEDED
* Too much ink? Gently press a paper towel over the pad to soak up the excess.
* Not enough ink? Repeat the inking process until you’re happy with the result.
READY TO STAMP AGAIN!
That’s it! Your ink pad is ready to get back to work on your journaling, packaging, crafts, and more. Taking care of your pads not only improves your stamping results—it also extends the life of your tools and helps reduce waste. Refilling your ink pad is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to keep creating. If you use your stamps for journals, gift wrap, or DIY projects, this little routine makes a big difference.
* VersaCraft inks are thick, so after applying the ink, you can spread it using a plastic spoon or a small spatula. Gently press the surface of the ink pad to help the ink absorb into the foam. You can repeat the inking process if needed. Let the ink sit for a few hours before using the pad again.
* Coloris and Trodat inks are more fluid.
- Coloris ink can also be spread with a spatula.
- Trodat ink is even more liquid, so you won’t need to spread it—just apply a few drops and wait a few minutes before stamping.
VERSACRAFT INK
- Water-based ink. Toxic-free.
- Suitable for uncoated paper, cardstock, cardboard, natural fiber fabrics (like cotton, linen, silk...), and untreated wood.
- The durability of the print depends on the type of fabric and wash temperature (natural fibers and cold water washes give better results).
- To make the print last longer, iron the design from the back side for a few seconds.
SPEEDBALL INK
- Oil-based ink.
- Can be used on fabric, paper, wood, and porous surfaces, but we recommend it mainly for fabric (cotton, linen, denim, polyester, blends…) if you're aiming for a permanent finish.
- Not recommended for nylon or very thick fabrics.
- Drying time on fabric: about 24 hours. For a permanent finish, wait 4 to 7 days before washing. No ironing needed.
- The fabric stays soft to the touch after stamping—no crusty surface! The ink soaks into the fibers.
- Wash garments in cold water with mild soap.
- To clean your stamp, use a damp cloth with lukewarm water and mild soap. Just be careful not to soak the wood part too much.
COLORIS INK
- Water-based ink.
- Works best on uncoated, porous paper (regular paper, cardstock, cardboard…). If you want to stamp on glossy or coated surfaces, you'll need a special ink.
- According to the safety sheet and EU Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), this ink contains no harmful or toxic components for the environment. It's made from non-polluting materials, and stamped paper can be recycled normally.
- But of course, like with all inks, don’t ingest it! :)
Self-inking stamps
HOW TO USE A SELF-INKING STAMP
- Your stamp will arrive ready to use. Make the first impression on a piece of paper to check that it’s fully inked.
- Once you get the hang of it (which will be super quick—it’s just a stamp, after all!), you're ready to stamp it on clothing. We recommend washing the garment first if it's brand new.
- If you want to avoid ink showing through the fabric, stamp on a hem, where there’s a double layer of fabric, or place a piece of cardboard underneath.
- After using it, store the stamp in the zip bag included in your kit. Alternatively, remove the ink pad, put the small plastic cap on it (also included), and place everything inside the bag.
* PRO TIP: Press the stamp lightly without fully stamping—it helps re-ink the surface, especially if you haven’t used it in a while.
STAMP LONGEVITY ON FABRIC
The durability of the print depends on the fabric type and wash temperature. It works best on absorbent fabrics like cotton, polyester, or linen. Let the ink dry for at least 24 hours before washing.
Here’s an approximate guide:
- Up to 60 washes at 30°C (86°F)
- Around 30 washes at 60°C (140°F)
- Around 10 washes at 90°C (194°F)
Hard water or harsh detergents may reduce print longevity. If the name fades, just stamp it again—easy!
INK LIFE
The ink lasts for about 1 year or 1000 impressions, assuming normal room temperature and humidity.
Brass stamos for was and chocolate
HOW TO USE A WAX SEAL STAMP
What you'll need?
- A wax seal stamp
- Wax sticks
- A hot glue-style wax gun
- Ice
- A cloth or fabric napkin
1. Cool the stamp by placing it on top of an ice cube. This helps prevent the metal from getting too hot with repeated use.
2. Plug in the wax gun and wait a few seconds for it to heat up. Insert the wax stick.
3. Apply the wax where you want the seal to go. Gently squeeze the trigger to melt the wax and let it drip onto your surface.
4. Dry the stamp using the napkin so no water droplets leave marks on your wax.
5. Press the stamp into the melted wax and hold for around 30 seconds. When the wax feels firm to the touch, gently remove the stamp.
* You’ll need just a bit less wax than the size of your stamp—usually one trigger squeeze. Try a few test seals on cardboard to find the right amount for the look you want (clean edge, wide border, etc.).
FUN VARIATIONS
* Stamp with ink: Ink your wax stamp before pressing it into the wax to create a negative impression.
* Add contrast: Once the wax has cooled, highlight the raised design with an ink pad or marker for extra detail.
SEALING OVER STRING OR BRANCHES
Want to add a rustic touch to invitations or packaging?
* Place the string or dried flower/branch where you want it, then apply the wax directly over it and stamp as usual. Simple and beautiful.
GOOD TO KNOW
* We use wax sticks with an electric gun, but you can also use wax beads or traditional wax with a spoon.
* We recommend using a separate gun for each color. Wax tends to stay inside the gun and can mix with new colors—unless you like surprises!
HOW TO USE A CHOCOLATE STAMP
What you'll need?
- Brass stamp
- Cooling packs (eutectic plates), nitrogen spray, ice, or similar
- Melted chocolate
- Baking paper or non-stick paper
- Cloth or fabric napkin
1. Chill your stamp in the freezer so it doesn’t stick to the chocolate. We usually place the stamp on a cooling pack (brass side touching the pack) after taking it out of the freezer. If you need to stamp many at once, using nitrogen gas spray works best to keep the metal cold.
2. Melt the chocolate and put it into a piping bag to make application easier.
3. Lay baking paper on a cold surface (we put it on another cooling pack). Keeping everything cold helps the chocolate set faster.
4. Pipe the chocolate onto the paper like you would with wax.
5. Take the cold stamp, wipe off any water drops with a napkin, and press it firmly into the chocolate. The cold surface and stamp will help the chocolate solidify quickly. Then gently lift the stamp off.
* You’ll want just a bit less chocolate than the diameter of your stamp. With practice, you’ll get a feel for how much chocolate to use depending on how thick or thin you want your chocolate piece.
IDEAS TO TRY
- Once your chocolate piece is stamped with your logo, you can highlight the design by painting it with edible food coloring.
- Want to decorate petals or flowers with chocolate? Apply the melted chocolate directly over them before stamping.
- To attach your chocolate piece to a cookie, use melted chocolate as "glue."