Choose refill ink or a replacement pad by the exact stamp model and manufacturer instructions. Matching the colour is not enough. Printer ink, toner, hand-stamp ink and pre-inked refill fluids are not interchangeable supplies.
Which stamp system do you have?
- Self-inking: a separate cartridge inside the stamp inks the rubber plate between impressions. A matching replacement cartridge is often the simplest way to refresh it.
- Traditional hand stamp: the rubber plate is pressed onto a separate pad. Refill that pad only with an ink approved for its material and intended use.
- Pre-inked: ink is held in the printing element. Follow that system's specified refill ink, quantity and resting time.
Do not identify the system only by whether the stamp arrived with ink. A ready-inked self-inking cartridge is different from a pre-inked printing element.
What do ink descriptions tell you?
Terms such as water-based, pigment, dye, oil-based and solvent-based describe different aspects of a formulation. They are not a complete compatibility guide. Suitability depends on the named ink product, stamp material, pad and surface.
Standard office stamp ink is generally intended for absorbent paper and uncoated matt card. A pigment ink is not automatically suitable for glossy packaging, and a solvent ink is not automatically suitable for every plastic or stamp. For fabric or other specialist materials, ask about the complete stamp-and-ink setup before purchasing.
Trodat describes 7011 as water-based ink for hand-stamp pads. This does not make it a universal refill for every self-inking or pre-inked stamp. COLOP lists a separate Flash Ink for its EOS system.
Should I refill or replace the pad?
Check the manufacturer's instructions first. Some cartridges are intended to be replaced rather than topped up. A worn, compressed or contaminated pad may not improve with extra ink. There is no universal number of permitted refills for every pad.
For these Trodat models, compare the matching replacement-pad pages:
- 4915: Trodat 6/4915.
- 4926: Trodat 6/4926.
- 4927: Trodat 6/4927.
Read the full reference, including any suffixes. A replacement pad refreshes ink without changing your personalised text or logo. Choose a new stamp or discuss a compatible replacement plate if your wording needs to change.
Checks before adding any refill ink
- Record the stamp model, pad reference and existing ink product if known.
- Confirm that the manufacturer permits re-inking and specifies the refill you intend to use.
- Follow the stated amount, application method and absorption time. Do not use a generic drop count copied from a different model.
- Test the result on plain, uncoated paper before returning to your normal material.
If the existing ink is unknown, stop and ask before mixing formulations. Do not scrape or scrub a pad to force a refill into it. Follow the ink label for handling and cleaning instructions.
What if the impression is still patchy or smudged?
A blurred result does not by itself prove chemical incompatibility. Excess ink, rocking the stamp, an uneven surface, unsuitable paper or a worn pad can also affect the impression. Test on a flat support with even downward pressure. If the plate or pad is swollen, sticky or visibly damaged, stop using it and ask for help.
Our custom-stamp care guide explains practical checks before replacing a stamp. A photograph of the model label, pad and test impression can help us identify the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Is printer toner the same as stamp ink?
No. Toner is a printer consumable, not a stamp-pad refill. Printer ink is also not a substitute unless the stamp manufacturer explicitly specifies that product.
Can I put a different colour into my existing pad?
Adding another colour can mix with the ink already present. Check the model's instructions and ask about a fresh compatible pad rather than assuming a refill will give the new colour accurately.
How many drops should I use?
Use the amount specified for your exact ink and stamp system. Pad size alone is not enough to determine a refill quantity.
Find matched supplies
Browse our stamp ink collection and confirm compatibility before ordering. Call 01695 769113 if the model or ink code is unclear.