What is the difference between self-inking and wood mounted stamps?

The biggest difference between self-inking and wood mounted stamps is that the wood mounted stamps require a separate ink pad and the self-inking stamps do not. The wood mounted stamps are adhered to a wooden block and the self-inking stamp are enclosed in a plastic casing.  

Which stamp works better?  Wood or Self-Inking?

Stamping takes a lot of practice and gentle even pressure is best for a beautiful impression. For a tutorial on how to ink and use your stamp correctly you can watch the video below. 99% of stamping mistakes are human error in technique or ink choice.

 

Stop pressing your stamps into the ink pad! Learn this simple and genius technique for the perfect stamp every time! This is a video showing you how to do a "reverse ink" when stamping your projects. This is the best way I have found to stamp large stamps and metallics.

 

When should I use a wood mounted stamp and when should I use a self-inking stamp?

I recommend wood mounted stamps for most DIY projects because of their versatility. Wood mounted stamps are good for using different colors and types of inks.  With the self-inking stamp you are bound to the ink that comes in the stamp and it is water-based. It takes a while to dry and I do not recommend using them on metallic or pearlescent papers without being heat set. Wood mounted stamps can be used on any type of paper, wood, glass, fabric, ceramic, clay, plastic, or really any surface with the correct ink.  

I recommend self-inking stamps to anyone who wants the convenience of self-inking when stamping on standard paper and envelopes. So essentially, self-inking stamps are perfect for your everyday mail. Self-inking stamps last for thousands of impressions without needing to be re-inked and are very easy to use. Once your ink runs out you can purchase refills in my shop.  

Will the self ink stamp require to be refilled? At what price?

Hello! Self-inking stamps will need to be refilled eventually, however they can go for thousands of impressions before needing to be refills. I have had some for almost 2 years and have never refilled them. :) Refills are around $11, depending on size. You can find them here - Inks.

Do you make custom stamps?

Absolutely! I can design a stamp to say literally whatever you would like. I can also create graphic elements for you or make a stamp from a photograph - the possibilities are seriously endless. The only thing I cannot put on a stamp are trademarked logos/images. I need permission from the logo creator to put such logos/images on a stamp.

How much does a custom stamp cost?

All the prices for the stamps I design are based on two things: size & design. I can make stamps in almost any size all the way up to 8 x 10 inches (wood mounted). Custom stamps start at $35 for a 1.5 x 1.5 inch stamp and go up from there depending on size, if you need logo design services, or if alterations are required to make your files stamp ready.  

When you are ready to start the custom stamp process all I need is a black and white JPEG, PDF, AI or PS file of your logo/design. It doesn’t have to be the correct size, I can do that.  IF you don’t have a black and white logo or need a logo for the stamp - I can do that too.  

If you already have a logo you can reply and attached whatever files you may have and I can see what will work for your stamp. Also, let me know what you were planning on using your stamp for so we can get a good size estimate. (of course if you are going to use it for everything, then we can talk about that too! :))

So if you need a custom stamp made and would like a price quote please fill out this custom order request form here and give me as much information about your product as possible including estimated size and your design ideas.

What is the smallest and largest stamp size you can create?

Wood Mounted Stamps:

  • Smallest: .5 x .5 inches (1.27 x 1.27 cm)
    Largest: 8 x 10 inches (20 x 25 cm)

Self-Inking Stamps:

  • Smallest: 1 x 1.5 inches (2.5 x 4 cm)
    Largest: 1.5 x 3 inches (4 x 7.5 cm)
    Self-inking stamps also can come in a circular case up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.  

How do I ink a large stamp with a regular sized ink pad?

The stamp in this video measures 8 x 4 inches and is still easy to ink using a standard ink pad using my reverse ink technique.

 
 

happy stamping!