How can you revive an ink pad?
To revive a pigment ink pad, use an ink refresher or refill it with gouache paint or a refill kit. Add water and glycerin to replenish dry dye ink pads. Be aware of the type of stamp you have because water works as a refresher for dye ink, but not pigment ink.
Imagine, saving a little extra money by reviving your old pigment ink pads. You can finish your project on time, without stopping to go to the craft store.
It is possible to revive a dry ink pad.
Luckily for you, I’ll show you how to revive a pigment ink pad. I’ll show you how long an ink pad should last and how to store them to avoid drying out. You’ll have like new pigment ink pads in no time!
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Can you revive an ink pad?
You can revive an ink pad, but all pads are different. Before reviving or refilling an ink pad make sure the ink pad is worth refilling. For refills to work, the inking pad shouldn’t have tears or cracks and be in good shape.
Different types of ink pads will require different care for revival. Pigment, dye, and hybrid ink pads use ink made from different materials. While you can rehydrate some inking pads with water, as a short-time solution, it can ruin pigment ink pads.
Refill kits or homemade refills are safer to use for reviving pigment or hybrid ink pads.
How long do ink pads last?
Ink pads can last up to two years from the manufacture date if it’s properly hydrated. Using the pad frequently reduces the shelf life. However, if an ink pad is cared for it can exceed its shelf life.
You can make your ink pad last longer by closing it every time. Storing the stamping pad inside of an air-tight container or bag will also help keep the ink wet. The key to avoiding damage, rips, and tears is keeping the pad hydrated.
Once the pad begins to dry out, revive it rather than letting it dry fully. Using a dried out pad over and over again can cause fraying. Once an ink pad begins to fray or rip it’s best to throw it out.
How to revive ink pads
To revive ink pads, use a refill kit or add distilled water and vegetable glycerin. Be sure to use the right kind of ink for the right kind of pad. Rehydrating with distilled water will only work once on dry dye ink pads.
You can make your own ink pad refill if you have gouache paint and vegetable glycerin . This will require you to mix paint until it is the right color.
Reviving pigment ink pads
Reviving pigment ink will require a refill. Unlike other forms of ink, adding distilled water will only water down your stamp. You can use an ink refresher to revive your pad if you have a water-based pigment ink pad.
However, once you refresh, you will need to refill with ink to make the pad last. Once you refresh the stamp pad, refill it with solvent or vegetable glycerin.
Reviving dye ink pads
Dye ink is a little more forgivable than pigment ink. Dye ink is water-based which allows you to get away with adding distilled water and a few drops of glycerin. You then have to allow the ink pad to sit for at least an hour or so before use.
After reviving dye ink pads with water, it’s best to not use water again or you will dilute your ink. Distilled water will bring back your pad if it is completely dry. The next time it dries out, use a dye ink refill kit to fill the stamp pad for continued use.
Reviving hybrid ink pads
If you choose not to use refill kits, the hybrid ink pad should be your one exception. Since hybrid ink pads are often made with different blends of ink, it’s not the best idea to try and revive them with water.
For the best results, try to find an ink refill from the same manufacturer. If you don’t know what kind of ink the pad uses try a refill kit with pigment and dye ink blend.
How do you replenish pigment ink pads?
To replenish pigment ink pads, refill them with pigment ink and solvent or use an ink refresher. Be sure to add vegetable glycerine if you make your own ink using paint to make the pad stay damp.
To replenish the pad, take paint or ink and spread it across the stamp using an old credit card or makeup brush. When you add vegetable glycerin or solvent be sure to spread it across the pad evenly again.
It’s important to make sure the ink covers the entire pad or you won’t get an even stamp.
Paint and ink alone are not enough to keep the stamp pad saturated. Adding only paint or ink will clog up the ink pad causing damage. Make sure your pad stays wet by using glycerin or ink refresher as well.
Watch this video to learn how to refill pigment ink pads using gouache paint and vegetable glycerin. The video also shows how to refill a chalk pad.
What is ink refresher?
Ink refresher is a solution made to bring moisture back to dry ink pads and markers. They are made to be used on water-based ink pads to freshen them without reinking.
To use an ink refresher, spray twice on a dry pad. Allow the pad to rest and soak in the moisture. You can find ink refreshers for water-based stamp pads on Amazon.
Can you add water to pigment ink pads?
Adding water to pigment ink pads will damage the pad. Pigment ink pads are technically water-based, but adding water alone can cause the thicker slow drying ink to lose its brilliance.
Use a refresher to revive pigment ink pads to keep the intensity. Refill with ink to replenish your stamp pads fully.
How do you store ink pads to prevent them from drying up?
To store ink pads to prevent them from drying, place them inside airtight bags and storage containers. A simple freezer bag can reinforce the ink pad, keeping moisture in and dry air out.
The best way to ensure your ink pad lasts a long time is by making sure the container is closed tight. Most organizational tools can also help with keeping in moisture. Ink pad holders have slots that will require your stamp pad to be closed to fit.
You can also use storage tins, trays, and cases to keep your ink pads stored and tightly closed.
Should ink pads be stored upside down?
Ink pads don’t need to be stored upside down. Store them right side up so that the ink stays in the pad. Storing ink pads upside down was a trick that worked for dye ink-based pads with stamps in the lid.
Storing ink pads upside down allows the ink to run down into the lid, especially for pigment ink. The spongy pigment pads won’t hold the ink inside. Today’s ink pads are made so you don’t have to take this extra step.
Storing stamp pads upside down is effective for small square stamps or ink pads with lids that come completely off.
The technique was originally suggested for pads that come with stamps in them. This keeps the ink running to the top of the pad and onto the stamp. Many ink pads aren’t made that way anymore and not all pads come with stamps inside.
Of course, you have the option of placing them upside down if you want, but it’s not necessary.
Summary: How to revive pigment ink pad
To revive pigment ink pads, you first need to assess the damage. If your ink pad is dry but doesn’t have fraying, rips, or tears you can refresh and refill it.
All ink pads are a little different and you will find there are different recipes for refilling and refreshing. For water-based ink, distilled water and vegetable glycerin are the best options for making a dry pad damp again.
When it comes to refreshing and refilling, you can purchase an ink refresher or a refill kit. But since you’re a crafter you can make your own refills using gouache paint and refresh with vegetable glycerin.
Whether you’re using pigment, dye, or combination ink there is a way to refresh your ink pads. Don’t toss them out at the first sign of drying, give them a chance to be refreshed.