Rubber stamps can repeat wording, add a logo, mark a changeable date or decorate paper projects. Choose by the task, the material you are stamping and the space available for the impression.
The seven categories below overlap: traditional, self-inking and pre-inked describe inking mechanisms; logo, date, address and craft describe uses. A logo stamp can be self-inking, and an address stamp can use a separate pad.
Explore the seven categories
- 1. Traditional hand stamps
- 2. Self-inking stamps
- 3. Pre-inked stamps
- 4. Custom logo stamps
- 5. Date stamps
- 6. Address and return-address stamps
- 7. Decorative and craft stamps
Compare the categories
| Category | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Traditional hand stamps | Use a separate ink pad. Compare mechanisms. |
| Self-inking stamps | Use an internal cartridge. Self-inking guide. |
| Pre-inked stamps | Use a pre-inked printing element. Compare self-inking and pre-inked. |
| Custom logo stamps | Print your artwork in the selected ink colour. Logo-stamp buying guide. |
| Date stamps | Use adjustable date bands where specified. Date-stamp buying guide. |
| Address and return-address stamps | Repeat sender or contact details. Logo and address guide. |
| Decorative and craft stamps | Repeat a design for cards or paper projects. Creative-use ideas. |
1. Traditional hand stamps
A traditional hand stamp is inked using a separate pad before making an impression. This arrangement can be useful when you need a compatible specialist ink, but the ink, pad and stamp material must all suit the job. A wooden handle alone does not establish that a stamp will work on fabric, glass or glossy packaging.
Consider how you will load ink evenly, the pad size and the available impression space. Ask for surface advice before ordering for coated or unusual materials.
2. Self-inking stamps
A self-inking mechanism inks the printing plate from a built-in cartridge between impressions. It is convenient for repeated marking on suitable paper or card. Trodat explains this system in its manufacturer FAQ.
Compare the actual model, impression size, ink colour and replacement pad. For a combined business layout, view the Trodat Printy 4927 text and logo stamp. Its stated line count is a guide, not a guarantee that every layout will remain readable.
3. Pre-inked stamps
Pre-inked systems use a printing element that holds ink. COLOP describes a pre-inked text plate in its EOS system guide. This differs from a self-inking cartridge mechanism.
Check the specified refill ink and procedure before buying supplies. Do not assume pre-inked stamps always produce a sharper result: artwork, impression size, ink, surface and condition also affect clarity. Use the comparison guide above and check current product availability before choosing a system.
4. Custom logo stamps
A logo stamp repeats your artwork on suitable documents, cards or packaging. Choose the impression shape around the design and measure the available space. A compact square emblem and a wide logo with contact details need different layouts.
Compare the 25 × 25mm square logo stamp and the 42mm round logo stamp, or use the logo buying guide for more options. These measurements describe the impression, not the outer casing.
A standard single-colour stamp prints in the selected ink colour. Uploading a multicolour logo does not create a multicolour impression. Simplify small details and review the design at its intended impression size.
5. Date stamps
Choose an adjustable date mechanism when the date must change. A date typed into a fixed custom text design will remain fixed. Check the date format, available year bands and whether the product includes stock wording or personalised text.
The date-stamp buying guide compares the choices. For ready-made office messages such as PAID or RECEIVED, also read the stock-word stamp guide. Check whether the particular product includes a date mechanism rather than assuming that every stock-word stamp does.
6. Address and return-address stamps
These stamps repeat sender details on suitable envelopes, stationery or documents. Plan the name, address and any contact details first, then choose enough impression space for readable lettering. Text capacity varies with the model, font and layout.
The logo and address guide helps combine artwork with contact information. Check spelling and the postcode in the personaliser. For coated mailing labels or packaging, confirm ink suitability before ordering.
7. Decorative and craft stamps
Decorative stamps can repeat an illustration, motif or message on cards, tags and paper projects. Choose the ink and stamp material for the actual surface. Fabric, ceramics, wood and glossy finishes require individual advice; a general craft stamp is not automatically suitable for all of them.
Use the creative-use guide for ideas, then check whether the chosen product accepts your artwork. Leave enough space between fine lines so the design remains readable at the intended impression size.
Prepare your design and order
- Identify the wording or artwork and the material you want to stamp.
- Measure the available impression space.
- Choose the mechanism and product options that suit the task.
- Check the ink colour and package contents.
- Review spelling and layout in the personaliser before ordering.
Upload SVG, PNG or JPG/JPEG artwork in the online personaliser. PDF upload is not currently supported; contact us before ordering if your artwork is only available as a PDF. The personaliser displays a visual, and a separate proof is available on request.
Follow the online ordering guide for the full process. Call 01695 769113 if you need help choosing a model or suitable ink.
Frequently asked questions
Are self-inking and pre-inked stamps interchangeable?
No. They use different inking systems and specified replacement or refill supplies. Check the exact model before buying ink or pads.
Can I add my own logo?
Choose a product with artwork-upload options, then check the preview. A text-only personaliser may not accept a logo.
Does a stamp work on every kind of packaging?
No. Standard office ink suits absorbent paper and card. Ask about glossy coatings, plastic, fabric and other unusual materials before ordering.
When should I replace an ink pad?
Check the impression and cartridge condition. Use the ink pad finder to match a replacement to the model; extra pads replace the ink supply rather than changing the design or creating multicolour printing.
The maintenance checklist and stamp-care guide explain checks and model-specific care.